[Oswczrdz]

Yes, I remember the 'thank you' wai, and have used it myself, and remember students at AUA used it, also.

What I was thinking of was this, and some other situations: After I was in Thaland for just a few days it was decided we should go to the National Theater (at least I think that is where we went) to hear a performance of His Majesty's music. It is important to note here that I had been told that a wai was a greeting, sort of like a hand shake, so that is the way I was still thinking of it. I had never been in the presence of royalty or even dignitaries before, either. While waiting in the lobby, someone said to me ' here comes the Queen Mother'. Suddenly everyone was waii-ing except me. I realized what was happening in time to save myself from too much embarassment, fortunately.

There are other instances, too. The last one was when I met someone I had come to consider a friend after not having seen her for a year. I wai-ed first, which I was told later was a no-no, given our 'stations in life'. I see it now as a very spontaneous thing to do, & a sign of friendship. I still do not think I did wrong, unless of course it embarassed the other person.

I think it would be a great idea if the language schools would (and perhaps they do) offer courses in Thai etiquette.