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Ten Useful Thai Expressions You Need to Know before Visiting Thailand

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Learning and using another language, or at least trying to, is a huge part of traveling.

The basic minimum requirements of being able to say please and thank you, if not fully mastering a range of essential phrases like how to order a coffee or a beer, are an indication that you have taken the time to learn a few basic words and phrases of the language of the people in the area you are visiting.

This often goes a long way towards establishing relations with locals, showing that you have made at least some effort, and are respectful and open-minded. Of course it won鈥檛 always work though, as there are certain considerations like accent and tone to take into account 鈥� along with the fact that usually no-one is expecting you to have a grasp of their lingo — but those who 听do 鈥榞et it鈥� will be more than glad that you tried.

The Thai language itself has particular sounds that originated as part of the Southwestern language family, and which comprises many languages in the Southeast Asian region like Lao and Shan. As far as the vocabulary goes, many words in the Thai language are actually derived from Pali and Sanskrit, two historical Indic languages. Thai is also influenced heavily by Mon (an indigenous language of Thailand and Myanmar) and Khmer (the official language of Cambodia).

As the Thai language is a tonal language, one of the main difficulties for other language speakers trying to take up some kind of working knowledge of Thai to aid them on their travels, is to get the right sounds. It may be one thing to have an idea about some of the words in the language 鈥� but the tones鈥�?

Any degree of success to be had for visitors trying their hand at Thai will largely depend on the friendliness and receptiveness of whoever you are trying to talk to 鈥� just bear in mind that the locals here are really not expecting any non-Thais, least of all westerners, to have even a basic grasp of their own language, so don鈥檛 be surprised or offended on the occasions when you get looked at as if you have 2 heads or are perhaps using some archaic Viking one.

In all honesty, although it is now much better than a decade or so ago, the level of English skill in Thailand is still relatively poor. When compared with other neighbouring developing countries like Malaysia and even Vietnam, Thailand has been one of the (if not the) slowest in the development of that particular area of communication.

With the internet, and also due to many more younger, affluent Thais now travelling abroad than 20 years ago, the level of skilful English is gradually creeping upwards, albeit slowly.

In the capital there shouldn鈥檛 be too much of an issue for most visitors 鈥� but there definitely will be some issue 鈥� so be prepared for any potential situations where things may be misunderstood or incongruent. Don鈥檛 expect Taxi drivers, for instance, to have any level of communication ability, English or otherwise.

In the touristy areas there shouldn鈥檛 be too many language barriers (it is usually a matter of context, more often than not), but it is always handy anyway to have a few basic ideas about how to communicate in the local dialect where possible. So it is our intention to include a few here that may actually be of some use to the average visitor to Bangkok who is at least willing to try them.

With the Thai language there are a few basic rules to consider before getting into vocabulary and phrasing.

Basically, if you are male, you end all of your sentences with the word 鈥榢hrup/krap鈥� (usually sounds more like 鈥榗ap鈥�).

Similarly, if you are female you end your sentences with the word 鈥榢a鈥�. These participles are used to make sentences, questions or answers polite and respectful, and this is the correct form and usage of the language.

For instance:

Hello 鈥撎齋awadee + khrup/ka = Sawadee khrup

No Thanks 鈥撎齅ai Ow + khrup/ka = Mai ow, ka

In this article, you will find included a few basic Thai phrases and words that will hopefully be of some practical use for anyone traveling around the country of Thailand.

Thank you听very much 鈥� khob khun mahk (khrup/ka)

鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 cost anything to be polite鈥� you may or may not have been told as you were growing up. But it is always good advice to follow when you are in another country whether ordering food, buying goods or paying for a taxi fare.

2. Where is the restroom/toilet? 鈥� Hong nahm yoo tee nai (khrup/ka)?

It kind of goes without saying that this is a useful one in pretty much any country. But in Thailand it may not always be that obvious where the toilet may be or even if there is one 鈥� so it might be handy if you are able to check first.

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听3. Never mind/It doesn鈥檛 matter/No worries —听Mai pen rai (khrup/ka)

This phrase roughly translates as “it doesn’t matter”, or “no problem.” This in many ways is typical of the Thai lifestyle and approach to life — don’t get too hung up on the small stuff, don’t worry too much, take it easy. Thais will often use these phrases in situations that might seem serious or even dangerous.

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4. Can you speak English? — Khun pood pasa angrit dai mai (khrup/ka)?

This is obviously one of those really useful Thai phrases that might come in handy when seeking information which may not seem that forthcoming. If Thai people can鈥檛 speak English, they will usually answer听mai dai听(cannot) or听nit noy/nit dee-ao听(a little), which is probably the norm as all students ins school learn at least some basic English.

5. How much is this one? 鈥� Nee thao rai (khrup/ka)?

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Negotiating for anything is part and parcel of the Thai experience, as long as it is done in the right context. If you feel like a bit of sport you could try saying听鈥渓ot noi dai mai鈥�? (can you give a little discount?) which more often than not will do the trick as long as you are polite.

6. Can I see the menu please? — Kor maynoo noi Khrup/ka

One thing you may have to get used to as a westerner in Thailand is that for the most part, depending on what kind of establishment you find yourself in, it may seem like you are being ignored.

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That鈥檚 because you are. At least from a western perspective. But in SE Asia things are done in a slightly less subtle way, with orders often being 鈥榖arked鈥� at the attendees, sometimes without eye contact even taking place.

It鈥檚 not uncommon to walk into a place and sit down without receiving any service at all if they are not familiar with the service of foreigners for any reason. If this is indeed the case, then this is the phrase for said situation. At least you鈥檒l get your hands on the menu, even if it does turn out to be in Thai.

7. Can I order now? 鈥� Ja sang dooay khrup/ka

Again just because you have a menu, don鈥檛 expect anyone to even look in your direction again unless you make it known that you would now like to attempt an order. You now have the tools for doing just that with this phrase鈥�

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8. Can I have the bill please? — Gep tang dooay khrup/ka

If all has so far gone to plan and you find yourself the proud recipient of your favourite Thai dish having ordered it yourself, you will now need to proceed to pay for it.

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9. I want to go to Phahonyothin —听 Bai Phahonyothin khrup/ka

Another instance of the seeming directness of the language when ordering something or availing yourself of another鈥檚 services, this phrase is basically just telling the driver that this is where you are heading, rather than asking if he will take you.

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It鈥檚 a fact that a lot of westerners make the seeming mistake of over-politeness when ordering, in that they ask questions rather than simply stating directly the intention or requirement. An important one to remember with taxis who might be unwilling to take you somewhere or decide to change their mind later on about the fare.

10. Can you stop here please? 鈥� Jort ti nee noi khrup/ka

Another useful one for a taxi or ome other driver, particularly if it looks like he is lost and you spot a BTS station. It is another simple fact that most Taxi drivers in Thailand, even those in the city, do not always know of the destination, or possibly have no prior experience of the route, in which case they may even be expecting you to direct them (it is common for locals to do just this).

At least with this one you will have some chance of getting out if the journey has gone awry for any reason.