Tips For ThailandThai LanguageThai is spoken by 95% of Thailand’s Population. When traveling in Thailand, learning a few Thai phrases will be an added advantage. You will be alternately praised and appreciated by the Thais; many of them who barely speak English or no English at all. One of the best reasons for you to learn Thai is that it helps you gain insight to its rich and beautiful culture. In addition, it will help you to easily get around Thailand easier.  Whenever you speak Thai, if you are male, you should end the sentence with “Krab” and “Kha” if you are a female. Thai Language has five tones, which are low, middle, high, rising, and falling. Vowel length is important when speaking Thai, because if you speak the word longer, it will change the meaning of the word. The best way to learn a language is through listening to native speakers. Some Useful Thai Phrases.Hello & Goodbye - Sa-wat dee (kha,krab) Thank You - Khorb koon (kha,krab) Yes/No - Chai/Mai chai Sorry - Khor toat Toilet - Hong naam How Long? - Narm mai Why? - Tum mai Hospital - rong-payabaan Does anyone speak English - mee krai pood pasa ang-gritdai bang mai? ShoppingShopping is the first thing, many tourists do when they arrive in Thailand. Thailand has a lot to offer in terms of shopping from air-conditioned shopping malls to dozens of outdoor markets.
Department stores usually have a fixed price, but in markets, you can bargain the price.
How much is this? - Thao rai (kha,krab) Expensive - Paeng Can you make it cheaper? - Lot noi dai mai Can i see that? - Khor doo dai mai I am just looking. - Khor doo thao nun I will come back later. - Ja ma mai RestaurantsAre you going to eat here or take away? - Gin tee nee reu glub baan Eat here - Gin tee nee Take away - Glub baan Can i have more please? - Khor eak dai mai Delicious - Aroi Not Spicy - Mai Pet Do's and Don't in ThailandThe Monarchy : Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal. Disrespecting the monarchy can lead criminal charges. Religion : Visitors should dress neatly in all religious temples. They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire. It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept. Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it. Social Norms : Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai. Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it. Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home. Shoes: Always remove footwear before entering the home of Thai's or places of business. This does not apply to restaurants or bars. |
