Do return a Wai
There are lots of subtle rules of etiquette involved with the Thai greeting, the wai. We could write a whole article about when you should or shouldn’t wai and how high the hands should be, but for a first time visitor to Thailand if a Thai person wais you, place your palms together, raise your hands towards your chin and return the wai with a smile.
The Thai greeting known as "Wai" represents respect and politeness. It involves bringing both hands together in front of the chest or raising them to the level of the face or forehead, depending on the social status and age of the person being greeted or the one returning the gesture.
This sign of respect starts by pressing the palms together as if someone is about to pray. Then, the hands are lifted to the chest or higher, depending on the level of respect intended to be conveyed. Typically, a Wai made at chest level is appropriate for friends or people of equal social status and age. When greeting elders or those of higher age, it's done at the face level, and for monks or royalty, it's performed at a higher level or up to the forehead.
The wai often accompanies a slight bow of the head, enhancing the meaning of respect and politeness. In addition to greetings, the wai can also be used in various situations such as saying thank you, apologizing, or bidding farewell.
It is important to note that the wai is a delicate and nuanced practice with cultural rules regarding its use, which should be understood when participating in Thai society to avoid misunderstanding or disrespect.
This sign of respect starts by pressing the palms together as if someone is about to pray. Then, the hands are lifted to the chest or higher, depending on the level of respect intended to be conveyed. Typically, a Wai made at chest level is appropriate for friends or people of equal social status and age. When greeting elders or those of higher age, it's done at the face level, and for monks or royalty, it's performed at a higher level or up to the forehead.
The wai often accompanies a slight bow of the head, enhancing the meaning of respect and politeness. In addition to greetings, the wai can also be used in various situations such as saying thank you, apologizing, or bidding farewell.
It is important to note that the wai is a delicate and nuanced practice with cultural rules regarding its use, which should be understood when participating in Thai society to avoid misunderstanding or disrespect.