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.
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.
How wonderful it would be if the Wai 🙏 could also be introduced in Europe. Think of all the doctors, politicians and a lot of other people who professionally have to shake all kinds of hands. The Wai is a greeting of kindness and respect. What to think now in this pandemic of greeting via elbow or leg. The Wai is also an advantage because then you are immediately rid of giving three kisses in passing.
The wai of Thailand in the corona crisis time
To prevent contamination of the coronavirus as much as possible, it is recommended to keep a distance of approximately 1,5 meters between people everywhere and to refrain from shaking hands.
Thai (un)truths
If you go to a country for the first time, preparation is not only a must, but also a not unpleasant activity to learn a little more about the country and population in question.