The prayer-hands gesture used to greet, thank, apologise, and show reverence — how it works and when to use it.
Hands pressed together at chest or face level with a slight bow — the height of the hands and depth of bow indicate the level of respect shown.
The younger or lower-status person initiates; Thais never expect foreigners to wai first; returning a wai is always appropriate and appreciated.
Greeting people, saying goodbye, saying thank you, apologising, showing reverence to monks or Buddha images.
Don't wai service workers (a smile and nod is fine); monks don't wai back to women (they can't touch women); children wai adults, not the other way around.
7-Eleven and chain restaurant staff are trained to wai customers — you don't need to wai back, a smile or nod is fine.
