You are planning your next vacation, and that vacation will be in Thailand. Congratulations on a fantastic choice! But you are not sure that the locals understand you? Well, you can learn the language of course, but what if you’re not quite ready to learn a whole language just for a vacation? Nobody is going to blame you. It is not an easy language; If anything, it’s quite complicated and much more difficult to master than English, especially if you don’t have experience in Sanskrit or similar languages.

Khun phuut pasa angkrit dai ruu pao – “Can you speak English?”

Even if you don’t learn any other Thai phrases or words, this should be the one sentence you should memorize early on for easy communication.

mai pen rai – “It doesn’t matter.”

This phrase is useful when you want to say any variant of “don’t mention it,” “it’s okay,” or to accept an apology (like when a waiter spills something on you or the concierge took time to find your luggage). ).

Rakha tau-rai – “How much is this?”

Universally useful when shopping; it is not necessary to specify the type of goods to be understood.

Khob khun krap/kha – “Thanks.”

The “krap” and “kha” are gender suffixes; the first is used by men to end sentences, the second by women. It is considered polite to include them, especially when talking to strangers.

sawatdee krap/kha – “Hello.”

It is usually spoken with folded hands, head bowed, and knees slightly bent, similar to the Indian namaste gesture.

Rong ram yuu tee nai – “Where is the hotel?”

If you want to be more specific, you will need to add the name of the hotel after “rong ram”, ie “Rong ram Sunshine yuu tee nai”. Alternatively, if you want directions, you can also ask “Rong ram pai taang nai”.

Rong praya bhan yuu tee nai – “Where is the hospital?”

Ha khao gin tang nai – “Where can I find something to eat around here?”

Useful if you’re not sure if there are restaurants near where you currently are.

ha ma mua rai – “When it reaches?”

Depending on the context, this can be used alone, or it can require an object to specify what you’re asking about, but the language is flexible enough that the listener can get the gist of what you’re asking about (for example, when is lunch? I ordered to come).

Sanam bin yuu klai ruu plao – “Is the airport far?”

Mee arai naa gin bang – “Do you recommend a dish?”

It can be used both in a restaurant to consult the waiter or elsewhere to ask for suggestions on what to eat in general, although for the most part this phrase would work best when you’re already at the table and perusing the menu.

Gin kaew chao tee nai – “Where do I have breakfast?”

Pai duen tiew tee nai dee – “Where can I take a sightseeing tour?”

Typically the question will be answered with the name of a street or open-air market, although this depends on which part of Thailand you are visiting and whether you are staying in a city.

mueng nee yai kae nai – “How big is this city?”