Smiling In Thailand.com - For Tourists and Thais.
No-one expects tourist to speak the native tongue, however, a polite hello! ("sawatdee khrap" if you are a man, and "sawatdee kha" if you are a woman) will start the long process of endearing you to Thai people. If you cannot smile at the same time, then you should not be in Thailand - or anywhere else for that matter!
The pronunciation of Thai words is not easy! It may well be that you 'say' the word correctly in western terms, but if you do not pitch it at the right level (tone) then you will not be easily understood. Even the relatively easy place name Krabi, can present problems. If you pronounce it in a flat level tone, then be prepared to repeat it many times. May even be quicker to point it out on a map!
Thai Language Courses
Thai Language courses are available all over Thailand - especially in places like Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. For those dedicated enough, it is possible to do a Thai language course to qualify for a 1 year Education Visa, which will simply be renewed every three months at your local immigration centre. Much better than doing the inconvenient visa runs. This type of language course is typicall two or three mornings each week for a three hour session. You will need to do the course at an accredited 'school' rather than by private individual lessons.
Please be aware that if you decide upon the Thai Language course to obtain you visa to stay in Thailand, you will probably get spoken to in Thai - and be expected to answer in Thai - when you go to your immigration centre for the three monthly renewal. This has been bought about by increasing fake courses that are available. The Thai government is aware of these abuses, and local immigration centres are tightening up the procedures and tests.
Some handy shopping phrases for you!
Hello =
Sawasdee (ka / krap) *
I'm just looking = Pom / chan
kae duu **
Let me have a look first =
kor pom / chan duu kon
That's pretty = Seuy dee
na (ka / krap) *
How much? = Tao rai?
Too expensive! = Pang maak na
(ka / krap!)*
Can I have a discount? =
Lod dai mai?
Do you have other colours? =
Mee see eun mai?
Do you have a smaller size? =
mee lek kwaa nee mai?
Is this made in Thailand? =
Tam nai pra ted thai rue plao?
No thanks, I'm not interested =
mai aoq (ka / krap) *
Thank you very much = Kob khun
maak - (ka / krap) *
You're so sweet! = Khun na rak maak!
* 'ka' if you are a female, 'krap' if you are a male. (Very
important. If you use both, it can lead to misunderstanding!)
** 'pom' if you a a male, 'chan' is used for both sexes
OK - So now you can go shopping with confidence