Make your trip to Thailand smoother, friendlier, and a little more fun!

Visiting Thailand soon? Whether you're heading to the buzzing streets of Bangkok, relaxing on the beaches of Pattaya, or exploring ancient temples in Chiang Mai, a few simple Thai phrases can go a long way. Thai people truly appreciate it when visitors make an effort to speak their language—even just a little.

Here’s a handy guide to basic Thai phrases that are easy to learn and extremely useful for tourists.

👋 Basic Greetings

Start with the essentials. Thai greetings are polite and friendly, and they set the tone for positive interactions.

English Thai Pronunciation

Hello สวัสดี sa-wat-dee

Goodbye ลาก่อน laa-gòn

How are you? สบายดีไหม sa-baai dee mai?

I’m fine สบายดี sa-baai dee

🧍‍♂️ Politeness Tip:

If you are male, add “ครับ (khráp)” at the end of your sentence.

If you are female, add “ค่ะ (khâ)”.

Example: Sa-wat-dee khráp (for men) or Sa-wat-dee khâ (for women)

🙏 Polite Phrases

These expressions help you navigate everyday situations with kindness and respect.

English Thai Pronunciation

Thank you ขอบคุณ khàawp khun

Sorry / Excuse me ขอโทษ khǎaw-thôt

Yes ใช่ châi

No ไม่ใช่ mâi châi

No problem ไม่เป็นไร mâi bpen rai

📍 Getting Around

Whether you're catching a tuk-tuk or asking for directions, these phrases are super handy:

English Thai Pronunciation

Where is the bathroom? ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน hâwng-nám yùu tîi năi?

How much is it? เท่าไหร่ thâo-rài?

Too expensive! แพงไป phaeng bpai!

I want to go to... ฉันอยากไป... chǎn yàak bpai...

Stop here, please หยุดตรงนี้ yùt trong níi

🍽️ In Restaurants

Thai food is amazing—but navigating menus or ordering might be tricky. These will help:

English Thai Pronunciation

I don’t eat spicy ไม่กินเผ็ด mâi gin pèt

Water, please น้ำเปล่า nám bplào

The food is delicious! อร่อยมาก a-ròi mâak

Check, please เก็บเงินด้วย gèp ngern dûai

🛍️ Shopping & Markets

If you're bargaining or just browsing, these phrases will make things easier:

English Thai Pronunciation

Can you give me a discount? ลดหน่อยได้ไหม lót nòi dâi mái?

I’m just looking ดูเฉยๆ duu chŭey chŭey

I’ll take it เอาอันนี้ ao an níi

❤️ Why Try Speaking Thai?

You don’t have to be fluent to make a great impression. A few words—spoken with a smile—can lead to better prices at markets, friendlier service, and even new local friends.

So practice a few of these before your trip. You’ll be surprised how far a simple “sa-wat-dee” can take you!