Traveling to Thailand is exciting, warm, colorful, and full of smiles.
But like any new country, it comes with its own language and way of speaking.
This is where thai phrases for tourists become incredibly helpful.
These simple and friendly words can make your trip smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable.
When you learn even a handful of common Thai expressions, you show respect to the locals, gain trust, and often receive even better service.
It also helps you order food, ask for directions, shop at markets, and travel with confidence.
Why Thai Phrases for Tourists Matter 🌏
Thailand is welcoming, but many locals don’t speak English fluently, especially outside major cities.
Using thai phrases for tourists helps bridge the communication gap. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, locals appreciate your effort.
Imagine ordering street food confidently, greeting a vendor kindly, or asking for directions without confusion.
These moments create connection. A quick Sawasdee can warm up any conversation.
Now let’s explore the most useful categories and phrases you’ll use during your trip.
Greeting and Polite Phrases 🤝
Sawasdee (sa-wah-dee)
Meaning: Hello
Use When: Meeting anyone, anytime
Example: You walk into a shop and say, “Sawasdee” with a smile.
Khob Khun Ka/Krub (kop-koon ka/krub)
Meaning: Thank you
Use When: After receiving help, food, or service
Example: A vendor hands you your mango smoothie, and you respond with “Khob khun ka.”
Mai Pen Rai (my pen rye)
Meaning: It’s okay / No problem
Use When: Someone apologizes or when something small goes wrong
Example: A waiter brings the wrong drink, quickly fixes it, and you say, “Mai pen rai.”
Kor Tod Ka/Krub (kor-tod)
Meaning: Sorry / Excuse me
Use When: Bumping into someone or trying to pass
Example: You move through a busy street market and gently say “Kor tod.”
Chai / Mai Chai (chai / my chai)
Meaning: Yes / No
Use When: Confirming or rejecting politely
Example: A taxi driver asks if this is your hotel; you reply “Chai!”
Travel and Transportation Phrases
Pai… Dai Mai? (pie … die my?)
Meaning: Can you take me to…?
Use When: Hiring taxis or tuk-tuks
Example: “Pai airport dai mai?”
Long Tee Nai? (long tee nai?)
Meaning: Where do I get off?
Use When: Riding buses, boats, or trains
Example: You ask the conductor, “Long tee nai for Khao San Road?”
Raa Kha Tao Rai? (raa-kha tao-rye?)
Meaning: How much is it?
Use When: Before entering a tuk-tuk or renting a bike
Example: “Raa kha tao rai to go to Patong Beach?”
Chaa Chaa Noi (cha-cha noy)
Meaning: Slow down, please
Use When: In fast tuk-tuks or boats
Example: “Chaa chaa noi” when a tuk-tuk speeds through traffic.
Yuu Tee Nai? (yoo tee nai?)
Meaning: Where is…?
Use When: Searching for stations or landmarks
Example: “MRT station yuu tee nai?”
Food and Ordering Phrases 🍜🥭
Ao Ann Nee (ow an-nee)
Meaning: I want this
Use When: Pointing at food or menus without English
Example: You tap the dish photo and say, “Ao ann nee.”
Mai Phet (my pet)
Meaning: Not spicy
Use When: Ordering food
Example: “Pad Thai, mai phet please.”
Nid Noi (nid-noy)
Meaning: A little
Use When: Asking for light spice or sweetness
Example: “Sugar nid noi.”
Aroi Mak (a-roy mak)
Meaning: Very delicious
Use When: Complimenting cooks or vendors
Example: “Mango sticky rice aroi mak!”
Mee Seafood Mai? (mee seafood my?)
Meaning: Do you have seafood?
Use When: Checking menus
Example: Asking at a beach stall.
Shopping and Market Phrases 🛍️💰
Lot Noi Dai Mai? (lot-noy die-mai?)
Meaning: Can you give a discount?
Use When: Bargaining in markets
Example: You smile and say, “Lot noi dai mai?” for a t-shirt.
Paeng Mak (pang-mak)
Meaning: Too expensive
Use When: Light bargaining
Example: “Paeng mak, can you lower the price?”
Ao Khun Nee (ow-koon-nee)
Meaning: I’ll take it
Use When: After agreeing on a price
Example: “Ao khun nee” when buying souvenirs.
Mi See Eun? (mee see-eun?)
Meaning: Do you have other colors?
Use When: Shopping for clothes
Example: “Mi see eun in blue?”
Khun Mee Size Yai Mai? (size-yai-my?)
Meaning: Do you have a bigger size?
Use When: Trying clothing or shoes
Example: At a night market stall.
Emergency and Safety Phrases 🚨🆘
Chuay Duay! (choo-ay do-ay)
Meaning: Help!
Use When: Any urgent need
Example: Calling to someone if you’re lost or in danger.
Bpai Rong Mueang Pee (rong-mueang-pee)
Meaning: Take me to the police
Use When: Safety issues
Example: Asking a taxi if you need assistance.
Pha Ya Ban Yoo Tee Nai?
Meaning: Where is the hospital?
Use When: Medical emergencies
Example: Asking locals near a market.
Tok Long (tok-long)
Meaning: I’m lost
Use When: Navigating cities
Example: “Tok long. Can you help?”
Mee Kon Pok Mai?
Meaning: Is someone hurt?
Use When: Checking on an accident
Example: Supporting others nearby.
Hotel and Accommodation Phrases 🏨🛏️
Mee Hong Wang Mai?
Meaning: Do you have rooms available?
Use When: Walk-in hotel booking
Example: Asking at a guesthouse.
Check-In Yoo Nai?
Meaning: Where is check-in?
Use When: Entering hotels
Example: At the front desk.
Kho Towels Peun Neung
Meaning: Can I have more towels?
Use When: Requesting housekeeping
Example: Calling room service.
Fai Mai Derm (fai my derm)
Meaning: The light is not working
Use When: Reporting room issues
Example: “Fai mai derm in my bathroom.”
Mee Wi-Fi Mai?
Meaning: Do you have Wi-Fi?
Use When: Every traveler’s favorite
Example: Asking for the password.
Directions and Navigation Phrases 🗺️👣
Trong Pai (trong-pie)
Meaning: Go straight
Use When: Getting or giving directions
Example: Locals tell you “Tron pai for 200 meters.”
Leow Sai (leo-sigh)
Meaning: Turn left
Use When: Walking or riding
Example: “Leow sai after the 7-Eleven.”
Leow Kwa (leo-kwa)
Meaning: Turn right
Use When: Taxi instructions
Example: “Leow kwa at the corner.”
Klao Pai Taang Nai?
Meaning: Which way?
Use When: In markets or alleys
Example: “Temple klao pai taang nai?”
Gaeow Pai Nai?
Meaning: Where do I go next?
Use When: Multi-stop routes
Example: Helpful for large temples.
Bonus Recap Table
| Category | Key Phrases | Use Example |
|---|---|---|
| Greetings | Sawasdee, Khob Khun | Saying hello at a shop |
| Food | Ao ann nee, Mai phet | Ordering street food |
| Travel | Pai… dai mai?, Yuu tee nai? | Asking for a ride |
| Shopping | Lot noi dai mai?, Paeng mak | Bargaining |
| Emergency | Chuay duay!, Pha ya ban | Getting help |
| Hotel | Mee hong wang mai?, Mee Wi-Fi mai? | Checking in |
| Directions | Trong pai, Leow sai | Walking or driving |
Final Thoughts
Knowing thai phrases for tourists is one of the simplest ways to make your Thailand trip smoother, safer, and much more enjoyable.
These short expressions help you connect with locals, order food easily, navigate cities, and solve daily travel situations with confidence.
Use them often, even if your accent isn’t perfect. Thai people appreciate kindness, effort, and politeness more than anything else.
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