Thai Phrases That are Nice to Know.

Thai Phrases That are Nice to Know.

I want to learn Thai. (phom yak rian pa sa thai)
Don't forget men say "phom" for "I". Women say "di-chun".
Can you teach me Thai? (sorn pa sa thai phom dai mai)
Can you help me please? (chuay dai mai)
For a "dai mai" question (can you?) they will reply "dai" for yes or "mai dai" for no.
Can you speak English? (poot pa sa ang grit dai mai)
For a "dai mai" question (can you?) they will reply "dai" for yes or "mai dai" for no.
I can only speak a little English. (poot pa sa ang grit dai nit noi)
Here we didn't put in "I" in the Thai sentence. It is not really needed when you are speaking Thai.
Can you speak Thai? (poot pa sa thai dai mai)
For a "dai mai" question (can you?) they will reply "dai" for yes or "mai dai" for no.
A little. (nit noi)
This is the best answer if someone asks you if you can speak Thai.
What do you call this in Thai? (nee pa sa thai riak wa a-rai)
Don't forget to point to some Thai words.
How do you spell it? (sa got yang rai)
Can you please write it down? (khian dai mai)
For a "dai mai" question (can you?) they will reply "dai" for yes or "mai dai" for no.
Do you understand? (khao jai mai)
I don't understand. (mai khao jai)
If you understand just say "kao jai".

Can you speak louder? (poot dang dang dai mai)
For a "dai mai" question (can you?) they will reply "dai" for yes or "mai dai" for no.
Can you speak slower? (poot char char dai mai)
For a "dai mai" question (can you?) they will reply "dai" for yes or "mai dai" for no.
Say again please. (poot eek krang)
I don't understand the word ... (mai khao jai cum wa ...)
Use this when a Thai person uses a word you don't understand.
What does ... mean? (... plae wa a-rai)

Three No-Nos in Thailand

Do NOT in anyway shape or form say or do ANYTHING that would be considered as being injurious to the dignity of the royal family. This includes but is not limited to saying anything bad about the king, stepping on or defacing Thai money or anything with the image of the King on it.

The Thais love their King. Remember this and act accordingly.

Don’t raise your voice or show anger. This has to do with face and if you cannot control yourself you will look like the ignorant tourist you really are.

Don’t hurt anyone especially a Thai. You will be held responsible and you really do not want to have to deal with the Thai police. It will cost YOU.

DO Smile A LOT and enjoy your trip.

Anyone else have suggestions in this vein, please feel free to add comments. They are most welcome.