Bowing (Wai)


​สวัสดี

saL watL dee

[a polite greeting or farewell used when meeting or parting] 

hello; goodbye; good morning; good afternoon; good evening; good night; greetings 

—

I love how the Thais bow upon meeting and leaving - or as the way to acknowledge or say thank you. I understand there are slight variations, but common in most Southeast Asian countries. Without language, the hands together and a slight bow, or more simply a nod of the head, is really all you need to make friends and get around. 

(Other than my iPhone, Google Maps, Airbnb, Bolt or Grab (or country-appropriate ride app), Revolut app & debit card (for holding different currencies), enough cold cash (some small bills please), 30# (less) of clothes, toothbrush, charging cables, meds and such. A modicum of tech savvy is helpful, and quick wits, a love of challenge, and a thirst for learning. And, don’t forget the flip-flops! You almost always remove your shoes before entering. (It gets bore-some, tying & untying.)

But, other than that, the humble bow, this gesture of loving kindness, is one’s most useful possession. This is often how I feel toward people I meet and people I know, so it’s so lovely to have this gentle way to express it.

"Expressed through the "Wai" (ไหว้), a gesture of pressing palms together in a prayer-like fashion with a slight bow of the head, is used for greeting, thanking, apologizing, showing respect, and bidding farewell. While not expected from foreigners, performing a wai shows cultural understanding and earns respect."

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