Wai /WHY/
Wai (Thai: ไหว้, pronounced WHY) is a Muay Thai culture term. The Thai greeting: palms pressed together at chest or face height with a slight bow. Fighters wai the crowd, officials and each other, and IFMA rules accept a wai in place of a handshake. It is also written The wai. Related terms: Wai Kru and Sawasdee.
Meaning
- Waiไหว้
- The Thai greeting: palms pressed together at chest or face height with a slight bow. Fighters wai the crowd, officials and each other, and IFMA rules accept a wai in place of a handshake.
| Term | Wai |
|---|---|
| Thai script | ไหว้ |
| Pronunciation (approx.) | WHY |
| Also written | The wai |
| Category | Culture |
Sources: muaythai.sport ↗ · en.wikipedia.org ↗
Guides that use “Wai”
- Muay Thai Gym Etiquette and the Wai Kru: What the Unwritten Rules Are The customs of a Muay Thai gym explained: the wai, shoes off the mats, hygiene, sparring manners, and what...
- From Interclub to First Fight: The UK Muay Thai Competition Path How UK Muay Thai competition works for beginners: what an interclub is, rules and kit, how to enter,...
- Your First Muay Thai Class: What to Expect, Minute by Minute What actually happens in a first Muay Thai class in the UK: the warm-up, stance, pads, whether you'll...
- How Muay Thai Is Scored: Traditional, IFMA and Promotion Rules Explained How judges score Muay Thai under traditional stadium rules, IFMA amateur rules and promotions like ONE and...
- How to Choose a Muay Thai Gym in the UK A practical checklist for picking a Muay Thai gym in the UK: coaching, beginner classes, how sparring is...
- Your First Week at a Thai Muay Thai Camp: What to Expect Day by day through week one at a Thai camp: the timetable, what a session contains, heat, sore shins,...
Questions about Wai
What does Wai mean in Muay Thai?
The Thai greeting: palms pressed together at chest or face height with a slight bow. Fighters wai the crowd, officials and each other, and IFMA rules accept a wai in place of a handshake.
How do you pronounce Wai?
Wai is pronounced roughly WHY. Thai is tonal, so listen to a trainer or native speaker for the exact tone.
How is Wai written in Thai?
In Thai script it is written ไหว้.
What are other spellings of Wai?
It is also written The wai. Transliteration from Thai varies.
What terms are related to Wai?
Related terms: Wai Kru and Sawasdee.
A guide for this page
Thailand Camp Planner 2026/27
36 pages: nine worksheets, a 12-point scorecard, dated camp prices, visa notes for UK passports and fight nights. Prices checked 10 Oct 2026; Fairtex re-read 22 Oct 2026.
Free Training Log
A printable training log, then one email a month. Sign-ups open at launch.
Nothing is collected yet. When it opens: double opt-in, one click to unsubscribe.
No display ads. Ad and Affiliate links may earn a fee. Featured slots are paid. Neither changes a ranking. How we earn