The most widely use language in Thailand is standard Thai, or the one that are taught commonly all over Bangkok and well-known in some other countries. But today many people are able to speak English more likely. (Mahidol University, 2002) The traditional form of greeting each other in Thailand is “wai” this is practice by the person of the lower status to the person that is more superior or in simply it is base on hierarchy relationships among persons, this result from the fact that Thailand has quite high power distance when compared to Germany which is 64. (Clearlycultural, 2009) “Wai” is done by raising both hands with palms and fingers joined like when you pray and bow gently. If you receive “wai” from other people, you should return wai back to them too. (Somchai, 2009) “Wai” is not only used for greeting but also for apologizing. However, if a child offer you a “wai” then returning is not necessary because a child has a lower status. Saying hello in Thailand is “sa-wad-dee” but if you are a male put “krub” at the end of the word and if you are a female put “kha”. These end words are very important and are commonly used in Thailand when talking to strangers or person with higher status, these words is to show politeness and respect to elders. Thai people usually call each other with their first names or nick names, even if it is their first met. When talking to siblings or older brothers and sisters, they will use the word “Peee”, usually written as “ P’ ”. For instance, a sister calling her brother, whose name is David, she would call him “P’David”.
Thailand people are very polite and respecting elders is extremely important. To illustrate, students should respect teachers, children should respect their parents, etc. Living in Thailand, means having to learn to avoid confrontation, Thai people tend to express their feelings very indirectly, it is common that they will avoid conflict rather than clarify the true meaning because Thais have the concept of “losing face”.
Using foot to point at stuff is extremely unacceptable and inappropriate in Thailand. There is case in which, a western factory worker use foot to point at tools to indicate where it is to the Thais and it turns out very inappropriate. Moreover, pointing or using index finger is considered impolite in for the Thais. Thailand is still conservative when it comes to communication of different genders. Men don’t touch women in Thailand, unless it is necessary.