What is the ‘wah’
The Wah, pronounced as “square wah” in Thai, is a fundamental unit of land measurement in Thailand. One Wah is equal to 2 meters in length, and when used as a square measure, it represents an area of 4 square meters.
The origins of the Wah can be traced back to ancient times when it was used as a standard measurement for construction and land allocation. In Thai culture, the Wah is often associated with the length of a traditional Thai farming tool called the “Kwan,” which is approximately 2 meters long. This association highlights the close connection between land measurement and agricultural practices in Thailand.
What is the ‘rai’
The Rai is the standard unit for measuring larger land areas in Thailand. One Rai equals 1,600 square meters (400 square Wah).
The name supposedly comes from how much land a farmer could plow in a day with a water buffalo—though who actually verified this is anyone’s guess.
Rai remains the default for property transactions, land titles, and government programs throughout Thailand, especially outside cities.
