Southeast Asia
Thailand Hofstede Cultural Dimensions
Thailand has its highest Hofstede score in Power Distance (64) and its lowest score in Individualism (20). This profile within Southeast Asia shows how authority, identity, risk, time orientation, competition, and self-expression combine in one national cultural snapshot.
At a glance
Dimension Scores at a Glance
Individualism
Very collectivistMasculinity
Data unavailableUncertainty Avoidance
Moderate uncertainty avoidanceLong-Term Orientation
Leans short-term orientedIndulgence
Moderate indulgencePractical implications
What This Means
Business
Thailand business analysis should start with the country score pattern rather than a single dimension. Its strongest signal is Power Distance (64), so negotiations, planning, and leadership expectations should be read through that lens. Lower uncertainty avoidance can make experimentation and flexible execution easier to discuss.
Education
For education and student research, Thailand is useful for comparing how cultural values shape classroom authority, group work, time horizons, and motivation. A higher power distance score suggests formal respect for teachers and institutional hierarchy may be important. Lower individualism points toward group belonging and shared responsibility.
Society
For social analysis, the profile helps explain broad patterns without reducing people to a score. A lower long-term orientation can place more weight on tradition, present obligations, and faster visible outcomes. The lowest score, Individualism (20), is just as important because it shows where the country leans away from the high pole of the model.
Each dimension in context
Dimension Deep Dive
Power Distance
Thailand scores 64 on Power Distance, ranking #126 of 200 in the ClassWrites Hofstede dataset. That is 1.9 points below the global average and 12.4 points below the Southeast Asia regional average.
A moderate power distance profile on this dimension points toward clear hierarchy, respect for seniority, and more centralized authority. In practical analysis, this dimension is useful because it connects broad values to visible patterns in workplaces, classrooms, public institutions, and family expectations.
Use Power Distance as a comparison signal, not a stereotype. Hofstede scores describe national-level tendencies; individuals and organizations inside Thailand can differ sharply by region, class, generation, profession, and local history.
Individualism
Thailand scores 20 on Individualism, ranking #147 of 203 in the ClassWrites Hofstede dataset. That is 15 points below the global average and 5.6 points below the Southeast Asia regional average.
A very collectivist profile on this dimension points toward group loyalty, relationship obligations, and decisions shaped by in-group expectations. In practical analysis, this dimension is useful because it connects broad values to visible patterns in workplaces, classrooms, public institutions, and family expectations.
Use Individualism as a comparison signal, not a stereotype. Hofstede scores describe national-level tendencies; individuals and organizations inside Thailand can differ sharply by region, class, generation, profession, and local history.
Masculinity
Thailand does not currently have a published score for Masculinity in this dataset. That missing value should be treated as a data limitation rather than a cultural conclusion.
For research writing, note the absence clearly and avoid filling the gap with assumptions. Compare nearby countries or regional clusters only as cautious context.
Uncertainty Avoidance
Thailand scores 64 on Uncertainty Avoidance, ranking #75 of 205 in the ClassWrites Hofstede dataset. That is 4 points above the global average and 24.9 points above the Southeast Asia regional average.
A moderate uncertainty avoidance profile on this dimension points toward planning, formal rules, risk reduction, and a stronger preference for clarity. In practical analysis, this dimension is useful because it connects broad values to visible patterns in workplaces, classrooms, public institutions, and family expectations.
Use Uncertainty Avoidance as a comparison signal, not a stereotype. Hofstede scores describe national-level tendencies; individuals and organizations inside Thailand can differ sharply by region, class, generation, profession, and local history.
Long-Term Orientation
Thailand scores 32 on Long-Term Orientation, ranking #93 of 196 in the ClassWrites Hofstede dataset. That is 4.6 points below the global average and 16.4 points below the Southeast Asia regional average.
A leans short-term oriented profile on this dimension points toward respect for tradition, quick visible outcomes, and present social obligations. In practical analysis, this dimension is useful because it connects broad values to visible patterns in workplaces, classrooms, public institutions, and family expectations.
Use Long-Term Orientation as a comparison signal, not a stereotype. Hofstede scores describe national-level tendencies; individuals and organizations inside Thailand can differ sharply by region, class, generation, profession, and local history.
Indulgence
Thailand scores 45 on Indulgence, ranking #89 of 193 in the ClassWrites Hofstede dataset. That is 2.9 points below the global average and 2.4 points above the Southeast Asia regional average.
A moderate indulgence profile on this dimension points toward self-control, stronger social norms, and more regulated gratification. In practical analysis, this dimension is useful because it connects broad values to visible patterns in workplaces, classrooms, public institutions, and family expectations.
Use Indulgence as a comparison signal, not a stereotype. Hofstede scores describe national-level tendencies; individuals and organizations inside Thailand can differ sharply by region, class, generation, profession, and local history.
Snapshot
Key Facts
- Thailand has a low Individualism score of 20, ranking #147 of 203.
- Thailand has a low Long-Term Orientation score of 32, ranking #93 of 196.
- Thailand has a high Power Distance score of 64, ranking #126 of 200.
- Thailand has a high Uncertainty Avoidance score of 64, ranking #75 of 205.
Frequently asked questions
Questions About Thailand's Cultural Profile
What is Thailand's Hofstede cultural dimensions profile?
Thailand has its highest Hofstede score in Power Distance (64) and its lowest score in Individualism (20). This profile within Southeast Asia shows how authority, identity, risk, time orientation, competition, and self-expression combine in one national cultural snapshot.
Which Hofstede dimension is highest in Thailand?
Thailand's highest available score is Power Distance at 64.
Which Hofstede dimension is lowest in Thailand?
Thailand's lowest available score is Individualism at 20.
Should Hofstede scores be used as stereotypes?
No. Hofstede scores are national-level comparison tools. They can frame research questions, but they should not be used to predict every individual, organization, or community within a country.
How to read these scores: Scores range from 0 to 120. A score above 50 means the country leans toward the high end of that dimension; below 50 means it leans toward the low end. These are national-level tendencies, not individual labels.
Source: Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J., & Minkov, M. (2010). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill.
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