Popular Post webfact Posted June 11 Popular Post Share Posted June 11 Picture courtesy: Wikimedia The Thai government has officially recognised the "wai" gesture as a key part of national identity. The Cabinet's decision aims to preserve and promote this traditional greeting, which holds significant cultural value in Thailand. The "wai" gesture, characterised by pressing the palms together in a prayer-like fashion, has been an integral part of Thai life for centuries. While its origins trace back to India through Buddhist, Brahmin, and Hindu influences, the Thai "wai" has evolved to carry unique nuances, reflecting the nation's heritage. Deputy government spokesman Karom Pholpornklang highlighted the gesture's long-standing presence and its deep-rooted symbolism in Thai society. "The 'wai' has developed in diversity, profoundness, and expressive meaning that make the Thai-style ‘wai’ unique," noted Karom during a press briefing. The approval aims to embed this practice further into the fabric of Thai culture, ensuring it is carried forward by future generations. Previous governments have similarly endeavoured to preserve national symbols, recognising Thai elephants, the Ratchapruek flower (doc koon), and the Thai pavilion as elements of national identity. The inclusion of the "wai" is seen as a continuation of these efforts to define and safeguard cultural icons. While the gesture is omnipresent in daily interactions in Thailand, from casual greetings to formal expressions of respect, its official designation as a part of national identity serves both cultural and educational purposes. Schools and cultural institutions will likely emphasise the significance of the "wai" in their curricula, strengthening its role and persistence in Thai society. In an increasingly globalised world, such measures resonate with the public's desire to maintain distinct cultural practices. This formal recognition stands to not only preserve a tradition but also bolster national pride and unity. Karom concluded by saying, "The idea of making the ‘wai’ part of the Thai national identity is intended to create a unique identity and culture that will be passed on to future generations." -- 2024-06-12 Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe 1 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinsdale Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 Thailand the HUB of the Wai. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post hotchilli Posted June 11 Popular Post Share Posted June 11 2 hours ago, webfact said: While its origins trace back to India through Buddhist, Brahmin, and Hindu influences, the Thai "wai" has evolved to carry unique nuances, reflecting the nation's heritage. Sometimes used as a pathetic apology 1 1 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Srikcir Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Thailand - the Hub of a Retrograde Culture. All citizens must learn their proper place in society. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klauskunkel Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 ... and then there is the "graab", it has some unique nuances as well... conditioning the kids to conform, obey and accept without question all in the guise of "respect" 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gsxrnz Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Wai© Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarteso Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Why a wai ? 🤔 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bangkok Barry Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Many Thais might be surprised that the wai is not exclusively a Thai thing, but practiced in many parts of Asia. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lordgrinz Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Still don't understand the "wai", respect is earned, not given. There are very few people I have ever met in Thailand that I would even think deserve one. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalcolmB Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 I prefer it than shaking someone’s dirty hand, and find it more comfortable when greeting females that often try to hug and kiss me in the UK. nice part of Thai culture but of course will be bagged on this forum by the usual muppets that can not bring themselves to say anything positive about Thailand. 1 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob smith Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 How about the 500 baht fine? bob. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callmeishmael Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Namaste all! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob smith Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 6 minutes ago, MalcolmB said: nice part of Thai culture but of course will be bagged on this forum by the usual muppets that can not bring themselves to say anything positive about Thailand. I will say something positive once I find something postive! Do you just say postive things for the sake of it? Bob. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gottfrid Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 They will have to add a second line in the recognition. I wai made together with the handover of 500 baht, can magically make all your problem disappear. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MalcolmB Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 2 minutes ago, bob smith said: I will say something positive once I find something postive! Do you just say postive things for the sake of it? Bob. Quite the opposite. I am just not a snowflake like you moaning about everyone and every little thing like a whinging old mole all the time. You really are not coping well. I don’t wai farangs but if I met you I would be wary of shaking your filthy hand and would much prefer to wai you from a distance and give you a fake smile to be polite. 1 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post bob smith Posted June 12 Popular Post Share Posted June 12 Just now, MalcolmB said: Quite the opposite. I am just not a snowflake like you moaning about everyone and every little thing like a whinging old mole all the time. You really are not coping well. I don’t wai farangs but if I met you I would be wary of shaking your filthy hand and would much prefer to wai you from a distance and give you a fake smile to be polite. Give us a kiss, love. Bob. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gottfrid Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 20 minutes ago, MalcolmB said: like a whinging old mole Would you please elaborate on this one a little bit. I find it very hard visualize. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaywalker2 Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 44 minutes ago, lordgrinz said: Still don't understand the "wai", respect is earned, not given. There are very few people I have ever met in Thailand that I would even think deserve one. Not in Thailand. In Thailand respect is given on the basisi of status. If you only respected people who were competent, the country would be in chaos. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ikke1959 Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 A new item for the World Heritage list, as they thry to put everything on it 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petedk Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 3 hours ago, Bangkok Barry said: Many Thais might be surprised that the wai is not exclusively a Thai thing, but practiced in many parts of Asia. I think all over the world. many people use it, but more as a type of "thank you" 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Drake Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Better than shaking some hand that you don't know where it has been. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthernRyland Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Wai, bum gun and eating with a fork and spoon like a savage are my favorite parts of Thai cultures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthernRyland Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 11 minutes ago, John Drake said: Better than shaking some hand that you don't know where it has been. They're both good to know and should be adopted both ways. Ever shake a Thai persons hand? It's like a wet noodle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NorthernRyland Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 4 hours ago, lordgrinz said: Still don't understand the "wai", respect is earned, not given. There are very few people I have ever met in Thailand that I would even think deserve one. fair enough but it's more about being polite most of the time. I always wai my landlord and various other older people whom I'm friendly with. It's reciprocal and builds social capital because when you're older they do it for you too. I think it's lovely tradition of theirs. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denim Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 4 hours ago, Gsxrnz said: Wai© Wai not ? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john donson Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 a smile in your face and a knife in your back, a hand on your gold chain (lol) and the other on your wallet 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoDisplayName Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 6 hours ago, Tarteso said: Why a wai ? 🤔 Wai not. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticky Rice Balls Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 7 hours ago, klauskunkel said: ... and then there is the "graab", it has some unique nuances as well... conditioning the kids to conform, obey and accept without question all in the guise of "respect" Fox News uses the guise of fear to control its idiot viewers....same same but different... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticky Rice Balls Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 38 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said: Wai not. Bravo Good Sir....you win the internet today.....Kudos to you....please report to 7-11 for your free mama cup *pork only* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticky Rice Balls Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 1 hour ago, john donson said: a smile in your face and a knife in your back, a hand on your gold chain (lol) and the other on your wallet reminds me of an orange grifter.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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