Regarding Wai greetings?

[johngalt1074]

Because of my disability, it is very difficult for fingers on my right hand to remain straight. So a traditional Wai is almost impossible. but when I was a martial arts student as a kid my instructor taught me the flat palm over fist salute.

 

In the Thai culture I am hoping that this gesture is not considered an insult?

[Grumpy]

In most cases a smile and a nod is all you will need...seriously. 95%+ of the time you'll be dealing with service people and BGs who will NOT expect it, and you should not give it.

[hungryandy]

In most cases a smile and a nod is all you will need...seriously. 95%+ of the time you'll be dealing with service people and BGs who will NOT expect it, and you should not give it.

 

Grumpy is spot on - we wai 95% of teh time to people we shouldn't.

That is considered not just strange but looses you face, and puts you below them in social class.

A Polite nod to the rank and file is quite OK ESPECIALLY for a foreigner.

 

I would avoid a clenched fist. In Business I have and have seen Thais wai with things in their hands and they will often do a 1 handed wai with the hand holding things up against the arm thats holding something.

 

In your case I suggest you could leverage this method by doing a 1 handed wai with the fist hand against your fore arm. No chance of being seen to be making a fist and every chance of being perceived as a person trying to make a polite effort.

 

Unless its a Thai Business meeting, or your meeting a SENIOR person at a hotel or resturant (like Owner or genreal manager, then stick to a polite smile and a gentle bow of the head.

[redfred]

i agree with the previous posts,a smile and a nod is sufficiant.to many tourists get carried away and wai everything that moves.