Although Bangkok is the travel hub of Southeast Asia and has picked up on its overall English level, the rest of Thailand (other than the main cities like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Samui) are left far behind. Many locals cannot even speak a word of English and unless you are at an established restaurant or shopping mall, you have to pick up a few basic Thai words and phrases if you really want a local experience in the country.

Male & Female

Firstly, males and females need to speak a bit differently. To end sentences politely, you must use Krub for male and Kah for female

Greetings

Hello – Sawatdee

How are you? – Sabai Dee Mai

I am Fine – Sabai Dee

Goodbye- Laa Gon Na 

Also you should Wai. This is the official greeting and it shows respect.  Wai when Praying to Buddha, paying respect to the image of the King, apologizing, saying hello, goodbye, and thanking. Technically, you should Only wai to a person with a higher social status or elders.

Basics

Yes – Chai

No – Mai Chai

Can – Dai

Cannot – Mai Dai  

Never Mind – Mai Pen Arai

Restroom – Hong Naam

Water – Naam

Thank You – Khob Khun

Sorry – Koh Toht

Remember to add the krub or kah at the end of each sentence, question or statement

Language/Speaking

Can you Speak English? – Pood Angrit Dai Mai

Do You Understand? – Kaw Jai Mai

I Do Not Understand – Mai Kow Jai

Can You Say it Again? – Pood Ek Tee Dai Mai

How Do You Say This in Thai? – Pasa Thai Pood Wa Yang Rai

Can you speak slowly? – pood cha cha dai mai?

Basic Locations / Transportation

Airport – Sanam Bin

Hotel – Rong Ram (Name of hotel)

MRT subway – Rot Fai Tai Din

BTS skytrain –  Rot Fai Fa

Motorcycle Taxi – Motorsai RabCang

Boat Tax i- Rua

Getting Around

Can you go here – Pai ti nee dai mai?

Turn meter on – Pert Meter

Turn left – Leaw sai

Turn right – Leaw khwa

Go straight – throng pai

Stop  – yood / chod

this one – an ni

Shopping Basics

How Much is This? – Nee Tao Rai

Expensive – Pang

Very Expensive – Pang Mak

Cheap – Thook

Can You Lower the Price? – Lot Noi Dai Mai

Food Basics

Where is the Nearest Restaurant – Raan Ahan Tee Glai Sot Yu Ngai

*I Am Vegetarian – Kin Mang Sa Wi Rat

I Don’t Eat Meat – Mai Kin Nua Sat

Halal Food – Ahan Halal

*Vegan – Ahan Jay

Water – Naam

Chicken – Kai

Pork – Moo

Beef – Nua

Fish – Pla

Shrimp – Kung

Crab – Pu

Egg – Kaiy

Milk – Noum

Garlic- Katiem

Onion – Hua Houm

Salt – Klua

Sugar – nam taan

Do not add – Mai Saiy (name of veg/meat/condiment)

Add – Saiy (Name of veg/meat)

Being Vegetarian or Mang Sa Wi Rat means no meat but milk and eggs are okay. To ask for no egg say Mai Saiy Kaiy

Being Vegan, or Jay means no animal products, no eggs, no milk, onions, garlic, or strong spices.

* featured image credit: Wikihow

Did we miss out anything? Have any other words or phrases to suggest? Please let us know in the comments below.