When you travel to Thailand, learning a few key phrases in the local language can transform your experience. While English is spoken in tourist areas, the majority of everyday life in Thailand happens in Thai. Knowing how to say simple words like “hello”, “thank you”, or “how much?” will not only help you get by but will also show respect for the culture and people. This complete guide will take you through the essential Thai phrases every traveler should know, explained in plain English, with examples of how to use them in real situations.
Why Basic Thai Matters for Travelers
Thailand is called “The Land of Smiles” for a reason – people are warm and welcoming. But Thai culture also places high value on respect and politeness. When you make the effort to use even a few Thai words, it often results in friendlier service, better interactions, and sometimes even lower prices in markets. You don’t need to be fluent, but you will notice how much smoother daily activities become with just a handful of expressions.
- Respect: A little Thai shows you value the culture.
- Practicality: Helps with taxis, food, shopping, and directions.
- Connection: Opens doors to conversations and friendships.
- Confidence: You’ll feel more in control when navigating daily life.
The Role of Politeness Particles
One unique aspect of Thai is the use of polite particles at the end of sentences. These are short words used to show respect and make your speech sound softer and more polite. Men should say khrap (ครับ), while women say kha (ค่ะ). For example:
- Hello (man): Sawasdee khrap
- Hello (woman): Sawasdee kha
Thais will notice immediately if you use these, and it sets the tone for a polite interaction. Without them, your phrase might sound blunt or even rude. So remember: always add khrap or kha at the end of your sentences.
Greetings and Everyday Polite Phrases
Greetings are among the most important essential Thai phrases every traveler should know. They set the stage for every conversation and interaction. Thai people usually greet each other with a “wai” – a gesture where you place your hands together like a prayer and bow slightly. As a foreigner, simply smiling and saying the greeting is enough, but returning the wai when someone greets you is polite.
| English | Thai Phrase | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | สวัสดี | Sawasdee (khrap/kha) |
| Goodbye | ลาก่อน | La gorn (khrap/kha) |
| Thank you | ขอบคุณ | Khop khun (khrap/kha) |
| Sorry / Excuse me | ขอโทษ | Khor thot (khrap/kha) |
| How are you? | สบายดีไหม | Sabai dee mai (khrap/kha)? |
| I’m fine | สบายดี | Sabai dee (khrap/kha) |
Scenario: You walk into a small shop in Chiang Mai. The shopkeeper looks at you and smiles. You say “Sawasdee khrap” with a wai. Instantly, the shopkeeper smiles wider, impressed you greeted them in their language. This small effort makes your shopping smoother and friendlier.
Numbers and Money
Numbers are extremely useful when traveling. Whether you are buying street food, paying for a tuk-tuk, or bargaining at a night market, knowing how to say prices will save time and reduce misunderstandings. Here are the basics:
- 1 – Neung
- 2 – Song
- 3 – Sam
- 4 – See
- 5 – Ha
- 6 – Hok
- 7 – Jet
- 8 – Paet
- 9 – Kao
- 10 – Sip
- 20 – Yee sip
- 50 – Ha sip
- 100 – Neung roi
- 1,000 – Neung phan
Example at a market:
You: “An nee tao rai khrap?” (How much is this?)
Vendor: “Ha sip baht” (50 baht)
You: “Lod dai mai khrap?” (Can you lower the price?)
Vendor: “Sip ha sip baht” (45 baht)
You smile and agree – a friendly bargain complete.
Transportation Phrases
Transportation in Thailand is exciting but sometimes confusing. Taxis, tuk-tuks, and buses don’t always use English, so these phrases help a lot:
- How much is it? – Tao rai khrap/kha?
- I want to go to… – Bpai … khrap/kha
- Stop here – Jod tee nee khrap/kha
- Go left – Leo sai
- Go right – Leo kwaa
- Straight ahead – Trong bpai
Scenario in a taxi: You get into a Bangkok taxi. The driver doesn’t speak English. You say, “Bpai Siam Paragon khrap” (I want to go to Siam Paragon). The driver nods. When near the destination, you say “Jod tee nee khrap” (Stop here). Simple, effective, and polite.
Eating Out and Ordering Food
Thailand is famous for its food. Ordering in Thai will not only get you better service but sometimes more authentic dishes. Here are some useful expressions:
- I want this – Aow an nee khrap/kha
- Not spicy – Mai phet khrap/kha
- A little spicy – Phet nit noi khrap/kha
- Very spicy – Phet mak mak khrap/kha
- No sugar – Mai sai nam tan khrap/kha
- Check please – Check bin khrap/kha
Scenario at a street stall:
You point at a noodle dish and say: “Aow an nee mai phet khrap” (I want this, not spicy).
The vendor smiles and repeats: “Mai phet”. The food comes out perfectly mild, just as you like.
Shopping and Bargaining
Bargaining is part of Thai culture at markets, but always do it with a smile. A friendly attitude is more effective than being aggressive. Useful phrases include:
- How much is this? – An nee tao rai khrap/kha?
- Too expensive – Phaeng pai khrap/kha
- Can you give me a discount? – Lod dai mai khrap/kha?
- I’ll take it – Aow khrap/kha
- I don’t want it – Mai aow khrap/kha
Example: You see a T-shirt at Chatuchak market. The vendor says “200 baht.” You smile and say, “Phaeng pai khrap, lod dai mai?” (Too expensive, can you lower it?). The vendor laughs and offers “150 baht.” You both smile – and you’ve saved some money while respecting the culture.
Health and Emergencies
It’s always good to know some phrases in case of emergencies. Here are essentials:
- Help! – Chuay duay!
- I’m sick – Pom/Chan bpuat khrap/kha
- I need a doctor – Ao mor khrap/kha
- Hospital – Rong paya baan
- Pharmacy – Raan ya
- Call the police – Riak tamruat khrap/kha
Making Friends and Small Talk
Thais are friendly and curious about foreigners. These phrases can help you make new friends:
- What is your name? – Khun chue arai khrap/kha?
- My name is… – Pom/Chan chue … khrap/kha
- Where are you from? – Khun maa jaak tee nai khrap/kha?
- I am from… – Pom/Chan maa jaak … khrap/kha
- Do you speak English? – Khun poot ang-grit dai mai khrap/kha?
- I speak a little Thai – Poot Thai dai nit noi khrap/kha
Tips for Using Thai as a Traveler
- Always smile – a smile softens any mistake.
- Don’t stress about tones – effort matters more than perfection.
- Listen carefully – locals often slow down when they see you’re trying.
- Use polite particles – “khrap” or “kha” makes your words sound respectful.
- Practice numbers and money words – they are most useful in daily life.
Learning essential Thai phrases is one of the smartest things you can do before traveling to Thailand. They are easy, practical, and deeply appreciated by locals. From saying hello and ordering food to bargaining at markets and asking for directions, these expressions will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable. The key is not perfect pronunciation, but the willingness to try. With just a few words of Thai, you will discover friendlier smiles, better connections, and a more authentic travel experience in the Land of Smiles.