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**cinggooft** · 03-09-2009, 07:16 PM

I am not a Thai but I would probably handle them like this. If I commit any faux fas, please correct me.

Question 1:
I give a small gift to someone like a hotel receptionist and she does a "wai" of thanks. Should I return the "wai"? Or is just a nod, smile and "Mai ben rai" okay? Or maybe say "Indee khog Pom Krap"? I will smile or say Mai Pen Rai.

Question 2:
I have a Thai teacher who is much younger than I am. I am also an "acharn" but she has never been my student:
At the beginning and end of each class should I "wai" her first as my teacher? I will initiate the wai at the beginning and end of each class.

If I were to run into her in two years after class is over (and again, I am about 20 years older than her) should I "wai" her first again: In other words, once a teacher, always my teacher? I will again initiate the wai when I see her. I still regard her as my teacher even though she may not be teaching me at that time. Students have a debt of gratitude towards their teacher. Teachers impart knowledge and give guidance to thier students so that they can do well in life. No matter how high I climb in life, I will still be indebted to her.

Question 3: How sensitive are Thais to this "wai" custom meaning if a farang gets in wrong (does not wai a teacher first etc) will they be offended or will they just let it slide as another "farang mistake"? Thais generally will not be offended if you do not follow the proper wai ritual.

03-09-2009, 07:16 PM	#4
cinggooft Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 484 Senior Member	I am not a Thai but I would probably handle them like this. If I commit any faux fas, please correct me. Question 1: I give a small gift to someone like a hotel receptionist and she does a "wai" of thanks. Should I return the "wai"? Or is just a nod, smile and "Mai ben rai" okay? Or maybe say "Indee khog Pom Krap"? I will smile or say Mai Pen Rai. Question 2: I have a Thai teacher who is much younger than I am. I am also an "acharn" but she has never been my student: At the beginning and end of each class should I "wai" her first as my teacher? I will initiate the wai at the beginning and end of each class. If I were to run into her in two years after class is over (and again, I am about 20 years older than her) should I "wai" her first again: In other words, once a teacher, always my teacher? I will again initiate the wai when I see her. I still regard her as my teacher even though she may not be teaching me at that time. Students have a debt of gratitude towards their teacher. Teachers impart knowledge and give guidance to thier students so that they can do well in life. No matter how high I climb in life, I will still be indebted to her. Question 3: How sensitive are Thais to this "wai" custom meaning if a farang gets in wrong (does not wai a teacher first etc) will they be offended or will they just let it slide as another "farang mistake"? Thais generally will not be offended if you do not follow the proper wai ritual.
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