Planning a trip to Thailand? Speaking a few Thai phrases can go a long way in enhancing your travel experience. Not only will locals appreciate your effort, but you’ll also navigate more confidently through the Land of Smiles.
Here’s your must-know list of Thai phrases for first-time travelers, broken down by situation.
Basic Thai Greetings
In Thai culture, politeness is everything. Most conversations begin and end with a kind word and a smile. Start with these:
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Hello – สวัสดี (sa-wat-dee)
Add ครับ (khrap) if you’re male or ค่ะ (kha) if you’re female for politeness.
Example: Sa-wat-dee khrap/kha -
Thank you – ขอบคุณ (khop-khun)
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Yes – ใช่ (chai)
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No – ไม่ใช่ (mai chai)
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Excuse me / Sorry – ขอโทษ (khor-thot)
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No worries / It’s okay – ไม่เป็นไร (mai bpen rai)
Ending sentences with “khrap” or “kha” makes you sound respectful and friendly.
Getting Around
Taxi rides, tuk-tuks, and BTS stations can be confusing without a few basics:
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Where is…? – …อยู่ที่ไหน (…yuu tee nai?)
Example: Toilet อยู่ที่ไหน? (hong nam yuu tee nai?) -
I want to go to… – ฉันอยากไป… (chan yaak bpai…)
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How much? – เท่าไหร่ (tao-rai?)
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Turn left / right – เลี้ยวซ้าย / เลี้ยวขวา (liao sai / liao kwaa)
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Stop here – จอดตรงนี้ (jot trong nee)
Navigating Thai cities is much easier when you can speak directly to your driver or ask locals for help.
Dining Out
Food is a highlight of any trip to Thailand. Make your culinary adventure smoother with these phrases:
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Delicious – อร่อย (a-roi)
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Not spicy – ไม่เผ็ด (mai phet)
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I’m allergic to… – ฉันแพ้… (chan pae…)
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Water – น้ำ (nam)
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Bill, please – เก็บเงินด้วย (gep ngern duay)
Street food vendors may not speak English, so learning how to say “mai phet” can save you from unexpected heat!
Haggling the Thai Way
Thailand is a shopper’s paradise. From floating markets to night bazaars, here are a few Thai shopping phrases:
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Can you lower the price? – ลดหน่อยได้ไหม (lot noi dai mai?)
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Too expensive – แพงไป (paeng bpai)
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I’ll take it – เอาอันนี้ (ao an nee)
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I’m just looking – ขอดูก่อน (khor doo gon)
Haggling is common in open-air markets. Just smile, be polite, and enjoy the banter!
Emergency Situations & Asking for Help
Hopefully you won’t need these—but just in case:
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Help! – ช่วยด้วย! (chuay duay!)
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I’m lost – ฉันหลงทาง (chan long taang)
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Call the police – เรียกตำรวจ (riak tam-ruat)
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I need a doctor – ฉันต้องการหมอ (chan tong-gan mor)
Save these phrases in your phone or write them down—you never know when they’ll come in handy.
Extra Handy Words for Everyday Use
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Toilet – ห้องน้ำ (hong nam)
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Hotel – โรงแรม (rong-raem)
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Airport – สนามบิน (sa-naam bin)
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Food – อาหาร (aa-haan)
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Beautiful – สวย (suay)
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Friend – เพื่อน (pheuan)
Why Learn Thai Phrases Before You Go?
While many Thais in urban areas speak some English, speaking Thai—even just a little—creates an instant connection. It shows respect, opens doors, and often gets you better service and smiles.
So before your next Thailand adventure, bookmark this page, screenshot your favorite phrases, or print them out.
Want a Printable Thai Phrase Cheat Sheet?
We’ve created a downloadable pocket guide of these essential Thai travel phrases—perfect to take with you. Request it here.