WAI to the New Normal

[Jonathan Fairfield]

 

The world stopped and panic broke out when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020. Less than two months later, it was labeled a pandemic. Since then, our world has never been the same, with millions across the globe succumbing to the disease and dying.

 

In some parts of the world, like in Polynesia, the Maoris traditionally greet each other by pressing the nose against that of another person. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, the kissing of the hands of elders is considered a sign of respect, good manners, and upbringing. In cosmopolitan cities of Asia and in the west, hugging is de rigueur. Meanwhile, in the corporate arena almost anywhere in the world, the handshake serves as the ceremonial symbol that a deal is done.

 

But all these, whether in the name of cordiality or formality, are about to change, as the threat of COVID-19 across the globe intensifies.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/wai-to-the-new-normal/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2021-06-06

 

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[mikebell]

In Thailand it's the Wai of all flesh.

[internationalism]

they have missed kissing as a greeting. Is it still taboo in Thailand to mention this habit?

 

probably what partly saved thailand and many other budhist and asian population, was greeting with wai. It can be done with a distance.

Shaking hands is always in close proximity. But I was offered hand shake by a doctor in thai hospital after ending visit, that was before the 2nd wave.

I think hugging (and sometimes with cheek kissing) is traditional Arab male greeting. Not that common in majority of Europe, the USA or Australia.Changing those habits are very difficult, it's automatic behaviour, part of good upbringing 

[chalawaan]

I think Charles should introduce crawling when he gets his fancy tin hat upgrade, too many uppity peasants in the UK, who knows where it will lead? Democracy, Press Freedom, Rule of Law, Human Rights, oh the horror!