[Pwy9egVW]

Does this mean that I don't have to wai the doorman back at hotels and such places?

[Zdmlscid]

yep...

[dhrishiasv]

Yes, normally i don't wai to people younger than my age... i'm refering to my customers as in my field of work. normally i don't know their age on first introduction.
I do Wai to a go go lady asking for tips though.. but its more like "begging" them not to pester me. Normally they laughed and walked away.. jus kidding...

[tevyrefficy]

What happened to Paul, now he is deliberately trying to be humourous to the extent that it is no longer funny. I prefer the old Paul.

[dhrishiasv]

I think Thai are VERY forgiving to foreigners regardless of regardless whether you are farang or not. I am a chinese s'porean working in Thai and when i go see my customers, I always WAI first (even if they are younger) and make sure they know I am not local Thai.
They will normally be surprise and praise "wai suay duay ka/krup".
A simple Wai and sawadeekrup usually impress them... even if you accidentally say something inappropriate like "khob jai krup" to your gf's parents, they'll simply laugh it off... my experience. .. make sure you apologise though and tell them you are trying hard to learn their language.... they'll usually appreciate your interest in their culture and language.

[Jackson]

Bucky:

No reason to 'wai' those younger than you first, the thais will have a joke at your expense.

Sure, the Thais will understand if you cock up a little along the way, but they will appreciate any farang that tries to understand their culture.

[Immampdah]

Hi Stevesuphan,

Thank you for your excellent reply. I understand that the act of wai-ing is governed by respect, age, and status but there are so many variations. When my wife and I meet our friend's parents, we want to be confident in paying them due respect and obviously, we want them to like us and hope that we can form the beginnings of a lasting friendship. Your reply has given us that confidence.

Thanks again.
Ivor.

[Roorseprate]

As many people already know of my royal status on this forum, his royal (hines) Crown Prince Paul of Australia, when you see me in Thailand, there is know need to bow, as I'm a modern royal. A simple G-Day will do.

[Jackson]

Glad to hear that thanchart.

Thais always have a laugh at the expense of the Farang when one is seen walking into a go-go bar or past a bar-beer and wai-ing first, every girlie he sees.

Thais also very much appreciate the Farang etc.. who knows when and how to wai. They will like you even more.

Steve

[Anteneprorid]

Quote[/b] (stevesuphan @ Feb. 28 2005,08:26)]Good topic starter as most Farang don't know the ins and outs about 'wai-ing'.

Steve,

Thanks for these valuable guidelines. Now I known when to do what. Dun even think this lack of understanding is restricted to Farangs. I also don't know.

[Jackson]

Good topic starter as most Farang don't know the ins and outs about 'wai-ing'.

As most part, the younger ought to 'wai' the elder first and especially your friend's parents. It doesn't matter who you wai first, be it mom or dad.

The elder ought to wai you back unless they dont like you or if you are a child.

Most Farang dont know, but there are variations to the law of 'wai-ing'. If for example your boss is younger than you, then you ought to 'wai' him first but if there is a big age gap you either wai at the same time or just dont wai at all.

Again, if a man has a girlfriend much younger and her elder brother/sisters are younger than him, he ought to wai them first and call them 'Pee' (elder) even though they are in fact younger than him. But social status does intervene and if he has a decent occupation/education then he may not wai them at all.

Im a teacher here in Thailand and most of my kids parents are older than me but cause teachers are respected in Thailand they ought to 'wai' me first, if the age/social status gap isnt too big. I have had on the otherhand parents who are much older and of high social status and so i should 'wai' them first.

One other example: i had students once who were high ranking policemen, i couldnt wai them first as they were my students and they couldnt wai me first too because of their age/rank etc... so in this kind of situation it is far better to just 'shake hands'.

[Immampdah]

Soon, me and my wife will be meeting our friend's parents in Chiang Rai.

My question is, should we wai to her mother and then to her father, or should we wai to her father and then to her mother? Or is it acceptable to wai in the general direction of them both?