Although the sampeah is a form of greeting, it is also a common way to say thanks or apologize and is an important part of Khmer culture. There are different ways of bowing when performing the sampeah. When praying to the Buddha, the person places his palms together close to his or her face and brings his or her hands toward the ground three times. It is also important when one sampeahs to elders. The higher the hands and the lower the bow, the more respect is shown. It is a sign of respect and politeness.