Is there anything more Thai than the Wai, the bringing together of the hands before the face or under the chin in the traditional gesture of greeting or farewell, or to show respect? Wherever you travel in the kingdom you will see the people constantly waiing, to each other, to superiors and especially, to monks.
How, When and to Whom to Wai
Knowing how to wai, when to wai, and to whom to wai, contains pitfalls for the visitor, for this simple gesture is governed by complex rules and one’s status within Thai society. Training starts early in Thailand, usually before the children learn to speak: they are taught to wai their elders and the lessons continue as they move through school and society.
There are a few things to keep in mind.
It is safer – unless you are very sure of your ground – not to initiate a wai. The only time you would initiate a wai is if you were in the company of a monk, or were meeting one (see the Wai Pra explanation below). If a member of staff wais you, it is enough to smile back. However, if you really want to wai back, then make sure you make exactly the same gesture as the one you received, keeping your fingertips and the inclination of the head at the same level as the person giving you the wai. And always do this with a big smile.
The Most Important Types of Wai
The Phak Taai is the most informal kind of wai – used mostly as a form of greeting – in which the hands are held together just below the chin and accompanied by a slight bowing of the head.
The Puyai Wai is used for parents, grandparents, teachers and others of distinctive social standing. In this, the fingers of the joined hands reach up to the tip of one’s nose and the head will incline further. A smile is not always necessary here as the gesture is meant to convey respect. Should you meet anyone of great importance, this would be appropriate.
The Wat Pra is reserved for the most respected members of society, like monks and other religious personages. In this, the fingertips come up to the forehead and there is no smile. It is most unlikely that anyone would ever wai you in this manner, but should you be introduced to a monk, or be in the presence of one, then it would be appropriate for you to respond in this way.
The Thais are a very tolerant people, so if you make the wrong wai they won’t be offended, but they may be puzzled. The most important thing is to smile. Always give a big smile and then mai pen rai - don’t worry.
The writer lives for part of the year in Thailand.
Mari Nicholson - Award Winning travel writer and historian, member of British Guild of Travel Writers.Travelwriters.co.uk, and Society of Women Writers and ...
