As most British travellers who have taken trips to Asia will attest to, you can get by pretty comfortably in Thailand without speaking the local lingo. Tourism provides approximately 6% of Thailand’s GDP and with English seemingly the universal language, most locals working in the tourism industry will have a pretty good grasp of England’s mother tongue anyway.
But that doesn’t mean that learning a few choice Thai phrases isn’t worthwhile because it is! Picking up and trying a few key sentences may well enrich your travelling experience amazing Thai islands and beaches and put you in favour with the locals. Even if you get the words wrong and mess up the pronunciation, just having a go is often greatly appreciated.
So here are some of the most essential key phrases for you to give a whirl on your Thailand holiday.
As a tonal language, it can be a little tricky to get the pronunciation of Thai words correct, so if you can listen to some examples and practice before you go, so much the better. One point to note – when you are referring to yourself in Thai, there are different words depending on whether a male (phon or phom) is speaking or whether a female (chan) is speaking.
Firstly all sentences in Thai end with something called a ‘partical’ it turns the sentence into a polite form and must be used at the end of every sentence. It is different for females and males;
The female ending is = Kha
The male ending is = Khrap
Arguably, the 5 most important phrases to learn before arriving in Thailand, a little effort goes a long way…
1. Hello = Sa wat dee
The same phrase is also used to say goodbye.
2. Thank you = Khap koon
3.
Yes/No = Kha (Yes) / Mai Kha (No) – Female
Khrap (Yes) / Mai Khrap (No) –Male
These are the polite versions, the equivalent of saying Yes/No thanks. No is particularly useful, especially for dismissing persistent street venders, they tend to walk away if you answer in Thai, opposed to continuing to pester you!
4. How much is this? = Tao rai
5. Can you make it cheaper? = Lot noi dai mai
Don’t forget to add the polite ending to each of these phrases; Kha for females and Khrap for males. Although you may make mistakes and may not understand the fast paced Thai reply to the questions. It is polite to try to ask in Thai, it is nice to feel slightly less ignorant and vendors will appreciate this and almost always give you a lower price or more bargaining room.
* The spellings of phrases and words here are based on the sound of the words not the correct Thai spelling, as Thai is a tonal language this allows you a better chance of achieving correct pronunciation.
More Important Basic Thai Phrases to Know
The below phrases are written as if a man was saying them so if you are a female, just change ‘phon ‘or ‘phom’ for ‘chan’.
Do you speak English?
Kun poot pah-sah angrit dai mai?
…a great one to start with – you may not even need any more Thai if the answer to this question is “Chai” (yes). Although if the answer comes back as “mai-chai” (no) you may have to think again.
How are you? / I’m fine thanks
Sa-bai-dee-mai? / Sa-bai-dee, kob-kun
Good Morning
A-roon-sa-was
Good evening
Sa-yan-sa-was
What’s your name? / My name is …
Kun-cheu-a-rai? / Phom-cheu…
How Do You Say “[insert English word here]” In Thai?
Kam-wa-“[English word]”-nai-pa-sa-thai-pood-yang-rai?
…a great phrase for picking up some new Thai words.
What’s that called in Thai?
An-nee-pa-sa-thai-reak-wa-a-rai-ka.
…although this one is even better. This is usually accompanied by plenty of pointing or holding up of various objects.
I need a doctor
Phom-yak-pob-maw.
…this is a pretty important sentence and definitely one to memorise.
I love you!
Phon-rak-kun-mak!
…because you never know who you might meet…
Hopefully our guide to the best basic Thai phrases for travel has been useful to you. If you dream of exploring this country view our Thailand gap year ideas.