Oh no......

Oh no here we go again.....OP....please use the search function...there must be thousands of threads on this subject on TV...

when this question, along with questions on Sin Sot come up....every Thai wannabee jumps on the bandwagon trying to show how at one with their Thainess they are....

Soutpeel- I apologize for inconviencing your world by asking a question on TV that has been answered before. The 3 different search terms I typed in must not have hit home to the elusive and well written ThaiVisa.com algorithms that guide the well known and established thaivisa search engine. For this, I am truly and utterly apologetic. To offend the good nature and senses of someone like yourself is beyond comprehension for a peasant such as myself.

Next time everbody. I wil make sure to type in 5 different search terms,...

Wai don't they shake my hand ?

Many Thais, including kids, like to shake hands. I think it's a novelty for them.

You'll notice that they wash their hands afterwards.....precautions, ya know.

I usually wai first when I am introduced to a person older than myself, I was told this is polite and shows respect to an elder, I also wai to a person I am introduced to or meet who is in a position of authority, I will return a wai when someone gives me a wai, I have found a wave to be acceptable to those who know me, except when they are in the company of a person I don't know. I never give a nod in return for a wai, I think that would be like refusing to return a handshake.

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I never give a nod in return for a wai

There are times when that is acceptable. For instance if you have your hands full or carrying something. There are a couple of other instances also.

I never give a nod in return for a wai

There are times when that is acceptable. For instance if you have your hands full or carrying something. There are a couple of other instances also.

Thanks for clearing that up, didn't think of that circumstance.

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A good primer on the subject:

"How To Wai your Hi in Thai"

The 3 different search terms I typed in must not have hit home to the elusive and well written ThaiVisa.com algorithms that guide the well known and established thaivisa search engine.

Are you questioning the results of the TV search engine? That must be breaking at least one rule or another.

I usually wai first when I am introduced to a person older than myself, I was told this is polite and shows respect to an elder, I also wai to a person I am introduced to or meet who is in a position of authority, I will return a wai when someone gives me a wai, I have found a wave to be acceptable to those who know me, except when they are in the company of a person I don't know. I never give a nod in return for a wai, I think that would be like refusing to return a handshake.

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When I came here as a tourist a cashier in Tesco or somewhere 'wai'd' me and I 'wai'd in return. My brother, who had lived here for a few years, explained that it only made me look stupid.

He was right. But, I have found that bowing my head respectfully works in all situations as the Thais understand that we know nothing about wai'ing, but the bowed head shows respect.

I usually wai first when I am introduced to a person older than myself, I was told this is polite and shows respect to an elder, I also wai to a person I am introduced to or meet who is in a position of authority, I will return a wai when someone gives me a wai, I have found a wave to be acceptable to those who know me, except when they are in the company of a person I don't know. I never give a nod in return for a wai, I think that would be like refusing to return a handshake.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

When I came here as a tourist a cashier in Tesco or somewhere 'wai'd' me and I 'wai'd in return. My brother, who had lived here for a few years, explained that it only made me look stupid.

He was right. But, I have found that bowing my head respectfully works in all situations as the Thais understand that we know nothing about wai'ing, but the bowed head shows respect.

Yes, the Tesco girls always wai to us as respect and realizes we are older than her so must do.

And yes, you do not wai back, a simple smile and sawadi krup is good.

Seeing how many people leave the restrooms without washing their hands, I'm actually quite hapy to wai.

Lol on that note I'm never shaking a guys hand again!!!!

Insult deleted.