ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Thai greeting

In Thailand, when people say hello or greet each other, they do it in a special way. It's called the "wai." To do a wai, you put your hands together like you're praying and bring them up to your chest, while bowing your head slightly. It's like saying "hello" and "nice to meet you" at the same time!

The wai is really important in Thai culture because it shows respect and honor towards the person you're greeting. It's a way to show that you acknowledge their presence and that you're happy to see them.

In Thailand, people also use different wais for different situations. For example, if you're greeting someone who is older than you or has a higher social status, you would do a deeper and more respectful wai. If you're greeting someone your own age or a friend, you would do a more casual wai.

Overall, the wai is a very important tradition in Thai culture and it's used to show respect, honor, and friendliness to others. So next time you visit Thailand, don't forget to do the wai when you meet someone new!