Thais usually don't shake hands but instead ‘wai’ which is raising both hands gracefully and unhurriedly, palm to palm, fingers together and close to the body, bringing them in a prayer- like gesture to the head while bowing slightly. The ‘wai’ is the traditional Thai greeting. Why wai? To Thai people, it’s second nature. If you are a foreigner in Thailand, you will show and receive respect by following this customary greeting, although many Thais will also (somewhat reluctantly) accept a handshake from you.