How to learn Thai phrases?

If you plan to visit Bangkok then it is useful to have some Thai phrases to smooth the way. Whether you are young or old, learning some simple Thai words and phrases is not that difficult.

Your journey to Thailand will be all the more enjoyable for having made the effort.

Immersing yourself in a new culture is part of what makes the travelling experience so great and why so many people enjoy visiting different parts of the world.

When you travel to Bangkok you will get to meet new people and visit new places and your journey will be enriched if you know a little of the language of Thailand.

Imagine what it would be like to share a greeting with someone or request your food in the Thai language. Even a simple thing like asking for the menu and then ordering food is achievable with only a bit of effort.

Thais are proud of their country and they certainly appreciate visitors that make an attempt to speak the Thai language. You may not get the pronunciation quite right but more often than not you will be understandable.

Thai culture is very different to Western culture in many ways but when it comes to pride in their country and language, they are no different to you and me.

So what sort of Thai phrases should I learn?

Well the simple answer is that there are certain phrases that will be needed more than other. For example, I can’t remember the last time I needed to ask, “Is it hand washable” when buying something, or even “I’ve broken my dentures”.

Phrase books are full of useless information like this.

No need to despair, there are some Thai phrases that you will certainly need.General greetings such as Hello, Goodbye and How are you, are certainly going to be useful.

Others such as:

I like/don’t like this. How much is this? Where is…? I would like/may I have...? What is your name? My name is... I am unwell, are going to crop up much more frequently.

How much time do I need to learn some Thai phrases?

How much time you devote to learning Thai very much depends on your reason for visiting Thailand.

If you are having a short holiday then a few phrases would be handy to have, on the other hand if you are relocating for your job, or going backpacking upcountry for three months then you would want to study Thai in a more structured manner and you should allow more time.

Whatever your reason for wanting to learn some Thai phrases, there is going to be a course for you.

Can't wait to get started? Then go straight to Hi Speed Thai.

More interesting and timeless articles about learning Thai

7 Reasons to Learn the Thai Language


Is learning the Thai language difficult?
Is learning the Thai language difficult?


How can I study Thai?
What options are there for studying Thai? Do I need a Thai dictionary, can I do it on the internet, and do I have to go back to school?

These questions and more all answered here.

Why do you want to enrol in a Thai language programme?

What are the ways to learn to read and speak Thai?

Return from Thai Phrases to Learn Thai

Return from Thai Phrases to Bangkok Travel Ideas

Suvarnabhumi Airport Miracle Transit Hotel 


From $126

Thai girlfriend at cupidlinks

Bangkok Hotels

Airport Hotels

Pratunam Hotels

Khaosan Road Hotels

Silom Hotels

Sukhumvit Hotels

Pattaya Hotels

Naklua Beach

Dolphin Circle

Beach Road

Central Festival

Jomtien Beach

More Interesting Pages

Bangkok Airport Hotels explained

Bangkok Airport Hotels

Bangkok Two Bedroom Suites and Apartments

2 Bedroom Suites


Beaches Near Bangkok


Bangkok Islands

Bangkok Shopping Itinerary

2 bedroom hotels in Bangkok booklet
First Name

Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.