Essential Thai Vocabulary Every Traveler and Expat Should Know
- Guest Writer
- 19 hours ago
- 6 min read
Learning a little Thai before visiting Thailand can transform your travel experience from ordinary to memorable.
While many Thais in tourist areas speak English, using simple Thai phrases shows respect for the culture, helps you connect with locals, and makes everyday tasks smoother.
Politeness is especially valued in Thai culture, so learning basic greetings and the polite particles goes a long way.
Knowing how to ask “How much?”, ordering food like a local, and saying “thank you” (kòp kun (ขอบคุณ)) helps you navigate markets, restaurants, and transportation with confidence.
Simple etiquette phrases, such as “kŏr tôht” (ขอโทษ) (sorry/excuse me) and “mai ao” (ไมเ่ อา) (I don’t want it), also make interactions smoother and more respectful.
Whether you’re a short-term visitor or planning to relocate to Thailand, essential Thai vocabulary opens doors, shows cultural appreciation, and enhances your adventure.
This guide covers polite greetings, asking for help, ordering food, understanding numbers and prices, and why learning basic Thai helps you connect with local culture.
Essential Thai Vocabulary Every Traveler and Expat Should Know
Learning a few key Thai words can completely transform your experience in Thailand.
When you visit Thailand or are planning to move there, learning basic Thai vocabulary helps you navigate daily life, connect with locals, and show respect for the culture.
Thai people deeply appreciate any effort to speak their language, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.
Wasinee Phonsri, also known as New, is the creator of Thai Lessons by New, a fast-growing global community of Thai learners.
She offers a quick guide to essential words and phrases every traveler and expat should know.
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The Foundation of Thai Communication
Politeness is a key value in Thai culture, and language reflects this strongly. The most important word you’ll hear and use is kòp kun (ขอบคุณ) (“thank you”).
To be polite, add kráp (ครับ) (used by men) or kâ (คะ่) (used by women) at the end of sentences. The same applies to sà-wàt-dee (สวัสดี), which means hello or goodbye.
Saying "sà-wàt-dee kráp/kâ" (สวัสดีครับ/คะ่) immediately sets a friendly tone. Another helpful word is kŏr tôht kráp/kâ (ขอโทษครับ/คะ่), meaning "excuse me" or "sorry."
It’s used when squeezing past someone, asking for attention, or apologizing. Even a simple smile combined with this phrase goes a long way.
Getting Around and Asking for Help
When visiting a new place where you don't know the local language, transportation and directions are common challenges, especially in busy cities like Bangkok.
On this occasion, learning words like bpai (ไป) (“to go”) and têe năi (ท่ีไหน) (“where”) can help you form basic questions and get directions.
For example, hông náam yòo têe năi? (ห้องน้ำ อยูท่ีไหน) means “Where is the bathroom?”, a lifesaver in many situations. And talking about saving lives… “chûuay dûuay” (ชว่ ยดว้ ย) means “Help me!”
If you don’t understand something, mâi kâo jai (ไมเ่ ขา้ใจ) means “I don’t understand,” while pôot cháa cháa nòi kráp/kâ (พูดชา้ๆหน่อย ครับ/คะ่ ) politely asks someone to speak slowly.
These phrases are key when dealing with taxi drivers, shop staff, or government officials.
Food and Ordering Essentials
Eating authentic Thai food is one of the highlights for most travelers, and knowing food-related vocabulary makes ordering meals easier and more enjoyable.
Gin (กิน) means "to eat," while à-ròi means "delicious." After a good meal, telling the staff “à-ròi mâak!” (very delicious) is always appreciated.
When ordering Thai food, the spice level is a common concern. If you cannot handle heat, “mâi pèt” (ไมเ่ ผด็) means “not spicy,” while “pèt nói” (เผด็ น้อย) means “a little spicy.”
And, to be honest, a “little spicy” can still be very spicy for some, so be specific here.
⪢ Dietary terms in Thai
If you need to communicate dietary needs, here are some words to help:
● Vegetarian: Mang-sà-wí-rát (มังสวริัติ)
● Strict vegetarian/vegan (no meat or animal products, plus excludes certain pungent vegetables/aromatics): Jay (เจ)
● No meat: Mâi sài néuua (ไมใ่ สเ่ น้ือ)
● No fish: Mâi sài náam bplaa (ไมใ่ สน่ ้ำ ปลา)
● Allergic to nuts/beans: Saucepáe tùua (แพถ้ั่ว)
● Allergic to gluten: Páe gloo dten (แพก้ ลูเตน)
⪢ Street foods
As a local, my three Thai street food essentials would be:
● Som Tum (สม้ ตำ sôm dtam) (green papaya salad) is a vibrant mix of shredded unripe papaya pounded with chilies, garlic, lime, fish sauce, and palm sugar. It's sweet, sour, salty, and fiery all at once, traditionally eaten with sticky rice and grilled chicken.
● Moo Ping (หมปู ิ้ง mŏo bpîng) (grilled pork skewers) makes the perfect snack, side dish, or quick breakfast. It is tender marinated pork grilled over charcoal until caramelized and smoky, with an irresistible sweet-savory flavor from garlic, coriander root, palm sugar, and soy sauce.
● Pad See Ew (ผดัซอี วิ๊ pàt-see-íw) features wide rice noodles stir-fried in dark soy sauce with Chinese broccoli, egg, and your choice of meat. The key is achieving that slightly charred, smoky flavor Thais call กลน่ิ กระทะ (glìn grà-tá, or "wok hei" in Chinese cooking), which makes this simple dish absolutely addictive.
Together, these three represent the balance and boldness that make Thai cuisine so beloved.
Numbers and Money
Understanding numbers is helpful when shopping, ordering food, paying taxes, and using transportation.
Knowing Thai numbers one to ten can help you understand prices and quantities much more easily.
● One: Nèung (หน่ึง)
● Two: Sŏng (สอง)
● Three: Săam (สาม)
● Four: Sèe (ส่ี)
● Five: Hâa (ห้า)
● Six: Hòk (หก)
● Seven: Jèt (เจด็)
● Eight: Bpàet (แปด)
● Nine: Gâo (เกา้)
● Ten: Sìp (สบิ )
Tâo rài? (เทา่ ไร) means “How much?” and is one of the most practical phrases you can learn.
Prices in Thailand are usually reasonable, but at markets, light bargaining is common.
Knowing numbers helps you avoid confusion and shows confidence, which often leads to better prices.
Why Learning Thai Matters
You don’t need to be fluent in Thai, just knowing a handful of words can break the ice, avoid misunderstandings, and completely change interactions with locals.
For expats and digital nomads living in Thailand, learning Thai shows respect for the country and its people.
Language is more than communication; it’s a bridge to culture, kindness, and connection.
About New
Wasinee Phonsri, better known as New, is the Thai educator and creator behind Thai Lessons By New, a fast-growing online platform that has become a go-to space for English-speaking students who want to learn Thai naturally, confidently, and with cultural understanding.
With a combined audience of 145K across different social media platforms (@thai_lessons_by_new), New has built a thriving community beyond grammar and vocabulary.
Her lessons combine clear structure with real cultural insight, helping students understand not just how to speak Thai but also how Thai people think, feel, and connect.
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Related Reads
If you are planning a trip to Thailand or thinking about staying longer, these guides and stories will help you travel smarter and deeper:
● Thailand Country Guide: Essential travel information, culture, transport, connectivity, and practical tips for first-time visitors and long-term stays.
● Temples of Thailand (What to Know Before You Visit): A respectful guide to visiting Thai temples, dress codes, etiquette, and cultural expectations.
● Living in Thailand as a Digital Nomad: Cost of living insights, connectivity tips, and what to expect when working remotely in Thailand.
● Thailand Travel Tips: What We Wish We Knew Before Going: Practical advice covering transport, scams, payments, and everyday travel realities.
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