When first meeting a british he or she may seem reserved and cold but that is just an impression. In reality they are very friendly and helpful to foreigners. A handshake is the common from of greeting but try to avoid prolonged eye contact as it may make people feet ill at ease. But thai wai is used not only for greetings but to show respect and gratitude and sometimes as an apology. Offering a correct wai follows a strict protocol based on situation and social status. The higher the wai-the hands placed together in front of your body in a prayer-like ges ture and the more you dip the head the more respect that is shown.