Ronald McDonald waiing

The wai is an action of respect, not just a way of saying hello in Thailand. The lower the head comes down to meet the thumbs of both hands, the more respect is shown. The amount of respect to be shown depends on your social status in relation to the social status of the person encountered.

Complex rules dictate the social hierarchy in the Thai society. That makes it difficult for us foreigners to wai. Usually it is better not to wai at all as it is not expected from foreigners and you would probably get it wrong anyway.