To Wai you put your hands together on your chest and bow your head a little towards the tips of your fingers. There are different reasons to Wai in Thailand. It is used as a greeting, a thank you, to say goodbye, to apologize and to pray to Buddha.

Thais do not wai everyone, it is usually a sign of respect to someone who is older or wiser such as a Monk. You should not wai a younger person but you should return the wai if they wai you. Likewise you would not wai every shop owner when you make a purchase or a maid when she cleans you room.

As a tourist you'll hear many people tell you not to wai because you are not Thai, but I believe thats an ignorant way to think. This is a Thai custom that has meaning and feeling in it and as long as you wai in the right circumstance you will be sure to make a Thai smile and even if you did it wrong or it seemed awkward the Thais love to see someone try aspects of their culture.

Exploring a new culture can be a wonderful way to learn more about the country you are visiting. By adopting some cultural cues from the native people you'll open your your experience up in measurable ways that can be very rewarding and much more of a souvenir of your trip than any trinket bought.

At first giving a wai may seem awkward and it may very well be a less than perfect attempt, it's not as natural to a westerner as a handshake, but the Thais know this and will respect you for trying. In the end to wai or not in Thailand as a visitor is of course up to you.