Page 26 - Guest Service Directory

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USEFUL INFORMATION Thai Phrases

Below is a selection of everyday Thai words and phrases for tourists to know. In general Thais do speak
Dear Valued Guest,
adequate English but appreciate it when foreigners can speak a word or two in Thai.
Welcome to Thailand! Thais place an enormous importance on being polite and having an easy going personality “Jai Yen”
(cool heart). It is considered polite to end a phrase with the word “Khrap”, for a male speaker, and “Kha”,
Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, so many of the customs and traditions in Thai culture are based on for a female speaker. Therefore “Thank you” would be - “Kop Khun Khrap”, for a man and “Kop Khun Kha”,
Buddhist values except in the Deep South of the country where many people are Muslim. for a woman.
The country is famously known as the “Land of Smiles” because of the cheerful nature of its people. However Conversing in Thai also requires one additional skill which is easily learned. Smiling while communicating
foreigners should be aware of some simple customs and etiquette as well as certain comments or actions which is Thai culture and opens doors to hearts. Below is a list of common Thai phrases which might be useful
should always be avoided. As you have just arrived we would like to take this opportunity to offer you the during your stay in the Kingdom.
following information of Thailand’s ‘Do’s and Dont’s to help you to have a more pleasant stay.

Thailand Do’s Yes Chai Krap / Kha
No Mai chai
Do say “Sawasdee Krab” for men or “Sawasdee Ka” for women when greeting Thai people. Please Ga – Ru – Na
Do greet but instead of shaking hands press the palms of your hands in a prayer-like gesture called ‘Wai’. Thank you Kop Khun
Generally a younger person should ‘Wai’ an older person, who will then return it. Hello / Good bye Sa – Wad – Dee / La Gon
Do use “Khun” as the honorific title before a person’s first name. How are you? Sa – Bai Dee Mai?
Do dress appropriately when visiting temples and religious sites. I’m fine, thanks Sa – Bai Dee Kop Khun
Do respect all Buddha images and always treat any image of a Buddha and Buddhist monks with extreme respect. Pardon Ah – Rai Na
Do always ask for permission before taking pictures of anyone. Sorry / Excuse me Kor Thod
Do avoid kissing or hugging in public. How much? Thao Rai?
Do remove shoes before entering a Thai home. Do you understand? Kao Jai Mai?
Do try to learn a couple of Thai words and phrases. I understand Kao Jai
I don’t understand Mai Kao Jai
I’m lost Lohng Thang
Thailand Don’ts!
Do you have food that isn’t spicy? Mee Aa – Haan Mai Ped Mai?
I (Male) Pohm
Don’t express negative opinions about the King or any member of the Royal Family. Thai people have utmost I (Female) Di – Chan
respect for the Thai monarchy. The King is very highly regarded, almost universally, as evidenced by his You Khun
pictures displayed everywhere. He / She Khao
Don’t point anything or anyone with your feet, hold doors open with your feet, point your feet to the Buddha We Rao
images and or touch monks. Where? Thee Nai?
Don’t get involved with drugs. Penalties are very severe from ten years up to the death penalty for trafficking. How? Yang Ngai?
Don’t touch a Thai person on the head.
When? Muea Rai?
Why? Tham Mai?
Best regards, Which? Un Nai?
Where is? Yoo Thee Nai?
The Management I’m hungry Hew
I’m thirsty Hew Nam
Where is the Centara Hotel? Rong – Ram Centara Yoo Thee Nai?