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.

Oct 30, 2024 · 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 see, they are often expected to return the greeting.

Mar 18, 2018 · A wai is a form of communication and a customary greeting in Thailand. Essentially, the palms of the hands are momentarily pressed together in a prayer-like gesture with fingers pointing upwards, usually close to the chest, and the head slightly bowed.

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.

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.

Jun 6, 2020 · Learn Thai's greeting — 'Wai' and how is it used? One of the first things people will see when entering Thailand is the Thai greeting or Wai. Normally accompanied by pressing the hands together and placing them in front of the face …

Oct 17, 2022 · The Royal Society’s Thai dictionary (2011) defines the word wai as “a gesture to show respect by putting hands together”, and at its core, that is exactly what wai is – a gesture of respect, even though it is often associated with greeting by foreigners.

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.

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 …

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.