Learning Thai is one of the most rewarding investments you can make as an expat in Thailand. While you can certainly survive in tourist areas and expat bubbles with English alone, even basic Thai language skills will transform your experience - from earning genuine smiles and respect from locals to negotiating better prices and navigating situations that would otherwise be frustrating.
This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for expats living in Thailand. We focus on practical, immediately useful phrases and concepts rather than academic language learning. Whether you're planning to stay for months or years, this guide will give you the foundation you need to communicate effectively in daily life.
Thai (ภาษาไทย, phasa thai) is the official language of Thailand, spoken by approximately 70 million people. It belongs to the Tai-Kadai language family and shares some similarities with Lao. Unlike English, Thai is a tonal language, meaning the same syllable can have completely different meanings depending on the tone used.
Thai is also an analytic language, which means it doesn't use conjugations, plurals, or tenses in the way English does. Instead, context and additional words indicate time, quantity, and grammatical relationships. This actually makes Thai grammar simpler than English in many ways - you don't need to memorize verb conjugations or irregular forms.
Good news for expats: Word order in Thai (Subject-Verb-Object) is the same as English, making sentence construction intuitive once you learn vocabulary.
Understanding tones is essential because using the wrong tone can completely change the meaning of a word - sometimes with embarrassing results! Don't worry though; Thais are very forgiving of tone mistakes from foreigners, and context usually helps them understand what you mean.
| Tone | Mark | Description | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid Tone | aa | Flat, steady pitch (like stating a fact) | maa (มา) | to come |
| Low Tone | àa | Starts low and stays low | màa (ม่า) | horse |
| Falling Tone | âa | Starts high and drops sharply (like saying "No!" firmly) | mâa (ม้า) | dog |
| High Tone | áa | Starts high and stays high (like asking a question) | náa (หน้า) | face/page |
| Rising Tone | ǎa | Starts low and rises up (like asking "Really?") | sǎam (สาม) | three |
Pro Tip: The Classic "Ma" Example
The word "ma" demonstrates all tones: maa (come), màa (horse - though "mǎa" is more common), mâa (dog), máa (not commonly used), mǎa (horse). Saying "maa mâa" means "come, dog!" - get the tone wrong and you might be calling a horse instead!
The Thai alphabet consists of 44 consonants (though only 42 are in common use) and 32 vowel forms. The script is based on Khmer and ultimately derives from Brahmic scripts of India. Thai is written left to right with no spaces between words - sentences flow continuously with spaces only between clauses.
Consonant class affects tone rules - important for reading correctly.
Vowel position can be confusing - "เด็ก" (dek = child) starts with a vowel but is written before the consonant.
Should you learn the alphabet? For a short stay, no. For long-term residents, absolutely yes. Even basic reading ability helps with menus, signs, and directions. It also significantly improves your pronunciation since romanization systems are inconsistent.
Since Thai uses its own script, various systems exist to represent Thai sounds using the Latin alphabet. Understanding these helps you interpret street signs, maps, and language resources consistently.
| System | Used For | Example (Bangkok) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Thai (RTGS) | Official signs, maps, passports | Krung Thep | No tone marks; standard for government |
| Phonetic/IPA-based | Language learning, dictionaries | krung thêep | Includes tone marks; more accurate for learners |
| Common/Tourist | Tourist materials, menus | Bangkok | Anglicized; often inconsistent |
Common Romanization Quirks
Thai communication emphasizes politeness. Every phrase should end with a polite particle: khrap (ครับ) for men or kha (ค่ะ/คะ) for women. Omitting these sounds rude or abrupt.
| English | Thai Script | Phonetic | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | สวัสดี | sa-wat-dee | Add khrap/kha. Also means goodbye. |
| Thank you | ขอบคุณ | khàwp-khun | Very important - use often! |
| Sorry / Excuse me | ขอโทษ | khǎw-thôot | For apologies and getting attention |
| No problem / You're welcome | ไม่เป็นไร | mâi-bpen-rai | Essential Thai philosophy phrase! |
| Yes | ใช่ | châi | Or repeat khrap/kha to confirm |
| No | ไม่ | mâi | Or "mâi châi" (it's not so) |
| How are you? | สบายดีไหม | sa-baai-dee-mǎi | Literal: "Are you well?" |
| I'm fine | สบายดี | sa-baai-dee | Response: "I'm well" |
Numbers are essential for shopping, transportation, and daily transactions. Thai numbers follow a logical pattern once you learn the basics.
| Number | Thai | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | ศูนย์ | sǔun |
| 1 | หนึ่ง | nùeng |
| 2 | สอง | sǎawng |
| 3 | สาม | sǎam |
| 4 | สี่ | sìi |
| 5 | ห้า | hâa |
| 6 | หก | hòk |
| 7 | เจ็ด | jèt |
| 8 | แปด | bpàaet |
| 9 | เก้า | gâo |
| 10 | สิบ | sìp |
| Number | Thai | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | สิบเอ็ด | sìp-èt |
| 20 | ยี่สิบ | yîi-sìp |
| 21 | ยี่สิบเอ็ด | yîi-sìp-èt |
| 30 | สามสิบ | sǎam-sìp |
| 100 | ร้อย | ráwy |
| 200 | สองร้อย | sǎawng-ráwy |
| 1,000 | พัน | phan |
| 10,000 | หมื่น | mùen |
| 100,000 | แสน | sǎen |
| 1,000,000 | ล้าน | láan |
Number Pattern Tips
| Monday | วันจันทร์ | wan jan |
| Tuesday | วันอังคาร | wan ang-khaan |
| Wednesday | วันพุธ | wan phút |
| Thursday | วันพฤหัสบดี | wan pa-rúe-hàt |
| Friday | วันศุกร์ | wan sùk |
| Saturday | วันเสาร์ | wan sǎo |
| Sunday | วันอาทิตย์ | wan aa-thít |
| Today | วันนี้ | wan-níi |
| Tomorrow | พรุ่งนี้ | phrûng-níi |
| Yesterday | เมื่อวาน | mûea-waan |
| Now | ตอนนี้ | dtawn-níi |
| Later | ทีหลัง | thii-lǎng |
| Morning | เช้า | cháo |
| Afternoon | บ่าย | bàai |
| Evening | เย็น | yen |
| Night | กลางคืน | glaang-khuen |
Telling Time: For hours, say the number + "mohng" (โมง). Example: 3 o'clock = sǎam mohng (สามโมง). Thai also has a traditional 6-hour clock system which you'll hear in daily conversation - it divides the day into 4 periods.
| English | Thai Script | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Where is...? | ...อยู่ที่ไหน | ...yùu thîi-nǎi |
| Go straight | ตรงไป | dtrong bpai |
| Turn left | เลี้ยวซ้าย | líeow sáai |
| Turn right | เลี้ยวขวา | líeow khwǎa |
| Stop here | จอดที่นี่ | jàwt thîi-nîi |
| Near | ใกล้ | glâi |
| Far | ไกล | glai |
| In front of | ข้างหน้า | khâang-nâa |
| Behind | ข้างหลัง | khâang-lǎng |
| Next to | ข้างๆ | khâang-khâang |
Useful Location Phrases
| English | Thai Script | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| How much? | เท่าไหร่ | thâo-rài |
| Too expensive | แพงไป | phaeng bpai |
| Can you reduce the price? | ลดได้ไหม | lót dâi mǎi |
| Cheaper please | ถูกกว่านี้ได้ไหม | thùuk gwàa níi dâi mǎi |
| I'll take it | เอา | ao |
| I don't want it | ไม่เอา | mâi ao |
| Just looking | ดูเฉยๆ | duu chǒey-chǒey |
| Do you have...? | มี...ไหม | mii...mǎi |
| This one | อันนี้ | an-níi |
| Bill please | เก็บตังค์ | gèp dtang |
| English | Thai Script | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| I would like... | ขอ... | khǎw... |
| Menu please | ขอเมนู | khǎw menu |
| Water please | ขอน้ำ | khǎw náam |
| Delicious! | อร่อย | a-ròi |
| Not spicy | ไม่เผ็ด | mâi phèt |
| A little spicy | เผ็ดนิดหน่อย | phèt nít-nòi |
| Very spicy | เผ็ดมาก | phèt mâak |
| No sugar | ไม่ใส่น้ำตาล | mâi sài náam-dtaan |
| No MSG | ไม่ใส่ผงชูรส | mâi sài phǒng-chuu-rót |
| Vegetarian | เจ / มังสวิรัติ | jay / mang-sa-wí-rát |
| Check please | เช็คบิล | chék bin |
Ordering tip: Point at the menu and say "khǎw an-níi" (I'd like this one). For drinks, specify "khǎw [drink name] nùeng gâew" (one glass) or "nùeng khùat" (one bottle).
Emergency Numbers in Thailand
| English | Thai Script | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| Help! | ช่วยด้วย | chûay dûay! |
| I need a doctor | ต้องการหมอ | dtâwng-gaan mǎw |
| Call the police | เรียกตำรวจ | rîak dtam-rùat |
| I'm sick | ไม่สบาย | mâi sa-baai |
| Hospital | โรงพยาบาล | rohng-pha-yaa-baan |
| I'm allergic to... | แพ้... | pháe... |
| It hurts here | เจ็บตรงนี้ | jèp dtrong-níi |
| I lost my wallet | กระเป๋าหาย | gra-bpǎo hǎai |
| English | Thai Script | Phonetic |
|---|---|---|
| I want to go to... | อยากไป... | yàak bpai... |
| Please use the meter | เปิดมิเตอร์ด้วย | bpèrt mí-dtêr dûay |
| Turn on the air con | เปิดแอร์ด้วย | bpèrt ae dûay |
| Stop here | จอดตรงนี้ | jàwt dtrong-níi |
| At the corner | ตรงหัวมุม | dtrong hǔa-mum |
| Slowly please | ช้าๆ หน่อย | cháa-cháa nòi |
| Airport | สนามบิน | sa-nǎam-bin |
| BTS station | สถานีรถไฟฟ้า | sa-thǎa-nii rót-fai-fáa |
| One ticket to... | ตั๋วไป...หนึ่งใบ | dtǔa bpai...nùeng bai |
These particles are essential for polite Thai speech. Omitting them makes you sound rude or overly casual.
When to Use
Thai society has a strong sense of hierarchy based on age, social status, and relationship. Language reflects this through different pronouns and vocabulary.
Thais often use "phîi" (older sibling/person) and "nóng" (younger sibling/person) instead of names. If someone calls you "phîi," they're acknowledging your seniority. If they call you "nóng," they're either older or taking a protective stance. This extends beyond family to all social interactions.
Royal vocabulary: When discussing the Thai Royal Family, special vocabulary (rachasap) must be used. As a foreigner, simply being respectful is sufficient - Thais won't expect you to know royal vocabulary, but they will expect respectful behavior.
Always add "khrap" or "kha" - it makes a huge difference in how you're perceived.
"Mâi" (not) vs "mài" (silk) vs "mái" (new) vs "mǎi" (question particle) - context helps, but practice!
Thais generally speak softly. Loud speech is considered aggressive or rude.
Showing frustration causes "loss of face" for everyone. Stay calm, smile, try again or use gestures.
Thais deeply appreciate any attempt to speak Thai. Even terrible pronunciation with a smile will earn you respect and help.
Thailand has four main regional dialects. Central Thai (what you're learning) is understood everywhere, but you'll hear variations:
Spoken in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai area. Softer, more melodic. Some different vocabulary.
Spoken in Isan region. Heavily influenced by Lao. Very different vocabulary and tones.
Spoken in Phuket, Krabi, southern provinces. Faster pace, different intonation.
Bangkok and central region. This is the "official" Thai taught in schools and used in media.
Thai humor often relies on wordplay and puns due to the tonal nature of the language. Understanding a bit of this will help you connect with Thais on a deeper level.
Cultural note: Self-deprecating humor and gentle teasing are common. Thais might laugh at difficult situations - this isn't callousness but a cultural way of dealing with stress called "jai yen" (cool heart).
Excellent for beginners with gamified lessons, native speaker audio, and Thai script practice. Covers conversational Thai effectively.
Free trial / Premium: ~$8.99/month
Vocabulary-focused with beautiful visual design. 5-minute daily sessions. Great for building word recognition.
Free (5 min/day) / Premium: ~$9.99/month
Audio-based method focusing on pronunciation and conversation. Excellent for learning tones naturally through repetition.
Premium: ~$19.95/month (includes all languages)
Comprehensive podcast-style lessons from absolute beginner to advanced. Great audio content with transcripts.
Free podcasts / Premium: ~$10-25/month
Specifically for learning to write Thai script. Trace characters with stroke order guides.
Free / Premium version available
Famous for the "Automatic Language Growth" method - listening-based learning.
Chamchuri Square, MRT Sam Yan
Traditional classroom instruction. ED visa available. Multiple levels.
Times Square, Asoke
Small class sizes, intensive courses. Good for serious learners.
Near BTS Phrom Phong
Multiple branches. ED visa courses. Flexible scheduling.
Various locations in Bangkok
University-affiliated program with structured curriculum.
Popular with digital nomads. ED visa available.
Various course lengths. ED visa support.
Private and group lessons. Flexible scheduling.
ED Visa Note: Many language schools offer Education (ED) visas which allow you to stay in Thailand while studying. This typically requires attending classes 4 hours/day, 2-3 days/week. Costs range from 30,000-50,000 THB per term (3-4 months) including visa support.
Clear explanations, practical phrases, good for beginners
Native speaker, covers slang and modern Thai
Structured lessons, vocabulary videos
Deep dives into Thai culture and language nuances
1-on-1 tutoring with Thai teachers ($5-20/hour)
Private Thai tutors, structured lessons
One-time purchase courses, often on sale
Free online lessons, comprehensive reference
The most popular Thai textbook for foreigners. Covers speaking, reading, and writing with clear explanations. Audio available separately.
Best for: Self-study beginners
Focused specifically on reading Thai script. Uses a systematic approach to learn consonants and vowels.
Best for: Those wanting to read Thai quickly
Good grammar reference with practical examples. Covers colloquial and formal Thai.
Best for: Intermediate learners wanting to improve grammar
The textbooks used at AUA Language Center. Three levels from beginner to advanced.
Best for: Structured classroom-style learning
Many expats skip learning Thai script, but even basic reading ability provides significant practical benefits:
Romanization is inconsistent - reading Thai gives you accurate sounds
Many local restaurants and street food vendors only have Thai menus
Read street signs, bus routes, and directions without help
Many useful Thai apps (banking, food delivery) have Thai-only interfaces
Time investment: You can learn to sound out Thai words in about 20-30 hours of dedicated study. Full reading fluency takes longer, but even basic ability is immediately useful.
Thai has its own number system, though Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) are also commonly used. Learning Thai numerals helps you read prices, addresses, and official documents.
| Arabic | Thai | Arabic | Thai |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ๐ | 5 | ๕ |
| 1 | ๑ | 6 | ๖ |
| 2 | ๒ | 7 | ๗ |
| 3 | ๓ | 8 | ๘ |
| 4 | ๔ | 9 | ๙ |
Tip: Thai numerals are mostly used in formal contexts (government documents, temples, official signs). Prices in shops and markets usually use Arabic numerals.
Even without learning the full alphabet, memorizing these common words will help you navigate daily life:
If you want to learn to read Thai, here's a recommended approach:
Start with the most common consonants. Learn 5-7 at a time, practicing until automatic.
Learn the 8-10 most common vowels and practice combining them with consonants.
Read signs, menus, and simple texts. Don't worry about tone rules yet - focus on sounding out.
The tone rules are complex but learnable. Add these once you can recognize characters.
Recommended resource: "Read Thai in 10 Days" is an excellent focused course for learning to read. Combine it with the "Write Me" app for practice writing the characters.
Remember: Every Thai person you meet will appreciate your effort to learn their language. Start with the basics - greetings, numbers, and polite particles. Practice daily, even if just for 10 minutes. Don't be afraid to make mistakes - Thais are incredibly supportive of learners.