‘Wai’ given national identity status

In Thailand, the sign inspired from India has a distinctive personality.

According to a lieutenant government official, the government has agreed to make the “wai” sign a national identification for greetings and expressions of value.

Although people in Southeast Asia adopted the “wai” from India through Hindu and Buddhist views, according to Karom Phonphonklang, Thais made their “wai” distinct by developing a variety of the movement to show different and deep meanings.

Experts “wai” their hands by putting their palms up and keeping all digits close to one another. Then they apply their hands slightly to people of all ages, including juniors, seniors, peers, and priests, and place their hands next to either chin, nose, middle of the eyebrows, or stomach.

The Thai hua is the cultural and classic expression that has long been practiced in Thai culture, according to Mr. Karom. It “demonstrates the people’s compassion and feelings,” the statement reads.