Bangkok · Pattaya · Phuket · Chiang-mai
10 Essential Thai Phrases: Directions, Greetings & Street Food Guide
Master key Thai words for polite greetings, turning left/right in taxis, asking how much things cost, and ordering food without extra spice.
Thai people are famously welcoming, and speaking even a few words of polite Thai will immediately bring warm smiles, better service, and respect during your travels across Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.
In this quick reference guide, we cover the essential everyday Thai phrases every traveler should know.
1. The Secret to Thai Politeness: Ending Particles
Before learning phrases, remember to attach a polite ending particle to almost every sentence:
- Male Speakers: Add "Krub" (pronounced krap) at the end.
- Female Speakers: Add "Ka" (pronounced kah) at the end.
2. Everyday Polite Greetings & Basics
- Hello / Good Day: Sawatdee krub / ka (สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ)
- Thank You Very Much: Khop khun krub / ka (ขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ)
- Excuse Me / Sorry: Khor thoad krub / ka (ขอโทษครับ/ค่ะ)
- Yes: Chai krub / ka (ใช่ครับ/ค่ะ)
- No: Mai chai krub / ka (ไม่ใช่ครับ/ค่ะ)
3. Taxi Directions & Street Navigation
When giving directions to taxi drivers, tuk-tuk drivers, or motorbike couriers, show them this guide or speak these key directional words:
| Direction | Phonetic Thai | Thai Script (Show Driver) |
|---|---|---|
| Turn Left | Lee-ow Sai | เลี้ยวซ้าย |
| Turn Right | Lee-ow Khwa | เลี้ยวขวา |
| Go Straight Ahead | Throng Pai | ตรงไป |
| Stop Here Please | Jod Thee Nee Krub/Ka | จอดที่นี่ครับ/ค่ะ |
| Slow Down | Chaa Chaa | ช้าๆ |
4. Ordering Street Food & Dining Out
- How Much Is This?: Thao Rai Krub / Ka? (เท่าไหร่ครับ/ค่ะ)
- Not Spicy Please: Mai Phet Krub / Ka (ไม่เผ็ดครับ/ค่ะ)
- A Little Spicy: Phet Noi Krub / Ka (เผ็ดน้อยครับ/ค่ะ)
- No MSG: Mai Sai Pong Choo Rot (ไม่ใส่ผงชูรส)
- Delicious!: Aroy Mak Krub / Ka! (อร่อยมากครับ/ค่ะ)
- Check Please / Bill: Gep Tâng Krub / Ka (เก็บเงินครับ/ค่ะ)
💡 Pro Tip for Foodies
When eating at street markets or night bazaars, saying "Aroy Mak Krub/Ka" (Delicious!) to the vendor is the single best way to make local friends!
Ready to practice your Thai ordering skills? Discover top-rated local dining spots on our MyThai Directory Explore Page or browse our interactive Venue Map.
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