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“The wai (ไหว้) is a traditional Thai greeting showing respect, gratitude, or an apology by placing palms together in a prayer-like gesture and bowing slightly. Key rules: the higher the hands (closer to the forehead), the more respect is shown. It is used for greetings, thanking, or saying goodbye. 
Key Aspects of the Wai Custom
- Levels of Respect:
- Chest level: Used for peers, friends, or people of similar age.
- Chin/Mouth level: Used for older people or those of higher status.
- Nose/Forehead level: Used for monks, royalty, and religious icons.
- How to Perform: Place palms together, usually accompanied by a slight bow.
- When to Use: It is used to greet (sawasdee), thank, apologize, or say goodbye.
- Etiquette for Foreigners: While tourists aren’t expected to initiate a wai to everyone, it is polite to return one.”
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This is one of the few phrases and customs I have learned so far Whenever we see anyone, we bow, we do the ‘wai’ and say
(pronunication – “sawat dee kah’-ah“.) *If you are a female, this is correct. ) Luckily, Thai people are quite forgiving if you are a foreigner and you don’t have the wai at the correct level. They are happy that you are trying. I usually do mine just under my chin, since trying to figure out how old someone is, or if they have higher status, or, or, or, – is too much for this old lady. I smile, bow, and mangle the pronunciation as little as possible. If the people on the receiving end are pretty far away, I usually add a wave, since I always have things in my hands, and my carrier on my shoulder, and so have trouble freeing both hands at the same time for the wai.
The people are so very nice here. I now have several people who not only return my wai, they come over and patt me on the shoulder or back, or even hug me, so it’s a very pleasant way to honor the people you see.
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