Useful Thai phrases

The resort and hospitality workers in Thailand and Samui in particular speak very good English. Some of the larger resorts have staff conversant in French, German and Japanese.

It doesn't harm though to know a few phrases and you'll be surprised how well you are received for even attempting!

• hello, good morning ~ sawasdee (kup/kaa)
• how are you? ~ sabai dee reu?
• thank you ~ kop koon (kup/kaa)
• never mind ~ mai pen rai
• fine thanks ~ sabai dee (krup/kaa)
• I cannot speak thai ~ phoot Thai mai dai
• please speak slowly ~ prohd phoot cha-cha
• I don't understand ~ mai kao chai
• do you understand? ~ kao chai mai?
• may I take a photograph? ~ tai ruup dai mai?
• may I use the telephone? ~ kor chai torasap dai mai?
• where is the rest room? ~ hong nam yoo tee nai?
• how much does this cost? ~ nee tao-rai (krup/kaa)
• what is this? ~ nee arai?
• very expensive ~ paeng maag
• do you have something cheaper? ~ mii tuuk gwaa nee mai?
• the bill please ~ gep taang (krup/kaa)
• goodbye ~ la gon
• see you again ~ laew phob gan mai
• pleased to meet you ~ dee jai thee dai phob gan
• happy new year ~ sawasdee pee mai
• happy birthday ~ sooksan wan gerd
• good luck! ~ kor hai chok dee!
• sorry/excuse me ~ kor thoad
• does anyone speak english? ~ mee krai pood pasa ang-grit dai bang mai?
• I need a doctor ~ tong karn mor ma raksa
• delicious! ~ a-roy!

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