THAILAND ETIQUETTE: THE WAIStephen M Timms

INTRODUCTION Stephen M. Timms is the vice president of strategic

programs at International Golden Group, a military solutions provider based in Abu Dhabi. Outside of his professional activities, Stephen M. Timms enjoys traveling to Thailand and learning about Thai customs. 

When it comes to etiquette in Thailand, the traditional “wai” is the accepted way to greet another person. The wai involves pressing your hands together with the fingers up, like hands in prayer, and bowing slightly. A common gesture to express both courtesy and respect, the wai can occur when a person is sitting, standing, or walking. 

THE WAI Thai culture has a long-held respect for

hierarchical relationships. As such, the wai custom varies significantly based on the social relationship between the two parties. The junior person typically offers the wai first, while the senior person returns it with hands held near the chest. In certain situations, the social distance between the two parties may be so large that the senior person will not return the wai.