On numerous occasions I see visitors and even ex-pats performing the traditional sign of respect in Thailand - the Wai, alas most seem to get it wrong and just don't understand what it means. The typical ferang wai is little more than placing the hands together, somewhere near the face, without thought to where the hands are placed or why they are even doing it in the first instance. It should be pointed out that as a non-Thai, there is no need to perform the wai - ever! so just why some feel compelled to do it at every given opportunity is beyond me. A Thai will think no more or no less of you if you do not return a wai.
Anyway, if you must wai, here is a quick guide as to how to wai the right way, and when to do it.
The wai is the traditional method for Thai people to greet and show respect, but Thai people also 'give' the Wai in these situations:
- Giving Thanks
- Good Bye
- Apologizing
- Praying to the Buddha
- Paying respect to sacred things such as images of the king, or spirit houses.
Why is the wai used?
People with lower social status wai first:
- Employer to wai his/her boss
- Student to wai his/her bossteacher
Younger people wai older people first:
- Young children wai their older family members
While listening to a Buddhist sermon, a wai is held throughout program
You do not wai children to greet them
You do not wai anyone who is charging you for a service - taxi or tuk tuk drivers, shop assistants, street vendors etc.
How to Wai to right way?
- Hands pressed together
- Put your thumbs between your eyebrows
- The index fingers touch the forehead
- Present a slight bow with your body.
- Hands pressed together,
- Put your thumbs on the tip of your nose.
- Index fingers touch between your eyebrows.
- Present a slight bow with your body.
- Hands pressed together
- Your thumbs touch the tip of your chin
- Index fingers touch the tip of your nose