In the debut episode of Bangkok Post’s Mind the Gap podcast, the conversation delves into more than just generational differences—it uncovers the cultural and technological contrasts between East and West. From business etiquette and the evolution of digital payments to AI’s impact on marketing, the episode offers sharp insights into the future of global commerce.
The contrast between the two guests is immediately striking. On one side sits Siwat Vilassakdanont, Managing Director of Thailand and the Philippines, AnyMind Group—a leading tech firm helping businesses digitise their supply chains—dressed in a smart navy suit reflecting his seasoned professionalism. Opposite him, in a relaxed white shirt capturing the energy of a new generation, is Alex Bentley, a British lifestyle, travel, and business content creator known for his @itsalexbentley channel.
The Intriguing Art of Thai Business: Directness vs. Kreng Jai
A standout topic in the discussion is the cultural lens on business communication. With experience in Thailand, the US, and the UK, Siwat shares his perspective on regional business styles.
“I think Americans are very direct. Time is important, so they just go straight to the point,” he explains. “Whereas the UK is very gentlemanly and polite… maybe doesn’t get straight to the point but finds a nice way to say things. Thai, I’d say, is a bit more similar to the UK.”
He introduces the Thai concept of kreng jai, which reflects a cultural tendency to avoid imposing on others. “Sometimes if you’re too direct, people might find it offensive.”
Alex agrees: “Thai culture is much more about nurturing the relationship. In-person meetings are a lot more important here than in the UK. It’s about understanding the person before diving into business.”
Asia’s Digital Payment Revolution
The conversation shifts to Asia’s rapid digital transformation, particularly in financial technology. Alex reflects on how QR code payments dominate in Thailand and shares his observations on China’s widespread adoption of facial recognition.
Siwat highlights China’s integrated digital ecosystem, where credit cards must be linked to platforms like Alipay or WeChat Pay. “I recently went to China for the first time… It's difficult to find your feet on all the different platforms… But once you have, it's so seamless. Everything's all so connected,” Alex adds.
Tapping into TikTok’s E-Commerce Power
Naturally, TikTok’s meteoric rise enters the conversation. Alex brings up the platform’s “hype and noise” and asks how AnyMind helps brands capitalise on it. Siwat confirms TikTok’s growing importance, driven largely by Gen Z consumers.
“Brands are not ignoring anymore, but are more embracing [TikTok],” he says, noting that even brands active on Shopee, Lazada, and Facebook now see TikTok as key to reaching younger audiences. The secret, he explained, lies in crafting engaging content and offering the right price points and promotions.
On the topic of which products work best on each platform, Alex brought up TikTok’s strong track record with low-cost items. Siwat agrees, noting that high-ticket products like houses or cars are still difficult to sell directly on TikTok—for now.
However, he pointed to China, where platforms like TikTok and Red are already seeing success in real estate and vehicle sales. “It’s only a matter of time,” he predicts. To bridge the gap locally, the strategy to sell higher-priced items is to offer discount coupons or vouchers that can be used toward the purchase.
The Future of Live Selling with AI
The discussion also touches on the future of live selling. Siwat introduces AnyLive, Anymind’s new AI-powered live streaming service. Traditional live sellers often work for hours, but AnyLive offers ultra-realistic AI avatars capable of selling 24/7. This allows for constant customer engagement while supporting, not replacing, human sellers. Siwat emphasises that live viewers usually have higher purchase intent, making this tool especially powerful.
Alex notes how the West lags behind China in live selling. “We don’t do so much live selling in the West… But you’ve taken it one step further, not only are we behind in, you're already implementing AI Avatars, we're not even getting to real people yet in the West,” he says, half-joking.
Generational Common Ground
As the episode closes, the generational and cultural divide is bridged in a candid moment. When posing for a photo, Alex flashes a casual two-fingered “V” sign—a familiar gesture of his generation. Siwat instinctively mirrors the pose, capturing the spirit of Mind the Gap in a single snapshot: shared experiences, mutual respect, and the power of connection.
