The wai (Thai: ไหว้, pronounced [wâːj]) is a greeting in Thailand that consists of a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. It has its origin in the Indian Añjali Mudrā, like the Indian namaste and Burmese mingalaba.

Jun 23, 2022 · A wai can be a way of saying hello or goodbye, showing respect, appreciation, and even remorse. You will notice Thais also wai to temples, monuments, pictures, and spirit houses, among other things they consider worthy of high respect.

Oct 6, 2020 · The most common Thai Wai (ไหว้ wâai) is when you place your palms together (like a prayer), place your hands in front of your chest, close to your body, and slightly bow your head. This is the Wai you will see most often in everyday situations such as greeting and saying thanks.

Oct 30, 2024 · Here is a guide on how to wai properly as a foreigner in Thailand. What is the wai? The wai, pronounced like the word “why,” is the traditional greeting of Thailand. Though foreigners should not go around giving the wai to everyone they …

Mar 18, 2018 · A wai can be a way of saying thanks, of showing understanding of a situation or person, and also as a polite way to apologize. You will also see Thais wai to temples, important monuments, pictures of Thai royalty, and spirit houses that guard properties, businesses, and roads as they pass.

Oct 17, 2022 · This iconic gesture is known in Thai as wai (ไหว้), and in this article, we will delve into its story and significance in the culture of the land of smile together. What is Wai ?

Mar 26, 2025 · What Is the Thai Wai? The Thai wai is more than a greeting —it’s a sign of respect, gratitude, humility, and even apology. You press your palms together, fingers pointing up, and slightly bow your head. Thai people use it to say hello, goodbye, thank you, or sorry, making it a daily ritual from quiet villages to busy streets across Thailand.

Aug 8, 2023 · The wai is a Thai gesture that involves placing your palms together in a prayer-like manner, with the tips of the thumbs positioned at a level between the chin and the eyebrows, accompanied by a slight bow of the head.

Feb 10, 2025 · A traditional Thai greeting is the Wai. Thai people greet each other with this warm gesture by clasping their hands on their chests, bowing, and saying, “Sawasdee.” The Thai Wai has 3 levels, which have different head-to-hand positions and purposes. Knowing when to perform at what level is crucial to showing respect.

In Thailand, the wai gesture stands as a quintessential symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage and its deep-seated tradition of hospitality. This graceful gesture, performed by pressing the palms together in a prayer-like fashion and bowing the head slightly, is …