Useful Thai Phrases
Although you can usually get by using English in the main tourist venues, away from such places it is good to have at least some basic Thai phrases to help you on your way.
I have to admit to finding it difficult to learn the Thai language, with its 5 tone system, so please bare with me as I build up this section, updating as I learn.
All phrases will be written phonetically for easy understanding and use. I will also include ‘common’ language versions.
As in our own culture, there is the ‘correct’, and then the more relaxed version used between friends and peers
Greetings and general start-up phrases
| English phrase | Thai phrase |
| Good morning / afternoon / evening / night | Sa-wa-dee khapb / Sawadee / wadee |
| Good bye | La-konn |
| How are you? | Khun sa-bai dee rue? / Sabai dee? |
| I’m fine thanks | Phom (men) Dichan (women) sabai dee / khopt khun khapb (men) kaa (women) / Sabai dee |
| I’m pleased to meet you | Phom yindi dai rue chak khapb |
| You’re welcome. | Yindi tonn rab |
| Do you have (something) ? | Khun me(something)? |
| Excuse me | Khor toad khapb / Khar toad |
| My name is | Phom chuu |
| What is your name? | Khun chuu arai? / Chuu arai? |
| Do you speak English? | Khun poodt angrit bang mai? |
| How much?(cost) | Thao -rai khap? / Thao-rai? |
| Thats too much | Pang mak |
| Where is ? | Tii nai |
Try to keep conversation light hearted and you may get a good result 
Chan kit wah man farang gap sauce macuer ted aroy tee sood nai lok
Pom mai yak dai fan farang….jink jink!!!! Pom yak ben fan Pulek