The thai greeting referred to as the wai(thai :ไหว้ pronounced ) consists of a slight bow,with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. it has its origin in the,like the indian and the combodian sampeah 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 wai showing.the wai is traditionally observed upon formally entering a house.after the visit it over,the visitor asks for permission to leave and repeats the salutation made upon entering.the wai is also common as a way to express gratitude or to apologise