Imagine that you’re pissed. The anger fills up your body. You’re annoyed, and you just feel like hitting something. Naturally, you want to let your anger out, and one way to do so is through words. In this lesson, you’ll learn about how to express that you’re angry in Thai.

Learning the most common angry Thai phrases is not only a great way to learn new sentence patterns and see Thai grammar at work, but it will also help you understand more about Thai people’s behavior when angry. Throughout this lesson, you’ll see that the way Thai people convey their anger through words is different from how people in other cultures do so.

In this lesson, we’ll first teach you basic Thai words for anger that you should know, and how Thai people express their anger. You’ll get to learn how to use the word “angry” in Thai sentences and study more anger-related vocabulary. In addition, we’ll provide the English translations of each phrase so you can know exactly what you’re saying!

Table of Contents

1. Words for “Angry” in Thai
2. Angry Imperatives
3. Angry Warnings
4. Angry Blames
5. Describing How You Feel in Thai
6. Angry Exclamations in Thai
7. How to Calm Yourself Down
8. Conclusion

1. Words for “Angry” in Thai

Let’s start by learning how to say “anger” in Thai. Thai people often convey their emotions, especially anger, through their tone of voice. The sentences and phrases in the following sections are commonly used by native Thai speakers when angry, but keep in mind that they also use them when they’re not angry. It’s the tone, not the words, that really implies anger.

Another point you should know is that, naturally, when people are angry, they sometimes let emotions cloud their judgment and end up saying some rude words. If you’re in Thailand, don’t be surprised if you hear some of these rude Thai words from time to time.

Please note that just like people in some other countries, Thai people have a negative attitude toward people who swear or speak rudely. So you have to be careful in this regard. Still, as a language-learner, you need to understand not only the polite Thai words but also the not-so-polite ones. Thai people don’t always speak nicely and it would be weird if you only understood the nicer words.

1- Rude Thai Words

When Thai people become angry, they sometimes use different pronouns to refer to themselves or other parties:

• กู (guu) is a rude version of the pronoun “I” in Thai. It can be used by both male and female speakers.
• มึง (mueng) is a rude version of the pronoun “you” in Thai. It can be used for both males and females.

If you’ve been learning Thai for some time, you may recognize ค่ะ (khâ) and ครับ (khráap), which Thai people put at the end of sentences to make them sound polite. However, when Thai people become angry, they put วะ (wá) at the end of sentences instead. This word makes sentences sound impolite and can convey angry emotions in Thai.

Now that you know how Thai people express their anger, let’s see some anger-related Thai vocabulary. Below are some basic words and phrases you can use to express your anger.

2- Vocabulary

• โกรธ (gròot) is “angry.”
• ความโกรธ (khwaam-gròot) is “anger.”
• ฉุน (chǔn) is “mad.”
• เสียใจ (sǐia-jai) is “sad.”
• โกรธมาก (gròot-mâak) is “very angry.”
• เสียใจมาก (sǐia-jai-mâak) is “very sad.”

2. Angry Imperatives

Now that you’ve learned some Thai words for “angry,” let’s learn a few angry Thai phrases that you can use during a heated conversation.

1- Shut up.

Thai: เงียบ (ngîiap); หุบปาก (hùp-bpàak)

Example 1:
ช่วยเงียบ ๆ หน่อยได้มั้ย ประสาทจะกินแล้ว
chûuay-ngîiap-ngîiap-nhòi-dâi-mái bprà-sàat-jà-gin-láaeo
“Would you shut up? I’m going crazy (because of your voice).”

Example 2:
หุบปาก อย่าพูดมาก น่ารำคาญ
hùp-bpàak yhàa-phûut-mâak nâa-ram-khaan
“Shut up! Don’t talk, because it is annoying.”

Additional note: Despite conveying the same meaning, เงียบ (ngîiap) is more polite than หุบปาก (hùp-bpàak). Actually, the word เงียบ (ngîiap) itself doesn’t convey anger. So if you hear this word, you can judge whether the speaker is angry or not by the tone.

2- Stop.

Thai: หยุด (yhùt)

Example:
จะทำอะไรหนะ หยุดตรงนั้นเลยนะ
jà-tham-à-rai-nà yhùt-dtrong-nán-looei-ná
“What are you doing? Stop right there!”

Additional note: Similar to เงียบ (ngîiap), the word หยุด (yhùt) itself doesn’t convey anger. So if you hear this word, you can judge whether the speaker is angry or not by the tone.

3- Cut it out.

Thai: หยุดเดี๋ยวนี้ (yhùt-dǐiao-níi)

Example:
หยุดเดี๋ยวนี้เลยนะ เธอกล้ารื้อของส่วนตัวฉันได้ยังไง
yhùt-dǐiao-níi-looei-ná thooe-glâa-rúue-khǎawng-sùuan-dtuua-chǎn-dâi-yang-ngai
“Cut it out now. How dare you go through my personal things?”

4- Leave me alone.

Thai: อย่ามายุ่ง (yhàa-maa-yûng)

Example:
อย่ามายุ่ง เธอสร้างปัญหามากพอแล้ว
yhàa-maa-yûng thooe-sâang-bpan-hǎa-mâak-phaaw-láaeo
“Leave me alone, you already caused me a lot of trouble.”

Additional note: ปล่อยฉันไว้คนเดียว (bplàauy-chǎn-wái-khon-diiao) literally means “leave me alone” in Thai. However, its literal meaning conveys sadness rather than anger, so using อย่ามายุ่ง (yhàa-maa-yûng) is better.

5- Get lost.

Thai: ไปให้พ้น (bpai-hâi-phón); ไสหัวไปไกล ๆ (sǎi-hǔua-bpai-glai-glai)

Example 1:
ไปให้พ้น ฉันไม่อยากเห็นหน้าเธออีก
bpai-hâi-phón chǎn-mâi-yàak-hěn-nhâa-thooe-ìik
“Get lost! I don’t want to see your face again.”

Example 2:
วัน ๆ สร้างแต่เรื่อง ไสหัวไปให้ไกล ๆ เลยนะ
wan-wan-sâang-dtàae-rûueang sǎi-hǔua-bpai-hâi-glai-glai-looei-ná
“You cause nothing but trouble, just get lost!”

Additional note: Despite conveying the same meaning, ไปให้พ้น (bpai-hâi-phón) is more polite than ไสหัวไปไกล ๆ (sǎi-hǔua-bpai-glai-glai).

3. Angry Warnings

Let’s learn angry Thai phrases that are used as a warning. Use these Thai sentences to warn someone that you’re getting angry.

1- Don’t mess with me.

Thai: อย่ามาลองดีนะ (yhàa-maa-laawng-dii-ná); อย่ามาแหยมนะ (yhàa-maa-yhǎaem-ná)

Example 1:
ทำงานตามที่บอกไป อย่ามาลองดีนะ
tham-ngaan-dtaam-thîi-bàawk-bpai yhàa-maa-laawng-dii-ná
“Just do what you are told to do, don’t mess with me.”

Example 2:
ถอยไปไกล ๆ เลย อย่ามาแหยมนะ
thǎauy-bpai-glai-glai-looei yhàa-maa-yhǎaem-ná
“Back off, don’t mess with me.”

Additional note: Despite conveying the same meaning, อย่ามาลองดีนะ (yhàa-maa-laawng-dii-ná) is more formal than อย่ามาแหยมนะ (yhàa-maa-yhǎaem-ná). อย่ามาแหยมนะ (yhàa-maa-yhǎaem-ná) is used in spoken language.

2- You’re asking for trouble.

Thai: อย่าหาเรื่องนะ (yhàa-hǎa-rûueang-ná); อย่าแส่หาเรื่อง (yhàa-sàae-hǎa-rûueang)

Example 1:
ทำตัวดี ๆ อย่าหาเรื่องนะ
tham-dtuua-dii-dii yhàa-hǎa-rûueang-ná
“Behave, you are asking for trouble now.”

Example 2:
ใช่เรื่องนายรึเปล่า ถ้าไม่ใช่ก็อย่าแส่หาเรื่อง
châi-rûueang-khǎawng-naai-rúe-bplào thâa-mâi-châi-gâaw-yhàa-sàae-hǎa-rûueang
“If it is not your business, then just back off. You’re asking for trouble now.”

Additional note: Actually, เธอกำลังหาปัญหาใส่ตัวอยู่ (thooe-gam-lang-hǎa-bpan-hǎa-sài-dtuaa-yhùu) is the literal meaning of “You’re asking for trouble.” However, Thai people don’t say that. We use อย่าหาเรื่องนะ (yhàa-hǎa-rûueang-ná) or อย่าแส่หาเรือง (yhàa-sàae-hǎa-rûueang), which literally mean “Don’t ask for trouble.” Comparing อย่าหาเรื่องนะ (yhàa-hǎa-rûueang-ná) and อย่าแส่หาเรื่อง (yhàa-sàae-hǎa-rûueang), the first one is more polite than the second one.

3- Don’t make me say it again.

Thai: อย่าให้ต้องเตือนอีกนะ (yhàa-hâi-dtâawng-dtuuean-ìik-ná)

Example:
รู้ใช่มั้ยว่าถ้าผลการเรียนไม่ดีจะเป็นยังไง ทำตัวดี ๆ อย่าให้ต้องเตือนอีกนะ
Rúu-châi-mái-wâa-thâa-phǒn-gaan-riian-mâi-dii-jà-bpen-yang-ngai tham-dtuua-dii-dii yhàa-hâi- dtâawng-dtuuean-ìik-ná
“You do know what would happen if your school report remains bad, right? So be a good student. Don’t make me say it again.”

4- This is my last warning.

Thai: เตือนครั้งสุดท้ายนะ (dtuuean-khráng-sùt-tháai-ná)

Example:
เตือนครั้งสุดท้ายนะ ถ้ายังสอบตกอีกจะไม่ให้เล่นเกมส์แล้ว
dtuuean-khráng-sùt-tháai-ná thâa-yang-sàawp-dtòk-ìik-jà-mâi-hâi-lên-geem-láaeo
“This is my last warning. If you fail another test, you will no longer be allowed to play games.”

5- I don’t want to see you again.

Thai: อย่ามาให้เห็นหน้าอีก (yhàa-maa-hâi-hěn-nhâa-ìik)

Example:
ถ้ายืนยันจะทำแบบนี้ิ ก็อย่ามาให้เห็นหน้าอีกนะ
thâa-yuuen-yan-jà-tham-bàaep-níi gâaw-yhàa-maa-hâi-hěn-nhâa-ìik-ná
“I don’t want to see you again if you insist on doing that.”

6- Don’t be silly.

Thai: อย่างี่เง่า (yhàa-ngîi-ngâo)

Example:
อย่างี่เง่านะ จะไม่โกรธอะไรกับเรื่องไม่เป็นเรื่อง
yhàa-ngîi-ngâo-ná jà-maa-gròot-à-rai-gàp-rûueang-mâi-bpen-rûueang
“Don’t be silly, you are making a problem out of nothing.”

7- I will not tolerate that.

Thai: เหลือทนแล้วนะ (lǔuea-thon-láaeo-ná); ทนไม่ไหวแล้ว (thon-mâi-wǎi-láaeo)

Example 1:
เหลือทนแล้วนะ วัน ๆ ไม่ทำอะไรให้มีประโยชน์เลย
lǔuea-thon-láaeo-ná wan-wan-mâi-tham-à-rai-hâi-mii-bprà-yòot-looei
“I will not tolerate this. You don’t do anything useful at all.”

Example 2:
ทำไมเธอถึงซกมกได้ขนาดนี้ ฉันทนไม่ไหวแล้ว
tham-mai-thooe-thǔng-sók-mók-dâi-khà-nàat-níi chǎn-thon-mâi-wǎi-láaeo
“How can you be this messy? I will no longer tolerate this.”

8- It is none of your business.

Thai: อย่าเสือก (yhàa-sùueak)

Example:
นี่มันเรื่องในครอบครัวของฉัน อย่าเสือก
nîi-man-rûueang-nai-khrâawp-khruua-khǎawng-chǎn yhàa-sùueak
“This is my family’s issue. It is none of your business.”

Additional note: This word is viewed as a bit rude.

4. Angry Blames

This section will teach you another type of angry phrase in Thai: the angry blame. Below is a list of phrases you can use.

1- What were you thinking?

Thai: คิดบ้าอะไรอยู่ (khít-bâa-à-rai-yhùu)

Example:
ซื้อของแพงขนาดนี้มาได้ยังไง คิดบ้าอะไรอยู่
súue-khǎawng-phaaeng-khà-nàat-níi-maa-dâi-yang-ngai khít-bâa-à-rai-yhùu
“How could you buy such an expensive thing? What were you thinking?”

2- Who do you think you are?

Thai: คิดว่าตัวเองเป็นใครกัน (khít-wâa-dtuua-eeng-bpen-khrai-gan)

Example:
อยู่ ๆ จะมาสั่งนู่นสั่งนี่ได้ยังไง คิดว่าตัวเองเป็นใครกัน
yhùu-yhùu-ja-maa-sàng-nûun-sàng-nîi-dâi-yang-ngai khít-wâa-dtuaa-eeng-bpen-khrai-gan
“How can you go bossing people around? Who do you think you are?”

3- Are you out of your mind?

Thai: บ้าไปแล้วรึไง (bâa-bpai-láaeo-rúe-ngai)

Example:
บ้าไปแล้วรึไง เราแทบจะไม่มีอะไรกินอยู่แล้วยังเอาเงินไปเล่นพนันอีก
bâa-bpai-láaeo-rúe-ngai rao-thâaep-jà-mâi-mii-à-rai-gin-yhùu-láaew-yang-ao-ngooen-bpai-lên-phá-nan-ìik
“Are you out of your mind? We almost have nothing to eat, but you still use our money for gambling.”

4- What’s wrong with you?

Thai: เป็นบ้าอะไรเนี่ย (bpen-bâa-à-rai-nîia)

Example:
เป็นบ้าอะไรเนี่ย มาถึงก็โวยวายเสียงดัง
bpen-bâa-à-rai-nîia maa-thǔeng-gâaw-wooi-waai-sǐiang-dang
“What’s wrong with you? You were frantic as soon as you arrived.”

5- It’s all your fault.

Thai: ความผิดเธอ / นายนั่นแหละ (khwaam-phìt-thooe / naai-nân-làae)

Example:
ความผิดเธอนั่นแหละที่คืนนี้พวกเราไม่มีที่ซุกหัวนอน
khwaam-phìt-thooe-nân-lhàae-thîi-khuuen-níi-rao-mâi-mii-thîi-súk-hǔa-naawn
“It’s all your fault we have no place to sleep tonight.”

Additional note: You use เธอ (thooe) if the other party is female, and นาย (naai) if the other party is male.

6- You messed it up.

Thai words: เธอ / นาย ทำพังเอง (thooe / naai-tham-phang-eeng)

Example:
นายทำพังเอง อย่ามาโทษคนอื่นนะ
naai-tham-phang-eeng yhàa-maa-thôot-khon-ùuen-ná
“You messed it up. Don’t blame it on others.”

Additional note: You use เธอ (thooe) if the other party is female, and นาย (naai) if the other party is male.

7- You’re impossible.

Thai: เธอ / นาย ช่างเรื่องเยอะ (thooe / naai-châang-rûueang-yóe)

Example:
เธอช่างเรื่องเยอะ ใครทำอะไรก็ไม่ถูกใจ
thooe-chaang-ruueang-yóe khrai-tham-à-rai-gaaw-mai-thuuk-jai
“You’re impossible. No one can please you.”

Additional note: You use เธอ (thooe) if the other party is female, and นาย (naai) if the other party is male.

5. Describing How You Feel in Thai

Another way you can express your anger is to tell others how you feel. For example, knowing how to say “I am angry” in Thai will be immensely helpful. You can use the sentences below to convey your anger, or other negative emotions, in Thai.

1- I’m very upset.

Thai: ฉัน / ผมอารมณ์เสียแล้วนะ (chǎn / phǒm-aa-rom-sǐia-láaeo-ná)

Example:
เธอไม่ฟังที่ฉันบอกเลย ฉันอารมณ์เสียแล้วนะ
thooe-mâi-fang-thîi-chǎn-bàawk-looei chǎn-aa-rom-sǐia-láaeo-ná
“You’re not even listening to what I’m saying. I’m very upset.”

Additional note: Female speakers use ฉัน (chǎn) and male speakers use ผม (phǒm).

2- I’m fed up with it.

Thai: เหลือจะทนแล้วนะ (lǔuea-jà-thon-láaeo-ná)

Example:
เธอพูดจาดูถูกฉันมาตลอด เหลือจะทนแล้วนะ
thooe-phûut-jaa-duu-thùuk-chǎn-maa-dtà-làawt lǔuea-jà-thon-láaeo-ná
“You always insult me. I’m fed up with it.”

3- I hate it.

Thai: ฉัน / ผมเกลียดมัน (chǎn / phǒm-glìiat-man)

Example:
เพื่อนคนนั้นแกล้งผมบ่อยมาก ผมเกลียดมัน
phûuean-khon-nán-glâaeng-phǒm-bàauy-mâak phǒm-glìiat-man
“That friend bullies me very often. I hate it.”

Additional note: Female speakers use ฉัน (chǎn) and male speakers use ผม (phǒm). Normally, มัน (man) refers to “it” in Thai. However, sometimes, Thai people impolitely use this word to refer to people they don’t like.

4- I have never been so disappointed.

Thai: ฉัน / ผมโคตรผิดหวังเลย (chǎn / phǒm-khôot-phìt-wǎng-looei)

Example:
พอรู้ว่าทีมของเราแพ้ ผมโคตรผิดหวังเลย
phaaw-rúu-wâa-thiim-khǎawng-phûuak-rao-pháae phǒm-khôot-phìt-wǎng-looei
“I have never been so disappointed to learn that our team lost.”

Additional note: Female speakers use ฉัน (chǎn) and male speakers use ผม (phǒm). โคตร (khôot) means “very” in Thai. However, it’s not polite to use this word, so don’t ever use it in formal situations.

6. Angry Exclamations in Thai

In addition to phrases and sentences, another way you can express your anger in Thai is through angry exclamations. There are three angry exclamations you should know.

1- หน็อย

Thai pronunciation: nhǎauy

How to use: Thai people use this exclamation when they’re angry and feel like doing something to the cause of their anger.

Example:
หน็อย ถ้าเจออีกนะ จะเตะแม่งเลย
nhǎauy thâa-jooe-ìik-ná jà-dtè-mâaeng-looei
“Nhǎauy, if I see him again, I will kick his ass.”

2- โธ่เว้ย

Thai pronunciation: thôo-wóoei

How to use: Thai people use this exclamation when they’re angry and disappointed due to a failure on their part.

Example:
โธ่เว้ย ถูกหวยกินอีกแล้ว
thôo-wóoei thùuk-hǔuai-gin-ìik-láaeo
“Thôo-wóoei, I lost my money to the lottery again.”

3- แม่งเอ๊ย

Thai pronunciation: mâaeng-óoei

How to use: Thai people use this exclamation when they’re angry because things didn’t go as they wished.

Example:
แม่งเอ๊ย จะเอาอะไรนักหนาวะ
mâaeng-óoei jà-ao-à-rai-nák-nhǎa-wá
“Mâaeng-óoei, what more do you want from me?”

7. How to Calm Yourself Down

Now that you’ve learned sentences and phrases you can use to express your anger in Thai, we’ll now teach you some tips on how to calm yourself down.

1- Take a deep breath.

Thai: หายใจลึก ๆ (hǎai-jai-lúek-lúek)

Example:
หายใจลึก ๆ อย่าวู่วาม
hǎai-jai-lúek-lúek yhàa-wûu-waam
“Take a deep breath; don’t act hastily.”

2- Count 1-10.

Thai: นับหนึ่งถึงสิบ (náp-nùeng-thǔeng-sìp)

Example:
ใจเย็น ๆ นะ นับหนึ่งถึงสิบก่อน เดี๋ยวจะพลาดทำอะไรโง่ ๆ ไป
jai-yen-yen-ná náp-nùeng-thǔeng-sìp-gàawn dǐiao-jà-phlâat-tham-à-rai-ngôo-ngôo-bpai
“Calm down and count 1-10, or else you may do stupid things.”

3- Find something else to do.

Thai: หาอะไรอย่างอื่นทำ (hǎa-à-rai-yàang-ùuen-tham)

Example:
ตอนนี้เธออารมณ์เสียแล้ว ไปหาอะไรอย่างอื่นทำก่อนไป
dtaawn-níi-thooe-aa-rom-sǐia-láaeo bpai-hǎa-à-rai-yàang-ùuen-tham-gàawn-bpai
“You are already upset. You better find something else to do.”

Additional note: If you do another activity, you may forget that you were angry.

4- Go to sleep.

Thai: ไปนอนซะ (bpai-naawn-sá)

Example:
ถ้าทำแล้วหงุดหงิดก็ไปนอนซะ
thâa-tham-láaeo-ngùt-ngìt-gâaw-bpai-naawn-sá
“If doing this makes you angry, then just go to sleep.”

Additional note: If you go to sleep, you may forget that you were angry by the time you wake up.

5- Talk it out.

Thai: บ่นมา (bòn-maa); ระบายออกมา (rá-baai-àawk-maa)

Example 1:
หน้าบึงเชียว บ่นมา จะได้อารมณ์ดีข้ึน
nhâa-bûeng-chiiao bòn-maa jà-dai-aa-rom-dii-khûen
“You are scowling. Talk it out; it will make your mood better.”

Example 2:
ไปโกรธอะไรมา ระบายออกมากจะได้สบายใจ
bpai-gròot-a-rai-maa rá-baai-àawk-maa-jà-dai-sà-baai-jai
“Why are you angry? Talk it out, you’ll feel better.”

Additional note: Talking may not solve the problem, but it can make you feel better.

8. Conclusion

You’ve just finished another lesson. Congratulations! How do you feel after learning Thai angry phrases? Does the way Thai people express anger differ from how you do? Please comment below to let us know.

We would also like to remind you that despite sometimes speaking rudely when angry, Thai people have a negative attitude toward people who speak impolitely. So you should refrain from speaking rudely, even when you’re angry.

And now that you’ve finished this lesson, there’s so much more for you to explore on ThaiPod101.com. We have a variety of fun and interesting lessons waiting for you. Maybe after reading this article about getting angry in Thai, you should try 15 happy words or the top 20 words for positive emotions to lighten up your mood.

Happy Thai learning!

People are pretty much the same. We’re born, live our life, and in the end, we die. However, the life events people celebrate and experience around the world are not always the same. This is because each country has its own culture, traditions, and beliefs, which causes people the world over to pay attention to different events in life.

In this lesson, you’ll get to learn about life events in Thai. ThaiPod101.com will teach you about important life events in Thailand, what happens during those events, and what you’re supposed to say (like Happy Birthday in Thai or how to wish a happy new year in Thai). As mentioned earlier, these events are influenced by culture, tradition, and beliefs, so you’ll also get to learn more about Thai people in those respects as well.

There are many important life events in Thailand, and many Thai congratulations and condolences you can offer. And we have good news for you: all of these messages can be used for both speaking and writing!

Table of Contents

1. Birthdays in Thailand
2. Graduation in Thailand
3. Ordination Ceremony in Thailand
4. Weddings in Thailand
5. Pregnancy in Thai
6. New House
7. New Business or Business Anniversary
8. Visiting Injured/Sick People
9. Funerals in Thai
10. Holidays in Thailand
11. Conclusion

1. Birthdays in Thailand

It’s natural for people to pay attention to birthdays. After all, it marks the beginning of a person’s life. วันเกิด (wan-gòoet) is “birthday” in Thai. When it comes to birthdays, the questions that may pop into your mind are about how to write “Happy Birthday to you” in Thai or how to sing the Happy Birthday song in Thai. Don’t worry; we’ll get everything covered for you. But before we answer your questions, let’s learn more about this event from a Thai person’s perspective.

Birthdays aren’t considered a very important event in Thailand. Children may get excited for their birthdays, and celebrate with birthday cake and presents from family and friends. When it comes to adults, the level of attention people pay to birthdays in Thailand varies. Some people throw a big party to celebrate a birthday, while others just do merit and go out for a special meal with family, friends, or their lover. Still, some people don’t pay attention to this event at all; it’s just another day for them.

If you live in Thailand or happen to know Thai people and want to wish them a happy birthday in Thai, you should focus on the information below.

1- Happy Birthday in Thai

Thai language: สุขสันต์วันเกิด

Thai pronunciation: sùk-sǎn wan-gòoet

Additional note: This is a very general way to wish someone a happy birthday in Thai, and you can use this in both formal and informal situations. Still, it’s good to know that Thai people often say “Happy Birthday” in English, as well as สุขสันต์วันเกิด (sùk-sǎn wan-gòoet). Now, about the Happy Birthday song in Thai—there is none. Thai people sing the English version.

2- Happy Birthday Wishes in Thai

Thai people often wish for the birthday person to be healthy, wealthy, happy, and to have a good time. Here is a list of formal birthday wishes in Thai you can use.

Wish 1: I wish you to be healthy.

Thai language: ขอให้สุขภาพร่างกายแข็งแรง

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi sùk-khà-phâap-râang-gaai khǎaeng-raaeng

Wish 2: I wish you to be very happy.

Thai language: ขอให้มีความสุขมาก ๆ

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi mii khwaam-sùk mâak-mâak

Wish 3: I wish you to be wealthy.

Thai language: ขอให้ร่ำรวย

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi râm-ruuai

Wish 4: I wish you to have a good year.

Thai language: ขอให้ปีนี้เป็นปีที่ดี

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi bpii-níi bpen bpii thîi dii

3- Happy Birthday Wishes to Elders in Thai

In Thai culture, you can say that you wish something for younger people, but it’s not proper for younger people to do this for elders. This is because, in Thai society, young people are expected to respect people who are older. If you do wish something for an elder, there is a way to say it properly, shown below.

Thai language: ขอให้คุณพระศรีรัตนตรัยบันดาลให้…

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi khun phrá-srǐi-rát-dtà-ná-dtrai ban-daan hâi…

English translation: “May the triple gems wish you…”

Additional note: Since you can’t bless elders directly, you ask a sacred item that Thai people believe blesses them instead. In Thailand, most people are Buddhist, so Thai people often use พระศรีรัตนตรัย (phrá-srǐi-rát-dtà-ná-dtrai), which is “the triple gems.”

2. Graduation in Thailand

พิธีสำเร็จการศึกษา (phí-thii sǎm-rèt gaan-sùek-sǎa), or a “graduation ceremony,” is a big event in Thailand. It’s viewed as the first success in life, as well as a sign that you’ve become an adult; after this, you’re expected to work and take care of yourself. On graduation day, graduated students receive a diploma from the Thai royal family. Family and friends normally come to congratulate graduates with flowers and gifts.

If you happen to have a Thai friend who’s about to graduate, here’s a list of graduation messages in Thai you can use.

1- Happy Graduation in Thai

Thai language: ยินดีด้วยที่เรียนจบ

Thai pronunciation: yin-dii-dûuai thîi riian jòp

Additional note: This is a very typical graduation wish you can use in both formal and informal situations.

2- I would like to congratulate to graduate.

Thai language: ขอแสดงความยินดีกับบัณฑิตใหม่

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw sà-daaeng khwaam-yin-dii gàp ban-dìt mài

Additional note: This is another congratulation in Thai for graduates you can use. This one is more formal than the previous one.

3- Graduation Wishes in Thai

In addition to the two ways of saying congratulations in Thai above, you can also say offer more good wishes to the graduate. These wishes can be used in both formal and informal situations. The basic sentence you should know is ดีใจด้วย ขอให้… (dii-jai-dûuai khǎaw-hâi), which means “I’m so happy for you. I wish (you to be)…”. You can choose one of the wishes listed below to fill the blank.

Wish 1: Be successful in work.

Thai language: ประสบความสำเร็จในการทำงาน

Thai pronunciation: bprà-sòp-khwaam-sǎm-rèt nai gaan-tham-ngaan

Wish 2: Be successful in life.

Thai language: ประสบความสำเร็จในชีวิต

Thai pronunciation: bprà-sòp-khwaam-sǎm-rèt nai chii-wít

Wish 3: A bright and shiny future is waiting for you.

Thai language: มีอนาคตที่สดใสรออยู่

Thai pronunciation: mii a-naa-khót thîi sòt-sǎi raaw yùu

3. Ordination Ceremony in Thailand

งานบวช (ngaan-bùuat) is “ordination ceremony” in Thai. For Buddhist families with son(s), the ordination ceremony is considered a big life event for them. As the head of a family in the future, it’s tradition for males to be ordained for a short period of time to learn the Buddha’s teachings so that he can use them later in life. Family and friends are invited to this ordinations ceremony. ThaiPod101.com will teach you sentences you may hear, and some you can use, to congratulate someone in formal situations.

1- I’m so happy for you.

Thai language: ขอร่วมอนุโมทนาบุญด้วย

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw rûuam à-nú-moo-thá-naa-bun dûuai

Additional note: This Thai message is quite special. It’s used in Buddhism-related situations only. In an ordination ceremony, Thai people use this phrase to show that they’re happy for what you’re doing (getting ordained to be a monk).

2- I hope you will be able to learn Buddha’s teachings well.

Thai language: ขอให้ศึกษาพระธรรมให้เต็มที่

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi sùek-sǎa phrá-tham hâi dtem-thîi

Additional note: You can use this phrase in addition to saying that you’re happy they’re going to study as a monk.

3- You’re becoming a monk so your parents can go to heaven.

Thai language: บวชให้พ่อแม่ได้เกาะชายผ้าเหลืองขึ้นสวรรค์

Thai pronunciation: bùuat hâi phâaw-mâae dâi gàw chaai-phâa-lǔueang khûen sà-wǎn

Additional note: This isn’t a message you say to the host, but is rather a famous saying related to the ordination ceremony which reflects Thai beliefs regarding this matter. Its literal meaning is “ordain so parents can hold the rim of yellow clothes to heaven.” Here’s an explanation: Thai monks have their own outfit, which is a yellow robe. In the ordination ceremony, a new monk wears the yellow robe for the first time, and parents can hold on to the rim of the yellow outfit to the heaven.

4. Weddings in Thailand

Like the rest of the world, a wedding is an important life event in Thailand. Most people, especially women, want to have a wedding ceremony. Some wedding ceremonies are pretty small, and only family and close friends are invited. Some wedding ceremonies, however, can be very big with up to a thousand guests. Normally, at the reception of the wedding, there’s a book for guests to write their wishes to the bride and groom in. If you’re going to a Thai wedding, here are wedding messages in Thai, and other Thai wedding congratulations, you can use.

1- Congratulations on your wedding.

Thai language: ยินดีกับการแต่งงานด้วย

Thai pronunciation: yin-dii gàp gaan-dtàaeng-ngaan dûuai

Additional note: This is a very general way to congratulate the wedding. You can use this in both formal and informal situations.

2- Wedding Wish from an Elder

In Thai society, when an elder offers good wishes to a younger bride and groom, they often use these wishes.

Wish 1: Wish you to love each other until you are old.

Thai language: ขอให้รักกันจนแก่เฒ่า ถือไม้เท้ายอดทองกระบองยอดเพชร

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi rák-gan jon gàae-thâo thǔue-mái-tháo-yâawt-thaawng-grà-baawng- yâawt-phét

Wish 2: Wish you to be together forever and always forgive each other.

Thai language: ขอให้รักกันนาน ๆ หนักนิดเบาหน่อยก็ให้อภัยกันนะ

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi rák gan naan-naan ngàk-nít-bao-nàauy gâaw hâi à-phai gan ná

Wish 3: Wish you to have a lot of children.

Thai language: ขอให้มีลูกเต็มบ้านมีหลานเต็มเมือง

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi mii lûuk dtem bâan mii-lǎan dtem muueang

3- Wedding Wishes from Friends

Wishes from friends are often more playful and informal. Here are the most popular ones.

Wish 1: I’m so happy that you are already married.

Thai language: ดีใจด้วย ขายออกแล้วนะ

Thai pronunciation: dii-jai dûuai khǎai àawk láaeo ná

Wish 2: I’m so happy for you and wish you eternal love.

Thai language: ดีใจด้วย รักกันนาน ๆ นะ

Thai pronunciation: dii-jai dûuai rák gan naan-naan ná

5. Pregnancy in Thai

When you learn that your beloved one is pregnant, naturally, you’re happy for them. In some countries, they do baby showers to congratulate them. However, in Thailand, we don’t do that. Once the new mother gives birth, you go and visit them.

Then, a month after the baby is born, you do an event called ทำขวัญเดือน (tham-kwǎn-duuean) or โกนผมไฟ (goon-phǒm-fai). In this event, the family wishes good things for the baby and celebrates that the baby is safe and healthy. It’s the first time that the baby’s hair is cut. However, only family partakes in this event.

As a friend, if you want to congratulate your Thai friend on their pregnancy or childbirth, you can send them these messages.

1- Wish both mother and baby to be healthy.

Thai language: ขอให้แข็งแรงทั้งคุณแม่และลูก

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi khǎaeng-raaeng tháng khun-mâae láe lûuk

Additional note: This is a Thai wish for both the mother and baby, that you say to the mother. It’s quite common and can be used in both formal and informal situations.

2- Be good kids for mom and dad.

Thai language: เป็นเด็กดีของพ่อแม่นะ

Thai pronunciation: bpen dèk dii khǎawng phâaw-mâae ná

Additional note: This is a Thai wish you say to the baby, although the baby may not understand you yet. When Thai people speak this, they normally use a kind tone.

3- Wish your baby to be healthy and grow up to be a good child.

Thai language: ขอให้ลูกสุขภาพแข็งแรงและเป็นเด็กดี

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi lûuk sùk-khà-phâap khǎaeng-raaeng láe bpen dèk dii

Additional note: This is a Thai wish for the baby that you say to the mother. It’s quite common and can be used in both formal and informal situations.

6. New House

Owning a house or condo in Thailand is viewed as another success. The owner of the house often hosts an event called งานทำบุญขึ้นบ้านใหม่ (ngaan tham-bun-khûen-bâan-mài), which means “merit making for new house,” to celebrate. They may also invite monks to bless the house so that it’s a nice place to live. Family and friends are normally invited to this event.

1- Congratulations on your new house.

Thai language: ยินดีด้วยที่ได้ขึ้นบ้านใหม่

Thai pronunciation: yin-dii dûuai thîi dâi khûen bâan-mài

Additional note: This is a very general way to congratulate the owner of a new house. You can use this in both formal and informal situations.

2- This is a good house, making the occupant rich.

Thai language: บ้านนี้ดี อยู่แล้วรวย

Thai pronunciation: bâan níi dii yùu láaeo ruuai

Additional note: This is one of the wishes Thai people often write down on a card, which they give to the owner of the house.

3- Occupants in this house will be happy and rich.

Thai language: บ้านนี้อยู่แล้ว ร่มเย็นเป็นสุข ร่ำรวย

Thai pronunciation: bâan níi yùu láaeo rôm-yen-bpen-sùk râm-ruuai

Additional note: This is another wish that Thai people often write down on a card, which they give to the owner of the house.

7. New Business or Business Anniversary

When Thai people start a new business or have a business anniversary, they sometimes invite a monk to bless their business. They believe it will bring luck and help make their business successful. Family, friends, and business partners are invited. Here’s a list of best wishes in Thai you can say to congratulate them.

1- General Thai Message on New Business / Business Anniversary

Wish 1: Good luck! Good luck! Good luck!

Thai language: เฮง เฮง เฮง

Thai pronunciation: heng heng heng

Additional note: This is one of the most popular wishes for others when it comes to business. Actually, it comes from Chinese.

Wish 2: Congratulations.

Thai language: ยินดีด้วยนะ

Thai pronunciation: yin-dii dûuai ná

2- Wishes for a New Business

Wish 1: Congratulations on your business, may it go well.

Thai language: ยินดีด้วยกับธุรกิจใหม่ ขอให้กิจการรุ่งเรือง

Thai pronunciation: yin-dii dûuai gàp thú-rá-gìt mài khǎaw hâi gìt-jà-gaan rûng-ruueang

Wish 2: Congratulations on your business, may the sales be very good.

Thai language: ยินดีด้วยกับธุรกิจใหม่ ขอให้ค้าขายรุ่งเรือง

Thai pronunciation: yin-dii dûuai gàp thú-rá-gìt mài khǎaw hâi kháa-khǎai rûng-ruueang

3- Wishing a Happy Business Anniversary

Wish 1: May your business be even more successful.

Thai language: ขอให้ประสบความสำเร็จยิ่ง ๆ ขึ้นไป

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi bprà-sòp-khwaam-sǎm-rèt yîng-yîng-khûen-bpai

Wish 2: May you be richer.

Thai language: ขอให้ร่ำรวยยิ่ง ๆ ขึ้นไป

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi râm-ruuai yîng-yîng-khûen-bpai

8. Visiting Injured/Sick People

Being sick is an inevitable event in life. And when you’re sick or injured, encouragement from family, friends, and people who love you can always make you feel better. Thai people are no different.

When you’re sick, you normally get encouraging messages from those who love you. If you get admitted to the hospital, those who love you often come to visit with some fruit and nourishing food or drinks. If you visit Thai people in the hospital or have a sick friend, the following Thai condolences and encouragement phrases will be useful for you. You can use them in both formal and informal situations.

1- Get well soon.

Thai language: หายป่วยเร็ว ๆ นะ

Thai pronunciation: hǎai bpùuai rew-rew ná

Additional note: This is a general message that Thai people often say or write down on a card for someone who is sick or injured.

2- Get a lot of rest and get well soon.

Thai language: พักผ่อนเยอะ ๆ หายป่วยเร็ว ๆ นะ

Thai pronunciation: phák-phàawn yóe-yóe hǎai bpùuai rew-rew ná

3- Take care of yourself and get well soon.

Thai language: ดูแลตัวเองดี ๆ หายป่วยเร็ว ๆ นะ

Thai pronunciation: duu-laae dtuua-eeng dii-dii hǎai bpùuai rew-rew ná

9. Funerals in Thai

งานศพ (ngaan-sòp), or a “funeral,” is the chance for the living to pay respect to the dead, as well as comfort the family of the deceased. คำอาลัย (kham aa-lai) is the “message to the dead” in Thai. If you go to a funeral in Thailand, here are some funeral messages in Thai, and other condolences in Thai, you should know.

1- May you go to heaven.

Thai language 1: ขอให้ไปสู่สุคติ

Thai pronunciation 1: khǎaw hâi bpai sùu sùk-khà-dtì

Thai language 2: ขอให้ไปที่ชอบ ๆ นะ

Thai pronunciation 2: khǎaw hâi bpai thîi-châawp-thîi-châawp ná

Additional note: This is a message that Thai people often say to the deceased at a funeral. Both sentences have the same meaning. However, the first one is more formal.

2- Message to the death (asking for forgiveness).

It’s impossible for people who know each other to never do, think, or say bad things to each other, regardless of intention. As most Thai people are Buddhist, we believe in a next life. Thus, it’s proper to ask for forgiveness and say that you forgive the deceased as well. So you should know these two sentences.

Message 1: Asking the deceased for forgiveness

Thai language: กรรมใดที่เคยทำไป อโหสิกรรมให้ด้วย

Thai pronunciation: gam-dai thîi khooei tham bpai à-hǒo-sì-gam hâi rao dûuai

Message 2: Forgiving the deceased for bad things he/she did to you

Thai language: ถ้าเคยทำอะไรที่ไม่ดีไว้ เราอโหสิกรรมให้

Thai pronunciation: thâa khooei tham à-rai thîi mâi dii wái rao à-hǒo-sì-gam hâi

3- Condolences in Thai

Message 1: My condolences for your loss. (Formal)

Thai language: ขอแสดงความเสียใจด้วย

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw sà-daaeng kwaam-sǐia-jai dûuai

Message 2: My condolences for your loss. (Informal)

Thai language: เสียใจด้วย

Thai pronunciation: sǐia-jai dûuai

10. Holidays in Thailand

There are a lot of holidays in Thailand. Thai people celebrate many foreign holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and Halloween. However, luckily, the holiday greetings in Thai, or holiday messages for foreign holidays, are no different from those used in other countries. Thai people often say those in English, such as “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

Still, ThaiPod101.com thinks you should learn some holiday wishes in Thai. In particular, the New Year holiday in Thailand is quite interesting.

In Thailand, people kind of celebrate the New Year three times a year: New Year’s Day, the Chinese New Year Day, and the Thai New Year Day. So you should learn some of the most common Thai New Year congratulations. The Thai wishes below can be used in both formal and informal situations.

1- Happy New Year Wishes in Thai

Wish 1: Happy New Year

Thai language: สุขสันต์วันปีใหม่

Thai pronunciation: sùk-sǎn wan-bpii-mài

Wish 2: Hello New Year

Thai language: สวัสดีปีใหม่

Thai pronunciation: sà-wàt-dii bpii-mài

Wish 3: May this year be full of happiness and prosperity.

Thai language: ขอให้มีแต่ความสุขความเจริญ

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi mii dtàae khwaam-sùk khwaam-jà-rooen

Wish 4: May this be a good year.

Thai language: ขอให้ปีนี้เป็นปีที่ดี

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi bpii-níi bpen bpii thîi dii

2- Happy Chinese New Year Wishes in Thai

Wish 1: In this new year, may all your wishes come true. I wish you to be happy and rich all year.

Thai language: ซิงเจียยู่อี๋ ซิงนี้ฮวดใช้

Thai pronunciation: sin-jiia-yûu-ìi sin-níi-hûuat-chái

Additional note: This wish is Chinese. Despite saying this on the Chinese New Year, Thai people don’t really know what it means. They just know that they’re supposed to say this on that day.

Wish 2: Good luck! Good luck! Good luck!

Thai language: เฮง เฮง เฮง

Thai pronunciation: heng heng heng

Additional note: You may recognize this wish because it’s also used to wish a new business well, or to congratulate a business anniversary. It can also be used as a wish for the Chinese New Year as well.

3- Happy Thai New Year Wishes in Thai

Wish 1: Happy Songkran Day

Thai language: สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์

Thai pronunciation: sùk-sǎn wan sǒng-graan

Wish 2: Hello Thai New Year

Thai language: สวัสดีปีใหม่ไทย

Thai pronunciation: sà-wàt-dii bpii-mài-thai

Wish 3: May this year be full of happiness.

Thai language: ขอให้มีแต่ความสุข

Thai pronunciation: khǎaw hâi mii dtàae khwaam-sùk

11. Conclusion

Congratulations for reaching the conclusion. We hope you can use all these wishes and messages for life events in real situations. Are they different from yours? Does your country have the same life events? Leave a comment below to let us know.

And as always, don’t forget to visit ThaiPod101.com to learn interesting and fun Thai lessons. As we’ve just talked about holidays, you can learn more about national Thai holidays or the Songkran holiday in Thailand. Know that your hard work will pay off, and with the help of ThaiPod101, you’ll be speaking like a native in no time!

Songkran Day, otherwise known as the Songkran Festival or Songkran Water Festival, is a unique Thai tradition that takes place in early spring each year. In this article, you’ll learn what the Songkran Festival is all about, how Thai people celebrate this holiday, and more!

Let’s get started.

1. What is Songkran Day?

The Songkran holiday in Thailand is a three-day celebration period. During the Songkran Festival, Thai people are able to get much-needed rest and relaxation from work or school, as well as plenty of play-time! This holiday is also a period of blessings and a time to ทำบุญ (tham-bun), or “make merit.”

The Songkran Festival is a tradition that is not only present in Thailand but also in other Southeast Asian countries such as Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. It is presumed that this festival was influenced by the Holi festival in India.

→ To learn about more Thai holidays, check out our lesson on the Top Five Important Dates During the Thai Calendar Year.

2. When is Songkran?

Each year, the Songkran date is from April 13 to April 15.

3. How is the Songkran Festival Celebrated?

Because the Songkran Festival is a long holiday, many Thai people go back to their hometown to visit family and old friends.

There are a number of events and traditions that take place during the Thai Songkran Festival. As mentioned earlier, this is a time to make merit. Many common events during this holiday period include acts of service (like saving animals that are trapped), charity operations, and asking blessings from elders. Many people also เข้าวัด (khâo-wát), or “go to the temple,” and give food to the monks.

During the Songkran Festival, Thailand also hosts a beauty pageant. In the Miss Songkran beauty pageant, Thai women from ages eighteen to twenty-five wear Thai dresses, express their personality, and try to answer important questions. The winner for each province is considered a lady capable of promoting tourism in that province.

Perhaps the tradition you’re most familiar with is that of playing with น้ำ (nám), or water. Throughout Thailand, people will splash or sprinkle each other with water, shoot people with water guns, and also สรงน้ำพระ (sóng-náam-phrá), or “bathe the Buddha statue.” This is because many Thais believe that splashing water onto others will rid them of bad luck and other bad things. In some places, people also rub chalk in each other’s faces.

→ Brush up on your Thai vocabulary with our vocab list of Words for the First Day of Spring!

4. Another Important Holiday

Do you know what other Thai holiday falls on April 13?

Since the reign of King Rama V, April 1 had been designated as the ปีใหม่ไทย (phii-mài-thai), or Thai New Year. Later, in 1940, the date of New Year’s Day was changed to the international day of January 1. However, as Thai people in those days were still used to New Year’s Day being in April, April 13 was designated the first day of the Songkran holiday period, as well as the traditional Thai New Year.

→ Did you know that some people in Thailand also observe the Chinese New Year?

5. Essential Vocabulary for Songkran Day

Ready to review some of the vocabulary words from this article? Here’s a list of the most important words and phrases for Songkran!

• น้ำ (nám) — “water”
• ปีใหม่ไทย (phii-mài-thai) — “Thai New Year”
• คำอวยพร (kham-uuai-phaawn) — “bless”
• ทำบุญ (tham-bun) — “make merit”
• รดน้ำดำหัว (rót-náam-dam-húua) — “water sprinkling”
• ปืนฉีดน้ำ (bpuuen-chìit-náam) — “water gun”
• น้ำอบ (náam-òp) — “Thai perfume”
• สรงน้ำพระ (sóng-náam-phrá) — “bathe the Buddha statue”
• เข้าวัด (khâo-wát) — “go to the temple”
• สาดน้ำ (sàat-náam) — “throw water”
• เทศกาลสงกรานต์ (thêet-sà-gaan sǒng-graan) — “Royal Songkran Festival”
• ขบวนแห่ (khà-buuan-hàae) — “parade”

To hear the pronunciation of each word, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to check out our Thai Songkran Day vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed learning about the Songkran Water Festival with us, and that you were able to take away some valuable cultural information.

What did you think about this holiday? Is there a similar celebration in your own country? We look forward to hearing from you in the comments!

Thailand has such a unique and colorful culture. If you’re interested in learning even more about it, ThaiPod101.com has you covered:

• Top Five Things You Need to Know About Thai Society
• Thai Customs: Best Guide to Etiquette in Thailand
• What is Chakri Memorial Day in Thailand?
• Thailand Language Day: Celebrating the Thai Language
• How to Celebrate Chulalongkorn Day in Thailand

Whatever your reasons for becoming interested in Thai culture or the language, know that ThaiPod101.com is the best way to expand your knowledge and improve your skills. With tons of fun and effective lessons for learners at every level, there’s something for everyone!

Create your free lifetime account today, and start learning with us. 🙂

วันนี้อากาศดีจังเลยนะ (wan-níi aa-gàat dii jang looei ná) means “The weather is nice today,” in Thai. It’s a nice way to start a comfortable conversation with strangers or those you don’t know well. Apart from this, learning about weather is a good idea, as weather is a part of our daily lives. One way or another, it affects us.

For those who live in Thailand, weather definitely affects them.

So what’s the weather like in Thailand?

Since Thailand is not a small country, the weather varies in different parts of the country. Weather in Bangkok, Thailand is different from the weather in Pattaya and Phuket. Further, the weather that Thailand experiences changes from month to month. Still, most of the time, the weather in Thailand is hot and sunny.

Once you finish this article, you’ll know more about weather in Thailand. This article will teach you all the important weather-related words, phrases, and sentences, as well as information about the weather in Thailand year round.

Table of Contents

1. Weather-Related Vocabulary
2. Seasons in Thailand
3. Common Sentence Patterns about Weather
4. Common Weather-Related Phrases and Sentences
5. The Weather in Thailand All Year Round
6. How ThaiPod101 Can Help You Master Thai Conversation

1. Weather-Related Vocabulary

To start the lesson, let’s go over some vocabulary you can use when talking about weather. Here are some words you should know about weather conditions in Thai.

1- “Sunny”

Thai language: แดดจัด

Thai pronunciation: dàaet jàt

Example:
วันนี้แดดจัดมาก ดีนะที่เอาร่มมาด้วย
Wan-níi dàaet jàt mâak dii ná thîi ao rôm maa dûuai
“Today is very sunny. It is good that I brought an umbrella with me.”

2- “Rainy”

Thai language: ฝนตก

Thai pronunciation: fǒn dtòk

Example:
พยากรณ์อากาศแสดงว่าพรุ่งนี้จะฝนตก
Phá-yaa-gaawn aa-gàat sà-daaeng wâa phrûng-nii jà fǒn dtòk
“The weather forecast shows that tomorrow will be rainy.”

3- “Cloudy”

Thai language: มีเมฆมาก

Thai pronunciation: mii mêek mâak

Example:
วันนี้มีเมฆมาก ผ้าจะแห้งช้า
Wan-níi mii mêek mâak phâa ja hâaeng cháa
“Today is very cloudy. It will take a long time for the clothes to dry after laundry.”

4- “Windy”

Thai language: ลมแรง

Thai pronunciation: lom raaeng

Example:
เมื่อวานฉันไปทะเลมา ลมแรงมาก
Mûuea-waan chǎn bpai thá-lee maa lom raaeng mâak
“Yesterday I went to the sea. It was very windy.”

5- “Snow”

Thai language: หิมะ

Thai pronunciation: hì-má

Example:
ประเทศไทยอากาศร้อน ไม่มีหิมะที่นี่
Bprà-thêet thai aa-gàat ráawn mâak mâi mii hì-má dtòk thîi nîi
“Thailand is a hot country. There is no snow here.”

6- “Hail”

Thai language: ลูกเห็บ

Thai pronunciation: lûuk-hèp

Example:
บางทีลูกเห็บก็ตกที่ภาคอีสาน
Baang-thii lûuk-hèp gâaw dtòk thîi phâak ii-sǎan
“Sometimes, there is hail in northeast Thailand.”

7- “Weather”

Thai language: อากาศ

Thai pronunciation: aa-gàat

Example:
อากาศในประเทศไทยเป็นอย่างไร
Aa-gàat nai bprà-thêet thai bpen yàang-rai
“How is the weather in Thailand?”

8- “Weather forecast“

Thai language: พยากรณ์อากาศ

Thai pronunciation: phá-yaa-gaawn aa-gàat

Example:
คนไทยไม่ค่อยสนใจพยากรณ์อากาศ
Khon thai mâi khâauy sǒn-jai phá-ya-gaawn aa-gàat
“Thai people don’t pay much attention to the weather forecast.”

2. Seasons in Thailand

Now that you have basic knowledge about the weather in Thai, the next thing you should learn is the seasons. ฤดูกาล (rúe-duu-gaan) is “season” in Thai. Despite being hot for most of the year, there are three seasons in Thailand.

1- “Summer“

Thai language: ฤดูร้อน

Thai pronunciation: rúe-duu ráawn

Information: Many people joke that Thailand has three types of weather: hot, hotter, and hottest. In spite of that, summer in Thailand lasts only three months, from mid-February to mid-May. The temperature during this period is very high, starting from 35 degrees celsius and sometimes reaching higher than 40 degrees celsius in April. The weather in summer in Thailand is very hot and humid.

2- “Rainy season“

Thai language: ฤดูฝน

Thai pronunciation: rúe-duu fǒn

Information: Surprisingly, the rainy season is the longest season in Thailand. It starts in mid-May and lasts until mid-October, covering over a five-month period. In Thailand, it won’t rain all the time; there’s usually a few-week gap between rains. Still, in the rainy season, the traffic can be very bad if the rain falls in urban areas, so you should plan your trip well.

3- “Winter“

Thai language: ฤดูหนาว

Thai pronunciation: rúe-duu nǎao

Information: From mid-October to mid-February, it’s winter in Thailand. However, the weather isn’t as cold as winter in other countries. The only parts of Thailand that get very cold are the northern, northeastern, and mountainous areas. Some years, the weather is chilly, while other years, the weather is hot like summer.

3. Common Sentence Patterns about Weather

In this section, you’ll learn some sentences you can use to comment about the weather in Thai. To make it easy to understand, we’ve listed some common sentence patterns about weather, categorized by type of weather. Once you have these basic sentence patterns down, you’ll be able to hold short conversations about the weather and express your opinions about it.

1- General weather

• วันนี้อากาศดี
  wan-níi aa-gàat dii
  “The weather is good today.”
• วันนี้อากาศไม่ดี
  wan-níi aa-gàat mâi dii
  “The weather is bad today.”

2- Hot weather

• วันนี้อากาศร้อน
  wan-níi aa-gàat ráawn
  “The weather is hot today.”
• วันนี้อากาศร้อนมาก
  wan-níi aa-gàat ráawn mâak
  “The weather is very hot today.”
• วันนี้อากาศร้อนอบอ้าว
  wan-níi aa-gàat ráawn òp-âao
  “The weather is hot and humid today.”
• วันนี้อากาศร้อนตับแตก
  wan-níi aa-gàat ráawn dtàp-dtàaek
  “The weather is very hot today.” [Slang]

3- Related to rain

• ตอนนี้ฝนตก
  dtaawn-níi fǒn dtòk
  “It is raining now.”
• ฝนตกหนัก
  fǒn dtòk nàk
  “It is raining really hard.”

• ฝนตกหนักมาก
  fǒn dtòk nàk mâak
  “It is raining extremely hard.”
• ฝนตกปรอย ๆ
  fǒn dtòk bpraauy-bpraauy
  “It is drizzling.”
• ฝนตกไม่ลืมหูลืมตา
  fǒn dtòk mâi luuem-hǔu-luuem-dtaa
  “It is raining cats and dogs.” [Rough translation of Thai idiom]

4- Cold weather

• วันนี้อากาศเย็นสบาย
  wan-níi aa-gàat yen sà-baai
  “It is chilly today.”
• วันนี้อากาศหนาว
  wan-níi aa-gàat nǎao
  “It is cold today.”
• วันนี้อากาศหนาวมาก
  wan-níi aa-gàat nǎao mâak
  “It is very cold today.”
• วันนี้อากาศหนาวจนตัวแข็ง
  wan-níi aa-gàat nǎao jon dtuua khǎeng
  “It is freezing cold today.”

4. Common Weather-Related Phrases and Sentences

Apart from the sentences listed in the last section, you should also learn how Thai people talk when it comes to weather. Unlike people in some other countries, Thai people normally don’t do small talk about changes in the weather. To start a conversation about the weather, Thai people just comment about the weather on that day, or during that period, usually with sentences like those in the previous section.

Still, there are some weather-related or season-related phrases and sentences you’re likely to hear, especially on the news or other media. So let’s learn them.

• ช่วงนี้ฝนตกบ่อย อย่าลืมพกร่ม
  chûuang-níi fǒn dtòk bàauy yàa luuem phók rôm
  “It’s raining a lot recently, so don’t forget your umbrella.”

• ช่วงนี้อากาศเริ่มเย็น ระวังเป็นหวัด
  chûuang-níi aa-gàat rôoem yen rá-wang bpen wàt
  “The weather is getting cold, don’t catch a cold.”
• ตอนนี้หน้าฝนแล้ว ระวังโรคไข้เลือดออก
  dtaawn-níi nâa fǒn láaeo rá-wang rôok khâi-lûueat-àawk
  “It is the rainy season now, so be aware of dengue fever.”
• ถ้าอากาศร้อนมาก อย่าอยู่ข้างนอกนาน ระวังเป็นลมแดด
  thâa aa-gàat ráawn mâak yàa yùu khâang nâawk naan rá-wang bpen lom dàaet
  “If the weather is very hot, don’t stay outside for too long or you will get heat stroke.”
• ตอนนี้อากาศในไทยแย่มาก อย่าลืมใส่หน้ากากตอนออกไปข้างนอก
  dtaawn-níi aa-gàat nai thai yâae mâak yàa luuem sài nâa-gàak dtaawn àawk bpai khâang-nâawk
  “The current weather in Thailand is very bad now; don’t forget to wear a facemask when going outside.”

5. The Weather in Thailand All Year Round

Whether you’re going to live in Thailand or just visit there, it’s nice to know what to expect from the weather and seasons in Thailand.

For those who want to live in Thailand, you should know what the weather is like during each month of the year so that you can prepare yourself accordingly. For travelers, you should know when the best time to visit Thailand is, according to the weather.

Below is practical information on Thailand weather by month.

1- Weather in January in Thailand

Thailand weather in January is chilly, in a nice way. The weather in most parts of the country is nice and cool. In terms of Thai weather, it’s the best time to visit the northern part of Thailand. The Chiangmai Thailand weather and Chiangrai Thailand weather are nice, and the scenery is very beautiful.

2- Weather in February in Thailand

Thailand weather in February is a mix of chilly and hot weather. At the beginning of February, the weather tends to be chilly; by the end of February, the temperature starts to increase.

3- Weather in March in Thailand

Thailand weather in March marks the start of summer. People in Thailand start to feel the heat at this time of year. Since the weather is pretty hot, an umbrella will be a big help for you.

4- Weather in April in Thailand

Thai weather in April is extremely hot; it’s the hottest time of the year in Thailand. If you’re going to visit Thailand during this period, be mindful of heat stroke. Still, during April 13-15, it’s the “Songkran holiday” and people play in the water during this period. Many Thai natives and foreigners greatly enjoy the fun activities during this holiday period.

5- Weather in May in Thailand

Thai weather in the later half of May marks the start of the rainy season in Thailand. The weather during this period is hot and humid. Starting from this month, the weather in southern Thailand isn’t very traveler-friendly. For example, Krabi weather and Koh Samui weather aren’t very nice, as there’s a good chance of storms.

6- Weather in June in Thailand

Thai weather in June isn’t very good for those who travel often. Since it rains a lot, you have to always bring an umbrella with you. Bangkok weather is quite troublesome in particular. When it rains a lot, the traffic will be extremely bad. Also, there may be small floods, so you need to check Thai weather forecasts in order to prepare yourself for each day.

7- Weather in July in Thailand

Thai weather in July isn’t very different from that in June. For those who want to travel to an island in Thailand, please note that this period isn’t the best time. For example, the weather in Phuket isn’t very good; it can be cloudy and rain quite a lot.

8- Weather in August in Thailand

Thai weather in August isn’t as bad as it was during the previous two months. Normally, it doesn’t rain as much, making this the best time to travel to see a waterfall. There will be a lot of water at the waterfall and dam, and you can actually enjoy it since it won’t be raining much.

9- Weather in September in Thailand

Thai weather in September is quite similar to the weather in August. However, it rains even less. It’s still a good time to see waterfalls and dams, though the water levels won’t be as high.

10- Weather in October in Thailand

Thai weather in October marks the start of winter in Thailand. However, you won’t feel much difference in temperature unless you’re in northern Thailand.

11- Weather in November in Thailand

Thai weather in November starts to get a little more chilly in this month. It’s a nice time to travel to the sea in southern Thailand, and there are no storms during this period.

12- Weather in December in Thailand

Thai weather in December is the coldest period of the year. Still, in places like Bangkok, the temperature is only around 20-25 degrees celsius (68-77 degrees F). It’s colder in northern Thailand and northeast Thailand. This is the best time to travel to those places, as the weather is very nice.

6. How ThaiPod101 Can Help You Master Thai Conversation

Congratulations on reaching the end! We hope you’ve studied well. It may take some time to get used to all of these sentences and phrases, but with some practice, you should have no problem.

Also, since you’ve already finished this lesson, don’t forget to continue learning at ThaiPod101.com. There are various lessons for you to choose from, such as “Riding a Train in Thailand” and “Proper Way to do Business in Thailand.” Have fun learning Thai! ^^

What is the weather like in your country? Is it the same or different from that in Thailand? Let us know in the comments section!

Why should you learn Thai adjectives?

The adjective is a very important part of any language. It enables clear and detailed communication, and by using Thai adjectives, you can communicate in Thai like a native. Thus, learning Thai adjectives is a must for all Thai learners.

Both Thai adjectives and adverbs are used to add detail to a sentence, but in this article, we’ll only focus on Thai adjectives. Let’s start our lesson by answering the question, “How do you say adjective in Thai?”

คำคุณศัพท์ (kham khun-ná-sàp) is “adjective” in Thai, and like in every language, adjectives are descriptive words. This article will make learning descriptive Thai adjectives easy!

For your information, there are actually many types of Thai adjectives, but there’s no need to remember adjectives by type. Below is our list of adjectives in Thai, categorized into groups. But first, some information on how to use Thai language adjectives.

Table of Contents

1. How to Use Thai Adjectives
2. Describing Dimensions, Sizes, Distance & Frequency
3. Thai Adjectives for Describing Value
4. Thai Adjectives for Describing Feeling and Sense
5. Thai Adjectives for Describing Personality and Feelings
6. Thai Adjectives for Describing Speed, Difficulty & Importance
7. Thai Adjectives for Describing Color
8. Thai Adjectives for Describing Shape & Texture
9. Thai Food Adjectives: Describing Taste
10. Thai Adjectives for Describing Situations
11. Describing Physical Traits, Conditions & Appearance
12. Conclusion

1. How to Use Thai Adjectives

Let’s learn about Thai adjectives and how to use them. Fortunately, apart from remembering adjectives in Thai vocabulary, how to use Thai adjectives is very easy. When Thai people want to describe something, the pattern they use is “noun + adjective.” For example, ผู้หญิงสวย (phûu-yǐng sǔuai) is “beautiful woman.” Below is a more detailed explanation.

• ผู้หญิง (phûu-yǐng) is “woman” in Thai.
• สวย (sǔuai) is “beautiful” in Thai.
• Combining both words, with the noun first and adjective second, we get ผู้หญิงสวย (phûu-yǐng sǔuai), which means “beautiful woman.”

Sometimes, Thai people put a ลักษณะนาม (lák-sà-nà-naam), or “classifier,” in between the noun and adjective. ลักษณะนาม (lák-sà-nà-naam) is a noun used to describe the feature or structure of the noun in front.

Now that you have the basics down, here’s our Thai adjectives list!

2. Describing Dimensions, Sizes, Distance & Frequency

The first group of Thai adjectives you should learn are those that describe the physical features of an object, distance, and frequency. These are some of the most common Thai adjectives, and you’ll do well to learn these.

1- Big

Thai adjective: ใหญ่ (yài)

Example:
บ้านหลังใหญ่มักราคาแพง
Bâan lǎng yài mák raa-khaa phaaeng
“Big houses are often expensive.”

Opposite word: เล็ก (lék), which means “small” in Thai.

2- Small

Thai adjective: เล็ก (lék)

Example:
ฉันชอบกระเป๋าเล็ก ๆ
Chǎn châawp grà-bpǎo bai lék lék
“I like small bags.”

Opposite word: ใหญ่ (yài), which means “big” in Thai.

3- Wide

Thai adjective: กว้าง (gwâang)

Example 1:
ห้องนอนกว้างมาก ฉันชอบ
Hâawng-naawn gwâang mâak chǎn châawp
“The bedroom is very wide. I like it.”

Example 2:
ถนนเส้นใหม่กว้างดี
Thà-nǒn sêen mài gwâang dii
“The new road is wide.”

Opposite word: แคบ (khâaep), which means “narrow” in Thai.

Additional note: Thai people also use the word “wide” to describe a big area instead of using the word “big.”

4- Narrow

Thai adjective: แคบ (khâaep)

Example 1:
ห้องครัวแคบมาก วางของพอได้ยังไง
Hâawng-khruua khâaep mâak waang khǎawng phaaw dâi yang-ngai
“The kitchen is so narrow. How can you put everything in it?”

Example 2:
ทางเข้าบ้านเธอแคบจัง
Thaang khâo bâan thooe khâaep jang
“The way to your house is so narrow.”

Opposite word: กว้าง (gwâang), which means “wide” in Thai.

Additional note: Similar to “wide,” Thai people also use the word “narrow” to describe a small area instead of using the word “small.”

5- Thick

Thai adjective: หนา (nǎa)

Example:
หนังสือเล่มนั้นหนาเกินจะอ่านไหว
Nǎng-sǔue lêem nán nǎa gooen jà àan wǎi
“That book is too thick to read.”

Opposite word: บาง (baang), which means “thin” in Thai.

6- Thin

Thai adjective: บาง (baang)

Example:
ใส่เสื้อบางมากจะทำให้เป็นหวัด
Sài sûuea baang mâak jà tham hâi bpen wàt
“Wearing clothes that are too thin will make you catch a cold.”

Opposite word: หนา (nǎa), which means “thick” in Thai.

7- Tall / High

Thai adjective: สูง (sǔung)

Example:
ฉันไม่ชอบขึ้นบนตึกสูง
Chǎn mâi châawp khûen dtùek sǔung
“I don’t like to go up on high buildings.”

Opposite word: เตี้ย (dtîia) and ต่ำ (dtàm), which mean “low” in Thai.

8- Short

Thai adjective: เตี้ย (dtîia)

Example:
น้องเตี้ยเพราะไม่ชอบดื่มนม
Náawng dtîia phráw mâi châawp dùuem nom
“My brother is short because he doesn’t like drinking milk.”

Opposite word: สูง (sǔung), which means “high” in Thai.

9- Low

Thai adjective: ต่ำ (dtàm)

Example:
คะแนนต่ำสุดคือสิบคะแนน
Khá-naaen dtàm sùt khuue sìp khá-naaen
“The lowest score is ten.”

Opposite word: สูง (sǔung), which means “high” in Thai.

10- Heavy

Thai adjective: หนัก (nàk)

Example:
กล่องหนักมาก ฉันแบกไม่ไหว
Glàawng nàk mâak chǎn bàaek mâi wǎi
“The box is very heavy. I can’t carry it.”

Opposite word: เบา (bao), which means “light” in Thai.

11- Light

Thai adjective: เบา (bao)

Example:
สมุดมักเบากว่าหนังสือ
Sà-mùt mák bao gwàa nǎng-sǔue
“Notebooks are usually lighter than books.”

Opposite word: หนัก (nàk), which means “heavy” in Thai.

12- Close

Thai adjective: ใกล้ (glâi)

Example:
บ้านของฉันอยู่ใกล้ห้างสรรพสินค้า
Bâan khǎawng chǎn yùu glâi hâang sàp-phá-sǐn-kháa
“My house is near (close to) a department store.”

Opposite word: ไกล (glai), which means “far” in Thai.

13- Far

Thai adjective: ไกล (glai)

Example:
บ้านของฉันอยู่ไกลโรงพยาบาล
Bâan khǎawng chǎn yùu glâi roong-phá-yaa-baan
“My house is far from the hospital.”

Opposite word: ใกล้ (glâi), which means “close” in Thai.

14- Often

Thai adjective: บ่อย (bàauy)

Example:
แม่มากินก๋วยเตี๋ยวร้านนี้บ่อย
Mâae maa gin gǔuai-dtǐiao ráan níi bàauy
“My mother often has noodles at this place.”

Opposite word: นาน ๆ ที (naan-naan-thii), which means “rarely” in Thai.

15- Rarely

Thai adjective: นาน ๆ ที (naan-naan-thii)

Example:
เพราะเป็นคนขี้เกียจ นาน ๆ ที แก้วจะทำความสะอาดห้องที
Phráw bpen khon khîi-gìiat naan-naan-thii gâaew jà tham-khwaam-sà-àat hâawng thii
“Because she is lazy, Gaaew rarely cleans her room.”

Opposite word: บ่อย (bàauy), which means “often” in Thai.

16- Many / Much

Thai adjective: มาก (mâak) / เยอะ (yóe)

Example 1:
กระเป๋าหนักมากเพราะมีของจำนวนมากในนั้น
Grà-bpǎo nàk mâak phráw mii khǎawng jam-nuuan mâak nai nán
“The bag is so heavy because there are many things in there.”

Example 2:
อาหารจานนี้มีสมุนไพรเยอะ
Aa-hǎan jaan níi mii sà-mǔn-phrai yóe
“There are many herbs in this dish.”

Opposite word: น้อย (náauy) and นิดเดียว (nít-diiao), which mean “few” or “little” in Thai.

Additional note: Whether you use มาก (mâak) or เยอะ (yóe) depends on the noun the adjective describes.

17- Few / Little

Thai adjective: น้อย (náauy) / นิดเดียว (nít-diiao)

Example 1:
บนชั้นมีของน้อย
Bon chán mii khǎawng náauy
“There are few things on the shelf.”

Example 2:
บนชั้นมีของนิดเดียว
Bon chán mii khǎawng nít-diiao
“There are few things on the shelf.”

Opposite word: มาก (mâak) and เยอะ (yóe), which mean “many” or “much” in Thai.

Additional note: These two words are pretty much the same. You can use น้อย (náauy) instead of นิดเดียว (nít-diiao) and vice versa.

3. Thai Adjectives for Describing Value

The second group of Thai adjectives you should learn are words used to describe value in Thai.

1- Good

Thai adjective: ดี (dii)

Example:
วันนี้อากาศดีมาก
Wan-níi aa-gàat dii mâak
“The weather is very good today.”

Opposite word: ไม่ดี (mâi dii), แย่ (yâae), and เลว (leeo), which mean “bad” in Thai.

Additional note: ดี (dii) can be used to describe both quality and behavior.

2- Great

Thai adjective: เยี่ยม (yîiam)

Example:
เธอลองรึยัง มันเยี่ยมมาก
Thooe laawng rúe yang man yîiam mâak
“Have you tried this yet? It is great.”

Opposite word: ไม่ดี (mâi dii), แย่ (yâae), and เลว (leeo), which mean “bad” in Thai.

Additional note: เยี่ยม (yîiam) is used to describe quality only.

3- Perfect

Thai adjective: เลิศ (lôoet)

Example:
มันเลิศมาก
Man lôoet mâak
“This is perfect.”

Opposite word: ไม่ดี (mâi dii), แย่ (yâae), and เลว (leeo), which mean “bad” in Thai.

Additional note: Thai people also use the English word “perfect” in conversation instead of using เลิศ (lôoet). And for your information, เลิศ (lôoet) is used to describe quality only.

4- Bad

Thai adjective: ไม่ดี (mâi dii) / แย่ (yâae) / เลว (leeo)

Example 1:
อย่าทำแบบนี้ ไม่ดีเลย
Yàa tham bàaep-níi mâi dii looei
“Don’t do this. It is bad.”

Example 2:
สินค้าร้านนี้แย่มาก จะไม่ซื้ออีกแล้ว
Sǐn-kháa ráan níi yâae mâak jà mâi súue ìik láaeo
“The product from this shop is very bad. I won’t buy it again.”

Example 3:
เขาเป็นคนเลว
Khǎo bpen khon leeo
“He is a bad person.”

Opposite word: ดี (dii), เยี่ยม (yîiam), and เลิศ (lôoet), which mean “good,” “great,” and “perfect” respectively in Thai.

Additional note: ไม่ดี (mâi dii) and แย่ (yâae) can be used to describe both quality and behavior. เลว (leeo) is used to describe quality only. Of these three words, ไม่ดี (mâi dii) can be used in both formal and informal situations. On the other hand, แย่ (yâae) and เลว (leeo) are used more in spoken language.

5- Sucks (Bad)

Thai adjective: ห่วย (hùuai)

Example:
อาหารรสชาติห่วยมาก
Aa-hǎan rót-châat hùuai mâak
The food tastes sucky (bad).

Opposite word: ดี (dii), เยี่ยม (yîiam), and เลิศ (lôoet) which mean “good,” “great,” and “perfect” respectively in Thai.

Additional note: ห่วย (hùuai) is used to describe quality only. And similar to its English meaning, it’s informal spoken language.

4. Thai Adjectives for Describing Feeling and Sense

The third group of Thai adjectives are words used to describe feeling and sense in Thai.

1- Cold

Thai adjective: หนาว (nǎao)

Example:
ฉันไม่ชอบอากาศหนาว
Chǎn mâi châawp aa-gàat nǎao
“I don’t like cold weather.”

Opposite word: ร้อน (ráawn), which means “hot” in Thai.

2- Hot

Thai adjective: ร้อน (ráawn)

Example:
กาแฟร้อนนะ ระวังด้วย
Gaa-faae ráawn ná rá-wang dûuai
“The coffee is hot so be careful.”

Opposite word: หนาว (nǎao), which means “cold” in Thai.

3- Chilly

Thai adjective: เย็น (yen)

Example:
เชียงใหม่ตอนนี้อากาศเย็นสบาย น่าไปเที่ยว
Chiiang-mài dtaawn-níi aa-gàat yen sà-baai nâa bpai thìiao
“The weather in Chiiangmai is chilly now. It is a good time to travel there.”

Opposite word: อุ่น (ùn), which means “warm” in Thai.

4- Warm

Thai adjective: อุ่น (ùn)

Example:
ฉันชอบดื่มชาอุ่น ๆ
Chǎn châawp dùuem chaa ùn-ùn
“I like to drink warm tea.”

Opposite word: เย็น (yen), which means “chilly” in Thai.

5- Hard

Thai adjective: แข็ง (khǎaeng)

Example:
ขนมปังนี้แข็งมาก กินไปได้ยังไง
Khà-nǒm bpang níi khǎaeng mâak gin bpai dâi yang-ngai
“This bread is so hard. How can you eat it?”

Opposite word: นิ่ม (nîm), which means “soft” in Thai.

6- Soft

Thai adjective: นิ่ม (nîm)

Example:
ฉันชอบหมอนที่นิ่มมาก ๆ
Chǎn châawp mǎawn thîi nîm mâak-mâak
“I like very soft pillows.”

Opposite word: แข็ง (khǎaeng), which means “hard” in Thai.

7- Comfortable

Thai adjective: สบาย (sà-baai)

Example:
เก้าอี้ตัวนี้นั่งสบายมาก
Gâo-îi dtuua níi nâng sà-baai mâak
“This chair is very comfortable.”

Opposite word: อึดอัด (ùet-àt), which means “uncomfortable” in Thai.

8- Painful

Thai adjective: เจ็บ (jèp)

Example:
ท่ายืดตัวนั้นดูเจ็บมาก
Thâa yûuet dtuua nán duu jèp mâak
“That stretch posture looks so painful.”

9- Uncomfortable

Thai adjective: อึดอัด (ùet-àt)

Example:
ห้องเล็กแค่นั้น ถ้าอยู่กันเกินสองคนต้องอึดอัดมากแน่ ๆ
Hâawng lék khâae nán thâa yùu gan gooen sǎawng khon dtâawng ùet-àt mâak nâae-nâae
“That room is so small. If more than two people live there, it will be very uncomfortable.”

Opposite word: สบาย (sà-baai), which means “comfortable” in Thai.

10- Fresh

Thai adjective: สดชื่น (sòt-chûuen)

Example:
อากาศร้อนแบบนี้ ถ้าดื่มน้ำผลไม้เย็น ๆ ต้องสดชื่นมากแน่ ๆ
Aa-gaat ráawn bàaep níi thâa dùuem nám phǒn-lá-mái yen-yen dtâawng sòt-chûuen mâak nâae-nâae
“Drinking cold juice in this hot weather will be very fresh (refreshing).”

Opposite word: เหนื่อย (nùueai), which means “tired” in Thai.

11- Energetic

Thai adjective: กระปรี้กระเปร่า (grà-bprîi-grà-bprào)

Example:
ออกกำลังกายแล้วทำให้รู้สึกกระปรี้กระเปร่า
Àawk-gam-lang-gaai láaeo tham hâi rúu-sùek grà-bprîi-grà-bprào
“Exercise makes you feel energetic.”

Opposite word: เหนื่อย (nùueai), which means “tired” in Thai.

12- Tired

Thai adjective: เหนื่อย (nùueai)

Example:
ฉันทำงานมาสิบชั่วโมงแล้ว ตอนนี้เหนื่อยมาก
Chǎn tham-ngaan maa sìp chûua-moong láaeo dtaawn-níi nùueai mâak
“I have worked for more than ten hours, I’m so tired now.”

Opposite word: สดชื่น (sòt-chûuen) and กระปรี้กระเปร่า (grà-bprîi-grà-bprào), which mean “fresh” and “energetic” respectively in Thai.

5. Thai Adjectives for Describing Personality and Feelings

The fourth group of Thai adjectives you should learn are words used to describe a person in Thai, or personality Thai adjectives.

1- Diligent

Thai adjective: ขยัน (khà-yǎn)

Example:
นักเรียนคนนี้ขยันมาก
Nák-riian khon níi khà-yǎn mâak
“This student is so diligent.”

Opposite word: ขี้เกียจ (khîi-gìiat), which means “lazy” in Thai.

2- Lazy

Thai adjective: ขี้เกียจ (khîi-gìiat)

Example:
พ่อไม่ชอบคนขี้เกียจ
Phâaw mâi châawp khon khîi-gìiat
“My father doesn’t like lazy people.”

Opposite word: ขยัน (khà-yǎn), which means “diligent” in Thai.

3- Kind

Thai adjective: ใจดี (jai-dii)

Example:
แม่เป็นคนใจดี
Mâae bpen khon jai-dii
“My mother is kind.”

Opposite word: ใจร้าย (jai-ráai), which means “mean” in Thai.

4- Mean

Thai adjective: ใจร้าย (jai-ráai)

Example:
เด็ก ๆ มักไม่ชอบแม่มดใจร้ายในการ์ตูน
Dèk-dèk mák mâi châawp mâae-mòt jai-ráai nai gaa-dtuun
“Children often dislike mean witches in cartoons.”

Opposite word: ใจดี (jai-dii), which means “kind” in Thai.

5- Composed

Thai adjective: ใจเย็น (jai-yen)

Example:
นอกจากใจดีแล้ว แม่เป็นคนใจเย็นมาก
Nâawk jàak jai-dii láaeo mâae bpen khon jai-yen mâak
“Apart from being kind, my mother is also very composed.”

Opposite word: ใจร้อน (jai-ráawn), which means “impetuous” in Thai.

6- Impetuous

Thai adjective: ใจร้อน (jai-ráawn)

Example:
น้ำเป็นคนใจร้อน
Nâm bpen khon jai-ráawn
“Nam is impetuous.”

Opposite word: ใจเย็น (jai-yen), which means “composed” in Thai.

7- Polite

Thai adjective: สุภาพ (sù-phâap)

Example:
เข้าวัดต้องแต่งตัวสุภาพ
Khâo wát dtâawng dtàaeng-dtuua sù-phâap
“You have to dress politely when going to the temple.”

Opposite word: หยาบคาย (yàap-khaai), which means “rude” in Thai.

8- Rude

Thai adjective: หยาบคาย (yàap-khaai)

Example:
อย่าทำตัวหยาบคาย
Yàa tham dtuua yàap-khaai
“Don’t be rude.”

Opposite word: สุภาพ (sù-phâap), which means “polite” in Thai.

9- Generous

Thai adjective: ใจกว้าง (jai-gwâang)

Example:
ทุกคนชอบแป้งเพราะเธอเป็นคนใจกว้าง
Thúuk-khon châawp bpâaeng phráw thooe bpen khon jai-gwâang
“Everyone likes Bpaaeng because she is generous.”

Opposite word: ขี้เหนียว (khîi-nǐiao), which means “stingy” in Thai.

10- Stingy

Thai adjective: ขี้เหนียว (khîi-nǐiao)

Example:
ต่ายรวยเพราะขี้เหนียว
Dtàai ruuai phráw khîi-nǐiao
“Dtaai is rich because she is stingy.”

Opposite word: ใจกว้าง (jai-gwâang), which means “generous” in Thai.

11- Funny

Thai adjective: ตลก (dtà-lòk)

Example:
แจนชอบเล่าเรื่องตลก
Jaaen châawp lâo rûueang dtà-lòk
“Jaaen likes to tell funny stories.”

12- Boring

Thai adjective: น่าเบื่อ (nâa-bùuea)

Example:
หนังสือเล่มนั้นน่าเบื่อมาก
Nǎang-sǔue lêm nán nâa-bùuea mâak
“That book is so boring.”

13- Optimistic

Thai adjective: มองโลกในแง่ดี (maawng lôok nai ngâae dii)

Example:
ตาลมองโลกในแง่ดีเสมอ
Dtaan maawng lôok nai ngâae dii sà-mǒoe
“Thaan is always optimistic.”

Opposite word: มองโลกในแง่ร้าย (maawng lôok nai ngâae ráai), which means “pessimistic” in Thai.

14- Pessimistic

Thai adjective: มองโลกในแง่ร้าย (maawng lôok nai ngâae ráai)

Example:
เราไม่ควรมองโลกในแง่ร้าย
Rao mâi khuuan maawng lôok nai ngâae ráai
“We shouldn’t be pessimistic.”

Opposite word: มองโลกในแง่ดี (maawng lôok nai ngâae dii), which means “optimistic” in Thai.

15- Friendly

Thai adjective: เป็นมิตร (bpen-mít)

Example:
เธอเป็นมิตรกับทุกคน
Thooe bpen-mít gàp thúk-khon
“She is friendly with everyone.”

Opposite word: หยิ่ง (yìng), which means “arrogant” in Thai.

Additional note: Thai people also use the English word “friendly” in conversations, instead of using เป็นมิตร (bpen-mít).

16- Arrogant

Thai adjective: หยิ่ง (yìng)

Example:
ไม่มีใครอยากเป็นเพื่อนกับคนหยิ่ง
Mâi mii khrai yàak bpen phûuean gàp khon yìng
“No one wants to be friends with arrogant people.”

Opposite word: เป็นมิตร (bpen-mít), which means “friendly” in Thai.

17- Loud

Thai adjective: เสียงดัง (sǐiang dang)

Example:
อย่าเสียงดัง เด็ก ๆ กำลังนอน
Yàa sǐiang dang dèk-dèk gam-lang naawn
“Don’t be so loud. The children are now sleeping.”

Opposite word: เงียบ (ngîiap), which means “quiet” in Thai.

18- Quiet

Thai adjective: เงียบ (ngîiap)

Example:
ยิ้มเป็นคนเงียบ ๆ
Yím bpen khon ngîiap-ngîiap
“Yim is a quiet person.”

Opposite word: เสียงดัง (sǐiang dang), which means “loud” in Thai.

19- Confident

Thai adjective: มั่นใจ (mân-jai)

Example:
พ่อเป็นคนมั่นใจในตนเอง
Phâaw bpen khon mân-jai nai dton-eeng
“My father is confident in himself.”

20- Shy

Thai adjective: ขี้อาย (khîi-aai)

Example:
ตอนเด็ก ๆ ฉันเป็นคนขี้อายมาก
Dtaawn dèk-dèk chǎn bpen khon khîi-aai mâak
“I was very shy when I was young.”

21- Happy

Thai adjective: มีความสุข (mii khwaam-sùk)

Example:
เธอมีความสุขอยู่เสมอ
Thooe mii khwaam-sùk yùu sà-mǒoe
“She is always happy.”

Opposite word: เศร้า (sâo), which means “sad” in Thai.

22- Sad

Thai adjective: เศร้า (sâo)

Example:
ดาเศร้าที่สัตว์เลี้ยงของเธอตาย
Daa sâo thîi sàt-líiang khǎawng thooe dtaai
“Daa is sad that her pet died.”

Opposite word: มีความสุข (mii khwaam-sùk), which means “happy” in Thai.

23- Moody

Thai adjective: หงุดหงิด (ngùt-ngìt)

Example:
วันนี้มินท์หงุดหงิดทั้งวันเลย
Wan-níi mín ngùt-ngìt tháng-wan looei
“Min has been moody all day.”

Opposite word: ร่าเริง (râa-rooeng), which means “cheerful” in Thai.

24- Lonely

Thai adjective: เหงา (ngǎo)

Example:
ฉันอยู่คนเดียวมาหลายวันแล้ว เหงามาก
Chǎn yùu khon-diiao maa lǎai wan láaeo ngǎo mâak
“I have been alone for many days. I’m so lonely.”

25- Cheerful

Thai adjective: ร่าเริง (râa-rooeng)

Example:
นัทเป็นคนร่าเริง
Nát bpen khon râa-rooeng
“Nat is a cheerful person.”

Opposite word: หงุดหงิด (ngùt-ngìt), which means “moody” in Thai.

26- Concerned

Thai adjective: กังวล (gang-won)

Example:
ช่วงนี้งานมีปัญหาทำให้ปลากังวล
Chûuang-níi ngaan mii bpan-hǎa tham hâi bplaa gang-won
“Recently there is a work problem making Plaa feel concerned.”

6. Thai Adjectives for Describing Speed, Difficulty & Importance

The fifth group of Thai adjectives are words used to describe speed, difficulty, and importance in Thai.

1- Fast

Thai adjective: เร็ว (reo)

Example:
รถคันนี้นเร็วมาก
Rót khan nán reo mâak
“That car is very fast.”

Opposite word: ช้า (cháa), which means “slow” in Thai.

2- Slow

Thai adjective: ช้า (cháa)

Example:
เต่าเป็นสัตว์ที่เชื่องช้า
Dtào bpen sàt thîi chûueang-cháa
“The turtle is a slow animal.”

Opposite word: เร็ว (reo), which means “fast” in Thai.

3- Difficult

Thai adjective: ยาก (yâak)

Example:
ทำไมฉันได้งานยากตลอด
Tham-mai chǎn dâi ngaan yâak dtà-làawt
“Why do I always get difficult tasks?”

Opposite word: ง่าย (ngáai), which means “easy” in Thai.

4- Easy

Thai adjective: ง่าย (ngáai)

Example:
นักเรียนชอบการบ้านง่าย ๆ
Nák-riian châawp gaan-bâan ngâai-ngâai
“Students like easy homework.”

Opposite word: ยาก (yâak), which means “difficult” in Thai.

5- Important

Thai adjective: สำคัญ (sǎm-khan)

Example:
เก็บเอกสารสำคัญดี ๆ
Gèp èek-gà-sǎan sǎm-khan dii-dii
“Keep important documents well.”

Opposite word: ไม่สำคัญ (mâi sǎm-khan), which means “unimportant” in Thai.

6- Unimportant

Thai adjective: ไม่สำคัญ (mâi sǎm-khan)

Example:
อย่ามองว่าสุขภาพเป็นเรื่องไม่สำคัญ
Yàa maawng wâa sùk-khà-phâap bpen rûueang mâi sǎm-khan
“Don’t view health as an unimportant matter.”

Opposite word: สำคัญ (sǎm-khan), which means “important” in Thai.

7. Thai Adjectives for Describing Color

The sixth group of Thai adjectives are those used to describe color in Thai. สี (sǐi) is “color” in Thai, and sometimes Thai people put สี (sǐi) in front of the color name.

1- White

Thai adjective: ขาว (khǎao)

Example:
ฉันชอบเสื้อผ้าสีขาว
Chǎn châawp sûuea-phâa sǐi khǎao
“I like white clothes.”

2- Black

Thai adjective: ดำ (dam)

Example:
กระเป๋าดำใบนั้นสวยดี
Grà-bpǎo dam bai nán sǔuai dii
“That black bag is beautiful.”

3- Purple

Thai adjective: ม่วง (mûuang)

Example:
ดอกไม้สีม่วงปลูกยากมั๊ย
Dàawk-mái sǐi mûuang bplùuk yâak mái
“Is it difficult to grow purple flowers?”

4- Light blue

Thai adjective: ฟ้า (fáa)

Example:
ท้องฟ้าเป็นสีฟ้าสวยมากวันนี้
Tháawng-fáa bpen sǐi fáa sǔuai mâak wan-níi
“Today, the sky is beautifully light blue.”

5- Dark blue

Thai adjective: น้ำเงิน (nám-ngooen)

Example:
พ่อชอบสีน้ำเงิน
Phâaw châawp sǐi nám-ngooen
“My father likes dark blue color.”

6- Green

Thai adjective: เขียว (khǐiao)

Example:
ต้นไม้สีเขียวดูร่มรื่น
Dtôn-mái sǐi khǐiao duu rôm-rûuen
“The green tree looks so shady.”

7- Yellow

Thai adjective: เหลือง (lǔueang)

Example:
แม่ชอบดอกไม้สีเหลือง
Mâae châawp dàawk-mái sǐi lǔueang
“My mother likes yellow flowers.”

8- Orange

Thai adjective: ส้ม (sôm)

Example:
ข้างในกล่องสีส้มมีอะไร
Khâang nai glàawng sǐi sôm mii à-rai
“What is inside the orange box?”

9- Red

Thai adjective: แดง (daaeng)

Example:
ครูใช้ปากกาแดงตรวจการบ้าน
Khruu chái bpàak-gaa daaeng dtrùuat gaan-bâan
“Teachers use a red pen to check homework.”

10- Brown

Thai adjective: น้ำตาล (nám-dtaan)

Example:
รองเท้าสีน้ำตาลคู่นั้นสวยดี
Raawng-tháo sǐi nám-dtaan khûu nán sǔuai dii
“Those brown shoes are beautiful.”

11- Gray

Thai adjective: เทา (thao)

Example:
ใส่ไว้ในกล่องเทาเลย
Sài wái nai glàawng thao looei
“Put it in the gray box.”

12- Pink

Thai adjective: ชมพู (chom-phuu)

Example:
ขนมเค้กสีชมพูอร่อยมาก
Khà-nhǒm-khéek sǐi chom-phuu à-ràauy mâak
“Pink cake is very delicious.”

13- Dark

Thai adjective: เข้ม (khêem)

Example:
น้องชายชอบรองเท้าสีเข้ม
Nǎawng-chaai châawp raawng-tháo sǐi khêem
“My younger brother likes dark shoes.”

Opposite word: อ่อน (àawn), which means “light” in Thai.

14- Light

Thai adjective: อ่อน (àawn)

Example:
น้องสาวของสีชมพูอ่อน
Náawng-sǎo châawp sǐi chom-phuu àawn
“My younger sister likes light pink.”

Opposite word: เข้ม (khêem), which means “dark” in Thai.

8. Thai Adjectives for Describing Shape & Texture

The seventh group of adjectives are words used to describe shape and texture in Thai.

1- Round

Thai adjective: กลม (glom)

Example:
ปั้นแป้งเป็นก้อนกลม ๆ
Bpân bpâaeng bpen gâawn glom-glom
“Make the dough in a round shape.”

Opposite word: เหลี่ยม (lìiam), which means “edged” or “square” in Thai.

2- Edged / Square

Thai adjective: เหลี่ยม (lìiam)

Example:
ลายเหลี่ยม ๆ ไม่สวยเลย
Laai lìiam-lìiam mâi sǔuai looei
“The edged pattern isn’t beautiful.”

Opposite word: กลม (glom), which means “round” in Thai.

3- Smooth

Thai adjective: เรียบ (rîiap)

Example:
โต๊ะไม้ตัวนี้ผิวเรียบมาก
Dtó mái dtuua níi phǐu rîiap mâak
“This wood table has a very smooth surface.”

Opposite word: ขรุขระ (khrù-khrà), which means “rough” in Thai.

4- Rough

Thai adjective: ขรุขระ (khrù-khrà)

Example:
ถนนขรุขระ ขับรถดี ๆ
Thà-nǒn khrù-khrà khàp rót dii-dii
“The road is rough, so drive carefully.”

Opposite word: เรียบ (rîiap), which means “smooth” in Thai.

9. Thai Food Adjectives: Describing Taste

The eighth group of adjectives are words used to describe food in Thai. รส (rót) or รสชาติ (rót-châat) is “taste” in Thai language.

1- Bland

Thai adjective: จืด (jùuet)

Example:
น้ำแกงจืดมาก ลืมใส่ซีอิ๊วรึเปล่า
Nám-gaaeng jùuet mâak luuem sài sii-íu rúe bplào
“The soup is so bland. Did you forget to put in soy sauce?”

2- Salty

Thai adjective: เค็ม (khem)

Example:
ไก่ทอดนี้เค็มกำลังดีเลย
Gài thâawt níi khem gam-lang dii looei
“This fried chicken is perfectly salty.”

3- Sweet

Thai adjective: หวาน (wǎan)

Example:
อาหารจานนี้ต้องหวานนิดหน่อยถึงจะอร่อย
Aa-hǎan jaan níi dtâawng wǎan nít-nàauy thǔeng jà à-ràauy
“This food must be a little sweet to be delicious.”

4- Oily

Thai adjective: มัน (man)

Example:
แม่ไม่ชอบอาหารมัน ๆ
Mâae mâi châawp aa-hǎan man-man
“My mother doesn’t like oily food.”

5- Sour

Thai adjective: เปรี้ยว (bprîiao)

Example:
ไอติมรสนี้หวานอมเปรี้ยวกำลังดี
Ai-dtim rót níi wǎan om bprîiao gam-lang dii
“This ice cream has a perfectly sweet and sour flavor.”

6- Spicy

Thai adjective: เผ็ด (phèt)

Example:
คนไทยชอบอาหารรสเผ็ด
Khon thai châawp aa-hǎan rót phèt
“Thai people like spicy food.”

7- Bitter

Thai adjective: ขม (khǒm)

Example:
เด็ก ๆ ไม่ชอบยาเพราะขม
Dèk-dèk mâi châawp yaa phráw khǒm
“Children don’t like medicine because it is bitter.”

8- Delicious

Thai adjective: อร่อย (à-ràauy)

Example:
ขนมของแม่อร่อยมาก
Khà-nǒm khǎawng mâae à-ràauy mâak
“My mother’s snack is very delicious.”

Opposite word: ไม่อร่อย (mâi à-ràauy), which means “not delicious” in Thai.

9- กลมกล่อม

Thai adjective: กลมกล่อม (glom-glàawm)

Meaning: Perfectly balanced taste, usually used to describe delicious food.

Example:
แกงนี้อร่อยกลมกล่อมมาก
Gaaeng níi à-ràauy glom-glàawm mâak
“This curry has a perfectly balanced taste, very delicious.”

10. Thai Adjectives for Describing Situations

The ninth group of adjectives are words used to describe situations in Thai.

1- Fun

Thai adjective: สนุก (sà-nùk)

Example:
งานเลี้ยงสนุกมาก
Ngaan-líiang sà-nùk mâak
“Parties are very fun.”

Opposite word: น่าเบื่อ (nâa-bùuea), which means “boring” in Thai.

2- Boring

Thai adjective: น่าเบื่อ (nâa-bùuea)

Example:
พ่อบอกว่าไปซื้อของเป็นกิจกรรมน่าเบื่อ
Phâaw bàawk wâa bpai súue-khǎawng bpen gìt-jà-gam nâa-bùuea
“My father said ‘shopping is a boring activity.’”

Opposite word: สนุก (sà-nùk), which means “fun” in Thai.

3- Dangerous

Thai adjective: อันตราย (an-dtà-raai)

Example:
กลางคืนอย่าออกไปไหนคนเดียว อันตราย
Glaang-khuuen yàa àawk bpai nǎi khon diiao an-dtà-raai
“Don’t go out alone at night. It is dangerous.”

Opposite word: ปลอดภัย (bplàawt-phai), which means “safe” in Thai.

4- Safe

Thai adjective: ปลอดภัย (bplàawt-phai)

Example:
ใส่หมวกกันน็อคเพื่อความปลอดภัย
Sài mùuak-gan-náwk phûuea khwaam bplàawt-phai
“Wear a helmet for safety.”

Opposite word: อันตราย (an-dtà-raai), which means “dangerous” in Thai.

5- Weird

Thai adjective: แปลก (bplàaek)

Example:
แก้มทำท่าทางแปลก ๆ
Gâaem tham thâa-thaang bplàaek-bplàaek
“Gaaem is acting weird.”

6- Awkward

Thai adjective: อึดอัด (ùet-àt)

Example:
ฉันรู้สึกอึดอัดเวลาต้องทำงานกับคนแปลกหน้า
Chǎn rúu-sùek ùet-àt wee-laa dtâawng tham-ngan gàp khon-bplàaek-nâa
“I feel awkward when I have to work with strangers.”

7- Wonderful

Thai adjective: ยอดเยี่ยม (yâawt-yîiam)

Example:
การแสดงนี้ยอดเยี่ยมสุด ๆ
Gaan sà-daaeng níi yâawt-yîiam sùt-sùt
“This show is extremely wonderful.”

11. Describing Physical Traits, Conditions & Appearance

The last group of Thai adjectives you should learn are words used to describe a person in Thai.

1- Young (male)

Thai adjective: หนุ่ม (nùm)

Example:
ยังหนุ่มอยู่แท้ ๆ แต่ร่างกายกลับอ่อนแอ
Yang nùm yùu tháae-tháae dtàae râang-gaai glàp àawn-aae
“Despite being young, he is weak.”

Opposite word: แก่ (gàae), which means “old” in Thai.

2- Young (female)

Thai adjective: สาว (sǎao)

Example:
หญิงสาวพวกนี้สวยมาก
Yǐng-sǎao phûuak níi sǔuai mâak
“These young women are very beautiful.”

Opposite word: แก่ (gàae), which means “old” in Thai.

3- Old

Thai adjective: แก่ (gàae)

Example:
ยายของฉันแก่มากแล้ว
Yaai khǎawng chǎn gàae mâak láaeo
“My grandmother is very old now.”

Opposite word: หนุ่ม (nùm) and สาว (sǎao), which mean “young” in Thai.

4- Strong

Thai adjective: แข็งแรง (khǎaeng-raaeng)

Example:
ถึงเขาจะตัวเล็ก แต่แข็งแรงมาก
Thǔeng khǎo jà dtuua lék dtàae khǎaeng-raaeng mâak
“Despite being small, he is very strong.”

Opposite word: อ่อนแอ (àawn-aae), which means “weak” in Thai.

5- Weak

Thai adjective: อ่อนแอ (àawn-aae)

Example:
ฉันออกกำลังกายเพราะไม่อยากร่างกายอ่อนแอ
Chǎn àawk-gam-lang-gaai phráw mâi yàak râang-gaai àawn-aae
“I exercise because I don’t want to be weak.”

Opposite word: แข็งแรง (khǎaeng-raaeng), which means “strong” in Thai.

6- Rich

Thai adjective: รวย (ruuai)

Example:
อ้นรวยมาก
Ôn ruuai mâak
“On is very rich.”

Opposite word: จน (jon), which means “poor” in Thai.

7- Poor

Thai adjective: จน (jon)

Example:
ฉันไม่อยากจน
Chǎn mâi yàak jon
“I don’t want to be poor.”

Opposite word: รวย (ruuai), which means “rich” in Thai.

8- Charming

Thai adjective: มีเสน่ห์ (mii sà-nèe)

Example:
พ่อเป็นคนมีเสน่ห์
Phâaw bphen khon mii sà-nèe
“My father is a charming guy.”

9- Beautiful

Thai adjective: สวย (sǔuai)

Example:
ดาราคนนั้นสวยมาก
Daa-raa khon nán sǔuai mâak
“That celebrity is very beautiful.”

Opposite word: น่าเกลียด (nâa-glìiat), which means “ugly” in Thai.

10- Handsome

Thai adjective: หล่อ (làaw)

Example:
ใคร ๆ ก็ชอบคนหล่อ
Khrai-khrai gâaw châawp khon làaw
“Everyone likes handsome people.”

Opposite word: น่าเกลียด (nâa-glìiat), which means “ugly” in Thai.

11- Cute

Thai adjective: น่ารัก (nâa-rák)

Example:
เด็กคนนั้นน่าตาน่ารักมาก ๆ
Dèk khon nán nâa-dtaa nâa-rák mâak-mâak
“That child looks very cute.”

Opposite word: น่าเกลียด (nâa-glìiat), which means “ugly” in Thai.

12- Ugly

Thai adjective: น่าเกลียด (nâa-glìiat)

Example:
เวลาเธอทำหน้าแบบนั้นดูน่าเกลียดมาก
Wee-laa thooe tham nâa bàaep nán duu nâa-glìiat mâak
“She looks very ugly when she makes that face.”

Opposite word: หล่อ (làaw), สวย (sǔuai), and น่ารัก (nâa-rák), which mean “handsome,” “beautiful,” and “cute” respectively in Thai.

13- Fat

Thai adjective: อ้วน (ûuan)

Example:
ถ้ากินของทอดมากเกินไปจะทำให้อ้วน
Thâa gin khǎawng-thâawt mâak gooen bpai jà tham hâi ûuan
“Eating too much fried food will make you fat.”

Opposite word: ผอม (phǎawm), which means “thin” in Thai.

14- Thin

Thai adjective: ผอม (phǎawm)

Example:
แจมผอมเกินไปจนดูสุขภาพไม่ดี
Jaaem phǎawm gooen bpai jon duu sùk-khà-phâap mâi dii
“Jam is too thin to the point she looks unhealthy.”

Opposite word: อ้วน (ûuan), which means “fat” in Thai.

12. Conclusion

Congratulations! Reaching this part of the lesson means you’ve already learned more than 100 Thai adjectives. How do you feel? Did you have fun learning Thai adjectives? You may feel a bit overwhelmed since there’s a lot to remember.

However, there’s no need to rush. You can try to remember a few Thai adjectives a day. Within a month or two, you’ll be able to remember them all. Try using them a lot in conversation and remember adjectives in Thai phrases to make it even easier. Also, you should remember Thai adjectives in pairs if they have an opposite word. So keep practicing.

And as always, don’t forget to check out other fun lessons at ThaiPod101.com, such as travel phrases you should know or important days in Thailand, once you’ve finished learning Thai adjectives.

Happy learning!

Despite your willingness to learn the Thai language, traditional learning methods such as reading books and memorizing new vocabulary can be extremely boring. What’s a better way to learn the Thai language? As you may have guessed, watching Thai movies or shows on Netflix (Thailand) is the best way to do so. You can watch Thai Netflix on the app or on your web browser. Even better? The Thai Netflix price is very cheap, as low as 105 Baht/month.

Now, you may wonder if you’ll be able to understand what you’re watching if you’ve just started learning Thai. Does Netflix have Thai subtitles? The answer is yes! And even if you can’t read Thai yet, watching Thai Netflix series or Thai Netflix movies is still good practice for Thai learners.

On Netflix, Thai language movies can introduce you to Thai accents, which in turn can improve your listening and speaking skills. Also, if you can read some Thai, reading Thai subtitles on Netflix will surely improve your reading skills. Moreover, you get to learn more about how Thai people live their daily lives in context of Thai culture.

There are a lot of Thai movies and Thai TV series on Netflix. To get the most out of the time you spend watching, be sure to choose one that fits your tastes the most. If you’re a fan of Netflix Original Series, you’ll have to wait a while, though, as Thai Netflix Original Series are just now being filmed. And as for Thai TV shows on Netflix, there are currently none available; but hopefully, Netflix will decide to put some in.

We understand that you may have no idea where to start on Thai Netflix, so ThaiPod101.com will help you by providing the best Netflix Thailand movie list for Thai learners, including new Thai movies on Netflix 2019!

Table of Contents

1. Bangkok Traffic Love Story
2. Suddenly Twenty
3. Suckseed
4. Mae Bia
5. Nang Nak
6. Bangrajan
7. Ong Bak
8. Hormones
9. Stupid Cupid
10. Diary of Tootsies
11. Conclusion

1. Bangkok Traffic Love Story

Thai title: รถไฟฟ้ามาหานะเธอ (rót-fai-fáa maa hǎa ná thooe)

Movie information:

This is one of the best romantic Thai movies on Netflix. It portrays the story of an average Chinese-Thai office lady who falls in love with a BTS sky train engineer.

Because of this movie, ท้องฟ้าจำลอง (tháawng-fáa jam-laawng), or Bangkok Planetarium, became a popular place for couples to go on dates. The male leading actor is Ken Teeradech, and the female leading actor is Cris Howang.

Movie quotes:

1- แฟนเค้าไม่ได้มีเพื่ออยู่ด้วยกันตลอดเวลา แต่มีเพื่อให้รู้ว่า ยังมีคนที่รักและเป็นห่วงเรา

Thai pronunciation: faaen kháo mâi dâi mii phûuea yùu dûuai gan dtà-làawt wee-laa dtàae mii phûuea hâi rúu wâa yang mii khon thîi rák láe bpen hùuang rao

English meaning: “We are not in a relationship so that we have someone with us all the time, but so that we have someone who loves and cares about us.”

2- ตอนแรกก็ว่าจะไม่คิด แต่มันฝืนความรู้สึกไม่ได้จริงๆ

Thai pronunciation: dtaawn-râaek gâaw wâa jà mâi khít dtàae man fǔuen khwaam-rúu-sùek mâi dâi jing jing

English meaning: “I didn’t mean to at first, but I can’t help my feelings.”

3- ถ้าเป็นหนังรักทั่วไป มันต้องทันไม่ใช่หรอ

Thai pronunciation: thâa bpen nǎng rák thûua-bpai man dtâawng than mâi châi rǒoe

English meaning: “If this is a normal love story, should I be there in time?”

2. Suddenly Twenty

Thai title: 20 ใหม่ ยูเทิร์นวัย หัวใจรีเทิร์น (yîi-sìp mài yuu-thooen wai hǔua-jai rii-thooen)

Movie information:

This is a comedy, romance, and Thai Netflix drama, remade from the Korean and Chinese movies. It’s the story of a 74-year-old grandmother who’s very stubborn and seems unable to get along with her family. Her family plans to send her to a nursing home, but miraculously, her body becomes twenty again. So she decides to use this chance to live her life and build a good relationship with her family again.

In this Thai Netflix movie, you’ll get to see how old people talk compared to the younger generation. The leading actress is Mai Davika.

This is one of the Thai films on Netflix that you shouldn’t miss!

Movie quote: The question and answer shown below are the core of this movie.

1- ถ้าย้อนเวลากลับไปได้ คุณจะใช้ชีวิตแบบใด จะใช้เวลาอย่างไร จะทำอะไรที่ใจอยากทำแต่ไม่ได้ทำ ใช่หรือเปล่า?

Thai pronunciation: thâa yáawn wee-laa glàp bpai dâi khun jà chái chii wít bàaeb dai jà chái wee-laa yàang-rai jà tham à-rai thîi jai yàak tham dtàae mâi dâi tham châi rǔue bplào

English meaning: “If you could turn back time, how would you live your life? How would you spend your time? Would you do things you wanted to do, but didn’t get to do in the past?”

2- ถ้าย้อนเวลากลับไปได้ ฉันก็จะทำเหมือนเดิม

Thai pronunciation: thâa yáawn wee-laa glàp bpai dâi chǎn gâaw jà tham mǔuean-dooem

English meaning: “If I could turn back time, I would still do the same.”

3. Suckseed

Thai title: ซักซี๊ด ห่วยขั้นเทพ (sák-síit hùuai khân thêep)

Movie information:

This Thai Netflix movie is in the romantic-comedy genre, portraying the lives of youngsters.

A boy who’s clueless about everything music-related learns much about it from his first love. Sadly, they eventually have to be separated from each other. Despite being terrible at everything, in twelfth grade, Ped plans to sign up for a famous music contest called the Hot Wave Music Award.

The name of this movie reflects the male leading character and his journey from sucking at everything to actually succeeding. The movie itself was not bad in terms of revenue and public comment, and the original soundtrack is pretty famous.

If you’re looking for a great feel-good movie, this is one of the best Thai movies on Netflix for you!

Movie quotes:

1- เวลาฟังเพลง จะรู้สึกว่ามีเพื่อน

Thai pronunciation: wee-laa fang phleeng jà rúu-sùek wâa mii phûuean

English meaning: “When I listen to music, I feel like I have a friend with me.”

2- นี่มันยุคของเราแล้ว

Thai pronunciation: nîi man yúk khǎawng rao láaeo

English meaning: “It is our time now.”

3- เราก็ยังเหมือนเดิม

Thai pronunciation: rao gâaw yang mǔuean-dooem

English meaning: “I’m also the same.”

4. Mae Bia

Thai title: แม่เบี้ย (mâae bîia)

Movie information:

Mae Bia is one of the best Thai movies Netflix has right now, and people pay a lot of attention to this one because it’s a drama-erotic movie. The story involves old Thai-styled houses, cobras, supernatural events, and a romantic relationship—these elements together made for an S.E.A. writing award-winning movie! And as this story happens in สุพรรณบุรี (sù-phan-bù-rii), you’ll get to hear another local dialect which has a slightly different tone compared to how Thai people normally speak.

The male actor of this movie is very famous, and acts very well. For those who love this kind of story, luckily, this Thai movie is on Netflix now.

Movie quotes:

1- เรื่องของผู้หญิงผู้ชาย ไม่มีอะไรที่เป็นไปไม่ได้

Thai pronunciation: rûueang khǎawng phûu-yǐng phûu-chaai mâi mii à-rai thîi bpen bpai mâi dâi

English meaning: “There is nothing impossible when it comes to things between man and woman.”

5. Nang Nak

Thai title: นางนาก (naang nâak)

Movie information:

Thai people love the horror genre, and do it well in their movies. And when speaking of horror stories, every Thai knows the story of นางนาก (naang nâak). It’s the story of a woman who died while giving birth to her child, and waited as a ghost for her husband to come back from war.

Since this story is so famous, it has been made into TV series, movies, and musicals many times. However, this version is said to be the scariest, and it’s one of the very best Netflix Thai horror movies! If you like horror stories, don’t miss this Thai horror movie on Netflix. Many people have said that it’s the scariest movie they’ve ever seen.

The main female actress, Sai, is very famous for her action in horror films. Also, as this story is believed to have happened more than a hundred years ago, you’ll get to see how Thai people lived and spoke in the past.

Movie quotes:

1- พี่มากขา

Thai pronunciation: phîi mâak khǎa

English meaning: There is no English meaning. This is just what นางนาก (naang-nâak) calls her husband.

2- ฉันมารอพี่ที่ท่าน้ำทุกวันเลยนะ

Thai pronunciation: chǎn maa raaw phîi thîi thâa-nám thúk wan looei ná

English meaning: “I have been coming to the dock every day to wait for you.”

6. Bangrajan

Thai title: บางระจัน (baang-rá-jan)

Movie information:

If you like historical movies, don’t miss บางระจัน (baang-rá-jan). It portrays the story of people in หมู่บ้านบางระจัน (mùu-bâan baang-rá-jan), or Bangrajan Village, who help prolong the end of อยุธยา (à-yút-thá-yaa). Despite losing the fight in the end, people in this village are known as Thai heroes.

It was a very successful movie that made both the leading actor and actress very popular. Similar to นางนาก (naang nâak), you’ll get to see how Thai people lived and spoke in the past, as this story happened over 200 years ago. Definitely a great Thai film Netflix currently has for history-lovers!

Movie quote:

The most touching expression of this movie is below. It shows the sacrifice of people for their homeland, as well as their love for family.

1- หากวันข้างหน้าข้าไม่ได้สั่งสอนมัน เอ็งจงบอกมันว่าข้าไม่ได้จากไปไหน ข้าจักอยู่ในผืนดิน ในต้นไม้ ในสายน้ำ ข้าจักเป็นคนคอยคุ้มหัวมันเอง

Thai pronunciation: hàak wan khâang nâa khâa mâi dâi sàng-sǎawn man eng jong bàawk man wâa khâa mâi dâi jàak bpai nǎi khâa jàk yùu nai phǔuen-din nai dtôn-mái nai sǎai-nám khâa jàk bpen khon khaauy khúm-hǔua man eeng

English meaning: “If in the future, I don’t get a chance to teach our child, you must tell them that I didn’t go away from them. I am in the land, in the tree, in the river. I will protect them.”

7. Ong Bak

Thai title: องค์บาก (ong-bàak)

Movie information:

This is one of the most famous Thai action Netflix films. It’s the story of two men trying to take the stolen head of Buddha back. The action scenes are said to be very good and thrilling. As the main character is from northeast Thailand, you’ll get to hear ภาษาอีสาน (phaa-sǎa ii-sǎan), which is the Thai Northeast dialect.

This was a successful movie, and has been made into three films. If you want to watch a Muay Thai movie on Netflix, you absolutely can’t miss this one.

Movie quotes:

1- ช้างกูอยู่ไหน

Thai pronunciation: cháang guu yùu nǎi

English meaning: “Where is my elephant?”

8. Hormones

Thai title: Hormones วัยว้าวุ่น (Hormones wai wáa-wûn)

Series information:

This Netflix Thai series shows the story of teenagers in high school. It reflects real-life problems that young people face, especially those that have to do with romantic relationships, sex, abuse in school, drugs, family problems, etc. It was one of the first Thai series on Netflix to focus on multiple points of view, and not just on romantic relationships like most Thai series.

This series is so successful that it’s continuing for a third season.

Series quotes:

1- มันเป็นธรรมเนียมที่ทำต่อๆ กันมา

Thai pronunciation: man bpen tham-niiam thîi tham dtàaw dtàaw gan maa

English meaning: “It is the tradition that people have been doing from generation to generation.”

2- เพราะมันไม่ใช่คำตอบที่พวกเธอถูกใจรึเปล่า?

Thai pronunciation: phráw man mâi châi kham-dtàawp thîi phûuak thooe thùuk jai rúe bplào

English meaning: “Isn’t it because it is not the answer you like?”

3- คนอย่างพวกเธอใช้ชีวิตทำโน่นนี่ตามผู้ใหญ่ โดยที่ไม่มีใครเคยตั้งคำถาม

Thai pronunciation: khon yàang phûuak thooe chái chii-wít tham nôon tham nîi dtaam phûu-yài dooi thîi mâi mii khrai khooei dtâng kham-thǎam

English meaning: “People like you like to live doing what adults say without asking questions.”

4- ครูไม่ชอบระบบและคน แต่สิ่งที่ทำให้ครูมีความสุขคือนักเรียน

Thai pronunciation: khruu mâi châawp rá-bòp láe khon dtàae sìng thîi tham hâi khruu mii khwaam-sùk khuue nák-riian

English meaning: “I (teacher) don’t like systems or people. But students make me happy.”

9. Stupid Cupid

Thai title: น้ำตากามเทพ (nám-dtaa gaam-má-thêep)

Series information:

This is another Netflix Thai drama you shouldn’t miss, a melodrama series starring famous actor Sunny. It’s the story of a rich family, and covers themes such as arranged marriage in Thailand and no-so-good relationships between family members.

Actually, this was a short drama shown in the movie Bangkok Traffic Love Story. But with the good response from viewers due to its ironic context, it has been made into a TV series. This is currently one of the best Thai dramas on Netflix, and many people love it because it’s fun to watch.

Series quotes:

1- ถ้าจะพูดอย่างนี้ ด่าว่าควายเลยดีกว่ามั๊ย

Thai pronunciation: thâa jà phûut yàang níi dàa wâa khwaai looei dii gwàa mái

English meaning: “If you spoke like that, you should have berated me as a buffalo.” (stupid)

2- ตอแหล

Thai pronunciation: dtaaw-lǎae

English meaning: “Liar”

10. Diary of Tootsies

Thai title: ไดอารี่ ตุ๊ดซี่ (dai-aa-rîi dtút-sîi)

Series information:

This is a Thai comedy Netflix series based on the story บันทึกของตุ๊ด (ban-thúek khǎawng dtút) of Sha, a famous LGBT Thai person. It’s the story of a group of LGBT friends who all get dumped at the same time and decide to find their true love. This series is quite successful and has gained a lot of attention. In 2019, both a second season and movie are going to be released. This is yet another Thai series on Netflix you shouldn’t miss.

In terms of Thai language, this show will give you a unique glimpse into slang often used by the LGBTQ community in Thailand, as well some swear words.

Series quotes:

Here’s a quote from the show that went viral at the time. Many people use this scene to give their own sarcastic message on almost any topic, from politics to relationships.

1- กูจะขี้ใส่อะไรก็ได้

Thai pronunciation: guu jà khîi sài à-rai gâaw dâi

English meaning: “I can defecate on anything.”

2- แต่มึงจะขี้ใส่ Louis Vuitton ไม่ได้

Thai pronunciation: dtàae mueng jà khîi sài Louis Vuitton mâi dâi

English meaning: “But you cannot defecate on Louis Vuitton.”

11. Conclusion

How many movies or Thai Netflix series here fit your tastes? We hope you decided to try watching many of them! And once you’ve watched one of these movies or series, please leave a comment below to tell us what you thought about it!

By now, you should have a better idea of how to learn Thai on Netflix and how to watch Thai Netflix for maximum enjoyment and learning!

As mentioned before, we believe that watching Netflix movies with Thai subtitles is a great way for you to learn Thai, since it’s enjoyable and will help you improve your Thai speaking skills. If you don’t understand what an actor or actress said, don’t give up just yet. It will take some time for you to be able to understand.

If you want to learn another Thai lesson, visit ThaiPod101.com. We have various topics to choose from, such as delicious Thai fruit and activities in summer in Thailand. And if you want to watch more Thai content, go check out our Thai TV show article.

The Chinese New Year celebration in Thailand is an important day for the ไทยเชื้อสายจีน (thai-chúuea-săai-jiin), or “Thai-Chinese,” population. Thailand during the Chinese New Year may put one in mind of Christmastime in many Western cultures with all of its colorful festivities, warm family time, and gift-giving.

In this article, you’ll learn all about this traditional holiday, how the Thai-Chinese celebrate it, and more facts about the Thai-Chinese population in Thailand.

At ThaiPod101.com, it’s our aim to ensure that every aspect of your language-learning journey is both fun and informative—starting with this article!

Ready? Let’s get started.

1. What is the Chinese New Year?

Trut Chin is the traditional Chinese New Year in China and for Chinese communities around the world. It’s the first day of the Chinese lunar month, which is regarded as the beginning of the spring season. Trut Chin was brought into Thailand in the late Ayutthaya Period, and it has been continuously celebrated since then.

Thailand is known for having a large ethnic Chinese population, meaning that there are plenty of Chinese New Year celebrations in the most Chinese-dense cities. However, Thailand doesn’t recognize the Chinese New Year as a public holiday.

The Chinese New Year celebration in Thailand is divided into three days, each with a specific agenda. The main focus of this holiday is to get rid of bad luck and invite good luck into the New Year. There’s also an emphasis on respecting one’s elders and ancestors.

2. Dates for the Chinese New Year Festival in Thailand

Because the date of Chinese Lunar New Year’s Day in Thailand is based on the lunar calendar, the date of this holiday varies from year to year on the Gregorian calendar. For your convenience, here’s a list of this holiday’s date for the next ten years.

• 2020: January 25
• 2021: February 12
• 2022: February 1
• 2023: January 22
• 2024: February 10
• 2025: January 29
• 2026: February 17
• 2027: February 6
• 2028: January 26
• 2029: February 13

Do you know what the twelve Chinese zodiac signs are? Check out this list to learn how to say them in Thai!

3. Traditions & Celebrations for Chinese New Year

To celebrate Chinese New Year, Thailand divides the holiday into three different days. About one week before the Chinese New Year, Chinese-Thai people take the opportunity to clean up their houses. They believe that this act will help drive away bad spirits from households in order to start the New Year with goodness and purity. Doors and windows are decorated with red ornaments and red paper with characters written on them representing Longevity, Wealth, and Prosperous Life.

Pay Day, Worship Day & Travel Day

The first day of Chinese New Year’s celebrations is called “Pay Day.” Two days prior to Chinese New Year is when Chinese-Thai people go out to buy fresh food, snacks, and fruits to prepare for the holiday. Over this period, the Yaowarat market, where most Chinese-Thai people in Thailand live, is busy all day long. Moreover, Chinese companies in Thailand take this opportunity to give “red envelopes,” or แต๊ะเอีย (dtáe-iia), to their employees on this day.

On the second day (Worship Day) of the Chinese New Year festival, Thailand celebrates what is considered the last day of the year by Chinese people. On this day, Chinese-Thais wake up early to cook food, or อาหาร (aa-hăan). When they finish, they bring this food, along with other snacks and fruits, to worship ancestors and deities. In Thailand, Chinese New Year food often includes ขนมเข่ง (khà-nǒm-khèng), or “nian gao,” which is also called Chinese New Year’s cake.

Afterward, they will burn silver and gold paper, or กระดาษ (grà-dàat), in order to wish for a windfall and greater fortune, leading to a peaceful life. In the end, they light ประทัด (bprà-thát), or “firecrackers,” to drive away bad luck.

The third day is called “Travel Day,” which is also Chinese New Year’s Day. On this day, Chinese-Thai people dress beautifully in red, or สีแดง (sǐi-daaeng) and visit relatives to pay their respects. Another tradition on this day is to give a “red envelope” or New Year money to children as a symbol of good fortune and advancement in their career.

Chinese New Year in Bangkok, Thailand

While there are several places celebrating Trut Chin around Thailand, the Chinese New Year in Bangkok, Thailand, has one of the largest celebrations. Here, the Chinese and the Thais of Chinese descent celebrate it on Yaowarat Road, which is the largest Chinese community in Thailand.

Each year for the Chinese New Year celebration, Thailand closes this road and decorates it with thousands of red lanterns. There are many performances from China and traditional Chinese performances. There are also celebrations with firecrackers, the การเชิดสิงโต (gaan-chôoet-síng-dtoo), or “Lion Dance,” the Dragon Dance, and acrobats. Shops and restaurants are opened for the public. It’s a very interesting festival, indeed.

4. Ethnic Chinese Population in Thailand

Do you know how many Thai Chinese people there are in Thailand?

In 2012, it was estimated that around 9.4 million ethnic Chinese in Thailand, which is around fourteen percent of the total population. Thailand is the country to which the most Chinese people have immigrated, and these people usually live together in groups in major cities.

5. Must-Know Vocabulary for the Thai Lunar New Year

Ready to review some of the Thai vocabulary words we covered in this article? Here are the essential vocabulary words you should know for the Chinese New Year in Thailand!

• วันตรุษจีน (wan-dtrùt-jiin) — “Lunar New Year”
• อั่งเปา (àng-bpao) — “red envelope”
• ทอง (thaawng) — “gold”
• ดวงจีน (duuang-jiin) — “Chinese astrology“
• เยาวราช (yao-wá-râat) — “Chinatown”
• บรรพบุรุษ (ban-phá-bù-rùt) — “ancestor”
• ประทัด (bprà-thát) — “firecracker”
• ไทยเชื้อสายจีน (thai-chúuea-săai-jiin) — “Thai-Chinese”
• สวดมนต์ (sùuat-mon) — “pray”
• ขนมเข่ง (khà-nǒm-khèng) — “nian gao”
• การเชิดสิงโต (gaan-chôoet-síng-dtoo) — “Lion Dance”

To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to check out our Thai Lunar New Year vocabulary list! For more vocabulary-learning fun, watch the video below:

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed learning about the Chinese New Year holiday in Thailand with us and gained some new insight into Thai culture. How do you celebrate the New Year in your country? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re interested in learning more about the unique Thai culture and language, you may find the following pages useful:

• Thai Culture
• Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Thai Society
• How to Celebrate Chulalongkorn Day in Thailand
• Your Guide to Thai Words with No English Equivalent
• Top 20 Words You’ll Need for the Internet

Thai may seem like a complex language, but with ThaiPod101.com, learning can be fun and simple! With countless language- and culture-related lessons for beginners, intermediate learners, and more advanced students, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re serious about mastering the Thai language, create your free lifetime account today.

Happy Thai learning! 🙂

Those who have been to many countries are likely to know that people, despite being the same in many aspects, are different because of culture, customs, and values. Everyone has to eat, sleep, and interact with other people. So how do these actions differ in Thailand, compared to elsewhere?

If you need to interact with Thai people or plan on living in Thailand, knowing about Thailand customs, culture facts, social values, beliefs, and traditions is essential. To fit in with the rest of the Thai population and show respect, you need to know about them, especially Thai culture and etiquette.

In this article, ThaiPod101.com will teach you about Thai etiquette in daily life situations, such as Thai eating etiquette, Thai funeral etiquette, Thai business etiquette, and Thai etiquette for tourists, so you know all the do’s and don’ts in Thailand. Moreover, you’ll get to know more about tradition and culture in Thailand through this lesson.

Table of Contents

1. Words about Thai Customs
2. Useful Sentence Patterns to Discuss General Etiquette in Thailand
3. Thai Dining Etiquette
4. Manners and Etiquette in Thailand: Thai Tourist Etiquette
5. Thai Greeting Etiquette
6. Thai Guest Etiquette
7. Thai Etiquette in Public Transportation
8. Thai Business Etiquette
9. Thai Etiquette in Various Situations
10. Conclusion: How ThaiPod101 Can Help You Master Thai Culture

1. Words about Thai Customs

Before you learn about Thai customs, it will be good to know Thai words related to this topic.

• ขนบธรรมเนียมไทย (khà-nòp-tham-niiam thai) is “Thai custom” or “Thai tradition”
• มารยาทไทย (maa-rá-yàat thai) is “Thai etiquette” or “Thai manners”
• วัฒนธรรมไทย (wát-thá-ná-tham thai) is “Thai culture“
• ความเชื่อไทย (khwaam-chûuea thai) is “Thai belief”
• ค่านิยมไทย (khâa-ní-yom thai) is “Thai value”
• สังคมไทย (sǎng-khom thai) is “Thai society”

2. Useful Sentence Patterns to Discuss General Etiquette in Thailand

Let’s learn the sentence patterns you should know when you talk about Thai etiquette and manners. There are two patterns as listed below:

1- Should…

Thai language: ควร + verb

Thai pronunciation: khuuan + …..

Example:

• แขกควรถอดรองเท้าก่อนเข้าบ้านคนไทย
  khàaek khuuan thàawt raawng-tháo gàawn khâo bâan khon thai
  “Guests should take off their shoes before entering a Thai house.”

2- Don’t…

Thai language: อย่า + verb

Thai pronunciation: yàa + …..

Example:

• อย่าจับหัวคนไทยโดยไม่จำเป็น
  yàa jàp hŭua khon thai dooi mâi jam bpen
  “Don’t touch the head of a Thai person unless it’s necessary.”

3. Thai Dining Etiquette

Since eating is part of daily life, we’ll first teach you Thai table manners and dining etiquette in Thailand. Below is a list of things you should and shouldn’t do during a meal with Thai people. As long as you follow these basic rules of eating etiquette in Thailand, you should have a very enjoyable Thai meal.

1- Let elders or people of a higher position eat first.

Thai sentence: ให้คนที่อายุมากกว่าหรือมีตำแหน่งสูงกว่าตักอาหารก่อน

Thai pronunciation: hâi khon thîi aa-yú mâak gwàa rǔue mii dtam-nàaeng sǔung gwàa dtàk aa-hăan gàawn

Explanation: In Thai society, people normally eat together as a big family. Each person has their own plate of rice, but shares side dishes with each other. It’s proper table etiquette in Thailand to let people who are older than you, or people who are in a higher position than you (such as your boss), start eating first. This means that they can pick food from the side dishes first.

2- Set the table for elders.

Thai sentence: จัดโต๊ะอาหารให้คนมีที่อายุมากกว่า

Thai pronunciation: jàt dtó aa-hǎan hâi khon thîi mii aa-yú mâak khwàa

Explanation: As mentioned above, people in Thai society normally eat together. In case the dining table isn’t properly set, the youngest one at the table should be the one who sets it.

3- Don’t speak while chewing.

Thai sentence: อย่าพูดตอนเคี้ยวอาหาร

Thai pronunciation: yàa phûut dtaawn khíiao aa-hǎan

Explanation: Speaking while chewing is considered bad restaurant etiquette in Thailand, and is rude for dining in general. Apart from not looking nice and other people not clearly understanding what’s said, this behavior may make the speaker choke on food. So you shouldn’t do this while dining with Thai people.

4- Don’t make noise when chewing or drinking.

Thai sentence: อย่าทานอาหารหรือดื่มน้ำเสียงดัง

Thai pronunciation: yàa thaan aa-hǎan rǔue dùuem nám sǐiang dang

Explanation: In some countries, making noise when eating shows that you enjoy the food. But in Thailand, it’s viewed as bad etiquette. When you eat in Thailand, avoid making loud noises while eating or drinking.

5- Don’t hit tableware.

Thai sentence: อย่าเคาะช้อนส้อม

Thai pronunciation: yàa kháw cháawn sâawm

Explanation: In the phrase above, its literal meaning only mentions spoons and forks. But actually, Thai people consider hitting all tableware items (such as spoons, forks, chopsticks, etc.) as rude.

6- Don’t talk about gross topics.

Thai sentence: อย่าคุยเรื่องน่าขยะแขยง

Thai pronunciation: yàa khui rûueang nâa khà-yà-khà-yǎaeng

Explanation: During the meal, you shouldn’t talk about something gross, as it will make others lose their appetite.

4. Manners and Etiquette in Thailand: Thai Tourist Etiquette

Thailand is a nice place for traveling. There are many beautiful places to go sightseeing, the food tastes good, and Thai people are very nice. Moreover, the cost of living here isn’t high, so a lot of people enjoy traveling in Thailand.

As a tourist, it’s good to know some Thai manners and customs so that you don’t unintentionally act weird or rude in Thais’ point of view. To help you understand basic social etiquette in Thailand, we’ve provided a list of proper tourist etiquette in Thailand.

There are two main scenarios that we’ll focus on in this section: Basic etiquette in Thailand while in public areas, and how to act in holy places.

1- Thai Etiquette in Public Areas

Sightseeing is a must when you come to Thailand. Most tourists enjoy street food, shopping in the night market, or just seeing around the city. So it’s nice to know what you should and shouldn’t do.

1. No public displays of affection.

Thai sentence: อย่าแสดงความรักในที่สาธารณะมากจนเกินไป

Thai pronunciation: yàa sà-daaeng khwaam-rák nai thîi sǎa-thaa-raa-ná mâak jon gooen bpai

Explanation: In Thai society, some displays of affection between lovers is acceptable, such as holding hands or hugging. But any behavior more than this, such as kissing, isn’t okay. Thai people see it as inappropriate. But displays of affection between parent and child is okay.

2. Be aware not to touch a monk if you’re female.

Thai sentence: ผู้หญิงต้องระวังอย่าให้โดนตัวพระ

Thai pronunciation: phûu-yǐng dtâawng rá-wang yàa hâi doon dtuua phrá

Explanation: Most Thai people are Buddhist, and in Thailand, beliefs and values of Buddhism are quite strong. It’s possible that you may see a monk walking by on the street. For a monk, there’s a rule saying that monks can’t touch a female, regardless of intention.

So if you see a Thai monk, and you’re a female, please uphold proper etiquette in Thailand and avoid being too close; you don’t want to accidentally touch the monk. If you’re walking in a crowded street and don’t know what to do, just stop walking and the monk will avoid you instead.

3. Stand still when you hear the Thai national anthem.

Thai sentence: ยืนตรงเคารพธงชาติ

Thai pronunciation: yuuen dtrong khao-róp thong-châat

Explanation: In some public areas, such as parks, you may hear the Thai national anthem at eight o’clock in the morning and again at six o’clock in the afternoon. When Thai people hear the national anthem, they stand still until the song ends, as a way to pay respect. So if you notice that Thai people have suddenly stopped walking and stand still at these times, it’s probably because of the national anthem.

4. Avoid dressing too short or too sexy.

Thai sentence: อย่าแต่งตัวโป๊

Thai pronunciation: yàa dtàaeng dtuua bpóo

Explanation: In Thailand, values and traditions for women may have changed a lot from the past, but women are still expected to dress properly when going outside. That is, don’t wear short-shorts or short skirts. Not wearing a bra is unacceptable as well. The customs and etiquette in Thailand for men’s dress isn’t as strict as it is for women; just dress with consideration for where you’ll be going.

2. Thai Etiquette in Holy Places

If you come to Thailand, one of the most famous tourist attractions are temples. Temples are viewed as holy places in Thailand, so you’re expected to follow certain cultural etiquette in Thailand when you’re in the temple. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts for etiquette in Thai temples.

1. Dress properly.

Thai sentence: แต่งกายเรียบร้อย

Thai pronunciation: dtàaeng-gaai rîiap-ráauy

Explanation: It is the etiquette of Thailand to dress properly in the temple, both men and women. A shirt with no sleeves, shorts, and skirts that are shorter than knee-length aren’t appropriate to wear in temples. So if you plan to travel to a temple, please dress properly.

2.Don’t make loud noise.

Thai sentence: อย่าส่งเสียงดัง

Thai pronunciation: yàa sòng sǐiang dang

Explanation: Adding to what we mentioned above, temples are also a place where people come to make merit and practice dharma. Thus, temples normally have a calm atmosphere; you shouldn’t make loud noises in the temple.

3. No alcohol or cigarettes.

Thai sentence: ห้ามดื่มเหล้าและสูบบุหรี่

Thai pronunciation: hâam dùuem lâo láe sùup bù-rìi

Explanation: For Buddhists, there’s a behavior guideline called ศีล 5 (sǐin-hâa) which means “5 precepts.” Drinking alcohol and smoking are prohibited behaviors in these five precepts. So you can’t drink or smoke in the temple area. Also keep in mind that drinking and smoking are unhealthy as well.

4. Take off your shoes where required.

Thai sentence: ถอดรองเท้าในบริเวณที่กำหนด

Thai pronunciation: thàawt raawng-tháo nai baaw-rí-ween thîi gam-nòt

Explanation: In some areas, such as in the chapel, you have to take your shoes off. There will be a sign that clearly shows if you have to take your shoes off.

5. Do not take photos.

Thai sentence: ห้ามถ่ายรูป

Thai pronunciation: hâam thàai rûup

Explanation: In some areas of the temple, you’re not allowed to take photos. There will be a sign clearly showing if you’re not allowed to take photos, so please look around.

5. Thai Greeting Etiquette

Our guide of etiquette rules in Thailand wouldn’t be complete without a section on proper greetings.

When people meet, people greet. So if you come to Thailand, it makes sense to learn Thai greeting etiquette. Greetings reflect another unique aspect of culture and etiquette in Thailand, and we’ll explain the main points of greeting etiquette in Thailand as follows:

1- Say sà-wàt-dii + wâi

When Thai people meet each other, they greet by saying สวัสดี (sà-wàt-dii) and perform an action called ไหว้ (wâi). Let’s learn some vocabulary before continuing.

• ไหว้ (wâi) is a way of greeting in Thai language.
• สวัสดี (sà-wàt-dii) is “hello” in Thai. The word “hello” in Thai means goodness, beauty, prosperity, and safety.

To ไหว้ (wâi), you have to put your hands together in front of your chest and bend your head toward your forefinger.

2- Smile

Thai sentence: ยิ้ม

Thai pronunciation: yím

Explanation: If you’re not Thai or can’t speak much Thai, just smile after greeting. It creates a good atmosphere when you meet someone. As you may have heard before, Thailand is a land of smiles.

3- Call Other Parties by kun+name

When you meet someone for the first time, it’s formal to call them by คุณ (khun) + name. คุณ (khun) is a formal title in Thai.

4- Avoid Looking at Other Parties from Head to Toe

Thai sentence: อย่ามองคนจากหัวจรดเท้า

Thai pronunciation: yàa maawng khon jàak hǔua jà-ròt tháo

Explanation: Looking at other parties from head to toe isn’t exactly a rude gesture. However, some people do this action as a way of looking down on other people, so it may create the wrong impression if you do so.

6. Thai Guest Etiquette

When you come to Thailand, you may get a chance to visit a Thai house. Thus, it will be good to learn some Thai hospitality and etiquette so that you know what you can and can’t do, and act accordingly.

1- Take Off Your Shoes Before Entering the House

Thai sentence: ถอดรองเท้าก่อนเข้าบ้าน

Thai pronunciation: thàawt raawng-tháo gàawn khâo bâan

Explanation: Most Thai people walk barefoot in the house. So if you visit a Thai house, you have to take off your shoes before entering the house.

2- Stay in the Living Room

Thai sentence: อยู่ในห้องนั่งเล่น

Thai pronunciation: yùu nai hâawng nâng lên

Explanation: When you go to another person’s house, if you’re not close to the owner, it’s appropriate to stay mainly in the living room or in the area where the owner seated you. You shouldn’t go wandering by yourself. However, this also depends on the relationship between you and the owner.

3- Bring a Gift (though it’s not Necessary)

Thai sentence: เอาของมาฝากเจ้าของบ้าน

Thai pronunciation: ao khǎawng maa fàak jâo khǎawng bâan

Explanation: When you visit a Thai house, it would be nice to bring some kind of gift to them. Most of the time, when it comes to gift etiquette in Thailand, food and drinks are okay. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Again, what’s considered proper gift giving etiquette in Thailand also depends on the relationship between you and the owner of the house.

4- Avoid Putting Your Feet on the Table

Thai sentence: อย่าเอาเท้าวางบนโต๊ะ

Thai pronunciation: yàa ao tháo waang bon dtó

Explanation: Thai people view feet as being dirty. Thus, you shouldn’t put your feet on the tables or chairs.

5- Don’t Go into the Owner’s Belongings

Thai sentence: อย่ารื้อของในบ้านคนอื่น

Thai pronunciation: yàa rúue khǎawng nai bâan khon ùuen

Explanation: Even if you have a close relationship with the owner of the house, it may be inappropriate to look through things in drawers or cupboards. Things in those areas are kind of personal, but if the owner asks you to open it, then it’s okay.

7. Thai Etiquette in Public Transportation

When you travel in Thailand, you may get a chance to travel by public transportation, such as on a bus, BTS, MRT, etc. Here are the do’s and don’ts for transportation in Thailand that you should know.

1- Don’t Stand in Front of the Door

Thai sentence: อย่ายืนขวางประตู

Thai pronunciation: yàa yuuen khwǎang bprà-dtuu

Explanation: When you travel by bus, BTS, or MRT, try to get inside so that there’s space for others to come in. Avoid standing in front of the door, as this is dangerous and could lead to an accident.

2- Give Your Seat to Children, Monks, Elders, and Handicapped People

Thai sentence: เอื้อเฟื้อที่นั่งแก่เด็ก, พระ, คนชรา, และคนพิการ

Thai pronunciation: ûuea-fúuea thîi nâng gàae dèk phrá khon chá-raa láe khon phí-gaan

Explanation: Thai people are quite kind and often help each other. Thai people view children, elders, and handicapped people as physically inferior and in need of help. As for monks, Thai people respect them. So when traveling by public transportation, Thai people give their seats to them. It’s not a social norm, but it’s what Thai people often do anyways.

3- No Alcohol or Cigarettes

Thai sentence: ห้ามดื่มเหล้าและสูบบุหรี่

Thai pronunciation: hâam dùuem lâo láe sùup bù-rìi

Explanation: Alcohol affects how people think, and cigarette smoke is unhealthy. As they’re not good to others and could lead to accidents and problems, you shouldn’t drink or smoke on public transportation.

4- No Stinky Food

Thai sentence: อย่านำอาหารมีกลิ่นขึ้นรถ

Thai pronunciation: yàa nam aa-hǎan mii glìn khûen rót

Explanation: Some food—such as durians, crispy garlic chive dumplings, and squid—can be very stinky. While some people think these foods smell nice, others don’t. To create a nice and clean atmosphere and not disturb other people, don’t eat stinky food on public transportation. If you have to bring it with you, make sure to seal it properly so it doesn’t smell much.

8. Thai Business Etiquette

If you’re working in Thailand or working with Thai people, it’s nice to know business etiquette in Thailand. Below are some things about business etiquette in Thailand you should be aware of.

1- Dress Properly

Thai sentence: แต่งตัวสุภาพ

Thai pronunciation: dtàaeng-dtuua sù-phâap

Explanation: The first impression is very important when you do Thai business. And the first thing that catches attention is how you dress. Men are supposed to wear a shirt and slacks, while women are supposed to wear a knee-length dress or a shirt with a skirt. The tone of the clothing shouldn’t be too colorful, and no sandals.

2- Address Other Parties Formally

Thai sentence: เรียกอีกฝ่ายอย่างสุภาพ

Thai pronunciation: rîiak ìik fàai yàang sù-phâap

Explanation: The formal way to address each other in Thai is by saying คุณ (khun) + name. คุณ (khun) is a formal title in Thai.

3- Greet Other Parties Formally

Thai sentence: ทักทายอีกฝ่ายอย่างสุภาพ

Thai pronunciation: thák-thaai ìik fàai yàang sù-phâap

Explanation: When you meet your business partner, you should first greet them by saying สวัสดี (sà-wàt-dii) and perform ไหว้ (wâi).

4- Be Punctual

Thai sentence: ตรงเวลา

Thai pronunciation: dtrong wee-laa

Explanation: This one is quite common; don’t make others wait for you. In Bangkok, the traffic is quite bad, so make sure you have a lot of time for traveling.

5- Shaking Your Foot or Leg

Thai sentence: อย่านั่งเขย่าขา

Thai pronunciation: yàa nâng khà-yào khǎa

Explanation: Some people have a habit of shaking their foot or leg when sitting for a long time. It isn’t a rude manner in Thailand, but it makes you look unprofessional.

6- Avoid Putting Your Feet on the Table

Thai sentence: อย่าเอาเท้าวางบนโต๊ะ

Thai pronunciation: yàa ao tháo waang bon dtó

Explanation: As mentioned above, Thai people consider feet to be dirty. Thus, you shouldn’t put your feet on tables or chairs. It’s considered rude manners.

7- Avoid Chewing Gum

Thai sentence: อย่าเคี้ยวหมากฝรั่ง

Thai pronunciation: yàa khíiao màak-fà-ràng

Explanation: Chewing gum while speaking is unprofessional behavior for Thai people.

9. Thai Etiquette in Various Situations

If you live or work in Thailand, you may be invited to a ceremony for your friends or colleagues. In order for you to act appropriately and be nice to the host, here are the things you should know.

1- Thai Etiquette in Wedding Ceremonies

If you’re quite close to a Thai person, you normally get invited to their wedding ceremony. Normally, when you arrive to the ceremony, you should go to see the bride and groom to congratulate them before taking photos with them. Then, go sit in your assigned place. After this, just celebrate along with everyone.

However, you may not be sure how you should act or dress, as people in different countries have different cultures. For Thai people, you should follow these tips.

1. Wear light-toned clothing.

Thai sentence: ใส่เสื้อผ้าสีอ่อน

Thai pronunciation: sài sûuea-phâa sǐi àawn

Explanation: For women, in case there’s no theme, wear light-toned clothing. If there is a theme, dress according to the theme. Don’t dress in white, as Thai people think only the bride should dress in white for the wedding ceremony. Don’t dress in black either, as Thai people wear black to funerals.

For men, dressing for a wedding is quite easy. Men normally wear a suit to the wedding. Any color is fine; just make sure it’s not too colorful. If there’s a theme, dress according to it.

2. Give money to the bride and groom.

Thai sentence: ใส่ซองให้บ่าวสาว

Thai pronunciation: sài saawng hâi bàao sǎao

Explanation: When Thai people go to a wedding ceremony, they give money to the bride and groom. This is a way to help with the wedding and say thank you for preparing the food and drinks for them. The amount of money they give depends on their relationship to the bride and groom, and where the ceremony is hosted.

3. Don’t talk about bad things or events.

Thai sentence: อย่าพูดเรื่องอัปมงคล

Thai pronunciation: yàa phûut rûueang àp-bpà-mong-khon

Explanation: A wedding ceremony is a happy event. Thai people believe that it’s bad to talk about bad things or unhappy events (such as a death).

4. Don’t make loud noise.

Thai sentence: อย่าส่งเสียงดัง

Thai pronunciation: yàa sòng sǐiang dang

Explanation: Making loud noise can ruin the sweet atmosphere and steal attention from the bride and groom, so don’t do it.

5. Avoid drinking too much.

Thai sentence: อย่าดื่มมากเกินไป

Thai pronunciation: yàa dùuem mâak gooen bpai

Explanation: In some wedding ceremonies, alcohol is served for guests. However, you need to be careful not to drink too much or get drunk. Since people sometimes lose control when drunk, you may cause problems.

2- Thai Etiquette for Funerals

Similar to wedding ceremonies, once you live or work in Thailand long enough, you may have to go to a funeral. Here are the do’s and don’ts for a Thai funeral.

1. Dress formally in black or white.

Thai sentence: แต่งตัวสุภาพด้วยชุดสีดำหรือขาว

Thai pronunciation: dtàaeng-dtuua sù-phâap dûuai chút sǐi dam rǔue khǎao

Explanation: To pay respect to the deceased person and their family, it’s polite to wear black or white. Don’t wear revealing clothing.

2. Give money to the host.

Thai sentence: ใส่ซองช่วยเจ้าภาพ

Thai pronunciation: sài saawng chûuai jâo-phâap

Explanation: To help with funeral arrangements, Thai people give money to the host. The amount of money they give depends on their relationship to the deceased person and their family.

3. Avoid making loud noise.

Thai sentence: อย่าส่งเสียงดัง

Thai pronunciation: yàa sòng sǐiang-dang

Explanation: Making loud noise is viewed as disrespectful toward the deceased. Also, people come here to grieve and comfort the family of the deceased person, so it’s inappropriate to make loud noises.

3- Thai Etiquette for a Buddhist Ordination

งานบวช (ngaan-bùuat) is “Buddhist ordination” in Thai, and this is an important event in Thai society. Thai people believe that men should be a monk for once in their life to learn more about Buddha’s teachings; this is so that he can live his life as a good man.

To join a Buddhist ordination is a good experience for a foreigner, as you get to see Thai culture, values, and beliefs. Here are some things you can and can’t do during a Buddhist ordination.

1. Dress formally.

Thai sentence: แต่งกายเรียบร้อย

Thai pronunciation: dtàaeng-gaai rîiap-ráauy

Explanation: A Buddhist ordination is an event that takes place in a temple. As already mentioned, it’s Thai culture and etiquette to dress properly in the temple, both men and women. Shirts with no sleeves, shorts, and skirts that are shorter than knee-length aren’t appropriate to wear in the temple. Also, no sexy or revealing clothes.

2. No drinking or cigarettes.

Thai sentence: ห้ามดื่มเหล้าและสูบบุหรี่

Thai pronunciation: hâam dùuem lâo láe sùup bù-rìi

Explanation: You shouldn’t drink or smoke in the temple as this is one of the things Buddhists shouldn’t do, as mentioned earlier.

10. Conclusion: How ThaiPod101 Can Help You Master Thai Culture

If you’ve reached this point in the lesson, you should know more or less about what you should and shouldn’t do in Thailand. Keep these things in mind so that you don’t accidentally act inappropriately when you visit the country.

It can be hard to fully accommodate to customs you’re not familiar with, but with enough practice and the right mindset, you’re already halfway there! Now that you know all of this, you should go and learn other fun Thai lessons such as the top ten tourist attractions, top five Thai dishes, or how to eat Thai food, at ThaiPod101.com.

Does your country have similar cultural expectations or etiquette rules? Let us know in the comments!

Time is very important, and is a significant part of our daily lives. Thus, when learning any language, it’s essential to learn about dates and time in that language. In this case, knowing Thai dates and how to tell time in Thai will improve your Thai conversation. It will also enable you to make appointments and manage your time well while in Thailand.

This article will teach you how to write dates in Thai, how to say the months in Thai, and basic sentences you can use in conversations to talk about dates or make appointments. To sum up, after finishing this article, you’ll know everything about Thai dates, Thai days, Thai months, and Thai years. Some parts of this lesson may be hard, but others are very easy (especially if you have basic knowledge about Thai numbers!).

Table of Contents

1. Saying the Day in Thai
2. Dates in Thai
3. The Months in Thai
4. The Year in Thai
5. Combining Thai Days, Dates, Months, and Years
6. Other Terms You Should Know
7. Must-Know Thai Phrases about Dates
8. Making an Appointment in Thai
9. Conclusion: How ThaiPod101 Can Help You Master Thai

1. Saying the Day in Thai

Let’s start with the basics. Before you can really understand dates in Thailand, you’ll have to know the days of the week in Thai. วัน (wan) is “day” in Thai, and below is a list of the Thai names for each day of the week.

1- “Monday” in Thai

Thai: วันจันทร์ (wan jan)

Example:

• วันจันทร์ที่จะถึงนี้เป็นวันหยุด
  wan jan thîi jà thǔeng níi bpen wan yùt
  This coming Monday is a holiday.

Additional Note: Thai people associate the days with different colors. For Monday, the color of the day is yellow. Since King Rama IX was born on Monday, yellow is considered his color as well.

2- “Tuesday” in Thai

Thai: วันอังคาร (wan ang-khaan)

Example:

• วันอังคารหน้าฉันจะไปเกาหลี
  wan ang-khaan nâa chăn jà bpai gao-lǐi
  I will go to Korea next Tuesday.

Additional Note: Tuesday’s color is pink.

3- “Wednesday” in Thai

Thai: วันพุธ (wan phút)

Example:

• ฉันชอบดูหนังวันพุธเพราะตั๋วหนังลดราคา
  chăn châawp duu năng wan phút phráw dtŭua năng lót raa-khaa
  I like to watch movies on Wednesday because tickets are discounted.

Additional Note: Wednesday’s color is green. In Thailand, a lot of restaurants and movie theaters have promotions on this day.

4- “Thursday” in Thai

Thai: วันพฤหัสบดี (wan phá-rúe-hàt-sà-baaw-dii)

Example:

• วันพฤหัสบดีนี้ฉันมีนัดกับลูกค้าใหม่
  wan phá-rúe-hàt-sà-baaw-dii níi chăn mii nát gàp lûuk kháa mài
  I have an appointment with a new customer this Thursday.

Additional Note: Thursday’s color is orange.

5- “Friday” in Thai

Thai: วันศุกร์ (wan sùk)

Example:

• วันศุกร์หน้าเป็นวันเกิดของแม่ฉัน
  wan sùk nâa bpen wan gòoet khǎawng mâae chăn
  Next Friday is my mother’s birthday.

Additional Note: Friday’s color is light blue.

6- “Saturday” in Thai

Thai: วันเสาร์ (wan sǎo)

Example:

• วันเสาร์นี้ฉันจะไปห้างกับพี่สาว
  wan săo níi chăn jà bpai hâang gàp phîi săao
  I will go to the department store with my older sister this Saturday.

Additional Note: Saturday’s color is purple.

7- “Sunday” in Thai

Thai: วันอาทิตย์ (wan aa-thít)

Example:

• วันอาทิตย์เป็นวันครอบครัวของเรา
  wan aa-thít bpen wan khrâawp khruua khǎawng rao
  Sunday is our family’s day.

Additional Note: Sunday’s color is red.

8- “Weekday” in Thai

Thai: วันธรรมดา (wan tham-má-daa)

Example:

• ปกติแล้ว วันธรรมดาฉันจะถึงบ้านตอน 5 โมงเย็น
  bpòk-gà-dtì láaeo wan tham-má-daa chăn jà thǔeng bâan dtaawn hâa moong yen
  Normally, I arrive home at 5 p.m. on weekdays.

9- “Weekend” in Thai

Thai: วันสุดสัปดาห์ (wan sùt-sàp-daa)

Example:

• ร้านอาหารของน้องชายฉันจะขายดีวันสุดสัปดาห์เป็นพิเศษ
  ráan aa-hăan khǎawng náawng chaai chăn jà khăai dii wan sùt sàp-daa bpen phí-sìit
  My younger brother’s restaurant is always packed on the weekend.

As you can see, the days in Thai may require some extra practice due to the spelling. But you can do this! Knowing the days of the week is essential in mastering Thai dates, so don’t skip over this!

2. Dates in Thai

On the other hand, Thai dates are very easy to learn if you know how to count 1-31 in the Thai language. วันที่ (wan thîi) is “date” in Thai. Basically, to say dates in Thai, you just say วันที่ (wan thîi) + number (date). The list below shows how to read all the number dates in Thai.

• วันที่ 1 (wan thîi nùeng) is “1^st” in Thai
• วันที่ 2 (wan thîi sǎawng) is “2^nd” in Thai
• วันที่ 3 (wan thîi sǎam) is “3^rd” in Thai
• วันที่ 4 (wan thîi sìi) is “4^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 5 (wan thîi hǎa) is “5^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 6 (wan thîi hòk) is “6^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 7 (wan thîi jèt) is “7^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 8 (wan thîi bpàaet) is “8^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 9 (wan thîi gâo) is “9^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 10 (wan thîi sìp) is “10^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 11 (wan thîi sìp-èt) is “11^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 12 (wan thîi sìp sǎawng) is “12^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 13 (wan thîi sìp sǎam) is “13^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 14 (wan thîi sìp sìi) is “14^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 15 (wan thîi sìp hâa) is “15^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 16 (wan thîi sìp hòk) is “16^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 17 (wan thîi sìp jèt) is “17^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 18 (wan thîi sìp bpàaet) is “18^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 19 (wan thîi sìp gâo) is “19^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 20 (wan thîi yîi sìp) is “20^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 21 (wan thîi yîi sìp èt) is “21^st” in Thai
• วันที่ 22 (wan thîi yîi sìp sǎawng) is “22^nd” in Thai
• วันที่ 23 (wan thîi yîi sìp sǎam) is “23^{rd” in Thai}
• วันที่ 24 (wan thîi yîi sìp sìi) is “24^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 25 (wan thîi yîi sìp hâa) is “25^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 26 (wan thîi yîi sìp hòk) is “26^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 27 (wan thîi yîi sìp jèt) is “27^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 28 (wan thîi yîi sìp bpàaet) is “28^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 29 (wan thîi yîi sìp gâo) is “29^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 30 (wan thîi sǎam sìp) is “30^th” in Thai
• วันที่ 31 (wan thîi sǎam sìp èt) is “31^st” in Thai

3. The Months in Thai

Now that you know what the days in Thai are, let’s learn how to say “month” in Thai and what each month is called. เดือน (duuean) is “month” in Thai, and the list below shows the month names.

1- “January” in Thai

Thai:

• Formal language: เดือนมกราคม (duuean mók-gà-raa-khom)
• Informal spoken language: เดือนหนึ่ง (duuean nùeng)

Abbreviation: ม.ค. (maaw-khaaw)

Example:

• ฉันเกิดเดือนมกราคม
  chǎn gòoet duuean mók-gà-raa-khom
  I was born in January.

Additional Note: Apart from New Year, another important day in Thailand is Children’s Day, which is the second Saturday of January.

2- “February” in Thai

Thai:

• Formal language: เดือนกุมภาพันธ์ (duuean gum-phaa-phan)
• Informal spoken language: เดือนสอง (duuean sǎawng)

Abbreviation: ก.พ. (gaaw-phaaw)

Example:

• เดือนกุมภาพันธ์เป็นเดือนแห่งความรัก
  duuean gum-phaa-phan bpen duuean hàaeng khwaam-rák
  February is the month of love.

Additional Note: February in Thailand is full of red. Apart from being the month of love, the Chinese New Year falls in this month almost every year. Most places are decorated with red, a color that represents both Valentine’s Day and the Chinese New Year.

3- “March” in Thai

Thai:

• Formal language: เดือนมีนาคม (duuean mii-naa-khom)
• Informal spoken language: เดือนสาม (duuean sǎam)

Abbreviation: มี.ค. (mii-khaaw)

Example:

• ประเทศไทยเริ่มเข้าสู่ฤดูร้อนตั้งแต่เดือนมีนาคม
  bprà-thêet thai rôoem khâo sùu rúe-duu ráawn dtâng dtàae duuean mii-naa-khom
  The summer in Thailand starts in March.

Additional Note: Thai students love March as it’s the start of their summer vacation. March in Thailand is also the starting period of summer. The weather clearly starts to get hotter.

4- “April” in Thai

Thai:

• Formal language: เดือนเมษายน (duuean mee-sǎa-yon)
• Informal spoken language: เดือนสี่ (duuean sìi)

Abbreviation: เม.ย. (mee-yaaw)

Example:

• เดือนเมษายนมีเทศกาลสงกรานต์ซึ่งเป็นวันหยุดยาวของประเทศไทย
  duuean mee-săa-yon mii thêet-sà-gaan sŏng-graan sûeng bpen wan yùt yaao khǎawng bprà-thêet thai
  The sǎawnggran Festival, which is a long Thai holiday, is in April.

Additional Note: As mentioned in the example, the Sŏng-graan Festival or Thai New Year period, is from April 13-15, and this is the hottest period of the year. It’s a long holiday for Thai people, who normally spend their time with family either going back to their hometown or going traveling. So April in Thailand is a time for family.

5- “May” in Thai

Thai:

• Formal language: เดือนพฤษภาคม (duuean phrúet-sà-phaa-khom)
• Informal spoken language: เดือนห้า (duuean hâa)

Abbreviation: พ.ค. (phaaw-khaaw)

Example:

• นักเรียนไทยเริ่มเปิดเทอมเดือนพฤษภาคม
  nák riian thai rôoem bpòoet thooem duuean phrúet-sà-phaa-khom
  Thai students start a new semester in May.

Additional Note: The middle of May in Thailand is the start of the rainy season.

6- “June” in Thai

Thai:

• Formal language: เดือนมิถุนายน (duuean mí-thù-naa-yon)
• Informal spoken language: เดือนหก (duuean hòk)

Abbreviation: มิ.ย. (mí-yaaw)

Example:

• ชื่อของเดือนที่มี 30 วันจะลงท้ายด้วยคำว่า “ยน” ในภาษาไทย เช่น เดือนมิถุนายน
• chûue khǎawng duuean thîi mii săam sìp wan jà long tháai dûuai kham wâa yon nai phaa-săa thai chêen duuean mí-thù-naa-yon
• The name of a month that has thirty days ends with yoen in Thai, such as เดือนมิถุนายน (duuean mí-thù-naa-yon).

7- “July” in Thai

Thai:

• Formal language: เดือนกรกฎาคม (duuean gà-rá-gà-daa-khom)
• Informal spoken language: เดือนเจ็ด (duuean jèt)

Abbreviation: ก.ค. (gaaw-khaaw)

Example:

• ชื่อของเดือนที่มี 31 วันจะลงท้ายด้วยคำว่า “คม” ในภาษาไทย เช่น เดือนกรกฎาคม
• chûue khǎawng duuean thîi mii săam sìp èt wan jà long tháai dûuai kham wâa khom nai phaa-săa thai chêen duuean gà-rá-gà-daa-khom
• The name of a month that has thirty-one days ends with khom in Thai, such as เดือนกรกฎาคม (duuean gà-rá-gà-daa-khom).

8- “August” in Thai

Thai:

• Formal language: เดือนสิงหาคม (duuean sǐng-hǎa-khom)
• Informal spoken language: เดือนแปด (duuean bpàaet)

Abbreviation: ส.ค. (sǎaw-khaaw)

Example:

• วันที่ 12 สิงหาคมของทุกปีเป็นวันแม่ของประเทศไทย
  wan thîi sìp sǎawng sĭng-hăa-khom khǎawng thúk bpii bpen wan mâae khǎawng bprà-thêet thai
  The 12^th of August every year is Mother’s Day in Thailand.

Additional Note: August in Thailand is full of events for mothers. The 12^th of August is the birthday of King Rama IX’s wife. Thai people perceive her as the mother of Thai people, so naturally, her birthday has become Mother’s Day in Thailand.

9- “September” in Thai

Thai:

• Formal language: เดือนกันยายน (duuean gan-yaa-yon)
• Informal spoken language: เดือนเก้า (duuean gâo)

Abbreviation: ก.ย. (gaaw-yaaw)

Example:

• เดือนกันยายนปีนี้ ฉันจะไปเที่ยวญี่ปุ่น
  duuean gan-yaa-yon bpii níi chăn jà bpai thîiao yîi-bpùn
  I will go traveling in Japan this September.

Additional Note: The 9^th of September in Thailand is considered to be a good day, as both the date and the month are pronounced gâo which means “moving forward” in Thai.

10- “October” in Thai

Thai:

• Formal language: เดือนตุลาคม (duuean dtù-laa-khom)
• Informal spoken language: เดือนสิบ (duuean-sìp)

Abbreviation: ต.ค. (dtaaw-khaaw)

Example:

• เทศกาลกินเจของไทยอยู่เดือนตุลาคม
  thêet-sà-gaan gin jee khǎawng thai yùu duuean dtù-laa-khom
  The Vegetarian Festival in Thailand is in October.

Additional Note: If February in Thailand is full of red, October in Thailand is full of yellow because of the ten-day Vegetarian Festival. During this period, some Thai people eat only vegetarian food for ten days in order to make merit by saving the lives of animals.

11- “November” in Thai

Thai:

• Formal language: เดือนพฤศจิกายน (duuean phrúet-sà-jì-gaa-yon)
• Informal spoken language: เดือนสิบเอ็ด (duuean sìp èt)

Abbreviation: พ.ย. (phaaw-yaaw)

Example:

• วันลอยกระทงของทุกปีมักอยู่เดือนพฤศจิกายน
  wan laauy grà-thong khǎawng thúk bpii mák yùu duuean phrúet-sà-jì-gaa-yon
  Loy Gratong Day is in November almost every year.

Additional Note: The date on which Loy Gratong Day falls each year is based on the Thai Lunar calendar. It’s the day that Thai people ask พระแม่คงคา (phrá mâae khong-khaa) or the “god of river” for forgiveness if they do something wrong toward the river. This ceremony is quite nice and unique, so foreigners often find it beautiful.

12- “December” in Thai

Thai:

• Formal language: เดือนธันวาคม (duuean than-waa-khom)
• Informal spoken language: เดือนสิบสอง (duuean sìp sǎawng)

Abbreviation: ธ.ค. (thaaw-khaaw)

Example:

• หลายคนชอบเดือนธันวาคมเพราะเดือนนี้มีวันหยุดหลายวัน
  lăai khon châawp duuean than-waa khom phráw duuean níi mii wan yùt lăai wan
  Many people like December because there are many holidays in this month.

Additional Note: December in Thailand is a month full of holidays. The fact that the weather in Thailand starts to cool down makes the atmosphere nicer. A lot of Thai people travel during this period.

4. The Year in Thai

Learning the years in Thai isn’t difficult. ปี (bpii) is “year” in Thai.

There are a few things you need to know about Thai years, which will be explained below to give you a better idea of how to read dates in Thai according to the year.

1- Ph.D. or B.E.

Thai people mainly use Ph.D., but they also understand if you use B.E. However, when it comes to formal communication in both speaking and writing, Ph.D. is used.

2- How to Say Thai Years (Ph.D.)

Thai: พุทธศักราช (phút-thá-sàk-gà-ràat) + year

Abbreviation: พ.ศ. (phaaw-sǎaw)

Example:

• ปีนี้คือพ.ศ.2562
  bpii níi khuue phaaw-sǎaw sǎawng-phan-hâa-ráauy-hòk-sìp-sǎawng
  This year is 2562 Ph.d.

Additional Note: พุทธศักราช (phút-thá-sàk-gà-ràat) is normally used in formal situations, while พ.ศ. (phaaw-sǎaw) can be used in both formal and informal situations.

3- How to Say Thai Years (B.E.)

Thai: คริสตศักราช (khrít-dtà-sàk-gà-ràat) + year

Abbreviation: ค.ศ. (khaaw-sǎaw)

Example:

• ปีนี้คือค.ศ.2019
  bpii níi khuue khaaw-sǎaw sǎawng-phan-sìp-gâo
  This year is 2019 B.E.

Additional Note: คริสตศักราช (khrít-dtà-sàk-gà-ràat) is normally used in formal spoken situations, while ค.ศ. (khaaw-sǎaw) can be used in informal spoken situations and formal written situations.

5. Combining Thai Days, Dates, Months, and Years

So, how are dates written in Thailand?

Let’s combine everything together that you’ve learned so far, and use it to see how to write dates in Thai. Keep in mind that Thai people start with the smallest unit. Below is an example of how Thai people say the day, date, month, and year altogether:

วัน (day) ที่ (date) เดือน (month) ปี (year)

wan (day) thîi (date) duuean (month) bpii (year)

Now, here are various ways you can say Thai days, dates, months and years, using the structures above. The date that will be used as an example is Tuesday 8^th, January 2019.

1- Full Version

Thai date: วันอังคารที่ 8 เดือนมกราคม ปีพ.ศ. 2562

Thai pronunciation: wan-ang-khaan thîi bpàaet duuean mók-gà-raa-khom bpii phút-thá-sàk-gà-ràat sǎawng-phan-hâa-ráauy-hòk-sìp-sǎawng

Usage: Thai people normally use this in formal situations. You simply say every part of the phrase.

2- Thai Date without Day

Thai date: วันที่ 8 เดือนมกราคม ปีพ.ศ. 2562

Thai pronunciation: wan thîi bpàaet duuean mók-gà-raa-khom bpii phút-thá-sàk-gà-ràat sǎawng-phan-hâa-ráauy-hòk-sìp-sǎawng

Usage: Thai people also use this in formal situations, when they don’t want to focus on the day. If you can say the full version, this is easy. You just cut the day out.

3- Short Version

Thai date: 8 มกราคม พ.ศ. 2562

Thai pronunciation: bpàaet mók-gà-raa-khom phaaw-sǎaw sǎawng-phan-hâa-ráauy-hòk-sìp-sǎawng

Usage: Thai people use this in less formal situations. They simply cut out the day, the word date, the month, and the year. For the year, the abbreviation is used. This is what Thai people use for speaking in daily life.

4- Abbreviated Version

Thai date: 8 ม.ค. 62

Thai pronunciation: bpàaet maaw-khaaw hòk-sǎawng

Usage: Thai people mostly use abbreviated versions for writing. When they read it, they either read it fully or read the abbreviation as shown above. For years, Thai people read each number separately.

6. Other Terms You Should Know

Apart from what you’ve learned so far, there are also terms about dates and times you should know:

1- “Today” in Thai

Thai language: วันนี้ (wan-níi)

Example:

• วันนี้เป็นวันอาทิตย์
  Wan-níi bpen wan-aa-thít
  Today is Sunday.

2- “Tomorrow” in Thai

Thai language: วันพรุ่งนี้ (wan-phrûng-níi); พรุ่งนี้ (phrûng-níi)

Example:

• พรุ่งนี้ฝนน่าจะตก
  Phrûng-níi fǒn nâa jà dtòk
  It may rain tomorrow.

Additional Note: วันพรุ่งนี้ (wan-phrûng-níi) is a little bit more formal than พรุ่งนี้ (phrûng-níi). Still, Thai people use both of them equally.

3- “The Day After Tomorrow” in Thai

Thai language: วันมะรืน (wan-má-ruuen); มะรืน (má-ruuen)

Example:

• พ่อต้องไปเชียงใหม่มะรืนนี้
  Phâaw dtâawng bpai chiiang-mài má-ruuen níi
  Dad has to go to Chiangmai the day after tomorrow.

Additional Note: วันมะรืน (wan-má-ruuen) is a little bit more formal than มะรืน (má-ruuen). Still, Thai people use both of them equally. They often put the word นี้ (níi) after วันมะรืน (wan-má-ruuen) or มะรืน (má-ruuen), but its English meaning is the same.

4- “Yesterday” in Thai

Thai language: เมื่อวาน (mûuea-waan)

Example:

• เมื่อวานนี้อากาศร้อนมาก
  Mûuea-waan níi aa-gàat ráawn mâak
  Yesterday was very hot.

Additional Note: Thai people often put the word นี้ (níi) after เมื่อวาน (mûuea-waan), but its English meaning is the same.

5- “Week” in Thai

Thai language: สัปดาห์ (sàp-daa); อาทิตย์ (aa-thít)

Example:

• อาทิตย์ที่แล้ว ฉันไปเที่ยวมา
  Aa-thít thîi-láaeo chǎn bpai thîiao maa
  I went traveling last week.

Additional Note: สัปดาห์ (sàp-daa) is more formal than อาทิตย์ (aa-thít). Thai people use อาทิตย์ (aa-thít) in conversation more.

6- “This…..” in Thai

Thai language: (name of day / เดือน / ปี) + นี้ (níi)

Example:

• วันพฤหัสบดีนี้เป็นวันครู
  Wan-phá-rúe-hàt-sà-baaw-dii níi bpen wan khruu
  This Thursday is Teacher Day.

Additional Note: In Thailand, Teacher Day is on January 16.

6- “Next…..” in Thai

Thai language: (name of day / เดือน / ปี) + หน้า (nhâa)

Example:

• เดือนหน้าอากาศจะเริ่มร้อนแล้ว
  Duuean nâa aa-gàat jà rôoem ráawn láaeo
  The weather will start to be hot next month.

6- “Last…..” in Thai

Thai language: (name of day / เดือน / ปี) + ที่แล้ว (thîi-láaeo)

Example:

• ปีที่แล้วเป็นปีที่ดีของฉัน
  Bpii thîi-láaeo bpen bpii thîi dii khǎawng chǎn
  Last year was a good year for me.

7. Must-Know Thai Phrases about Dates

Even after learning everything else in this article, you may still find it a bit hard to start a conversation about dates. To help you out, we’ve prepared some sentences you can use.

Thai language: วันนี้วันอะไร
Thai pronunciation: wan-níi wan à-rai
English meaning: What day is today?

Thai language: เดือนนี้เดือนอะไร
Thai pronunciation: duuean níi duuean à-rai
English meaning: What month is this?

Thai language: ปีนี้ปีอะไร
Thai pronunciation: bpii níi bpii à-rai
English meaning: What year is this?

Thai language: วันเกิดคุณคือวันไหน
Thai pronunciation: wan-gòoet khun khuue wan nǎi
English meaning: When is your birthday?

Thai language: วันครบรอบแต่งงานคือวันไหน
Thai pronunciation: wan-khróp-râawp dtàaeng-ngaan khuue wan nǎi
English meaning: When is your wedding anniversary?

Thai language: โรงเรียนเปิดเทอมวันไหน
Thai pronunciation: roong-riian bpòoet-thooem wan nǎi
English meaning: When does your school start?

8. Making an Appointment in Thai

Now, for the last section of this article, let’s learn sentences you can use to make an appointment.

Thai language: คุณว่าง (day / date) มั๊ย
Thai pronunciation: khun wâang …..mái
English meaning: Are you free on (day/date)?

Thai language: ว่าง
Thai pronunciation: wâang
English meaning: I’m free.

Thai language: ไม่ว่าง
Thai pronunciation: mâi wâang
English meaning: I’m not free.

Thai language: แล้ว (day / date) ล่ะ
Thai pronunciation: láaeo…..là
English meaning: What about (day / date)?

Thai language: เจอกัน (day / date) นะ
Thai pronunciation: jooe gan…..ná
English meaning: See you on (day / date).

9. Conclusion: How ThaiPod101 Can Help You Master Thai

There’s a lot to learn and remember when it comes to Thai dates, so be sure to practice often. Remembering the names of days and months will definitely take some time, but you can do it, so don’t give up. If you can, try using them with Thai people in daily life.

Once you get the hang of this, you can go and learn other interesting lessons such as our vocabulary list on Thai numbers or about the Thai New Year at ThaiPod101.com!

Before you go, let us know in the comments how you feel about Thai dates now. Do you feel more confident about writing and reading dates in Thai, or are you still struggling? Don’t forget to keep practicing and never hesitate to reach out for help. We look forward to hearing from you!

Regardless of nationality or native language, family is the basic institution for everyone. So it makes sense for you to learn how to describe family members when you learn a new language. For Thai people, family is very important. So by learning about the family in Thai, you’ll get to know more about Thai family culture and Thai family values.

The basic questions most Thai learners have when attempting a Thai conversation about family are about how to say “father” in Thai, how to say “mother” in Thai, and how to say “sister” in Thai. In this article, we’ll answer all of these questions for you, and give you everything you need to know about Thai family. For easy understanding, study the family tree in Thai and English below.

1. Family in Thai
2. Thai Terms for Family Members
3. Thai Terms for Relatives
4. Thai Terms for Additional Family from Marriage
5. Interesting Things You Should Know About Thai Family
6. Thai Proverbs About Family
7. How ThaiPod101 Can Help You Master Thai Language & Culture

1. Family in Thai

First, let’s learn about Thai family life in general, and family in Thai culture. What is family in Thailand?

When it comes to family life in Thai culture and society, people value the family institution. You can see that family members in Thai society are pretty close to each other; also note that family values in Thailand tend to revolve around seniority.

For this reason, Thai people don’t call people who are older than them by their name alone, but rather a term based on seniority and relationship. In other words, they call them by the appropriate family term together with their name. Before we go too much more into depth here, let’s learn some basic vocabulary and family words in Thai.

First and foremost, how do you say “family” in Thai?

1- Family in Thai

Thai: ครอบครัว (khrâawp-khruua)

Example:
ครอบครัวของเราอาศัยอยู่ที่ภาคใต้
khrâawp-khruua khǎawng rao aa-săi yùu thîi phâak dtâi
“Our family lives in the southern part of Thailand.”

Additional note: In Thai society, people normally live with their family. It’s perfectly normal for people who are of age to stay with their parents. Thai people usually move out when they start their own family or if they have to work far from home.

2- Family Members in Thai

Thai: สมาชิกในครอบครัว (sà-maa-chík nai khrâawp-khruua); คนในครอบครัว (khon nai khrâawp-khruua)

Example:
คนในครอบครัวของเราผมหยิกกันหมด
khon nai khrâawp-khruua khǎawng rao phŏm yìk gan mòt
“Every one of our family members has curly hair.”

3- Relatives in Thai

Thai: ญาติ (yâat)

Example:
ญาติของเราจะมารวมตัวกันในวันตรุษจีนทุกปี
yâat khǎawng rao jà maa ruuam dtuua gan nai wan dtrùt jiin thúk bpii
“Our relatives gathering is on the Lunar New Year day every year.”

4- Sibling in Thai

Thai: พี่น้อง (phîi náawng)

Example:
พ่อมีพี่น้องทั้งหมด 3 คน
phâaw mii phîi náawng tháng mòt săam khon
“My father has three siblings.”

2. Thai Terms for Family Members

Now, let’s begin learning what to call family members in Thai. We’ll start with family terms in a single family first.

1- Father in Thai

Thai: There are two words for father in Thai, as shown below:

• พ่อ (phâaw) is “father” in Thai.
• บิดา (bì-daa) is the formal written language for “father” in Thai.

Example:
พ่อของฉันชื่อธีระ
phâaw khǎawng chăn chûue thii-rá
“My father’s name is Teera.”

How to address/endearment terms: There are many ways for children to address their father in Thailand. Using พ่อ (phâaw) is okay, but many people also use ป๊ะป๋า (bpá-bpǎa), ปะป๊า (bpà-bpáa), ป๊า (bpáa), แดดดี๊ (daddy), and เตี่ย (dtìia).

Additional note: Thai people really love King Rama IX, so we call him พ่อของแผ่นดิน (phâaw khǎawng phàaen-din), which means “father of Thai people” in Thai. (Its literal meaning is Father of the Land.)

2- Mother in Thai

Thai: There are two words for “mother” in Thai, as shown below:

• แม่ (mâae) is “mother” in Thai.
• มารดา (maan-daa) is the formal written language for “mother” in Thai.

Example:
แม่ของฉันชอบไปทะเล
mâae khǎawng chăn châawp bpai thá-lee
“My mother likes to go to the sea.”

How to address/endearment terms: Similar to “father,” there are many ways for children to address their mother in Thailand as well. Apart from แม่ (mâae), Thai people also use หม่าม๊า (màa-máa), หม่ามี๊ (màa-míi), and ม๊า (máa).

Additional note: You may be able to guess this after reading about the terms for “father.” Since Thai people called King Rama IX พ่อของแผ่นดิน (phâaw khǎawng phàaen-din), it makes sense for us to call the wife of King Rama IX แม่ของแผ่นดิน (mâae khǎawng phàaen-din), which means “mother of Thai people” in Thai. (Its literal meaning is Mother of the Land.)

3- Older Brother in Thai

Thai: พี่ชาย (phîi chaai)

Example:
พ่อของฉันมีพี่ชาย 1 คน
phâaw khǎawng chăn mii phîi chaai nùeng khon
“My father has one older brother.”

How to address/endearment terms: In Thai, people call a sibling who is older than them พี่ (phîi) + name, regardless of their sibling’s gender. For example, according to the family tree, my father calls his older brother พี่ธำรง (phîi tham-rong).

Additional note: You may hear Thai-Chinese people use the term เฮีย (hiia) for an older brother as well.

4- Older Sister in Thai

Thai: พี่สาว (phîi sǎao)

Example:
พี่สาวของพ่อชื่อธารา
phîi sǎao khǎawng phâaw chûue thaa-raa
“The name of my father’s older sister is Tara.”

How to address/endearment terms: In Thai, people call a sibling who is older than them พี่ (phîi) + name, regardless of their sibling’s gender. For example, according to the family tree, my father calls his older sister พี่ธารา (phîi thaa-raa).

Additional note: You may hear Thai-Chinese people use the term เจ้ (jêe) for an older sister as well.

5- Younger Brother in Thai

Thai: น้องชาย (náawng chaai)

Example:
น้องชายของพ่อหน้าตาเหมือนพ่อมาก
náawng chaai khǎawng phâaw nâa dtaa mǔuean phâaw mâak
“My father’s younger brother looks a lot like my father.”

How to address/endearment terms: In Thai, there are two ways to address your younger sibling. People either call a sibling who is younger than them น้อง (náawng) + name regardless of their gender, or just call him by name. Most people use the second option. This is because of the focus on seniority in Thai culture.

6- Younger Sister in Thai

Thai: น้องสาว (náawng sǎao)

Example:
แม่มีน้องสาวที่อายุห่างกัน 2 ปี 1 คน
mâae mii náawng săao thîi aa-yú hàang gan sǎawng bpii nùeng khon
“My mother has one younger sister who is two years younger.”

How to address/endearment terms: In Thai, there are two ways to address your younger sibling. People either call a sibling who is younger than them น้อง (náawng) + name regardless of their gender, or just call her by name. Most people use the second option. This is because of the focus on seniority in Thai culture.

3. Thai Terms for Relatives

Let’s learn even more about family members in a bigger family, otherwise known as the extended family in Thailand. This section will show you what to call your father and mother’s family members, and other relatives.

1- Grandfather in Thai

Thai: There are two words for “grandfather” in Thai:

• ปู่ (bpùu) means “father of your father” in Thai.
• ตา (dtaa) means “father of your mother” in Thai.

Example:
ทั้งคุณปู่และคุณตาของฉันแข็งแรงมาก
tháng khun bpùu láe khun dtaa-khǎawng chăn khăaeng-raaeng mâak
“Both of my grandfathers are very healthy.”

How to address/endearment terms: Normally, when Thai people address their grandfather, they just call them ปู่ (bpùu) or ตา (dtaa). Thai people don’t use their grandfather’s name when they call them.

Additional note: In Thai society, grandparents are known to unintentionally spoil their grandchild. They tend to buy things for their grandchild and grant their wishes.

2- Grandmother in Thai

Thai: Similar to “grandfather,” there are two words for “grandmother” in Thai:

• ย่า (yâa) means “mother of your father” in Thai.
• ยาย (yaai) means “mother of your mother” in Thai.

Example:
คุณย่าทำอาหารไทยอร่อยมากในขณะที่คุณยายทำขนมไทยอร่อย
khun yâa tham aa-hăan thai à-ràauy mâak nai khà-nà thîi khun yaai tham khà-nŏm thai à-ràauy
“One of my grandmothers can cook delicious Thai food, while the other one can cook delicious Thai sweets.”

How to address/endearment terms: Like “grandfather,” when Thai people address their grandmother, they just call them ย่า (yâa) or ยาย (yaai). Thai people don’t use their grandmother’s name when they call them.

3- Great-Grandfather and Great-Grandmother in Thai

Thai: ทวด (thûuat)

Example:
แม่เล่าให้ฟังว่าทวดรำไทยสวยมาก
mâae lâo hâi fang wâa thûuat ram thai sŭuai mâak
“Mom told me that my great-grandmother did Thai dancing very beautifully.”

How to address/endearment terms: Like with grandparents, when Thai people address their great-grandparent, they just call them ทวด (thûuat). Thai people don’t use their great-grandparent’s name when they call them, unless they want to specify which great-grandparent they’re referring to.

4- Uncle in Thai

Thai: There are many words for “uncle” in Thai, which we’ll explain below:

• ลุง (lung) means “older brother of both father and mother” in Thai.
• น้า (náa) means “younger sibling, including younger brother of your mother” in Thai.
• อา (aa) means “younger sibling, including younger brother of your father” in Thai.

Example:
พ่อกับอาธนินท์ชอบดูฟุตบอลด้วยกัน
phâaw gàp aa thá-nin châawp duu fút-baawn dûuai gan
“Dad and Uncle Tanin like to watch football together.”

How to address/endearment terms: In Thai, there are two ways of addressing your uncle. Thai people either call their uncle ลุง (lung) / น้า (náa) / อา (aa) + name, or just call them ลุง (lung) / น้า (náa) / อา (aa). Most people use the first option to prevent confusion, in case there are many uncles in your family.

Additional note: The words น้า (náa) and อา (aa) can be used for both genders. So it can mean either “uncle” or “aunt.”

5- Aunt in Thai

Thai: There are many words for “aunt” in Thai, which we’ll explain below:

• ป้า (bpâa) means “older sister of both father and mother” in Thai.
• น้า (náa) means “younger sibling, including younger sister of your mother” in Thai.
• อา (aa) means “younger sibling, including younger sister of your father” in Thai.

Example:
น้ากนิษฐ์บอกว่าฉันดูเหมือนแม่ของฉันตอนเด็ก ๆ มาก
náa gà-nít bàawk wâa chăn duu mǔuean mâae khǎawng chăn dtaawn dèk dèk mâak
“Aunt Kanit said I really look like my mom when she was young.”

How to address/endearment terms: Similar to “uncle,” there are two ways to address your aunt in Thai. Thai people either call their aunt ป้า (bpâa) / น้า (náa) / อา (aa) + name, or just call them ป้า (bpâa) / น้า (náa) / อา (aa). Most people use the first option to prevent confusion, in case there are many aunts in your family.

Additional note: When Thai people talk to people they don’t know or haven’t met before, like a food seller or a man at the bus stop, if those people seem like they’re their parents’ age, they address them as ลุง (lung) or ป้า (bpâa).

6- Nephew and Grandson in Thai

Thai: หลานชาย (lǎan chaai)

Example:
ปู่บอกว่าตอนพี่ชายเกิด ปู่ดีใจมากที่มีหลานชาย
bpùu bàawk wâa dtaawn phîi chaai gòoet · bpùu dii jai mâak thîi mii lăan chaai
“My grandfather said when my older brother was born, he was so happy to get a grandson.”

How to address/endearment terms: Because of seniority, grandparents, uncles, and aunts normally call their nephews or grandsons by name.

7- Niece and Granddaughter in Thai

Thai: หลานสาว (lǎan sǎao)

Example:
ตาบอกว่า ยายรักฉันมากเพราะฉันหน้าตาเหมือนยายตอนสาว ๆ
taa-bòk-wâa yaai-rák-chǎn-mâk-prór-chǎn-nhâa-taa-mǎaeun-yaai-ton-sǎo-sǎo
“My grandfather said my grandmother loves me so much because I look like her when she was young.”

How to address/endearment terms: Like nephews & grandsons, grandparents, uncles, and aunts normally call their nieces and granddaughters by name due to seniority.

8- Cousin in Thai

Thai: ลูกพี่ลูกน้อง (lûuk-phîi-lûuk-náawng)

Example:
กนกเป็นลูกพี่ลูกน้องของฉัน
Gà-nòk bpen lûuk-phîi-lûuk-náawng khǎawng chǎn
“Kanok is my cousin.”

How to address/endearment terms: If your cousin is older than you, you have to call him/her พี่ (phîi) + name. But if he/she is younger than you, you can call him/her by name.

4. Thai Terms for Additional Family from Marriage

Your family normally gets bigger through marriage. So this part of the article will teach you what to call your new family members and in-laws.

1- Husband in Thai

Thai: There are two words for “husband” in Thai, which we’ll explain below:

• สามี (sǎa-mii) is the formal way to address the “husband” in Thai.
• ผัว (phǔua) is the informal way to address the “husband” in Thai.

Example:
สามีของป้ากนิษฐ์ชื่อน้าปิติ
Sǎa-mii khǎawng bpâa gà-nít chûue náa bpì-dtì
“The husband of Aunt Kanit is Piti.”

How to address/endearment terms: A husband and wife will usually call each other by name, or by a pet name. However, once they have a child, they usually begin to call each other the terms of “father” and “mother.”

2- Wife in Thai

Thai: There are two words for “wife” in Thai, which we’ll explain below:

• ภรรยา (phan-rá-yaa) is the formal way of addressing the “wife” in Thai.
• เมีย (miia) is the informal way of addressing the “wife” in Thai.

Example:
ป้าส่องศรีเป็นภรรยาของลุงธำรง
bpâa sàawng-sǐi bpen phan-rá-yaa khǎawng lung tham-rong
“Aunt Songsri is Uncle Tamrong’s wife.”

How to address/endearment terms: A husband and wife will usually call each other by name, or a pet name. However, once they have a child, they usually begin calling each other by the terms for “father” and “mother.”

3- Son in Thai

Thai: There are two words for “son” in Thai:

• ลูกชาย (lûuk chaai) is “son” in Thai.
• บุตร (bùt) is the formal written language for “son” in Thai.

Example:
ลูกคนแรกของปู่เป็นลูกผู้ชาย
Lûuk khon râaek khǎawng bpùu bpen lûuk phûu-chaai
“The firstborn of my grandfather is a son.”

How to address/endearment terms: Thai parents normally call their child by name.

4- Daughter in Thai

Thai: There are two words for “daughter” in Thai:

• ลูกสาว (lûuk sǎao) is “daughter” in Thai.
• ธิดา (thí-daa) is the formal written language for “daughter” in Thai.

Example:
ยายมีลูกสาว 2 คน
yaai mii lûuk sǎao sǎawng kgon
“My grandmother has two daughters.”

How to address/endearment terms: Thai parents normally call their child by name.

5- Mother-in-law in Thai

Thai: There are two words for “mother-in-law” in Thai:

• แม่ยาย (mâae-yaai) is the title for the wife’s mother in Thai.
• แม่สามี (mâae sǎa-mii) is the title for the husband’s mother in Thai.

Example:
ย่าเป็นแม่สามีของป้าส่องศรี
Yâa bpen maâe sǎa-mii khǎawng bpâa sàawng-sǐi
“My grandmother is the mother-in-law of Aunt Songsri.”

How to address/endearment terms: When a wife addresses a parent of her husband, or a husband addresses a parent of his wife, they use the terms “father” and “mother” as if they are their own parents. The words แม่ยาย (mâae-yaai) and แม่สามี (mâae sáa-mii) are used as third-person pronouns.

6- Father-in-law in Thai

Thai: There are two words for “father-in-law” in Thai:

• พ่อตา (phâaw-dtaa) is the title for the wife’s father in Thai.
• พ่อสามี (phâaw sǎa-mii) is the title of the husband’s father in Thai.

Example:
ตาเป็นพ่อตาของน้าปิติ
Dtaa bpen phâaw-dtaa khǎawng náa bpì-dtì
“My grandfather is father-in-law of Uncle Piti.”

How to address/endearment terms: When a wife addresses a parent of her husband, or a husband addresses a parent of his wife, they use the terms “father” and “mother” as if they are their own parents. The words พ่อตา (phâaw-dtaa) and พ่อสามี (phâaw sáa-mii) are used as third-person pronouns.

7- Female In-law in Thai

Thai: When your male family member gets married, the woman he marries is called สะใภ้ (sà-phái). Here are the terms of สะใภ้ (sà-pái) you should know:

• ลูกสะใภ้ (lûuk sà-phái) is the title for your son’s wife in Thai.
• พี่สะใภ้ (phîi sà-phái) is the title for your older brother’s wife in Thai.
• น้องสะใภ้ (náawng sà-phái) is the title of your younger brother’s wife in Thai.
• หลานสะใภ้ (lǎan sà-phái) is the title of your grandson’s or nephew’s wife in Thai.

Example:
ป้าส่องศรีเป็นพี่สะใภ้ของพ่อ
bpâa sàawng-sǐi bpen phîi sà-phái khǎawng phâaw
“Aunt Song-sri is my father’s sister-in law.”

How to address/endearment terms: The terms of สะใภ้ (sà-phái) listed above are like titles, and are used as third-person pronouns. Parents, aunts, and uncles of the husband normally call their daughter-in-law by name. The brother and sister of the husband use the terms พี่ (phîi) or น้อง (náawng) + name, depending on their age.

8- Male In-law in Thai

Thai: When your female family member gets married, the man she marries is called เขย (kěay). Here are the terms of เขย (khǒoei) you should know:

• ลูกเขย (lûuk khǒoei) is the title of your daughter’s husband in Thai.
• พี่เขย (phîi khǒoei) is the title of your older sister’s husband in Thai.
• น้องเขย (náawng khǒoei) is the title of your younger sister’s husband in Thai.
• หลานเขย (lǎan khǒoei) is the title of your granddaughter’s or niece’s husband in Thai.

Example:
น้าปิติเป็นน้องเขยของแม่
náa bpì-dtì bpen náawng khǒoei khǎawng mâae
“Uncle Piti is my mother’s brother-in-law.”

How to address/endearment terms: The terms of เขย (khǒoei) listed above are like a title, and are used as third-person pronouns. Parents, aunts, and uncles of the husband normally call their daughter-in-law by name. The brother and sister of the husband use the terms พี่ (phîi) or น้อง (náawng) + name, depending on their age.

5. Interesting Things You Should Know About Thai Family

Now that you know all the terms for family members, let’s learn some more things about the Thai family.

1- Terms about Children

Apart from ลูกชาย (lûuk chaai) and ลูกสาว (lûuk sǎao), the following terms can be used to describe your children as well.

• ลูกคนเดียว (lûuk khon diiao) is “single child”
• ลูุกคนโต (lûuk khon dtoo) is “eldest child”
• ลูกคนกลาง (lûuk khon glaang) is “middle child”
• ลูกคนเล็ก (lûuk khon lék) is “youngest child”
• ลูกชายคนโต (lûuk chaai khon dtoo) is “eldest son”
• ลูกชายคนกลาง (lûuk chaai khon glaang) is “middle son”
• ลูกชายคนเล็ก (lûuk chaai khon lék) is “youngest son”
• ลูกสาวคนโต (lûuk sǎao khon dtoo) is “eldest daughter”
• ลูกสาวคนกลาง (lûuk sǎao khon glaang) is “middle daughter”
• ลูกสาวคนเล็ก (lûuk sǎao khon lék) is “youngest daughter”

2- Politeness

If you want to talk politely or formally when addressing or talking about a family member or relative, you can put the word คุณ (khun) before the term, such as in คุณตา (khun dtaa). Further, you should end the sentence with ครับ (khráp) for a male speaker, or ค่ะ (khà) for a female speaker.

6. Thai Proverbs About Family

In the Thai language, people usually use proverbs in conversation. Here’s a list of Thai proverbs about family you can use if you want to sound like a Thai native.

1- ลูกไม้หล่นไม่ไกลต้น

Thai pronunciation: lûuk-mái lòn mâi glai dtôn

Literal meaning: “Fruit doesn’t fall far from its tree.”

Meaning: Children are often similar to their parent (in terms of behavior).

Similar English idiom: “Like father, like son,” and “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

Example:
ต้นทำอาหารเก่งเหมือนพ่อเลย ลูกไม้หล่นไม่ไกลต้นจริง ๆ

dtôn tham aa-hăan gèeng mǔuean phâaw looei lûuk-mái lòn mâi glai dtôn jing jing

“Ton is very good at cooking like his father.”

2- ดูนางให้ดูแม่

Thai pronunciation: duu naang hâi duu mâae

Literal meaning: “Look at her mother to look at her.”

Meaning: If you want to know what a woman likes, look at her mother.”

Similar English idiom: “A chip off the old block.”

Example:
หลานสะใภ้ชั้นไม่ดูแลบ้านให้เรียบร้อย นิสัยเหมือนแม่เค้าเลย ดูนางให้ดูแม่จริง ๆ

lăan sà-phái chán mâi duu-laae bâan hâi rîiap-ráauy ní-săi mǔuean mâae kháo looei duu naang hâi duu mâae jing jing

“My nephew’s wife doesn’t clean her house well, really like her mother. If you want to know what a woman likes, you really have to look at her mother.”

3- สามีเป็นช้างเท้าหน้า ภรรยาเป็นช้างเท้าหลัง

Thai pronunciation: săa-mii bpen cháang tháo nâa phan-rá-yaa bpen cháang táo lăng

Literal meaning: “Husband is elephant’s forefoot. Wife is elephant’s hind foot.”

Meaning: The husband is the leader of the family, while the wife is a good follower.

Similar English idiom: “It’s a sad house where the hen crows louder than the cock.”

Example:
ครอบครัวสมัยก่อน สามีทำงานหาเงิน ภรรยาดูแลครอบครัว ถือว่าสามีเป็นช้างเท้าหน้า ภรรยาเป็นช้างเท้าหลัง

khrâawp-khruua sà-măi gàawn săa-mii tham ngaan hăa ngooen phan-rá-yaa duu-laae khrâawp-khruua thǔue wâa săa-mii bpen cháang tháo nâa phan-rá-yaa bpen cháang tháo lăng

“For family in the past, the husband was the one who worked for money, while the wife looked after the family. It can be said that the husband is the leader of the family, while the wife is a good follower.”

4- รักวัวให้ผูก รักลูกให้ตี

Thai pronunciation: rák wuua hâi phûuk rák lûuk hâi dtii

Literal meaning: “If you love your ox, tie it up. If you love your child, hit him/her.”

Meaning: “As a parent, you need to punish your children when they do the wrong thing.”

Similar English idiom: “Spare the rod, spoil the child.”

Example:
เมื่อเห็นลูกทำผิด ต้องลงโทษ อย่าคิดว่าไม่เป็นไร รักวัวให้ผูก รักลูกให้ตี

mûuea hĕn lûuk tham phìt dtâawng long thôot yàa khít wâa mâi bpen rai rák wuua hâi phûuk rák lûuk hâi dtii

“When your child does the wrong thing, you have to punish them. Don’t think it’s okay. As a parent, you need to punish your children when they do the wrong thing.”

7. How ThaiPod101 Can Help You Master Thai Language & Culture

Congratulations on reaching this point! You’ve learned everything you need to know about Thai family, including how to say “family” in Thai and other essential family in Thai terms. Some terms are different from those in English, but with a little practice, you can use them well in no time.

And once you get used to all of these, go and learn other interesting topics at ThaiPod101.com. For example, learn about Thai national holidays, tourist attractions in Thailand, and traveling phrases you should know to plan for a trip to Thailand.

Before you go, let us know in the comments how you feel about family terms in Thai now. More comfortable, or is there still something you’re struggling with? We look forward to hearing from you!

While you’re at it, why not practice talking about family in Thai writing? If you want, write us a paragraph about your family written in Thai!