What should I give at a Thai grand opening?
Envelopes, flowers and plants for a new shop or business in Thailand
Congratulating a new business in Thailand
At a Thai shop or business opening, people congratulate the owner with an envelope, flowers, a plant, or simply by buying something. Here is how people usually decide.
Openings range from a friend's small shop with a morning merit-making ceremony to a new office or showroom with customers and business partners invited. The type of event and your relationship with the owner shape what to give far more than any single figure.
For a congratulatory envelope, commonly mentioned ranges are around 500 to 1,000 baht from a friend or acquaintance, with relatives, close friends and close business partners often giving more. There is no fixed amount, and giving a gift instead of cash is entirely normal at openings.
Popular gifts include congratulatory flower stands or bouquets, and potted plants that Thai people often give for new businesses, such as the ZZ plant, whose Thai name is associated with prosperity. These are chosen out of custom and belief. Practical items the business can actually use are also welcome, and owners are often most touched when you buy from them on opening day and recommend them to others.
Write your name or company name on the envelope with a short congratulation, such as wishing the business every success. Thai-Chinese families commonly use red envelopes for openings, while plain envelopes are fine for everyone else. If you send flowers, attach a card with your name clearly shown.
Arrive at the time you were given or during the ceremony. If the owner is busy with customers, hand over your envelope briefly and catch up another day. For an amount matched to your relationship, the envelope tool suggests a personalised range with reasoning.
How to use
- The event is already set to "Opening Ceremony" on this page; you can switch it if needed.
- Pick your relationship to the owner, such as family, friend or boss.
- Add details: small shop or company, attending or sending flowers, whether you are a business partner, and your budget.
- Sign in and request a suggestion. Each request costs 10 coins, refunded if generation fails.
- Review the range and tips, then choose an envelope, a gift, or supporting the business.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do you give at a Thai shop opening?+
Commonly mentioned ranges are about 500 to 1,000 baht from friends or acquaintances, and more from close friends or business partners. A gift instead of cash is also normal.
What is a good grand opening gift in Thailand?+
Congratulatory flowers, a potted plant, or something the business can use. Buying from the shop on opening day and recommending it is also much appreciated.
Which plants do Thai people give for a new business?+
Plants with names associated with prosperity, such as the ZZ plant, are popular by custom. Choose one that is easy to care for and suits the space.
What do I write on a grand opening envelope?+
Your name or company name and a short congratulation wishing the business success.
What colour envelope is used for a business opening?+
Thai-Chinese families commonly use red envelopes for openings. A plain white or neutral envelope is fine otherwise.
What should a business partner give at a company opening?+
Partners often send a flower stand in the company's name, sometimes with an envelope. Check your own company's gift policy as well.