These young men had their hearts in the right place and had been regular customers at the restaurant, so they got a mostly positive reaction on line. Unfortunately farang who use the wai incorrectly IRL may not be so lucky. Performing the wai incorrectly or under the wrong circumstances makes a foreigner look like a fool. In the worst case, an incorrect wai can even cause offense. Avoid the downside risk by skipping the wai entirely. Many years ago I attended a briefing by the Thai Foreign Ministry for foreign journalists covering the Diamond Jubilee of King Bhumibol. A protocol officer with the Ministry said the wai was never expected from a foreigner and was best avoided under all circumstances by temporary visitors to the Kingdom. He specifically mentioned tourists on holiday or people on business as never needing to wai a Thai subject. He explained that if any of us encountered or were introduced to the King or any member of the Royal Family, we should absolutely NOT attempt a wai, but greet them in the same manner as we would a European monarch. That means a slight bow of the head from men and an abbreviated curtsy for women. A more formal bow or curtsy wasn't necessary because none of us were Thai subjects. The protocol officer did give some circumstances in which it would be appropriate for foreigner to perform a wai, but said these examples rarely or never applied to temporary visitors. A foreigner who is married to a Thai subject might want to learn the correct way to wai elderly members of his or her spouse's family. Non-Thais who are Buddhists should learn the correct way to wai a monk, but that wasn't necessary. They could use the same gesture of respect commonly done towards monks in their own country. He also said that a foreigner who is a long-term resident of Thailand and is deeply involved in "everyday" life should learn the correct use of the wai. He gave the example of a foreigner who speaks Thai and works full-time with Thais. Bottom line: Tourists don't need to worry about the wai and should avoid it. Only attempt it if you know how to do it correctly.
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