The The Thai greetingThai greetingreferred to as the referred to as the waiwai((ThaiThai: : ไหว้ไหว้, , pronounced[wâːj]) consists of a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. It has its origin in the IndicAñjaliMudrā, like the Indian namastéand the Cambodiansampeah. [1] The higher the hands are held in relation to the face and the lower the bow, the more respect or reverence the giver of the waiis showing. The waiis traditionally observed upon formally entering a house. After the visit is over, the visitor asks for permission to leave and repeats the salutation made upon entering. [1] The waiis also common as a way to express gratitude or to apologise.