If you greet people with a handshake, in Thailand, we greet each other with the “wai”.

The “wai” is a traditional Thai greeting. It is simple, but full of respect and politeness. The wai is an important part of Thai culture and shows the warm and kind heart of Thai people.

Learning how to do the wai is not only a good way to communicate with locals, but also shows that you care about and respect the local culture.

What Is the “Wai”?

The wai is a traditional Thai gesture where you put your hands together (like praying) at your chest or slightly higher, and bow your head a little.

This gesture can mean many things, such as:

• Saying hello (Sawasdee)
• Saying thank you
• Saying sorry
• Showing respect

The position of the hands and how much you bow depends on the situation and the person. For example, when you wai to a monk or an elder, you raise your hands higher than when you wai to a friend.

When Should You Do the “Wai”?

The wai is a long-standing tradition in Thai culture. In general, a younger person gives the wai first to an older person. For example:

• A child wais an adult
• A student wais a teacher
• A staff member wais a customer

The wai shows respect, politeness, and good manners. As a tourist, you don’t have to do the wai — it’s not required. But if you know when to do it, it can help you connect with Thai people and make a good impression.

Situations when you should do the wai:

• When greeting elders or respected people – even if you just met them for the first time
• When saying thank you – for example, when someone helps you or gives you something
• When saying sorry – to show that you are truly sorry in a polite way
• When saying goodbye – especially in formal settings or with older people

In everyday life, like shopping at a market or using local services, you don’t need to do the wai. A friendly smile and a polite “Sawasdee krub/ka” are already very nice and respectful.

Greeting Words with the Wai

When Thai people do the wai, they usually say:

• “Sawasdee krub” – for men
• “Sawasdee ka” – for women

The word “Sawasdee” is a polite Thai greeting. You can use it when you say hello and also when you say goodbye. It’s a simple word, but it can help create a warm and friendly feeling between you and Thai people.