Essential Thai Phrasebook

Polite usage: Add ครับ (khrap) if male, or ค่ะ (kha) if female.

Tip: Universal greeting for any time of day.

Polite usage: Say ขอบคุณครับ (khòp khun khrap) or ขอบคุณค่ะ (khòp khun kha).

Tip: Expresses sincere gratitude.

Polite usage: Say ขอโทษครับ (khŏr thôht khrap) or ขอโทษค่ะ (khŏr thôht kha).

Tip: Used to apologize, get attention, or pass through crowds.

Tip: Famous Thai phrase representing easygoing goodwill.

Tip: Affirmative answer.

Tip: Direct negative statement.

Tip: Helpful opener at hotels, ticket counters and shops.

Tip: Simple and clear when communication gets complex.

Tip: Polite request when someone is speaking too fast.

Tip: Friendly way to say 'see you later'.

Tip: Used by male speakers at the end of sentences or as a polite 'yes'.

Tip: ค่ะ (falling tone) for statements; คะ (high tone) for questions.

Tip: Friendly introduction phrase.

Tip: Short courteous reply to thank you.

Tip: Template phrase: insert the item in the middle (e.g. ขอเมนูหน่อย = menu please).

Tip: Both expressions are widely understood across all restaurants in Thailand.

Tip: Plain bottled water without ice or bubbles.

Tip: Essential for street food if you have low chili tolerance.

Tip: Mild heat without fully plain taste.

Tip: Great compliment to street food cooks and chefs.

Tip: เจ (Jay) is strict vegan (no meat, eggs, fish sauce); มังสวิรัติ is general vegetarian.

Tip: Show this to food stalls for Pad Thai and peanut sauces.

Tip: Crucial safety phrase for seafood allergies.

Tip: Handy for fruit smoothies, iced coffee, and Thai iced tea.

Tip: Used when ordering food to take back to your room.

Tip: Ice is widely used and hygienically produced in factories.

Tip: Standard phrase when boarding Bangkok metered taxis.

Tip: Used in taxis, songthaews, and tuk-tuks.

Tip: Insert destination: e.g. ไปสนามบินเท่าไหร่ (bpai sa-naam-bin thâo-rài).

Tip: Directional instruction for drivers.

Tip: Directional instruction for drivers.

Tip: Directional instruction for drivers.

Tip: Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airports.

Tip: Long-distance rail station (e.g. Krung Thep Aphiwat).

Tip: Regional bus terminals like Mo Chit or Ekkamai.

Tip: Bangkok rapid transit network.

Tip: Point at an item at markets and shops.

Tip: Polite way to start bargaining at open night markets.

Tip: Only bargain at markets; fixed-price stores do not negotiate.

Tip: Simple confirmation when buying an item.

Tip: Cards accepted at malls and hotels; small shops prefer cash or PromptPay.

Tip: Asking for PromptPay or mobile wallet QR code.

Tip: Useful for expense tracking and VAT refund documentation.

Tip: State this at the reception check-in desk.

Tip: Directly borrowed English loanword universally understood in hotels.

Tip: Loanword widely used across Thailand accommodation.

Tip: Essential for connectivity at hotels and cafés.

Tip: Report AC issues to front desk.

Tip: For early arrival or late departure bag storage.

Tip: Requesting housekeeping amenities.

Tip: One of the most important daily travel phrases.

Tip: Insert place name at start: e.g. โรงแรมอยู่ที่ไหน (where is the hotel?).

Tip: Falling tone means near.

Tip: Flat tone means far.

Tip: Signposted on buildings, malls, and stations.

Tip: Signposted across all public venues.

Tip: Core counting numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5).

Tip: Core counting numbers (6, 7, 8, 9, 10).

Tip: Special word for 20 (green banknote denomination).

Tip: 50 Baht (blue banknote).

Tip: 100 Baht (red banknote).

Tip: 500 Baht (purple banknote).

Tip: 1,000 Baht (grey banknote).

Tip: Thai national currency denomination.

Tip: Found everywhere outside 7-Elevens and bank branches.

Tip: Physical currency notes.

Tip: Urgent call for assistance.

Tip: For general emergency dial 191; Tourist Police is 1155.

Tip: Direct to medical facilities.

Tip: Use at medical clinics or hotel reception.

Tip: ผม (phŏm) for male; ฉัน (chăn) for female speaker.

Tip: Pharmacies are common in tourist areas with English-speaking pharmacists.

Tip: Report to Tourist Police (1155) and your embassy.

Tip: Polite casual question when meeting people.

Tip: ผม (phŏm) for male; ฉัน (chăn) for female.

Tip: Common friendly question asked by Thai locals.

Tip: A traditional Thai greeting showing care, like 'How are you?'.

Tip: The central Thai cultural value of 'sanuk' (fun).

Tip: Compliment for scenery, islands, temples, or dress.

Tip: Day time reference.

Tip: Day time reference.

Tip: Day time reference.

Tip: Asking for current time.

Tip: Early hours of the day.

Tip: After sunset.

Tip: Store and attraction opening status.