How to Wai: The Correct Way to Give a Thai Greeting

The wai (ไหว้) is more than just a greeting; it's a nuanced gesture of respect that reflects the deep-rooted social hierarchy in Thai culture. Performing it correctly shows cultural sensitivity.

Here is a guide to the correct way to give a Thai wai.

The Basics of the Wai Gesture

The physical gesture is a slight bow with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. The key is the position of the hands relative to the face and the depth of the bow.

1. Hand Position: Bring your palms together firmly, fingers straight and pointing upward. Your elbows should be close to your body.

2. The Bow: As you bring your hands up, slightly bow your head until your index fingers touch the tip of your nose or a point between your eyebrows. The higher the hands, the greater the respect shown.

3. The Sequence: The movement is fluid: hands together, raise hands while bowing head, hold briefly, return to normal posture.

The Golden Rule: Who Wais First?

This is the most critical aspect. The wai is governed by a system of social status. The general rule is: The person of lower status offers the wai first, and the person of higher status returns it (or not).

• Lower status offers first: Junior, younger, or subordinate person.

• Higher status returns/accepts: Senior, older, or superior person (e.g., a boss, a monk).

The Different Levels of the Wai

The height of your hands indicates the level of respect. Here are the three main levels you'll encounter:

1. The Informal Wai (Between Peers/Friends)

• When to use: Greeting friends or people of similar age and status. Sometimes it's so casual it's just a quick nod with the hands barely raised to the chest.

• How to do it: Hands are raised to chest level, fingertips around chin level. The bow is very slight. This is often returned in kind.

2. The Standard Wai (For Elders, Superiors, Teachers)

• When to use: This is the most common and important one for visitors. Use it to greet your hotel manager, a shop owner, or anyone clearly older than you.

• How to do it: Fingertips should touch the tip of your nose. The bow is more pronounced. This shows respect.

3. The High-Status Wai (For Monks, Royalty, Buddha Images)

• When to use: When paying respect to a monk, a statue of the Buddha, or in very formal situations involving the royal family.

• How to do it: Your thumbs should be between your eyebrows, and the tips of your index fingers at the hairline. You will also perform a deeper bow, often from a kneeling or sitting position for monks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't wai while walking or chewing gum. The gesture should be deliberate and respectful.

• Don't wai with a hat on. Remove your hat or sunglasses first.

• Don't wai someone while you're holding something in both hands. If your hands are full, a verbal greeting and a nod of the head is fine.

• Never wai a child first. Wait for them to wai you as a sign of respect, then you can return a small, gentle wai or a smile.

The Verbal Greeting: "Sawasdee"

The wai is almost always accompanied by the word "Sawasdee" (Hello/Goodbye).

• Men say: Sawasdee krap (ending with a polite particle)

• Women say: Sawasdee ka (ending with a polite particle)

In summary: When in doubt, a sincere smile and a slight nod of the head is always safe. If someone wais you first, it's always polite to return a gentle, slightly lower wai.

By observing these nuances, you show a deep appreciation for Thai culture that will be warmly received.