What do the gestures mean in

Thailand?

Palms pressed together in front of the chest (Wai) can

indicate greeting, farewell, thanking, apologizing or respecting.
The higher the hands are held in relation to the face and the
lower the bow, the more respect the giver of the “wai” is
showing.

The OK-sign (circle with thumb and index finger) indicates

understanding.

Thumbs up indicates good deeds or success.

Thumb and index finger openly show under the chin

(specially for boys) represents smart or handsome man.

Thumbs and index fingers put together in a heart-like

shape in front of your heart indicates sympathy or love.

Thumb, small finger and index finger openly up in the air

with palm facing away from the speaker represents “I love
you”.

V-sign (middle and index finger) with palm facing away

from the speaker indicates cheering or winning.

Palms placed together in the lap with thumbs joining each

other represents the gesture of meditation or “samadhi”.

Smiling often can cover different emotions: happiness,

respect, welcoming, anger, confusion, apologies or sympathy.

Bowing specially students for teachers or children for elderly

people when they passing by indicates respect, gratitude and
politeness.
Hugging and kissing when greeting are uncommon in
Thailand.

Hands on your hips are impolite and indicates impatience.

Legs and feet pointing to another person or a Buddha image

is very rude in Thailand.

Handshaking is uncommon except for close friends or

colleagues.

Sitting higher than an older person is impolite.

Touching another person is very uncommon in Thailand;

specially on the head. Thais are not touch oriented society.

Staring is considered rude and a prolonged direct eye contact

is impolite and intimidating.

Pointing someone with fingers is considered insulting and very

impolite.

Standing above an older person is uncommon and impolite.

Putting your feet on desks or chairs is uncommon in

Thailand.