Thai Language

If you are coming to Koh Chang or any part of Thailand on holiday and you don't have much time to learn many words or phrases. We have compiled a useful list for you to use while you are on your holiday. To make a request or greeting sound more polite, male people should add "khrap" to the end of a sentence and female "kaa".

Greetings

Hello - sa-wat dee
This is the word that all tourists need to learn first. It is used for both "hello" and "goodbye".

Thank you - khorb koon
When you are in Thailand don't forget you don't want to forget your manners, always try to be polite. This is how you respond with a "thank you" if someone gives you something.

I don't want - mai ow
When you are sitting on the beach or walking down the street sometimes you will be approached by vendors, trying to sell you something. Some of them are very persistent so try this useful phrase.

Being Polite

Sorry - khor toat
Use this when you have to push by someone or you accidentally step on their feet. You can also use this phrase if you want to attract someone's attention.

Never mind - mai ben rai One of my favourites and has a number of meanings.

If someone apologizes (khor toat) to you for doing something wrong. You can reply with "mai ben rai" - Never Mind, No Worries or No Problem

If someone says "thank you" (khorb koon) for a present. You can reply with "mai ben rai" - Your Welcome

Directions

Where is ***? - *** yoo tee nai
if you want to find somewhere or something say the name of the place or object you are looking for followed by yoo tee nai.

Food

Delicious - a-roi
After a tasty meal the cook would love to hear that you found the food delicious. You never know, the next time you go back you might get an extra helping!

Shopping

How much? - tao rai baht
If you are shopping you will need to ask "how much?" if you don't know the name of something you can point to what you are referring to

Can you make it cheaper? - lot noi dai mai
If you are shopping at the local markets or looking for cheaper accommodation then try this handy phrase. Speaking a little Thai you might get a better discount.

One to ten - neung - sib