Originally Posted by
allthai
So all you first visitors to Chiang Mai (I guess not as important in Bangkok as Peter mentioned) just go ahead and Wai those older than you and return others Wai. Let the Thai people know you respect their culture. Don't get hung up on who to Wai and who not to Wai.
Indeed! The average tourist will probably not find themselves in situations where a wai would be expected, but it is hard to believe that someone could spend a significant time in Thailand and never initiate or return a wai. I seem to recall some advice about not even smiling! When I'm in Thailand, I find it hard NOT to smile.
