To Wai or Not to Wai ?. That is the question.

[Ghostnigel]

No skin off my back to wai somebody, younger or older.

I think of a wai like a handshake.

Yes, I would wai family and most friends.

No, I would not wai or shake hands with the MK restaurant security guard.

Why not?

Because he is not a tw4t and does not want to look like one.

Nothing more embarrasing than seeing an over-enthusiastic Farang wai-ing service staff, bar girls and 7/11 staff.

They think, "look at me wai-ing, aren't i cool". But they just look silly doing it, stupid even.

[siam2007]

I rarely see any WAIs at all and I am out and about in BKK virtually every day.

The only WAIers are usually tourists who think they know it all.

Here in my Condo-style-housing-estate, where I live since 2.5 years and where more than 2000 people live, I have never ever seen anybody, be it Thai or Farang (not that there are many living here), performing a WAI.

And a Farang is NEVER EVER expected to WAI anyway. Maybe in some remote rural areas where they have never ever seen any Farang.

Farang are not part of Thai society and never will be, so no farang should actually WAI. It is just ridiculous.

If you don't believe me, I can set you in touch with one of the best Thai teachers in the Kingdom, who has been teaching embassy staff of several countries, peace corps and others, in Thai language and culture.

He will simply tell you DO NOT WAI as a Farang. it's as easy as that. Period

[longstebe]

No skin off my back to wai somebody, younger or older.

I think of a wai like a handshake.

Yes, I would wai family and most friends.

No, I would not wai or shake hands with the MK restaurant security guard.

Why not?

Because he is not a tw4t and does not want to look like one.

Nothing more embarrasing than seeing an over-enthusiastic Farang wai-ing service staff, bar girls and 7/11 staff.

They think, "look at me wai-ing, aren't i cool". But they just look silly doing it, stupid even.

I can only speak for myself, I've never thought about looking 'cool' when wai-ing someone, never.

I'm surprised by how many ex pats get wound up by seeing another farang wai-ing.

[hawker9000]

It's nice when they understand our traditions too. Normally I wai and then they shake my hand.

It's horrible when they THINK they understand our traditions and always want to TRY (usually incorrectly) to copy in THEIR country.

I would never wai anyone in England.

I rarely shake peoples hands in England.

For me, its more a formal thing at business or if you meet someone new. Not every bloody time you see your friend.

I also don't want their germs on me, wai'ing is far superior, I don't have to touch anyone and anyway I would only wai my elders.

Why do they have to shake my hand, it is MENTAL. I rarely accept and just reluctantly wai to them.

Also VERY MENTAL, is when you see white caucasians wai'ing young tarts in the bars, they must think we are really stupid.

They must see us as gullible idiots as no Thai man in his right mind would ever wai these people.

No wonder they think it's ok to rip us off.

A whole different set of rules for farangs. You didn't know that? Where's your thainess?