Thank you 🙏🏼. I ask my Thai-wife many time how to do the right wai. I never got a satisfying answer. I am only married 20 years😭. Thanks cute teacher👍🏽
My wife is Thai and I just got to visit Thailand (Bangkok and Phuket) for the first time. I asked my wife about the different levels of the Wai but she couldn’t remember the different ones. She told me she’s been gone for too long and she doesn’t think the younger generation of people in Thailand use the different levels. So it was really nice seeing you explain the different levels so clearly. I had such a good time in Thailand I am already planning another trip for 2025!
This was so helpful. I watched before I went to Bangkok for the first time. Thai people “wai” a lot! I used it to show thanks to all the people that helped me as a new visitor. They seemed to really appreciate the gesture! They usually always responded with a big smile.
Sawadee Khrap 🙏 Sabai dee mai? Very well explained... Been visiting Thailand for about 19 years now on and off. Thankfully i know how to wai but so many people don't really understand so this video is good. Absolutely love Thailand especially the culture, food and people. Bangkok is my favourite city in the world and look forward to being back as soon as things get back to normal. Really miss Pad krapow moo, chu chee goong, yam moo yor... Aroy mak mak 😋😋😋 Best wishes everyone and many thanks to all the Thai people that I've had the pleasure to meet over the years... Khop khun khrap 🙏🙂
When Thai words are written using English letters, an 'h' after a consonant is used to give that consonant a 'hard' sound. For example: 'Phi Phi', 'Prathum Thani' and 'Loy Krathong' are pronounced 'Pee Pee', 'Prattum Tanni' and 'Loy Krattong'. We do say 'Thailand' and not 'Thigh-land' after all. However, English words like 'thank you' and 'thumb' are often said as 'tank you' and, in this case, 'tumm', by Thai natives.
Do I have to put my plastic bags from 7-11 down when I wai? If I have one hand full, can I simply raise my other hand and put my thumb to my nose and wave my fingers?
Nice lesson. Nowadays (my last stay was 2019) I see - especially young - people only imply or indicate the wai slighlty, using only one hand (because the other is holding the phone etc.).
Excellent! I wish I could help you pronounce the word Thumb. Thai’ who actually speak English Very well so often have a couple of small things that if they could learn would take their skills to the next level. Words with TH, an V especially.
I'm a bit confused about a wai for somebody younger. If somebody is younger than me, they typically will wai me, and I'm told I don't have to do anything, but it is polite to at least put your palms together at chest level and maybe give us light head nod to acknowledge their wai . My understanding is a wai is a gesture of respect so in that regard you don't wai children or wait staff, etc. Out of respect I typically do put my palms together at chest level as mentioned, just to acknowledge and show appreciation of the wai. I'm 63, so I get wai from many people. In the video here you talk about presenting a wai to younger people so that has me confused . Could you also comment about waving to someone? Very common in United States to wave your hand to say hi with a smile. I see some kids do this in Thailand as well. Not sure of the custom here. Could you comment?
@@Hitngan 😂😂😂 definitely. It has been quite a while since i was there as crew on layover. Just hoping that all this pandemic eases enough soon so i can return.
@@seanmcerlean I have a couple of friends over there now, they say Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Hau Hin are like ghost towns. The sea is much cleaner though, so when it does open up again it will be nice and fresh.
@@Hitngan I agree that to get in ahead of the crowds would be great. I just wonder how many local businesses & transport networks will be open. I would try to head for samui otpr ko tao for scuba diving.
very helpful to know... if I am not wrong there are some more details, like parents dont "need" to Wai their children... or when living in a hotel, greeting hotel staff, maybe not necessary, but at least friendly when do so.
Thank you. What about someone who is our equal or peer? Can I assume we Wai to younger and peers with the thumb to the chin? Or are peers considered older and Wai with thumbs to the nose?
I was recently told not to wai to people younger than me (I did a wai to a younger person who took my order at a restaurant)...that done incorrectly, it’s like I’m wish them to die. Did I misunderstand the person teaching me?
(Marked a typo edit with a *) You don’t need to initiate a wai in regard to people younger than you, or those which have a ‘lower class’ than you in society/hierarchy. They wold have to initiate. In those situations, it would be up to you if you would like to wai in return; the alternative *being some other usual form of acknowledgment eg. a nod, a smile, etc. Hope that helps :)
She skipped over a bunch of rules, some that may be regionally specific, but I'm not 100% sure about that. These rules not only dictate when to initiate but also when to respond, if given a wai. I learned foreigners are usually not expected to wai. There are some formal situations (business and diplomatic mostly), where one absolutely should wai, but most never find themselves in one of those circumstances. When in doubt, just ask someone ahead of time. One Thai friend told me most Thais don't care if you do it wrong and think it's cute that the foreigner is trying. I rarely wai. Instead, I do what a Thai friend suggested and just nod and smile. But that's not without its risks, as it can be interpreted as me thinking I'm too superior to return a wai. That happened to me recently, but fortunately a Thai friend stepped in and smoothed things over. That said, my Thai friends, who do correct me on things, have never had an issue with my not using the wai. My advice is use it sparingly and only when you are absolutely certain it's appropriate.
@Seoul Man: It may be a regional difference, but I doubt it. Generally, the customer does not wai to the serving staff. You don't wai those younger than you. If you are greeted by either of these with a wai, a smile and nod is considered the proper reply. As a general rule, foreigners are not expected to initiate or respond with a wai, however it goes a long way to learn the basic customs of respect and will earn many friends.
Great lesson, khun Som, thank you for explaining. At the end of the video you should have dipped into that pool. Suggestion - next time, can you explain thai swimming suits vs western bikini? Thanks so much in advance.
As a rule of thumb, yes, but not necessarily. Status is an important factor. For example, one mistake I often see is customers initiating the Wai to waiters/waitress pub staff etc. Regardless of age, the staff should welcome the customer using the wai. Also, you would never initiate the wai to an older homeless person on the street. They might even feel embarrassed by this.
This is true because it shows that children have respect for adults. for the elderly Greeting younger people does not require raising their hands. You can start with a greeting with "sawadee". This will make you appear less arrogant. and you will be respected and loved
@@Arhereroy as an older person, I was questioning that if a child comes towards me, should I automatically put my hand out or should I wait for them to make the move towards it. But like you say, probably just saying “Sawadee” is a good start.
@@PolarAttack Some older people have high egos. like to think of himself as older The child had to approach first, but actually it wasn't. The way you approached the child earlier shows that you are a sweet adult. but usually in general Thai children always take the initiative to greet you first.
@@crondigady Exactly mate. There's always a moronic comment by some know-it-all that learned everything there is to know about Thailand during a trip spent in a red light district.
Very useful, BUT you forgot one important fact that tourists always get wrong. You need to explain who initiates the wai - tourists are always wai'ing waiters, shop clerks etc. first, since they have no idea that the initiator is the person of lower status.
@@samthepoet107 Point taken, but the wai is part of Thai culture, and is thus based on the Thai perception of hierarchy. Introducing Western rules just confuses everything, and is, frankly, somewhat arrogant ("Our way is better!")
Song, singing about Y ! And I made tears for missing Thai’s and all there Y’s Felling à deeply and strong connection from my ♥️ and to this great people and all my friends in Thailand 🇹🇭 My you sooner open up and make dining with me. Please 🙏
Thank you 🙏🏼. I ask my Thai-wife many time how to do the right wai. I never got a satisfying answer. I am only married 20 years😭. Thanks cute teacher👍🏽
She could have been talking about anything, still would have watched!
Pretty dumb!!!
@@DT-gs3wi I dunno she might be quite bright
Mark!!! I am not calling her dumb it’s dumb shows 🙄😂
@@DT-gs3wi I know I know. I was being silly. It's me, just having some fun of the old school un-pc type🤣 No offence intended.
@@markhenry192 ok ok Ok 😂😂😂😂
My wife is Thai and I just got to visit Thailand (Bangkok and Phuket) for the first time. I asked my wife about the different levels of the Wai but she couldn’t remember the different ones. She told me she’s been gone for too long and she doesn’t think the younger generation of people in Thailand use the different levels. So it was really nice seeing you explain the different levels so clearly. I had such a good time in Thailand I am already planning another trip for 2025!
This was so helpful. I watched before I went to Bangkok for the first time. Thai people “wai” a lot! I used it to show thanks to all the people that helped me as a new visitor. They seemed to really appreciate the gesture! They usually always responded with a big smile.
Awesome... thanks for explaining that! I humbly request that you appear on Ask the Thai 😁
I'll give her a Tumms Up
Thanks for the teaching Som. You are very beautiful and you speak great English
Next episode, Walk like an Egyptian.
SOM, is a great addition to TheThaiger. She is very beautiful and has a good presence in front of the camera.
Sawadee Khrap 🙏
Sabai dee mai?
Very well explained...
Been visiting Thailand for about 19 years now on and off. Thankfully i know how to wai but so many people don't really understand so this video is good. Absolutely love Thailand especially the culture, food and people. Bangkok is my favourite city in the world and look forward to being back as soon as things get back to normal. Really miss Pad krapow moo, chu chee goong, yam moo yor... Aroy mak mak 😋😋😋
Best wishes everyone and many thanks to all the Thai people that I've had the pleasure to meet over the years... Khop khun khrap 🙏🙂
Very sweet and helpful. Thank you Som
When Thai words are written using English letters, an 'h' after a consonant is used to give that consonant a 'hard' sound. For example: 'Phi Phi', 'Prathum Thani' and 'Loy Krathong' are pronounced 'Pee Pee', 'Prattum Tanni' and 'Loy Krattong'. We do say 'Thailand' and not 'Thigh-land' after all. However, English words like 'thank you' and 'thumb' are often said as 'tank you' and, in this case, 'tumm', by Thai natives.
Tanks for the tips 😀. I used to think Thais could not say it but from reading your comment it all makes sense now.
Thanks
Did not know you use the thumbs.learn something every day Som thanks
Beautiful, well-spoken and with a radiant personality!! I think I’m in love 😍😘🥰🇹🇭🇩🇰🙏👍
Do I have to put my plastic bags from 7-11 down when I wai? If I have one hand full, can I simply raise my other hand and put my thumb to my nose and wave my fingers?
I think you'll be lucky if 7/11 give you a plastic bag these days. But, no you can't.
Nice lesson. Nowadays (my last stay was 2019) I see - especially young - people only imply or indicate the wai slighlty, using only one hand (because the other is holding the phone etc.).
Very well explained and clear thank you.........
Love the way you explain.
Excellent! I wish I could help you pronounce the word Thumb. Thai’ who actually speak English Very well so often have a couple of small things that if they could learn would take their skills to the next level. Words with TH, an V especially.
Or s like in house
Yes not like Tumb
Som rocks
Thanks for the info 🙏🏻
She is so cute.
looks like skeletor to me
what an angel
Very good English and info thanks
Wonderful! Thank you!
Interesting and useful to know, korp khun krap Som 🙏
Very informative and a lot easier to listen to the information then the previous vlog on VR... 😉😉😉😀😀😀
Super Useful! Thank you!
Well done! Very informative.....thanks! 😀
Been going to thailand a few years now never new about the tums position THANKS 😊
Thanks som
i learned something today ,thanks Som!
Very good Som.. informative..n easy to understand..out of 10...I give u 11.. Et.
I think i prefer the old format of news.
This is not a news broadcast.
Thank you 🙏🏽
Very good thank you. I enjoyed video
This is the best vlogger
Thanks you a lot. Now i know how to wai to the Thai People.
Thanks Som
Excellent video - well done!
Thank you, but some of us are probably older than everybody
I'm a bit confused about a wai for somebody younger. If somebody is younger than me, they typically will wai me, and I'm told I don't have to do anything, but it is polite to at least put your palms together at chest level and maybe give us light head nod to acknowledge their wai . My understanding is a wai is a gesture of respect so in that regard you don't wai children or wait staff, etc. Out of respect I typically do put my palms together at chest level as mentioned, just to acknowledge and show appreciation of the wai. I'm 63, so I get wai from many people. In the video here you talk about presenting a wai to younger people so that has me confused . Could you also comment about waving to someone? Very common in United States to wave your hand to say hi with a smile. I see some kids do this in Thailand as well. Not sure of the custom here. Could you comment?
Sawasdee Krup Som,
Kup krun Kup.
Have a lovely day.
🙏
😂 I think you need more Thai lessons, or maybe English lessons.
@@Hitngan 😂😂😂 definitely.
It has been quite a while since i was there as crew on layover.
Just hoping that all this pandemic eases enough soon so i can return.
@@seanmcerlean I have a couple of friends over there now, they say Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Hau Hin are like ghost towns. The sea is much cleaner though, so when it does open up again it will be nice and fresh.
@@Hitngan I agree that to get in ahead of the crowds would be great.
I just wonder how many local businesses & transport networks will be open.
I would try to head for samui otpr ko tao for scuba diving.
Thanks
very helpful to know... if I am not wrong there are some more details, like parents dont "need" to Wai their children... or when living in a hotel, greeting hotel staff, maybe not necessary, but at least friendly when do so.
Thank you. What about someone who is our equal or peer? Can I assume we Wai to younger and peers with the thumb to the chin? Or are peers considered older and Wai with thumbs to the nose?
If person book anything for full month and person is still kid so how to greet? And that person also from same country too.
I was recently told not to wai to people younger than me (I did a wai to a younger person who took my order at a restaurant)...that done incorrectly, it’s like I’m wish them to die. Did I misunderstand the person teaching me?
(Marked a typo edit with a *)
You don’t need to initiate a wai in regard to people younger than you, or those which have a ‘lower class’ than you in society/hierarchy. They wold have to initiate.
In those situations, it would be up to you if you would like to wai in return; the alternative *being some other usual form of acknowledgment eg. a nod, a smile, etc.
Hope that helps :)
@@nekoniners helps a lot. Thank you!
She skipped over a bunch of rules, some that may be regionally specific, but I'm not 100% sure about that. These rules not only dictate when to initiate but also when to respond, if given a wai. I learned foreigners are usually not expected to wai. There are some formal situations (business and diplomatic mostly), where one absolutely should wai, but most never find themselves in one of those circumstances. When in doubt, just ask someone ahead of time. One Thai friend told me most Thais don't care if you do it wrong and think it's cute that the foreigner is trying. I rarely wai. Instead, I do what a Thai friend suggested and just nod and smile. But that's not without its risks, as it can be interpreted as me thinking I'm too superior to return a wai. That happened to me recently, but fortunately a Thai friend stepped in and smoothed things over. That said, my Thai friends, who do correct me on things, have never had an issue with my not using the wai. My advice is use it sparingly and only when you are absolutely certain it's appropriate.
@Seoul Man: It may be a regional difference, but I doubt it. Generally, the customer does not wai to the serving staff. You don't wai those younger than you. If you are greeted by either of these with a wai, a smile and nod is considered the proper reply. As a general rule, foreigners are not expected to initiate or respond with a wai, however it goes a long way to learn the basic customs of respect and will earn many friends.
@@nekoniners hehe so sorry, I replied to Seoul Man before I saw your reply. :)
Is Wai etiquette the same in all Asian countries? Or they do it slightly different in say Myanmar for example?
Very Helpful ,can we like this please . Thank you
Great information,,,
Good to know🙏
Great lesson, khun Som, thank you for explaining. At the end of the video you should have dipped into that pool. Suggestion - next time, can you explain thai swimming suits vs western bikini? Thanks so much in advance.
Is it true that younger people would initiate the Wai to older people.
As a rule of thumb, yes, but not necessarily. Status is an important factor. For example, one mistake I often see is customers initiating the Wai to waiters/waitress pub staff etc. Regardless of age, the staff should welcome the customer using the wai. Also, you would never initiate the wai to an older homeless person on the street. They might even feel embarrassed by this.
This is true because it shows that children have respect for adults. for the elderly Greeting younger people does not require raising their hands. You can start with a greeting with "sawadee". This will make you appear less arrogant. and you will be respected and loved
@@Arhereroy as an older person, I was questioning that if a child comes towards me, should I automatically put my hand out or should I wait for them to make the move towards it. But like you say, probably just saying “Sawadee” is a good start.
@@PolarAttack Some older people have high egos. like to think of himself as older The child had to approach first, but actually it wasn't. The way you approached the child earlier shows that you are a sweet adult. but usually in general Thai children always take the initiative to greet you first.
@@Arhereroy thank you for explaining 🫰🏻
wai sang som i remember good time in freeland so sad present is already beyond
Nice Som👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks for the lesson ! Is this the way only in Thailand or all Asia ?
Just Thailand 🙄
I’m in love 😍😍😍 hi som
Thanks you Som, great insight into Thai culture! 😃🙏
GREAT !!!
Land of smile. Wai like a Thai🙌👏👍
ว้าว ... น่ารักที่สุดเลย
🌶️🥰🇹🇭
Nice 👍
How often we can come across thai loyals during our vacation?
You do come into contact with monks.
@@brettallan7417 half of them are fake )
like never
@@keremyaka1 Have to agree with you.
How to get fare welled like a Falang.
Thank you great video,'ll try on my Thai friends
I’m still not 100% sure , I think I NEED private lessons / tutoring ... 😍
What about equals?
She is very pretty. With a great personality.
Your comment says the most about you . She have a video about wai ...
What’s with the thumbs?
What about your father in law if you are older than he is?
Feels like prep gesture b4 mma
I thought she said lie like a Thai, that makes more sense to me.
Lie, you must be one of those bitter humans going around !
Don’t be afraid to leave Soi Cowboy. You might learn something
@@crondigady Exactly mate. There's always a moronic comment by some know-it-all that learned everything there is to know about Thailand during a trip spent in a red light district.
Very useful, BUT you forgot one important fact that tourists always get wrong. You need to explain who initiates the wai - tourists are always wai'ing waiters, shop clerks etc. first, since they have no idea that the initiator is the person of lower status.
What makes you think being a waiter is of lower status? Some waiters have gone on to be congress representatives or other high positions.
@@samthepoet107 Point taken, but the wai is part of Thai culture, and is thus based on the Thai perception of hierarchy. Introducing Western rules just confuses everything, and is, frankly, somewhat arrogant ("Our way is better!")
To be good slave or submit ? Lol 😂 😂
Very good gesture similar to namaste in india .
watched without sound.
Studying Thai using Mango Languages. Not the same. :(
Wai? What does tha mean exactly? I don't like inferring from context.
It's all about the tumm
Nice..wow..enjoy vlogging
Beautiful 😍
🙏🏻
She’s lovely
Think I will need some private lessons
me too
@@BobbyDazzler888 I think long and many of them
@@BobbyDazzler888 stupid
สวัสดีครับ(hello)
👍
Many quesyions
What should I do when Thai lady not respect me well (assuming not a royal Thai lady)?
There's only one question everyone wants to know. Is she single?
And of course you had to make this video by the pool wearing swimwear.
Why not ? she was well covered up and in no way controversial Perhaps you think she should wear a duffel coat, gloves and a woolly hat. Some people.
@@russellprout723 or a burka? Professionally offended 😒
I would love to see more of Som
< < < AND I THOUGHT TUMS WERE ONLY FOR HEARTBURN. > > >
Song, singing about Y !
And I made tears for missing Thai’s and all there Y’s
Felling à deeply and strong connection from my ♥️ and to this great people and all my friends in Thailand 🇹🇭
My you sooner open up and make dining with me. Please 🙏
Kong u Karp only to a monk
This is NOT Nimz....................
Karp
When TheThaiger makes such videos, it generates mostly junk comments from stupid and desperate older men :(
I will forget this by the time I disembark after a few drinks on a long flight. High 5 everyone. Keep it simple for farang.
uufffffff
This host is too beautiful 💐🙏
Your comment says the most about you
@@lindagreen4529 since when is complimenting someone bad? I know how to wai, been doing it for years.
@@archiec8391 Get a real life, stupid old man.
@@lindagreen4529 oh Linda, jealous that no one has called you beautiful? Stick with being a woke SJW
@@lindagreen4529 hey , are you having a nice day?