Actually, you might want to go easy a bit on the bowing and wai-ing--it isn't completely necessary. The Thais considered us "farang" (foreigners) and so we're not expected to do it, since we are outsiders. True, it's nice, but also there is another component to it: if you are a traveling non-Thai, you are considered (by them) to be higher up the social ladder, and (the way they see it) you actually embarrass yourself when you bow and wai to Thai people. That's not the way I see it, it's the way the Thai people see it. So.. you can still do it, but just to accept it with a head nod is more appropriate. But if you must wai, just do it quickly and don't hold wai with your hands high up on the bridge of the nose--that's usually reserved for the most sincere, respectful signs of respect (like the King, etc).