themechanic Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 When entering Thailand with a third world passport (Indian) albeit on a Tourist visa, should I Wai (bow + sawa dee ka) to the immigration person at passport control? Or is it too conspicious or trying too hard? The last time I went to Thailand they asked me a ton of questions as to where I was staying, who I'm traveling with etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuxedo Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 No , not necessary at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post wooloomooloo Posted August 16, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted August 16, 2014 Prostrate yourself and would be more convincing with a few amulets round your neck. Walk backwards whilst waiing and finish with a star jump. 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themechanic Posted August 16, 2014 Author Share Posted August 16, 2014 This time I'm going to wear a dress shirt, tie and trousers and have booked one of those so called VIP carts but I really hate the stress and suspense of passport control. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
themechanic Posted August 16, 2014 Author Share Posted August 16, 2014 Prostrate yourself and would be more convincing with a few amulets round your neck. Walk backwards whilst waiing and finish with a star jump. Very funny, maybe you should try going anywhere with a third world passport and see how you get treated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bertty Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 Prostrate yourself and would be more convincing with a few amulets round your neck. Walk backwards whilst waiing and finish with a star jump. Very funny, maybe you should try going anywhere with a third world passport and see how you get treated. So act like a 3rd world person and see what goes on. Or be a man and act like one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelbucks Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 It won't hurt. Although the wai seems to have fallen out of style, i think it is still appreciated by many Thais. I personally find it a sweet greeting. Being respectful and having an easy smile goes a long way anywhere but particularly Thailand. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelbucks Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 This time I'm going to wear a dress shirt, tie and trousers and have booked one of those so called VIP carts but I really hate the stress and suspense of passport control. While I appreciate your concern I think it is important that you don't stress out at passport control. If you appear to be nervous it's the officers job to question you. Just relax be presentable and respectful that's all you can really do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paz Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 The problem with being a foreigners is that we can't wai properly according to circumstances and intended attitude, so a good idea would be to just avoid it in most cases. Also even if done perfectly, wai from a foreigner always expresses a different shade of attitude, so I'd say, not at immigration, in public offices, etc. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post gk10002000 Posted August 16, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted August 16, 2014 It won't hurt. Although the wai seems to have fallen out of style, i think it is still appreciated by many Thais. I personally find it a sweet greeting. Being respectful and having an easy smile goes a long way anywhere but particularly Thailand. I prefer the Wai to a handshake. From a practical point of view it is healthier and cleaner. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NamKangMan Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 Whatever you do, don't say you are coming to Thailand to work in a "suit tailor" shop. :) Seriously, walk up there, say "Hello" (in English) - slide your passport over, look him/her in the eye, get stamped, and walk on. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeeJay1959 Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 Yeah the Wai is a quaint tradition, friends and family of a partner may appreciate it, but certainly not immigration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jungle Jim Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 I would say bad idea. Might come across as stupid. Ever see foreigners wai a bar girl? I have. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lazygourmet Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 I would say bad idea. Might come across as stupid. Ever see foreigners wai a bar girl? I have. Some even wai the clerks at 7/11... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phutoie2 Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 I was behind a bunch of these 3rd world passport holders and besides all waing like there was no tomorrow at the Imm Officers, proceeded to hold everyone up searching for 20K THB each that the nice lady behind the Imm desk asked to see from them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camelot Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 I would say bad idea. Might come across as stupid. Ever see foreigners wai a bar girl? I have. Some even wai the clerks at 7/11... It can get out of control. I wouldn't be surprised to see the odd few waiing the soi dog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jdiddy Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 I just nod and say "cup" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubonjoe Posted August 17, 2014 Share Posted August 17, 2014 Since this is not precisely visa related and was apparently only posted to elicit derogatory and inflammatory comments it is now closed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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