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Did you
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Why Wai ? and When ? Saying hello Thai style
 The graceful wai was as integral to Thai life in the
18th century, when this manuscript showing
servants greeting their king was painted, as it is
today.The flight attendants probably showed you a
beautyfully executed one as you walked on to this
air plane, but it's not as simple as it looks. An
elaborate code for using the wai has developed in
Thailand over the centuries, and those who fail
to follow it embarrass themselves and their victim.
Palms together, elbows down, head slightly bowed -
these are elements comon to any wai. The higher
the hands are raised, the greater the respect and
courtesy conveyed. Equals and strangers simply
raise their hands to throat level. If the person
is older or of higher social rank, the hands go
higher, with the fingertips just above the nose.
Never wai waitresses, hotol clerks, children,
servants, street vendors or laborers, unless they
do it first, or you'll embarrass everyone, Your
best bet is to only return wais until you figure
out the rules through experience.
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