To Wai or not to Wai?
In the Netherlands we shake hands. Not in Thailand. Here people greet each other with a 'wai'. You fold your hands together as in a prayer, at the level (fingertips) of your chin. However, there is much more to it…
The wai is a traditional Thai greeting that has been used for centuries in Thailand and other countries in the region. The wai is used to show respect, courtesy and gratitude and is often given on formal and informal occasions, such as greetings, farewells, apologies and thanks.
I Wai therefore I exist: The Wai guide for dummies
The Thai Wai, a traditional greeting filled with respect and humility, is often a source of comical misunderstandings for unsuspecting tourists in Thailand. From Wai'ing to store employees to inadvertently greeting street dogs, these tourists show us how a cultural gesture can lead to hilarious scenes.
The new military salute 'Up with that chest!'
Most of us will be familiar with the military salute as a greeting between soldiers and officers, but did you know that Thailand has had a new military salute for several years?
4 facts you should pay attention to in Thailand
Every country has its own cultural rules and customs. And certainly on the Asian continent, the differences are large compared to Europe. Thailand has been held in high regard for many years by the many visitors who often find their way to the country again and again, and sometimes even make the switch to move here.
Thai greeting: the Wai
In Thailand, people don't shake hands when they greet each other. The Thai greeting is called the Wai (Thai: ไหว้). You pronounce this as Waai.
Where are you going? Have you eaten yet?
Expats think 'sawatdee' is the epitome of Thai politeness. But most Thais don't use that expression at all. What do they say then?