The student-teacher relationship is very important in Thailand.The relationship between teacher and student in Thailand is more similar to parent-child.it makes the school environment so wonderful . Students are expected to show respect to their teachers, and one of the formal ways in which this is done is the wai kru ceremony.Our university celebrates this day in the beginning of the first term. The students gave me a flower chainI  KRAB my teacher (research advisor) then he gave me white string (blessed)From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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The wai khru ceremony (Thai: ¾Ô¸ÕäËÇé¤ÃÙ, pronounced [wâːi kʰrūː]) is a Thai ritual in which students pay respects to their teachers in order to express their gratitude and formalize the student–teacher relationship. It is regularly held near the beginning of the school year in most schools in Thailand. Wai khru has long been an important rite in the traditional martial and performing arts, as well as in astrology and other traditional arts; students and performers of Muay Thai and Krabi Krabong, as well as Thai dance and classical music, will usually perform a wai khru ritual at their initiation as well as before performances to pay respect and homage to both their teachers and the deities who patronize their arts.History

The rituals of wai khru are believed to have derived from ancient animistic beliefs, influenced by the spread of Brahmanism from India. This is evident in the wai khru ceremonies of traditional dance and music, where specific mention is made to Ishvara and Narayana, along with other Vedic deities. Wai khru has for most of history existed as a folk tradition, passed on from generation to generation throughout the years.[1]The wai khru ceremony in its modern form, which is held in most schools today, originated at Triam Udom Suksa School in 1941. The sarabhañña chant was written by Thanpuying Dussadee Malakul Na Ayutthaya (the wife of ML Pin Malakul, director of the school at the time).[2]The wai khru ceremonies which take place in most educational institutions in Thailand today generally follow the same form. The ceremony usually begins with a Buddhist prayer ritual in institutions where Buddhism is observed as the official religion, followed by the students' recitation of the wai khru chant, which expresses respect for and gratitude to the teachers, and asks for the teachers' blessing of their studies. Following this, a select number of students, usually the representatives of each class, will present the teachers with offerings of flowers, candles and joss sticks arranged on phan (traditional Thai pedestalled trays). This is usually followed by a speech by the headteacher offering the students guidance in their academic career. Many institutions also present student awards and honours during the ceremony.[3]The traditional offerings for wai khru represent a symbolism of student qualities, namely:[3][4]Ixora (khem, à¢çÃ) flowers, which while closed form pointed buds, symbolizing sharp wit,

Cynodon dactylon (ya phraek, Ë­éÒá¾Ã¡ or Bermuda grass), the rapid growth and resilience of which symbolize perseverance and the ability to learn,

Popped rice (khao tok, ¢éÒǵá), which symbolizes discipline, and

Eggplant flowers, which bow low when nearing fruiting, symbolizing respect and humility.

The ceremony is usually held shortly after the beginning of the first term, on a Thursday, as Thursday is traditionally the day of Brihaspati, Vedic god of wisdom and teachers.[4]

Fay, didn't I read here on TF recently, that when wai ing a teacher, your fingers should touch your lips? Those students wais look a lot lower. Did I misunderstand?

funky_house: they were going to KRAB not WAI this is a first step of BRAB ... it mean "Ready!"

Looks lovely...I wish there was more respect for teachers like this back in the USA.