The Traditional Thai Greeting – The Wai

The traditional greeting where palms are pressed together in prayer-like fashion while bowing slightly. It’s not just a hello or goodbye; it’s a gesture of respect, gratitude, or apology.

The wai varies depending on social hierarchy and situation. A deeper bow with higher hand placement shows greater respect, typically reserved for monks, elders, and royals. In everyday life, a friendly wai can brighten interactions with locals, creating an immediate bond of warmth and humility.

Learning the proper way to wai is more than mastering a custom; it’s understanding a fundamental part of the Thai worldview—where harmony, respect, and kindness reign supreme.