Even if you are only in Thailand for a few weeks, if you can learn a few words of the Thai language it can be amazing the difference it can make to your interaction with the locals. Naturally, you have to be realistic; if you haven’t learnt Thai before it’s going to be difficult. At first you will almost certainly mispronounce words, but don’t let that stop you from trying. If nothing else, it will make people laugh and be sanuk. I found my first fumbling attempts at Thai to be a great ice-breaker
The words I’ve chosen are useful in a number of situations and can be picked up quite easily by the casual visitor. They also have the advantage that even if they are mispronounced slightly, the Thai person should be able to understand what you are saying. If you are spending a longer time in Thailand, I recommend investing in a pocket-sized Thai phrasebook.
Some Thai people struggle when it comes to using the correct form of address in English for addressing women. So, if you are called Mary, regardless of your marital status you may hear Khun Mary, Miss Mary, Mrs Mary and quite possibly Mister Mary, so try not to be offended!
If you are at a restaurant and want to get the attention of the waiter or waitresses you can say ‘khun khap’ or ‘khun ka’. This is very polite and will be appreciated. If you listen to Thai people calling to the waiter or waitress you will probably hear them say something entirely different. Phrases like ‘nong’, ‘pii’ or ‘nuu’ may be used depending on the age of the person whose attention they are seeking. These terms are also polite but are very Thai and they can be a minefield of embarrassment if you get them wrong. That’s why I would advise using the all encompassing ‘khun khap/ka’ as a much safer option.
Thai people love their food. They will also want you to love their food. If you can tell the restaurant owner, the cook or the waitress that the food was delicious – aroy – you are likely to receive a warm welcome the next time you go back. And even if it wasn’t delicious, smile say ‘aroy’ and don’t go back there again! Bending the truth and flattery are common in Thailand so don’t worry too much about the occasional white lie.
Try stopping at a street stall or hawker cart and point at something you like the look of. Hand over your 10 or 20 Baht and take a bite. If it’s good, smile and say ‘aroy’. Congratulations, you’ve just made a new friend in Thailand.
The more words you can learn about food the better. Thailand is a nation obsessed with food and any visitor can’t help but notice it. It’s also impossible to ignore the fact that Thais like their food spicy – phet. In fact they like it really spicy – phet mak. As a foreigner you won’t be expected to eat some of the food that Thai people do. Don’t be afraid to ask for something ‘mai phet’ (‘not spicy’) or ‘phet nit nawy’ (‘a little bit spicy’).
Both may be used when asking to settle your bill at a bar or restaurant. It’s more common to hear check bin in bars and kep tang in restaurants, but both should be understood. Don’t forget your khap or ka at the end of it; ‘check bin khap’ (if you are male) ‘check bin ka’ (if you are female).
I’ve written about this word before, and you may yourself being asked ‘sanuk mai?’ (‘having fun?/are you enjoying yourself?’). Respond by saying ‘sanuk’ or ‘sanuk mak’ (‘It’s a lot of fun/I’m really enjoying myself.’)
Understanding sanuk in Thailand >>
Often pronounced as nalak, this basically means cute. It’s not an obvious word for first time visitors to learn and usually pleasantly surprises Thai people when they hear a foreigner use it in the right context. Let me give you a real life example. Last year my sister was visiting and we were in Krabi on Nopparat Thara beach. A woman holding a baby walks past and there are smiles all round and I say ‘narak’ referring to the baby. After plenty of ‘khop khun ka’s’ from the mother and ‘thamay phut thai dai’ (why can you speak Thai?), I’m invited to join the rest of the family eating their picnic. I’m not suggesting that this happens every time, but it does illustrate two things; Thais love flattery (don’t we all) and they love their children.
Narak can also be used when talking about a woman or man (or ladyboy if that’s your bag) you find attractive. There are other words for beautiful or handsome, but telling somebody they are narak is a nice compliment.
