The Thai tradition of greeting, known as “wai,” is a cultural practice of showing respect and exchanging pleasantries when meeting or parting ways. The act of “wai” signifies a display of mutual kindness and honor towards each other. Apart from the common greeting phrase “sawasdee,” Professor Dr. Kanchana Nakasakul, a graduate of the Royal Institute, describes Thais as people with gentle manners, emphasizing that the act of bowing is one way to express mutual respect and politeness.
The cultural roots of the Thai greeting tradition are not explicitly documented. Mr. Phanom Kaewkamnerd, former secretary of the National Culture Commission (currently renamed as the Department of Cultural Promotion), suggests that bowing is a natural inclination for humans to express love and respect due to the unique development of the human brain. People naturally contemplate how to lead a good life, what to eat for good health, how to dress appropriately, and, similarly, how to interact positively with others. Touch is a language of affection, and physical contact is considered a form of expression of love. Humans, like pets such as dogs or cats, often express love by touching their owners. Similarly, human beings use hugs to demonstrate affection. While some Western countries use handshakes upon meeting, Asian cultures, including Thailand, tend to use self-touch as a way to greet and show respect.
The act of “wai” is not only a gesture of respect but also a reflection of Thai identity and cultural heritage. The tradition, however, is gradually fading away and being overlooked. Thailand, once renowned as the “Land of Smiles,” is losing this unique cultural aspect that people worldwide have come to recognize. The act of “wai” is deeply ingrained in Thai society, and despite being perceived as old-fashioned by some, it remains a beautiful and meaningful tradition that can be adapted to suit various occasions and locations.
When it comes to the practice of “wai,” there are three levels defined by the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture. These levels are determined by the position of the hands and the face:
- Level 1: Used for bowing to sacred objects, including Buddha images, the Dharma, and monks. In this level, the hands are raised to touch the forehead, symbolizing the highest level of respect.
This cultural practice of greeting, expressed through the “wai,” goes beyond mere tradition. It serves as a language of respect, friendship, and timeless customs, representing the refined cultural heritage of the Thai people.
Wai Level 2: Reserved for Parents, Grandparents, Teachers, and Respected Figures
Wai Level 2 is employed when showing respect to parents, grandparents, teachers, and individuals deserving high esteem. In this level, the hands are raised with the fingertips touching the nose. The index fingers make contact between the eyebrows, signifying a higher level of respect for individuals within this group. The hands, while making contact with the face, are lowered to a position slightly below the nose. This gesture conveys that individuals in this group provide us with the breath of life and contribute to our ability to navigate societal challenges. Displaying respect through the Wai Level 2 involves raising the hands to the nose area.
Wai Level 3: Used for General Greetings
Wai Level 3 is utilized for general greetings to individuals slightly older or of equal age but deserving respect. This level is also suitable for friends. In this level, the hands are raised with the fingertips touching the chin. The index fingers make contact with the tip of the nose, symbolizing that individuals in this group deserve respect slightly less than parents and teachers. The hands, while making contact with the face, are lowered to a position slightly below the chin. This gesture implies that individuals in this group are essential for our regular interactions and warrant careful choice of words when communicating. The hands are raised to the chin area in Wai Level 3.
Proper Execution of the Wai
When standing to perform the Wai, men stand straight and slightly bow while raising their hands. The position of the hands is adjusted according to the level of respect. After the Wai, they return to the original standing position. For women, standing with one foot slightly behind and raising the hands in the Wai gesture is appropriate.
Responding to the Wai: Placing the hands at chest level signifies acknowledging and reciprocating the gesture, indicating interest and appreciation for the respect shown.
Understanding the nuances of the Wai levels and hand positions allows for a graceful and culturally appropriate expression of respect. In contemporary times, with cultural influences from the West, the younger generation may overlook or underestimate the significance of this traditional Thai custom. However, the resurgence of interest in Thai culture, evident in various establishments where employees greet and thank customers with the Wai, reflects a positive shift towards recognizing and preserving these cultural values.
