Thailand: Bow or Non-Contact Gesture — The Traditional Greeting.
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Bow or Non-Contact Gesture — The Traditional Greeting. The "wai" — pressed-together palms with a slight bow — is the traditional greeting, and it is genuinely appreciated when visitors attempt it; physical contact with strangers, including handshakes, is less common.
Thailand: Bow or Non-Contact Gesture — The Traditional Greeting. The "wai" — pressed-together palms with a slight bow — is the traditional greeting, and it is genuinely appreciated when visitors attempt it; physical contact with strangers, including handshakes, is less common.
In Thailand, a bow or non-contact gesture is the standard respectful greeting, and physical contact with people you've just met is generally avoided.
A light handshake or friendly nod is a safe default almost anywhere in the world. Let the other person initiate anything closer, like a hug or cheek kiss — following their lead avoids any awkwardness.
This reflects the general, most common pattern for a destination, not a fixed rule — greeting style varies by region, generation, and setting, and it's always fine to follow the other person's lead or offer a simple handshake if you're unsure.