As a foreign teacher in Thailand, adapting to cultural norms is key to earning respect and building strong relationships. One of the most fundamental traditions in Thai culture is the wai (ไหว้), a gesture of greeting, respect, and gratitude. Having taught in Bangkok, Saraburi, and Roi Et, I’ve seen firsthand how the wai shapes interactions in both professional and social settings. Understanding this tradition is essential for any foreigner, particularly teachers working in Thai schools.
What is the Wai?
The wai is a traditional Thai gesture where a person places their palms together in a prayer-like position and bows their head slightly. It serves as a greeting, a sign of respect, or an apology, depending on the situation.
Thai society is hierarchical, and the wai reflects these social structures. The position of your hands and depth of the bow indicate the level of respect you are showing to the other person.
The Hierarchy of the Wai: Who Wais First?
One of the biggest mistakes foreigners make is misunderstanding who should wai first and how deeply to bow. The general rule is:
- Younger or lower-status individuals initiate the wai to older or higher-status individuals.
- The person receiving the wai responds with a wai of a lower or equal level, or simply nods in acknowledgment.
Understanding the Wai: When and How to Show Respect in Thailand
Thai culture places a strong emphasis on respect and hierarchy, and the wai (ไหว้) is an important gesture used to greet others. Here’s how to use it correctly in different situations:
📌 Greeting an Elder, Monk, or High-Ranking Official
➡️ You should wai first.
👉 Raise your hands high near your forehead and give a deep bow. This shows the highest level of respect.
📌 Greeting a Boss, School Director, or Senior Colleague
➡️ You should wai first.
👉 Keep your hands at nose level and offer a slight bow. This acknowledges their seniority in a formal and polite manner.
📌 Greeting Colleagues of the Same Level
➡️ Either person can initiate the wai.
👉 A small wai with hands at chest level is appropriate. If you’re close colleagues, a friendly nod or smile may suffice.
📌 Greeting Students
➡️ Students will wai first.
👉 As a teacher, you can return a nod or a small wai at chest level. There’s no need for a deep wai, as teachers hold a higher status in Thai society.
📌 Greeting Service Workers (e.g., Shopkeepers, Drivers)
➡️ A wai is not necessary.
👉 A polite smile or a nod is enough. Many Thai service workers do not expect a wai from customers, but a friendly acknowledgment is always appreciated.
By understanding the correct way to use the wai, you’ll not only show proper respect but also build stronger connections in Thai society. 🙏😊
While the wai is a sign of respect, incorrect usage can be seen as rude or ignorant. Here’s what to avoid:
- Not returning a wai – If a student, colleague, or parent wais you, it’s polite to at least acknowledge it with a nod or small wai. Ignoring it can come off as dismissive.
- Wai-ing inappropriately – Wai-ing to children, service staff, or subordinates is unnecessary. In fact, Thai culture sees this as unusual, as the wai flows downward in the hierarchy, not upwards.
- Improper hand placement – Holding your hands too low (near the chest) when greeting someone highly respected (like a monk or director) is seen as disrespectful.
- Being too casual – The wai is not a wave or a high-five. Using it playfully can be perceived as mocking Thai traditions.
- Mixing it with a handshake – In some settings, Thais may offer a handshake to foreigners, but do not combine a wai with a handshake. It looks awkward and is not culturally appropriate.
How to Show Proper Respect with the Wai
If you want to ensure you pay proper respect and integrate well into Thai culture, follow these guidelines:
✔ Observe first – Watch how Thais around you initiate and return the wai in different situations. This will give you a better idea of what is appropriate.
✔ Wai according to status – Use higher hands and a deeper bow for superiors, and a lower wai with a slight bow for colleagues.
✔ Smile while you wai – A warm smile makes the gesture more natural and genuine.
✔ Use respectful language – Pair your wai with a polite greeting like:
- "Sawasdee krub" (for men) or "Sawasdee ka" (for women) when saying hello.
- "Khob khun krub/ka" when thanking someone.
✔ Don’t overuse it – Wai when it’s expected but don’t force it into every interaction. A polite nod or smile is often enough in casual situations.
Using the Wai as a Teacher in Thailand
As a foreign teacher, the wai plays a major role in daily school life. Here’s how you should handle it with different groups in a school setting:
1. Colleagues and Superiors
- School Directors & Administrators: Always wai first with hands at nose level and a small bow. This includes principals and senior staff members.
- Senior Teachers: Wai with hands at chest or nose level, depending on their seniority.
- Fellow Teachers: If they are of similar status, a small wai or nod is enough.
2. Students
- Receiving the Wai: Students will wai you first as a sign of respect. You should return a small wai at chest level or just a nod.
- Discipline & Apologies: If a student apologizes and wais you, it’s polite to acknowledge with a nod and kind words.
3. Parents & Community Members
- If parents greet you with a wai, return it with hands at chest level and a friendly smile.
- In rural areas like Saraburi and Roi Et, traditional values are stronger, so showing extra politeness with a proper wai is appreciated.
Regional Differences: Bangkok vs. Saraburi & Roi Et
After working in both Bangkok and rural provinces like Saraburi and Roi Et, I noticed that wai etiquette can vary slightly:
- Bangkok: More modern and international; some Thais, especially younger ones, may not expect a wai from foreigners.
- Saraburi & Roi Et: More traditional and hierarchical; wai-ing is taken more seriously, and showing proper respect is expected.
If you’re teaching in rural schools, be extra mindful of hierarchical structures and follow the wai customs more closely.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Wai with Confidence
Mastering the wai is not just about following rules – it’s about embracing Thai culture with respect and authenticity. Whether you’re greeting a school director in Bangkok, sharing a smile with a fellow teacher in Saraburi, or acknowledging a student’s respect in Roi Et, understanding the wai will enrich your experience as a teacher in Thailand.
With practice, the wai will become second nature, and you’ll find that it deepens your connections, both in and outside the classroom. So, embrace it, use it wisely, and most importantly – wai with respect and a smile! 😊
Are you a foreign teacher in Thailand? Share your experiences with the wai in the comments below!