Do learn how to wai. For Thais, the wai is everything. It's a beautiful way to greet people, to say thank you or goodbye.

Most Thais expect and accept handshakes from Westerners, but you will probably feel more at home in Thailand if you do things the Thai way and learn to wai.

How To Wai
To wai, place the palms of your hands together and hold them close to and in front of your chest. Then slowly lower your head (how much you lower it will depend on whom you are waiing).

There is a saying that making a wai is like making the shape of a lotus bud. The lotus is the most important symbol for Buddhists.

When To Wai
When it comes to waiing there is no such thing as too much; the more the better. Thais use the wai as a polite gesture to say hi, goodbye, thank you or simply to show respect and gratitude towards people and things.You will, for example, see people waiing images of His Majesty the King or when they pass a spirit house.

The Art Of Affection
Don't touch, hug or kiss Thais when you meet them. Thai people are not familiar with this kind of body language. It may be, as some have observed, that we Asians are shy. In general, any physical contact (apart, these days, from a handshake) is considered inappropriate.

Although you may do it out of respect and with all good intentions, it will make them feel uncomfortable, especially if it is done in public.

Most Thais are not used to this type of gesture and have no idea how to react to it. It may leave everyone, including you, feeling awkward.

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