Some of the most useful Thai words you can learn are those for numbers. I've written down a list below, but as with all Thai words given on this site, the list is only a guide to pronunciation; there really is no substitute for listening to a Thai person to note how each word should be pronounced … [Read more...]
Thai Love Phrases
February 14, 2009 By
With today being Valentine's Day (Wan Valentine in Thai) it's a day when couples can be expected to be ro-man-tik mak ma (very romantic). Those who are bpakwaan (sweet mouth) can woo their other half by telling them they are mao rak (drunk on love). To hai dokmai (give flowers) to your waan jai … [Read more...]
Thai Small Talk
October 5, 2008 By
When you meet a Thai person for the first time and engage in conversation you may be surprised by the directness of some of the questions. What may be considered impolite or nosey in your home country is often perfectly normal in Thailand. Don’t be offended by questions about age, marital status … [Read more...]
Hearts and Minds
September 25, 2008 By
The Thai word for heart is 'hua-jai'. The word 'jai' in isolation is also used for heart although in this context the nearest English equivalent is probably 'mind'. The word 'jai' is frequently used in combination with other words to denote emotional states. Thai people often talk about having a … [Read more...]
Fast Food Thai Style
September 24, 2008 By
One of the joys of visiting Thailand is sampling the food. Thai people seem to have an obsession with food and it’s been said that if a Thai person isn’t actually eating then they will almost certainly be thinking about food. That may be an exaggeration but food does play an integral part in … [Read more...]
Kreng Jai
March 15, 2008 By
Kreng jai (also written as krengjai) is a distinctly Thai trait that can bewilder visitors to Thailand. So what is kreng jai? The direct translation is often given as 'awe heart' or 'deferential heart' and it is usually interpreted as consideration, but that is too simplistic because kreng jai is … [Read more...]
9 Useful Thai Phrases
February 19, 2008 By
Even if you are only in Thailand for a few weeks, if you can learn a few words of the Thai language it can be amazing the difference it can make to your interaction with the locals. Naturally, you have to be realistic; if you haven’t learnt Thai before it’s going to be difficult. At first you … [Read more...]
