Wai : when and how to greet with a Wai ไหว้

The most asked question I've got from my students is how to greet Thais with a WAI (ไหว้). 

The gesture of WAI.

Sawatdee ka

Why to do a Wai: 

The wai  is also common as a way to express gratitude or to apologise. 

Read the full article of Wai in Wikipedia

When to do a Wai

1. when you say Hello or Sawatdee

2. when you say Goodbye or Pai gone na ka/krap

3. when you say Sorry or Kor tot

4. when you say Thank you or Korp kun

5. when you say Please, help. or Kor rong la ka/krap 

Who you need to do a Wai

1. an older person

2. a person in higher social rank comparing to yourself*

3. a person/a place/a statue that you want to show respect to

Who you don't wai:

1. a younger person

2. a person in lower social rank comparing to yourself*

* It's up to how much you want to show respect to that person.
For example, If a person is younger than you but she is your boss, it is appropriate to Wai a boss who is younger than you. On the other hand, if your employee is older than you, it is acceptable for a younger boss not to greet an older employee with a Wai.

When someone do a Wai to you, you should do a Wai back to that person.

Let's watch the videos of how Thais greet with a WAI.

Note: 

A woman always uses a polite final particle: Ka either speaking to a man or a woman. 

A man always uses a polite final particle: Krap either speaking to a man or a woman.

It's time for today. 

I have to go now. Good bye. 

Pai gone na ka.    Sawatdee ka. 

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