Thai Greeting “Sawasdee”

Thai Greeting “Sawasdee”

In Thailand, people in general greet one another with the word “Sawasdee”. This word can be used all times of day. A male would add the word “Krap” and a female the word “Ka” after “Sawasdee” to show politeness. The word Sawasdee can also be used when taking leave of someone or saying good-bye.

If the persons are friends or about the same age, the word Sawasdee alone is sufficient for greeting. A wai is a gesture of pressing the palms together in the position of a budding lotus at chest level,  with the fingertips touching the tip of the nose. These are three levels of Wai.

  1. For the Buddha images or the monks only
  • Raise the pressed palms until the thumbs touch the space between the eyebrows and the fingertips touch the hairline at the forehead. The tips of the index fingers are pressed againt the forehead. The tips of the index fingers are pressed againt the forehead, not tilting to the left or right. This is the 1st level Wai.

2. For parents, teachers, senior relatives and the elderly

  • Raise the pressed palms until the thumbs touch the tip of the nose and the fingertips touch the space between the eyebrows. This is the 2nd level Wai.

3. For respected persons in general including persons of the same status

  • Let the pressed palms touch the lower part of the face, with the tip of the chin and tile tips of the index fingers touching the nose. Bow the head a little without stooping for both male and female. This is 3rd level Wai.

 

Loy Krathong Festival

Loy Krathong Festival

Every year Loy Krathong falls on the night of the 12th lunar month. At the end of rainy season when the full moon lights up the sky. The sight of thousands of Krathongs. their flickering candles sending a thousand pinpoints of light far into the horizon is a truly magical sight.

This year Loy Krathong Festival will be held on Monday 11 November, 2019.  

What is Loy Krathong?

  • The history behind the festival is complex. Thai celebrate it for many reasons. As the main rice harvest season ends. It’s time to thank the Water Goddess for a year’s worth of her abudant supply as well as an apology for polluting the waters.

What is a Krathong?

  • There is no equivalent word in English for “Krathong”. You may hear people referring to it as a small boat, vessel, receptacle or container. In the runup to the festival, many shops and market stalls will display ready-made krathongs or in parts so you can assemble and decorate as you wish.

Where can you float a Krathong in Bangkok?

  • Hotels located along the river.
  • Riverside Location such as Asiatique, Wat Saket, Phra Athit pier.
  • Lakes ; Lumpini park at Silom, Benjasiri Park at Sukhumvit
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