Greeting — Wai & Khrap/Ka

The Thai greeting is the Wai (ไหว้) — the palms are pressed together in front of the chest (like in prayer), and you slightly bow your head. The Wai is a greeting, thank you, and sign of respect all in one.

Wai Rules

• The higher the hands and the deeper the bow, the more respect. In front of monks: Hands at forehead level, deep bow. In front of older people: Hands at nose level. Among peers: Hands at chest level.
• As a tourist: You don't have to initiate the Wai, but you should return it if someone gives you a Wai. Exception: Children and service staff (waiters, drivers) — here you don't need to return it (a friendly smile and nod suffice).
• Common mistake: Do not Wai while holding money/items. Hands must be free.

Basic Greetings

German	Thai (Phonetic)	Thai Script
Hello (man says)	sa-wàt-dii kráp	สวัสดีครับ
Hello (woman says)	sa-wàt-dii kâ	สวัสดีค่ะ
How are you?	sa-bai-dii mái?	สบายดีไหม
I'm fine	sa-bai-dii	สบายดี
Thank you	kòp-kun kráp/kâ	ขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ
Sorry	kǒo-tôot kráp/kâ	ขอโทษครับ/ค่ะ
Yes	châi kráp/kâ	ใช่ครับ/ค่ะ
No	mâi châi kráp/kâ	ไม่ใช่ครับ/ค่ะ
It's okay	mâi pen rai	ไม่เป็นไร
I don't understand	mâi kâo jai	ไม่เข้าใจ
Do you speak English?	kun pûut paa-sǎa ang-grìt dâi mái?	คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม