One of the first things you'll quickly learn during your stay with Fernthai Volunteer Foundation regarding Isaan society and Thai society as a whole for that matter, is how respect is still alive and well, and plays a key role in society. From a very early age respect is installed within society and stays throughout lifes duration. From the ground upwards respect is clearly visible with age being a key factor.
Both Isaan and Thai society will quickly establish your age through conversation. This is often utilised to establish in which direction the respect should be pointed. Youngsters always respect their elders. You'll often notice as a youngster passes an elder by they will dip, or lower themselves as a mark or recognition and respect for their elder.


Another form of showing respect throughout society is the "Wai". The art of placing the hands together in a prayer like motion with slight bow of the head. This traditional greeting is evident on a regular basis. Again, with age playing another key role in the greeting, it is always customary for the younger to Wai the elder first out of respect. The height of the hands also plays a part; a Wai in front of the chest is usually reserved for friends; the raising of this position in front of the chin/nose is reserved for more important individuals and officials; and a Wai near the forehead is solely reserved for monks and religious dignities.
Whilst staying with our Isaan communities Fernthai Volunteer Foundation actively encourages all volunteers to acknowledge this customary tradition, not only will it gain more mutual respect, it often leads to far greater greater interaction by the locals.