The Thai Wai greeting
The Traditional Thai wai is the Thai greeting and show of respect, it is unique & a graceful politeness practised throughout Thailand.
Thai people dont normally touch other peoples hands as it may pass on germs from working hands, so it’s a good idea to learn how to wai, The European kiss on the cheek greeting would not be used by Thai people, especially if you are a man doing this to a woman who isn’t your wife, girlfriend or family.
It can be difficult to determine when you should wai or when someone should wai you. As a foreigner, it’s just easiest to wai important people as soon as you meet them particularly older people than your self, if in doubt Wai them anyway. You should wai them unless they are someone whom you employ, such as a housekeeper, Alternatively, when leaving a party or other such gathering, you should wai everyone, as this is the polite way to excuse yourself from the festivities,
You will also wai when receiving a gift from a superior, as a sign of thanksMake your wai before you reach to take the object. While listening to a Buddhist sermon, it is also customary to hold a wai during the entire proceeding, You may even notice that as drivers of vehicles pass a sacred monument, they will wai even taking their hands off the wheel for a second.
There are different kinds of Wai’s, the normal wai is with your hands pressed together at about chest level, presenting a slight bow with your body, the wai to a superior is with the tips of your fingers at nose level, still bowing your body, to convey the most respect and gratitude, you will wai with your fingertips at mouth level and present a deeper and longer bow. It might take you some time to perfect your technique, but this charming greeting will become second nature in no time at all and you will be accepted by Thai people who will respect you for
Thai people dont normally touch other peoples hands as it may pass on germs from working hands, so it’s a good idea to learn how to wai, The European kiss on the cheek greeting would not be used by Thai people, especially if you are a man doing this to a woman who isn’t your wife, girlfriend or family. It can be difficult to determine when you should wai or when someone should wai you. As a foreigner, it’s just easiest to wai important people as soon as you meet them particularly older people than your self, if in doubt Wai them anyway. You should wai them unless they are someone whom you employ, such as a housekeeper, Alternatively, when leaving a party or other such gathering, you should wai everyone, as this is the polite way to excuse yourself from the festivities,
You will also wai when receiving a gift from a superior, as a sign of thanksMake your wai before you reach to take the object. While listening to a Buddhist sermon, it is also customary to hold a wai during the entire proceeding, You may even notice that as drivers of vehicles pass a sacred monument, they will wai even taking their hands off the wheel for a second.
There are different kinds of Wai’s, the normal wai is with your hands pressed together at about chest level, presenting a slight bow with your body, the wai to a superior is with the tips of your fingers at nose level, still bowing your body, to convey the most respect and gratitude, you will wai with your fingertips at mouth level and present a deeper and longer bow. It might take you some time to perfect your technique, but this charming greeting will become second nature in no time at all and you will be accepted by Thai people who will respect you for
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