I Wai therefore I exist: The Wai guide for dummies
Tourists are the soul of Thailand's tourism industry, and they often bring more than just their suitcases – they bring a good dose of cultural misunderstanding! Take for example the Thai Wai, a greeting as complex as a Southern Thai curry. Some visitors think it's some kind of Thai high-five, and oh boy, how wrong they are!
In one incident at a popular shopping center in Bangkok, an enthusiastic tourist was spotted Wai'ing at literally everyone and everything – from bored store clerks and disinterested teenagers to bewildered street dogs. Yes, you read that right, even the street dogs got a Wai!
But wait, there's more! On the streets of Pattaya, another well-intentioned tourist was spotted using the Wai to order a taxi, creating a traffic jam of confused drivers and amused pedestrians. And let's not forget the man in Chiang Mai who tried to give a Wai to a Buddha statue and accidentally fell into a pond. Fortunately, Buddha, as always, was not offended.
The height of this Wai chaos was when a group of tourists decided to hand out Wai's at a Go-Go bar, thinking it was an appropriate way to thank the sexy dancers. The confused looks of the girls spoke volumes, while the tourists continued their Wai gesture as if they were free drinks during happy hour.
So here's a quick guide for tourists: Don't wave at children, they probably think you want to give them a high-five. Don't wait for the wait staff or shop staff, a smile and a nod is enough. And absolutely, under no circumstances, should you Wai'en to the ladies at a Go-Go bar unless you want to be the star of their next comedic anecdote.
Let's keep it simple, dear tourists. The Wai is a wonderful gesture, but as with all good things in life, use it in moderation and at the right times. And when in doubt, follow the locals or, better yet, stick to the universal language of a smile – it never goes out of style in the Land of Smiles!
The Wai guide for dummies
The Thai “Wai” is a traditional greeting that is deeply rooted in Thai culture. It is not only a way to say hello, but it also represents respect, gratitude and politeness. Its origins and uses are intertwined with both the social and religious aspects of Thai society.
History and origin
- Ancient origins: The Wai is derived from the ancient Indian “Namaste” gesture, which means “I bow to you”. This gesture was adopted in several Asian cultures, including Thailand.
- Religious influences: It also has influences from Buddhism, the predominant religion in Thailand, where showing respect and humility is central.
Use
- Type: The Wai is made by placing the palms together in a prayer position, close to the chest, and bowing slightly. The position of the hands and the depth of the bow vary depending on the social status or age of the person you are greeting.
- Social context: In Thai society, the Wai is used as a greeting, farewell, expression of thanks or an apology. It is also used when entering temples.
- Hierarchy and respect: The way one performs the Wai can show respect for one's social status, age or position. Greeting someone of higher status or age first with a Wai is customary.
How should tourists deal with it?
- Observation and imitation: Tourists are not always expected to perform the Wai perfectly, but it is appreciated if they try to follow the gesture respectfully.
- Reciprocity: If someone greets you with a Wai, it is polite to return the gesture. However, in some situations, such as with store clerks or wait staff, it is sufficient to nod or smile. To children or bargirls Wai-en is downright ridiculous.
- Respect for monks and elders: When greeting monks or elders, it is advisable to use a more respectful and formal Wai.
- Avoid excessive use: It is important for tourists not to overuse the Wai. It must be applied at the right times and in the right contexts.
About this blogger
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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The wai is written in Thai as ไหว้, with a slightly longer -aa- and a falling tone.
I would like to make a clear distinction between the wai as a greeting and when a request, apology or thank you.
In greeting, status and age play a big and essential role. You wai't someone because he/she is (much) older or has a (much) higher status. You must always wai' monks, even the king does that, and a monk never wai't back.
In the case of a request, an apology or a thank you, things are different. In those cases, emotional factors such as sympathy, empathy, gratitude and neediness play a much greater role than status alone. You can give a wai to anyone, a child, a poor rice farmer, a waitress and even a sex worker. You must then accompany the wai with khoh thoot na (tones: rising, falling, high) 'Sorry, I'm sorry', khoh choeay noy (tones: rising, falling, low) 'Help me, please' and khohp khoen (tones: low, middle), 'Thank you very much!' with of course a khrab (high tone) by real men, khaa (falling tone) by women. I sometimes gave my son a sarcastic wai when he asked for money again.
A year ago I met the grandfather of my son's girlfriend in Mae Rim. I taught him the high-five which he really enjoyed.
When I read the title I thought of an early April Fool's joke.
But there is no book with that title imminent
I think it's not too bad. I often see tourists performing the wai incorrectly. But the Thais usually laugh about it kindly
When answering a wai, a nod is of course sufficient if it is a perfunctory wai. But if it goes a little further than the perfunctory, a wai is appropriate. For example, the doorman at a hotel in Ubon always gave me a wai when I went there for dinner with my wife. And the first time I would have sufficed with a nod, but later with a wai.
I also met that same man once at the airport where he apparently came to pick up guests. I didn't recognize him at first because he wasn't at his usual post in the hotel, but when he gave me a wai, I recognized him immediately. And that wai was of course answered with a wai by me.
I have been to Thailand many times and have been able to get to know the "Wai" I think it is a beautiful and respectful way to greet someone. When the corona crisis hit the Netherlands, everyone went "with their fists or elbows" against each other, but beh say the "Wai greeting is given, which amounts to shaking hands with each other or (to ladies) 3 kisses, but I still think the Wai has something "graceful" and actually still do that here in the Netherlands.
Maybe it's because I still have a corona "phobia" so I do it this way. It's also a bit of homesickness for Thailand. The last time I was in the countryside near Si Sa ket. Children did the Wai to me and I felt uncomfortable because what should I do in return ????? maybe someone will do it again
I have also done it to the Masseuses because I think it is a form of respect towards them. What others think leaves me cold. To the older ones I did make a deeper Wai and not with a 'little nod' - my plane leaves there again on December 27th.
Thailand is calling me already (*_*)
Peerke, if your wai is sincere, it is always appreciated. So do not worry. And as for children: just smile kindly. Enjoy Thailand.
Thanks for the response and the tip (*_*) – Yes giving “the wai” to people in Thailand is sincere maybe that is because I love the people and the country – I don’t feel like a foreigner when I am there but more like a Thai and sometimes I get annoyed by the behavior of some “foreigners” who think they can do everything there that they are not allowed to do in their own country (or also do) but that is often seen in the big cities – happy holidays everyone (*_*)