Planning on visiting Thailand? Thai is a very difficult language to some and requires a lot of practice and effort. It takes a lot of time, which is something you probably don’t have a lot of.
Here are some important Thai phrases you should memorize before you get to Thailand. Your trip enjoyment depends on it!
Learn to Barter
Like many countries outside the U.S, Thailand merchants are known to barter. If you are paying over half of the listed price, you are probably being ripped off. Here are some important phrases and words to know when bartering in Thailand.
Numbers:
1 – neung
2 – song
3 – sam
4 – see
5 – haa
6 – hok
7 – jet
8 – paed
9 – gow
10 – sip
20 – yee sip
100 – roi/loi
Barter Down
How much does it cost? – nee tao rai
Expensive – pang
Can we get a discount? – lot noi dai mai
Find Transportation
If you’ve ever been in a county where you don’t know the language, you know it’s difficult to get around. These phrases may help.
3-wheeled vehicle – Tuk tuk
Taxi – Taxi
I want to go… – chan yak pai…
In Case of an Emergency
Whether it’s a real, life-threatening emergency or a minor stomach ache, it’s important to know what to say in order to get where you need to be. These may help.
Where is the bathroom? – hong nam yu nai
I’m lost – chan long taang
Does anyone speak English? – mee krai pood pasa angkrit dai mai
Help me – chuay duay
Don’t Stress
We know traveling can be stressful enough. Don’t let the language barrier stress you out. Nowadays almost everyone speaks some English and is more than willing to help. If you cannot remember or simply don’t know what to say in a situation, ask around. You are more than likely going to be able to find help.
