Thai greeting

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The Thai greeting referred to as the wai (Thai: ไหว้) Or in Lao as "Kub" consists of a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion.

It is also common as a way to thank someone or apologise.

[edit] Origin

The wai originated from an ancient greeting that was done to show neither individual had any weapons. There exist multiple versions of the greeting based on social class, gender, and age.^{[citation needed]}

One speculation is that it comes from the Buddhist Religion. After certain prayers, one must clasp their hands together and bring it down towards the ground three times.

The higher the hands are held in relation to the face, the more respect/reverence the the giver of the wai is showing.

[edit] See also

• Namaste