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Thai Wai
I would like to explain the Thai custom called “Wai Prah” and the graceful way of saying hello and farewell in Thailand. Just as in every other culture, Thais greet one another when they meet formally or informally. Generally, in the Western world and in business spheres of most countries, people who meet acknowledge the fact with a handshake. With the exclusion of Russians, who kiss and hug even when they don’t know one another; Eskimos, who rub noses; and Middle Easterners, who touch their heart with their right hand bowing their head slightly upon meeting you.
In Thailand however, greeting is a bit more complex; people here just “wai”.
This traditional “wai” symbolizes respect for another human being by acknowledging the importance of a person; the greeting is both formal and polite with the precise degree of respect conveyed in the expression. A “wai” is the motion of placing both palms together in a prayer-like gesture somewhere between the chest and forehead with a slight bow of the head and highlighted by a smile. Practiced throughout Thailand, the “wai” is a graceful sign of recognition and reverence.
People’s age as well as social rank make a difference on who should “wai” first; no wonder most people in my high rise building “wai” me first thing every morning. Awareness of a person’s status is important for the exact height placement of the palms. Equals would greet by placing their hands at chest level; however, while “wai-ing” Buddha images, palms would be brought all the way to the forehead while bowing the head low in reverence.
“Wais” are not offered to waiters, taxi drivers, or service and repair people; when they “wai’ me though, I do acknowledge them with a nod of the head or a smile.
When I am unsure, I “wai” anyway because this shows that I do care and take the time to greet somebody, especially if the other person is older than I am.
The motion of the “wai” means hello and goodbye, welcome, and thank you all in one gentle gesture. Children “wai” at grownups but this isn’t reciprocal. The elderly, though, should be “wai-ed” to; as well as high ranking officials, royalty, teachers, professors, and 
on greeting a doctor at his/her office.
Showing reverence, obedience and respect, children within the family “wai” their parents by bringing their cupped hands all the way to the top of their foreheads; parents do not return the “wai”. Learning and discipline are important and respected by all Thais; and schools and teachers have a place of honor because they make available the tools to succeed in life.
Teachers and employers are also “wai-ed” to by their students and employees respectively, and Thais of all ages and ranks respectfully “wai” to all monks. As with parents, the “wai” will not be mutual.
You can imagine our confusion when within 5 days of our arrival in Thailand, a welcome reception with 200 invited Thai guests produced different degrees of “wai-ing”, and bowing. When greeting so many people “wai-ing” can be exhausting!
In Thailand, the “wai” is looked on with affection, especially when coming from foreigners who have taken the trouble to learn a few simple cultural differences. Like a smile, the “wai” sends the right messages and goes a long way creating a feeling of friendliness and attention.
Who would have thought a simple hello or goodbye could turn into such a cultural and consequential performance!
Edie Wilcox @12/05
I would like to explain the Thai custom called “Wai Prah” and the graceful way of saying hello and farewell in Thailand. Just as in every other culture, Thais greet one another when they meet formally or informally. Generally, in the Western world and in business spheres of most countries, people who meet acknowledge the fact with a handshake. With the exclusion of Russians, who kiss and hug even when they don’t know one another; Eskimos, who rub noses; and Middle Easterners, who touch their heart with their right hand bowing their head slightly upon meeting you.
In Thailand however, greeting is a bit more complex; people here just “wai”.
This traditional “wai” symbolizes respect for another human being by acknowledging the importance of a person; the greeting is both formal and polite with the precise degree of respect conveyed in the expression. A “wai” is the motion of placing both palms together in a prayer-like gesture somewhere between the chest and forehead with a slight bow of the head and highlighted by a smile. Practiced throughout Thailand, the “wai” is a graceful sign of recognition and reverence.
People’s age as well as social rank make a difference on who should “wai” first; no wonder most people in my high rise building “wai” me first thing every morning. Awareness of a person’s status is important for the exact height placement of the palms. Equals would greet by placing their hands at chest level; however, while “wai-ing” Buddha images, palms would be brought all the way to the forehead while bowing the head low in reverence.
“Wais” are not offered to waiters, taxi drivers, or service and repair people; when they “wai’ me though, I do acknowledge them with a nod of the head or a smile.
When I am unsure, I “wai” anyway because this shows that I do care and take the time to greet somebody, especially if the other person is older than I am.
The motion of the “wai” means hello and goodbye, welcome, and thank you all in one gentle gesture. Children “wai” at grownups but this isn’t reciprocal. The elderly, though, should be “wai-ed” to; as well as high ranking officials, royalty, teachers, professors, and 
on greeting a doctor at his/her office.
Showing reverence, obedience and respect, children within the family “wai” their parents by bringing their cupped hands all the way to the top of their foreheads; parents do not return the “wai”. Learning and discipline are important and respected by all Thais; and schools and teachers have a place of honor because they make available the tools to succeed in life.
Teachers and employers are also “wai-ed” to by their students and employees respectively, and Thais of all ages and ranks respectfully “wai” to all monks. As with parents, the “wai” will not be mutual.
You can imagine our confusion when within 5 days of our arrival in Thailand, a welcome reception with 200 invited Thai guests produced different degrees of “wai-ing”, and bowing. When greeting so many people “wai-ing” can be exhausting!
In Thailand, the “wai” is looked on with affection, especially when coming from foreigners who have taken the trouble to learn a few simple cultural differences. Like a smile, the “wai” sends the right messages and goes a long way creating a feeling of friendliness and attention.
Who would have thought a simple hello or goodbye could turn into such a cultural and consequential performance!
Edie Wilcox @12/05
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