Meeting and Greeting
The Wai is not just a gesture used to say hello without speaking, it is a sign of respect. Its use demonstrates much about Thai values and attitudes. It does so by publicly demonstrating what we call the 'superiority rule'. This basic rule is simple and clear. In any social meeting, the socially inferior person assumes a physically inferior posture and the socially superior individual takes a position that is physically superior. The person in the higher position is dominant both physically and socially.
A person places the palm of his or her hands together, with their fingers extended at chest level close to their body and bows slightly. The higher the hands are placed, the more respect is shown. Subordinates might raise their fingers as high as their nose. However, the tips of their fingers should never be above eye level.
A wai can mean "Hello," "Thank you," "I'm sorry," or "Goodbye." A wai is not used to greet children, servants, street vendors or laborers. Never return a wai to a child, waiter, clerk, etc. Simply nod and smile in response.
Thais say "Where are you going" rather than "Hello." A polite response is "Just down the street."
Names and Titles
Thais address one another by first names and titles and reserve last names for very formal occasions and written communications. Last names have been used in Thailand for only the past fifty years and are difficult even for Thais to pronounce. Two people with the same last name are almost certainly related.
Thai given names are preceded by Khun (Mr. Mrs. or Miss), unless they carry a higher degree, such as doctor. Khun is used for men and women, married or single. If you don't know a person's name, address them as Khun. Example: Anuwat (Given) + Wattapongsiri (Family) is KhunAnuwat.
Nicknames are common in Thailand
Meeting and Greeting
The Wai is not just a gesture used to say hello without speaking, it is a sign of respect. Its use demonstrates much about Thai values and attitudes. It does so by publicly demonstrating what we call the 'superiority rule'. This basic rule is simple and clear. In any social meeting, the socially inferior person assumes a physically inferior posture and the socially superior individual takes a position that is physically superior. The person in the higher position is dominant both physically and socially.
A person places the palm of his or her hands together, with their fingers extended at chest level close to their body and bows slightly. The higher the hands are placed, the more respect is shown. Subordinates might raise their fingers as high as their nose. However, the tips of their fingers should never be above eye level.
A wai can mean "Hello," "Thank you," "I'm sorry," or "Goodbye." A wai is not used to greet children, servants, street vendors or laborers. Never return a wai to a child, waiter, clerk, etc. Simply nod and smile in response.
Thais say "Where are you going" rather than "Hello." A polite response is "Just down the street."
Names and Titles
Thais address one another by first names and titles and reserve last names for very formal occasions and written communications. Last names have been used in Thailand for only the past fifty years and are difficult even for Thais to pronounce. Two people with the same last name are almost certainly related.
Thai given names are preceded by Khun (Mr. Mrs. or Miss), unless they carry a higher degree, such as doctor. Khun is used for men and women, married or single. If you don't know a person's name, address them as Khun. Example: Anuwat (Given) + Wattapongsiri (Family) is KhunAnuwat.
Nicknames are common in Thailand
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