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seajohn
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Quote: from Minder on 8:59 am on Aug. 1, 2006
...once I get my hand back I "wai" them - sure this means I am the "lesser" but if I am standing in his office wanting his help I can live with that.
I'd say that's the whole point which makes Tyfon's query appropriate.
Yes, often the educated and traveled Thais will shake hands and speak English--they do this to show an affluency which is important to their self-image, and perhaps also to help put you at ease. However, it is still appropriate to use the proper titles, especially in their office. That will help put them at ease--returning the compliment, so to speak.
Minder is also dead-on about the attempt being more important than always correct. People anywhere can see and appreciate that; only the most uncouth would not see it.
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 8:39 pm on July 31, 2006
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seajohn
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I don't generally call people Khun ------ either when in my own country, after all it's a different language, but I do what is appropriate in the appropriate situation.
In my own post I was not talking about groveling nor anything else which describes a feeling of inferiority, rather about a system of address (in Thai) and ettiquette expected in the situations in which Tyfon has requested an appointment in. Sometimes the expectations of behavior vary in different countries--this is called having a different culture. One can respect another culture, without worrying about one's psychological security. A foreigner doesn't have to feel inferior, for instance, to stand up when the King's song is played in cinemas. One merely should be polite while staying as a paying guest in another country. Well, there are other situations--not just the cinema and the song--in which something may be required too. This is what's obvious, I would hope we can agree to that. I don't see anything to argue about.
So that's what I tried to give Tyfon specific advice about, since he was specifically asking about Thai language address system. He was not asking for advice about his psyche or personality.
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Bangkok Women : Meet Sensual Bangkok Women
Posted on: 10:15 pm on July 31, 2006
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sentry
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It's generally not expected of foreigners to wai or wai back to people.
I know this thread is about addressing prof. Thais, but I'd like to point out to all you white 'wai' practitioners out there, that if you wai a prostitute or mamasan, it's about the equivelant of you genuflecting a pile of steaming turd. It's like admitting your status is below a streetwhore's.
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Bangkok Women : Meet Beautiful Thai Girls
Posted on: 8:50 am on Aug. 1, 2006
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koolbreez
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I'm by no means an expert on this, just my experiences.
When you greet anyone just use sawadee krup, that will suffice in all situations. The fact you got the gender right will let them know you try.
In the social surroundings you will be in it is a good idea to learn waiing. Because of your standing, and being a falang, you will not be expected to initiate a wai. However if someone wais you out of respect, you should wai them back. When you wai someone back, hand position is very important.
I have found that having the finger tips about 4 inches below the chin when you wai will be acceptable in almost all situations. If it is someone that you know has a higher professional, or social standing than you, then you can initiate a wai with your thumbs touching your chin. These 2 examples should get you by in all the situations you encounter. Having that much knowledge for a falang will amaze them.
Shake hands with the right, not the left.
And above all, have fun
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 10:03 am on Aug. 1, 2006
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Skip
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Quote: from Minder on 8:59 am on Aug. 1, 2006
I find that the attempt to be polite seems more important than the correct etiquette - you are farang afterall.
Yes sir, spot-on! Here's a few more:
Bowing: In my own espousing the essence of Minders post, I often throw in a nod of the head, or a bow [however slight it may be] as the occasion warrants. That gesture is always noted and appreciated.
Passing: If you are passing someone an item of some kind -such as your business card- you can offer it with the one hand whilst the other arm bends and touches the elbow of the extended hand. This might be obscure to us farang, but I often note it practised on my behalf when an extra polite individual is offering me something. In such a circumstance, the head bow is an ideal acknowledgement to their courtesy.
Churning: This is another one that wins you high praises, even the occasional gasp of shock, normally followed by an immediate look of delight. Rhymes with burn. Say the elevator door opens, or you open a taxi door for someone whilst standing to the side waving them in, or someone seems impatient in a line queue and you galantly wave them ahead of you. In these situations, if you make the gesture with a smile and a "churn khap" or "churn khrap" you will instantly earn points for etiquette.  
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Thai Women : Meet Matured Thai Women
Posted on: 11:33 am on Aug. 1, 2006
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Skip
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Quote: from koolbreez on 11:12 pm on Aug. 1, 2006
I have found that having the finger tips about 4 inches below the chin when you wai will be acceptable in almost all situations.
That's not how I was taught to wai. The three possiible postions of the hands as I was taught them correspond to a poster in the elevators of a downtown Cumphon hotel. Knowing one day it would come in handy, I took a pic while I was there. Have a look at the proper wai here.
I always aim for the tips of my index fingers meeting at the juncture of my lips. There's been a few occasions -with elders- when I forgot to go higher, but we are readily forgiven.
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 12:06 pm on Aug. 1, 2006
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