❓ Language and Communication FAQs
Language and Communication Guide for Thailand
While English is spoken in tourist areas, knowing some Thai greatly enhances your experience. This guide covers essential phrases, communication tips, and tools to help you connect with locals.
Thai Language Basics
About the Thai Language
- Script: Thai has its own alphabet (44 consonants, 15 vowels)
- Tonal: 5 tones change word meanings
- Sentence structure: Subject-Verb-Object
- Formal/Informal: Politeness particles used
The Five Tones
| Tone | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Mid | Flat, neutral | "Ma" (มา) = come |
| Low | Below mid | "Ma" (ม่า) = horse |
| Falling | High to low | "Ma" (ม้า) = horse |
| High | Above mid | "Ma" (ม๊า) = (particle) |
| Rising | Low to high | "Ma" (หมา) = dog |
Tip: Do not worry too much about tones - context helps Thais understand you!
Polite Particles
Always add these to be polite:
- Krap (ครับ) - Used by males
- Ka (ค่ะ) - Used by females
These soften statements and show respect.
Essential Phrases
Greetings and Basics
| English | Thai Script | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | สวัสดี | Sa-wat-dee |
| Goodbye | ลาก่อน | La gon |
| Thank you | ขอบคุณ | Kob khun |
| You are welcome | ไม่เป็นไร | Mai pen rai |
| Yes | ใช่ | Chai |
| No | ไม่ใช่ | Mai chai |
| Excuse me | ขอโทษ | Kor toht |
| I do not understand | ไม่เข้าใจ | Mai kao jai |
| Do you speak English? | พูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม | Pood pasa angrit dai mai? |
Numbers
| Number | Thai | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | ศูนย์ | Soon |
| 1 | หนึ่ง | Neung |
| 2 | สอง | Song |
| 3 | สาม | Sam |
| 4 | สี่ | See |
| 5 | ห้า | Ha |
| 6 | หก | Hok |
| 7 | เจ็ด | Jet |
| 8 | แปด | Paet |
| 9 | เก้า | Gao |
| 10 | สิบ | Sip |
| 100 | ร้อย | Roy |
| 1000 | พัน | Pan |
Shopping Phrases
| English | Thai | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| How much? | เท่าไหร่ | Tao rai? |
| Too expensive | แพงไป | Paeng pai |
| Can you reduce? | ลดได้ไหม | Lot dai mai? |
| I want this | เอาอันนี้ | Aow an nee |
| No, thank you | ไม่เอา ขอบคุณ | Mai aow, kob khun |
Transportation
| English | Thai | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Go to... | ไป... | Pai... |
| Stop here | จอดที่นี่ | Jot tee nee |
| Turn left | เลี้ยวซ้าย | Liao sai |
| Turn right | เลี้ยวขวา | Liao kwaa |
| Go straight | ตรงไป | Dtrong pai |
| How far? | ไกลไหม | Glai mai? |
| Use the meter | เปิดมิเตอร์ | Pert meter |
Dining
| English | Thai | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Delicious | อร่อย | Aroy |
| Water | น้ำเปล่า | Nam plao |
| Not spicy | ไม่เผ็ด | Mai phet |
| Check please | เช็คบิล | Check bin |
| I am vegetarian | ผม/ฉันกินเจ | Pom/Chan gin jay |
Emergencies
| English | Thai | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Help! | ช่วยด้วย | Chuay duay! |
| I am sick | ไม่สบาย | Mai sabai |
| Hospital | โรงพยาบาล | Rong payaban |
| Police | ตำรวจ | Dtamruat |
| I am lost | หลงทาง | Long tang |
Communication Tools
Translation Apps
| App | Features | Offline Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Google Translate | Camera, voice, text | Yes (download Thai) |
| Papago | Asian languages | Limited |
| iTranslate | Voice translation | Premium |
| SayHi | Conversation mode | No |
Tip: Download Thai language pack for offline use before your trip!
Pointing Apps
Apps with pictures to point at:
- Point It: Picture dictionary
- Thai Travel Phrases: Audio playback
- Speak Thai: Pronunciation guide
Phone Settings
- Add Thai keyboard for copying text
- Download offline maps (Google Maps)
- Save common phrases in notes
- Screenshot important translations
Where English is Spoken
Good English
- Major hotels and resorts
- Tourist information centers
- International hospitals
- Airports
- High-end restaurants
- Tour operators
Limited English
- Taxi drivers (some)
- Street food vendors
- Local shops
- Public transportation staff
- Markets
Rarely English
- Rural areas
- Local neighborhoods
- Small towns
- Older generation
Non-Verbal Communication
Thai Body Language
The Wai:
- Traditional greeting (prayer gesture)
- Shows respect
- Higher hands = more respect
Smiling:
- Thais smile in many situations
- Can indicate happiness, embarrassment, or apology
- Smile back!
Head and Feet:
- Head is sacred - never touch
- Feet are lowest - never point at people/Buddha
Useful Gestures
| Gesture | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Beckoning (palm down) | Come here |
| Finger to lips | Quiet please |
| Hand over heart | Thank you/Sorry |
| Nodding | Agreement |
| Waving hands | No/Stop |
Overcoming Language Barriers
Practical Tips
- Speak slowly and clearly (not louder)
- Use simple words (avoid idioms)
- Show pictures on your phone
- Write down numbers for prices
- Point at menus/maps
- Learn to read Thai numbers (prices)
- Smile and stay patient
When Communication Fails
- Try a different word
- Draw or gesture
- Use translation app
- Find younger person (better English)
- Call hotel for help
- Smile and accept the mystery!
Thai Script for Tourists
Useful Signs to Recognize
| Thai | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ทางออก | Exit |
| ทางเข้า | Entrance |
| ห้องน้ำ | Toilet |
| ชาย | Male |
| หญิง | Female |
| อันตราย | Danger |
| ราคา | Price |
| เปิด | Open |
| ปิด | Closed |
Emergency Contacts
- Tourist Police: 1155 (English-speaking)
- Police: 191
- Ambulance: 1669
- Fire: 199
Communication Checklist
- Download Google Translate Thai offline
- Learn 10 basic Thai phrases
- Save key phrases in phone notes
- Add Thai keyboard to phone
- Download offline maps
- Write hotel address in Thai
- Practice polite particles (krap/ka)
- Learn Thai numbers 1-10
- Save emergency numbers
- Carry hotel business card with Thai address
#Thailand language guide #Thai communication tips #Essential Thai phrases #Cultural communication #Travel language hacks
Original content was written in Thai. I have translated it using AI translator.