Thailand 101

My strategy to thriving in Land of Smiles is just that; smile. The language, the culture and the customs are all different. But smiling is an instant connection to the Thai heart.

Lesson 2, after you've mastered the 'smile and look dazed' phase, is the wai. Remember that slight bow with hands together, that you've seen in Asian films? Alive and thriving!

Basics of wai form:

1. Elbows at sides, not out like a chicken.

2. Palms together, prayer like, with the tips of your fingers somewhere around your chin.

3. Bow slightly (sometimes)

Etiquette for wai:

The person of social inferiority always wais first. Basically, I wai everyone but students. If someone doesn't immediately wai me, it's my social cue to wai them. The depth of bow depends on just how superior they are. You wai someone the first time you greet them in the day, then need not wai again. A monk will never wai you back, so don't be offended.

Smiling and wai-ing are about the only things I have down, although I did order my lunch today in Thai. The Thais are a gentle and forgiving people. If my undoubtable American faux pas is accompanied by smiles, they will graciously forgive my awkwardness.