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Archive for the 'Thai Culture' Category

Life Event Messages: Learn Happy Birthday in Thai & More!

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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!

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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

Happy Birthday

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.”

Happy Birthday

2. Graduation in Thailand

Basic Questions

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.

Ordination Ceremony

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

Marriage Proposal

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

Talking about Age

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.

Happy Baby

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

Songkran Holiday

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!

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Celebrating the Songkran Festival in Thailand

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.

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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.

2. When is Songkran?

Sprinkling Water

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.

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

An Elephant

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:

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. 🙂

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Netflix Thailand: Watch Good Thai Movies to Learn Thai

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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!

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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

Best Ways to Learn

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

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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

Genres of Movies

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!

War

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?”

Muay Thai

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.”

Teacher & Student

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.

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Best Guide to Learn Connecting Words in Thai

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Knowing Thai conjunction words enables you to communicate clearly and also makes your conversation sound smooth. Thus, connecting words in Thai are an important aspect of the Thai language. By learning them, you’ll be able to communicate like a native.

To help you master your Thai conjunctions, we’ll outline several key points in this article:

  • Thai conjunctions definition
  • A Thai conjunctions list with detailed explanations of each one
  • Thai conjunctions in sentences and how to use them

Are you ready to learn Thai conjunctions? Let’s get started!

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Table of Contents

  1. Conjunctions in Thai
  2. Thai Conjunctions Used to Link Sentences with Similar Meanings
  3. Thai Conjunctions Used to Express Opposition
  4. Thai Conjunctions Used to Express Alternatives
  5. Thai Conjunctions Used to Link Cause and Result
  6. How ThaiPod101 Can Help You Master Thai Grammar

1. Conjunctions in Thai

Sentence Patterns

Let’s start this lesson with some basic knowledge about Thai conjunctions. Below we’ll explain their definition and functions, and the types of Thai conjunctions. And if you’re asking yourself “What are Thai linking words in writing?” you’ll find the answer here as well.

คำสันธาน (kham sǎn-thaan) is “conjunction” in Thai. Thai people use conjunctions to link sentences, which helps them convey their message through communication better. In order words, Thai conjunctions help shorten sentences or phrases, and makes them sound smoother.

There are four types of Thai language conjunctions, categorized by their functions. Each of them will be explained in detail with examples, as follows.

2. Thai Conjunctions Used to Link Sentences with Similar Meanings

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The first type of Thai conjunction in our list of Thai conjunctions is คำสันธานที่เชื่อมความคล้อยตามกัน (kham sǎn-thaan thîi chûueam khwaam khláauy dtaam gan). This type of conjunction is used to link sentences or phrases with same-directioned meaning. Here are list of Thai conjunctions used to link sentences with similar meaning that you should know;

1- “And”

Thai: ละ (láe); กับ (gàp)

Usage: The Thai coordinating conjunctions และ (láe) and กับ (gàp) are used to link sentences that have similar meanings. Most of the time, the pattern used is noun + และ (láe), กับ (gàp) + noun or phrase + และ (láe), กับ (gàp) + phrase.

Example 1:

  • พ่อและแม่ชอบกินก๋วยเตี๋ยว
  • Phâaw láe mâae châawp gin gǔuai-dtǐiao
  • “Father and mother like noodles.”

Example 2:

  • ฉันเอาข้าวผัดกับไข่ดาว
  • Chǎn ao khâao phàt gàp khài daao
  • “I want fried rice and fried egg.”

Additional note: และ (láe) and กับ (gàp) are Thai linking words with the same meaning and can 100% substitute each other.

2- “Both…and…”

Thai: ทั้ง…และ… (tháng…láe…)

Usage: The Thai correlative conjunction ทั้ง…และ… (tháng…láe…) is always used as it is here, with both words. Its meaning and usage is the same as it is in English.

Example:

  • ทั้งพี่ชายและน้องสาวชอบกินขนมปัง
  • Tháng phîi-chaai láe náawng-sǎao châawp gin khà-nǒm-bpang
  • Both the older brother and the younger sister like to eat bread.”

Delicious Bread

3- “After…, …”

Thai: …แล้ว… (…láaeo…); พอ…แล้ว… (phaaw…láaeo…)

Usage: The Thai subordinating conjunctions …แล้ว… (…láaeo…) and พอ…แล้ว… (phaaw…láaeo…) are both used as a word that links sentences, explaining two actions that happen continuously. The patterns of sentences using this Thai conjunction are listed below:

  • [Sentence of action that happens first] + แล้ว (láaeo) + [sentence of action that happens later]
  • พอ (phaaw) + [sentence of action that happens first] + แล้ว (láaeo) + [sentence of action that happens later]

Example 1:

  • กินข้าวแล้วค่อยกินยา
  • Gin khâao láaeo khâauy gin yaa
  • “Take the medicine after the meal.”

Take Medicine After Meal

Example 2:

  • พออาบน้ำแล้วฉันก็นอนเลย
  • Phaaw àap-nám láaeo chǎn gâaw naawn looei
  • “After taking a bath, I went straight to bed.”

Additional note: …แล้ว… (…láaeo…) and พอ…แล้ว… (phaaw…láaeo…) are Thai linking words with the same meaning and can 100% substitute each other.

3. Thai Conjunctions Used to Express Opposition

The second type of Thai conjunction is คำสันธานที่เชื่อมใจความขัดแย้งกัน (kham sǎn-thaan thîi chûueam jai-khwaam khàt-yáaeng gan). This type of conjunction is used to link sentences or phrases with opposing meanings. Here is our list of Thai conjunctions used to express opposition that you should know.

1- “But”

Thai: แต่ (dtàae); แต่ว่า (dtàae-wâa)

Usage: The Thai coordinating conjunctions แต่ (dtàae) and แต่ว่า (dtàae-wâa) are used to link sentences that have opposing meanings. The pattern that’s normally used is sentence + แต่ (dtàae) or แต่ว่า (dtàae-wâa) + sentence.

Example 1:

  • ฉันชอบสีฟ้าแต่พี่สาวชอบสีแดง
  • Chǎn châawp sǐi fáa dtàae phîi-sǎao châawp sǐi daaeng
  • “I like blue, but my older sister likes red.”

Favorite Color

Example 2:

  • เพื่อนของฉันเก่งเลขมากแต่ว่าอ่อนภาษาอังกฤษ
  • Phûuean khǎawng chǎn gèeng lêek mâak dtàae-wâa àawn phaa-sǎa ang-grìt
  • “My friend is very good at Math but bad at English.”

Additional note: แต่ (dtàae) and แต่ว่า (dtàae-wâa) are Thai conjunctions with the same meaning and can 100% substitute each other. Also, แต่ (dtàae) and แต่ว่า (dtàae-wâa) can also be translated as “yet” in Thai.

2- “However”

Thai: อย่างไรก็ตาม (yàang-rai gâaw dtaam)

Usage: The subordinating conjunction อย่างไรก็ตาม (yàang-rai gâaw dtaam) is used to link sentences with opposing meanings. The pattern that’s normally used is sentence + อย่างไรก็ตาม (yàang-rai gâaw dtaam) + sentence.

Example 1:

  • วันนี้อากาศมีมลพิษมาก อย่างไรก็ตาม หลายคนยังไม่ใส่หน้ากากเมื่อออกไปข้างนอก
  • Wan-níi aa-gàat mii mon-lá-phít mâak yàang-rai gâaw dtaam lǎai khon yang mâi sài nâa-gàak mûuea àawk bpai khâang-nâawk
  • “Today, air pollution is very bad. However, many people don’t wear facial masks when they go outside.”

Additional note: The meanings of แต่ (dtàae), แต่ว่า (dtàae-wâa), and อย่างไรก็ตาม (yàang-rai gâaw dtaam) are pretty much the same. However, Thai people use อย่างไรก็ตาม (yàang-rai gâaw dtaam) in more formal situations.

3- “Although” / “Despite” / “In spite of”

Thai: ทั้ง ๆ ที่…(แต่)… (tháng-tháng-thîi…[dtàae]…)

Usage: The subordinating conjunction ทั้ง ๆ ที่…(แต่)… (tháng-tháng-thîi…[dtàae]…) is used to link sentences or phrases with opposing meanings. There are two ways to use this Thai conjunction. You can either put แต่ (dtàae) between the sentences or skip it. The pattern that’s normally used is ทั้ง ๆ ที่ (tháng-tháng-thîi) + sentence + (แต่ [dtàae]) + sentence.

Example 1:

  • ทั้ง ๆ ที่เธอสวยมาก แต่เธอกลับไม่เคยมีแฟนเลย
  • Tháng-tháng-thîi thooe sǔuai mâak dtàae thooe glàp mâi khooei mii faaen looei
  • Despite being so beautiful, she’s never had a boyfriend before.”

Example 2:

  • ทั้ง ๆ ที่อากาศหนาว เขายังกินไอศครีมอีก
  • Tháng-tháng-thîi aa-gàat nǎao khǎo yang gin ai-sà-khriim ìik
  • In spite of cold weather, he still eats ice cream.”

4- “By the time…, …”

Thai: กว่า…ก็… (gwàa..gâaw…)

Usage: The Thai conjunction กว่า…ก็… (gwàa..gâaw…) is used to link sentences and phrases (or a sentence and another sentence) with opposing meanings. This Thai connecting word in English is like “by the time…, …” and is used the same way. The patterns that are normally used are as follows:

  • กว่า (gwàa) + sentence + ก็ (gâaw) + phrase
  • กว่า (gwàa) + sentence + subject of second sentence + ก็ (gâaw) + the rest of second sentence

Example 1:

  • กว่าเธอจะทำการบ้านเสร็จ ก็ถึงเวลานอนพอดี
  • Gwàa thooe jà tham gaan-bâan sèt gâaw thǔeng wee-laa naawn phaaw-dii
  • By the time she finishes her homework, it will be her bedtime.”

Example 2:

  • กว่าเธอจะพร้อมมาช่วยฉัน ฉันก็คงทำเสร็จไปแล้ว
  • Gwàa thooe jà phráawm maa chûuai chǎn chǎn gâaw khong tham sèt bpai láaeo
  • By the time you’re ready to help me, I will have already finished it.”

4. Thai Conjunctions Used to Express Alternatives

The third type of Thai conjunction is คำสันธานที่เชื่อมใจความให้เลือกอย่างใดอย่างหนึ่ง (kham sǎn- thaan thîi chûueam jai-khwaam hâi lûueak yàang dai yàang nùeng). This type of conjunction is used to link alternatives. Here is our list of Thai conjunctions in English used to express alternatives that you should know.

1- “Or”

Thai: หรือ (rǔue)

Usage: The Thai coordinating conjunction หรือ (rǔue) is used to show alternatives. The pattern that’s normally used is alternative 1 + หรือ (rǔue) + alternative 2.

Example :

  • เธอจะกินไข่ต้มหรือไข่เจียว
  • Thooe jà gin khài dtôm rǔue khài jiiao
  • “Do you want a boiled egg or omelette?”

Boiled Egg or Omelette?

2- “Either…or…”

Thai: ไม่…ก็… (mâi…gâaw…); หรือไม่ก็ (rǔue mâi gâaw)

Usage: The Thai correlative conjunctions ไม่…ก็… (mâi…gâaw…) and หรือไม่ก็ (rǔue mâi gâaw) are used to show alternatives. The patterns that are normally used are:

  • ไม่ (mâi) + alternative 1 + ก็ (gâaw) + alternative 2
  • alternative 1 + หรือไม่ก็ (rǔue mâi gâaw) + alternative 2

Example 1:

  • พรุ่งนี้น้องชายต้องใส่เสื้อไม่สีขาวก็สีฟ้า
  • Phrûng-níi náawng chaai dtâawng sài sûuea mâi sǐi khǎao gâww sǐi fáa
  • “Tomorrow, my younger brother has to wear either a white or blue shirt.”

Example 2:

  • ฉันอยากเลี้ยงปลาหรือไม่ก็กระต่าย
  • Chǎn yàak líiang bplaa rǔue mâi gâaw grà-dtàai
  • “I want either a fish or rabbit as my pet.”

My Pet

Additional note: ไม่…ก็… (mâi…gâaw…) and หรือไม่ก็ (rǔue mâi gâaw) are Thai linking words with the same meaning and can 100% substitute each other.

3- “Or else” and “Otherwise”

Thai: ไม่อย่างนั้น (mâi yàang nán); ไม่เช่นนั้น (mâi chêen nán); มิฉะนั้น…ก็ (mí chà-nán…gâaw)

Usage: The Thai conjunctions ไม่อย่างนั้น (mâi yàang nán), ไม่เช่นนั้น (mâi chêen nán), and มิฉะนั้น…ก็ (mí chà-nán… gâaw) are used to show forced alternatives. If alternative 1 isn’t chosen, then it will be alternative 2. The patterns that are normally used are:

  • alternative 1 + ไม่อย่างนั้น (mâi yàang nán) + alternative 2
  • alternative 1 + ไม่เช่นนั้น (mâi chêen nán) + alternative 2
  • alternative 1 + มิฉะนั้น (mí chà-nán) + subject of alternative 2, if any + ก็ (gâaw) + the rest of alternative 2

Example 1:

  • นักเรียนต้องออกจากบ้านแต่เช้า ไม่อย่างนั้น จะไปโรงเรียนสาย
  • Nák-riian dtâawng àawk jàak bâan dtàae cháo mâi yàang nán jà bpai roong-riian sǎai
  • “The student has to leave their home early or else they will be late for school.”

Example 2:

  • พนักงานต้องปฏิบัติตามกฎ ไม่เช่นนั้น จะโดนไล่ออก
  • Phá-nák-ngaan dtâawng bpà-dtì-bàt dtaam gòt mâi chêen nán jà doon lâi-àawk
  • “Staff members have to obey the rules, otherwise they will be fired.”

Example 3:

  • คุณต้องตอบกลับภายใน 24 ชั่วโมง มิฉะนั้นก็จะถือว่าสละสิทธิ
  • Khun dtâawng dtàawp glàp phaai nai yîi-sìp-sìi chûua-mong mí chà-nán gâaw jà thǔue wâa sà-là-sìt
  • “You have to reply within 24 hours, or else it’s considered to be a waiver.”

Additional note: Among these three conjunctions, despite having the same meaning, ไม่อย่างนั้น (mâi yàang nán) is the most casual one. Thai people often use ไม่อย่างนั้น (mâi yàang nán) in oral conversations. On the other hand, ไม่เช่นนั้น (mâi chêen nán) and มิฉะนั้น…ก็ (mí chà-nán…gâaw) are more formal, so they’re often used in written language.

5. Thai Conjunctions Used to Link Cause and Result

Improve Listening Part 2

The last type of Thai conjunction is คำสันธานที่เชื่อมใจความเป็นเหตุเป็นผลกัน (kham sǎn-thaan thîi chûueam jai-khwaam bpen hèet bpen phǒn gan). This type of conjunction is used to link sentences that show cause and result together. Here’s our list of Thai conjunctions to link cause and result that you should know.

1- Because

Thai: เพราะ (phráw); เพราะว่า (phráw wâa); ฉะนั้น…จึง… (chà-nán…jueng)

Usage: The Thai subordinating conjunctions เพราะ (phráw), เพราะว่า (phráw wâa), and ฉะนั้น…จึง… (chà-nán…jueng) are used to show the cause and result of an event. The patterns that are normally used are:

  • result + เพราะ (phráw) + cause
  • result +เพราะว่า (phráw wâa) + cause
  • cause + ฉะนั้น (chà-nán) + subject of reason sentence + จึง (jueng) + the rest of reason sentence

Example 1:

  • น้ำสอบตก เพราะ ไม่ตั้งใจเรียน
  • Nám sàawp dtòk phráw mâi dtâng-jai riian
  • “Nam didn’t pass the test because she didn’t pay attention in class.”

Example 2:

  • น้อยไม่สบาย เพราะ ทานอาหารไม่สะอาด
  • Náauy mâi sà-baai phráw thaan aa-hǎan mâi sà-àat
  • “Noi is sick because she eats unhealthy food.”

Example 3:

  • วันนี้อากาศร้อนมาก ฉะนั้น ฉันจึงไม่ออกไปข้างนอก
  • Wan-níi aa-gàat ráawn mâak chà-nán chǎn jueng mâi àawk bpai khâang nâawk
  • Because the weather is very hot today, I decided not to go out.”

Additional note: เพราะ (phráw) and เพราะว่า (phráw-wâa) are Thai linking words with the same meaning and can 100% substitute each other. Keep in mind that ฉะนั้น…จึง… (chà-nán…jueng) is normally used in written language.

2- “So,” “Therefore,” and “Thus”

Thai: เพราะฉะนั้น (phráw chà-nán); ดังนั้น (dang-nán)

Usage: The Thai conjunction words เพราะฉะนั้น (phráw chà-nán) and ดังนั้น (dang-nán) are used to show the cause and result of an event. The patterns that are normally used are cause + เพราะฉะนั้น (phráw chà-nán) or ดังนั้น (dang-nán) + result.

Example 1:

  • คุณพ่ออยากสุขภาพแข็งแรง เพราะฉะนั้น ท่านเลยออกกำลังกายทุกวัน
  • Khun phâaw yàak sùk-khà-phâap khǎeng-raaeng phráw chà-nán thâan looei àawk-gam-lang-gaai thúk-wan
  • “My father wants to be healthy so he exercises everyday.”

Example 2:

  • ตรงนี้รถเยอะมาก ดังนั้น ข้ามถนนต้องระวัง
  • Dtrong níi rót yóe mâak dang-nán khâam thà-nǒn dtâawng rá-wang
  • “There are a lot of cars in this area, thus you have to be careful when you cross the road.”

Additional note: เพราะฉะนั้น (phráw chà-nán) and ดังนั้น (dang-nán) are Thai linking words with the same meaning and can 100% substitute each other.

6. How ThaiPod101 Can Help You Master Thai Grammar

How are you doing with this topic so far? We hope this topic isn’t too difficult for you!

As you can see, how to use many of these words is similar to doing so in the English language. So with a little practice, you can excel in this in no time. If you know Thai people, try using some of these Thai conjunctions when talking with them! Thai people will find it easier to understand the conversation that way.

If you find that Thai conjunctions are very different from those in your native language, or you’re just having some difficulty with them, let us know in the comments!

And after finishing this lesson, you should continue learning with another enjoyable lesson at ThaiPod101.com, such as the numbers 1-10 in Thai or popular food souvenirs. Have fun studying Thai!

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Trut Chin: The Chinese New Year Festival in Thailand!

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.

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1. What is the Chinese New Year?

A Thai Chinese Woman

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

Chinese Astrology Cycle with Chinese Zodiacs

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

Lion Dance for Chinese New Year

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:

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Happy Thai learning! 🙂

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Thai Customs: Best Guide to Etiquette in Thailand

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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.

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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

Hygiene

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

Thanks

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.

No PDA

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.

In the Temple

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.

Bad Phrases

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.

No Drinking

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

Business

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.

Wedding

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.

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!

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Thai Dates: Best Guide for Learning Dates in Thailand

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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

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1. Saying the Day in Thai

Weekdays

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

Numbers

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

3. The Months in Thai

Months

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.

Chinese New Year Day

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 12th of August every year is Mother’s Day in Thailand.

Additional Note: August in Thailand is full of events for mothers. The 12th 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 9th 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.

Loy Gratong Day

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 8th, 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?

Wedding Day

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).

Make an Appointment

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!

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Best Guide to Learn about Thai Family in the Thai Language

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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

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1. Family in Thai

Family Words

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?

Family

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.”

Family Gathering

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.

Close Sister

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.

My Sister-In-Law

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

Family Quotes

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.”

You Shouldn’t Do This.

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!

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Wan-rát-thà-tham-má-nuun: Celebrating Thai Constitution Day

In 1932, Thailand’s Constitution was created and signed into effect during a time of great change in the country. In this article, you’ll learn about what role King Prajadhipok (King Rama VII) played in its creation, an interesting law you’ll find within the Constitution, and how Thai people celebrate Thai Constitution Day.

At ThaiPod101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative. What better way than by delving into the roots of modern-day Thailand?

Are you ready? Let’s get started!

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1. What is Constitution Day?

In Thailand, Constitution Day is the day that commemorates the promulgation of the first permanent Constitution of Thailand in 1932. The Constitution was signed by King Rama VII, who acknowledged the change from absolute monarchy to a democratic form of government with the King as Head of State under the Constitution.

Judge Holding Gavel

1- History of Thailand’s Constitution

Thailand’s Constitution originated from a political transition in 1932. The transition was a result of the First World War, which caused worldwide economic depression and also affected Thailand.

As a result, the government had to depose some government officials and legislate new laws to collect taxes, including property tax and land tax, from citizens. As this caused discontent among military officers and the general public, King Rama VII decided to promulgate a Constitution to be used as a basis for the laws in Thailand.

Consequently, on Constitution Day each year, people will make merit for King Rama VII.

2- An Interesting Law

Today, we’re going to introduce an interesting Thai law in accordance with the current Constitution.

One such law is that Thai citizens who are eighteen years or older are responsible for exercising their right to vote for their representatives in the political system.

Not voting without proper reasons may deprive the person of certain rights, depending on the law on each case. If the person hasn’t exercised their right to vote many times over, he or she may lose their right to apply as a candidate for membership in the House of Representatives election or the Senator election.

In other words, the person may lose the right to become Thailand’s Prime Minister, as a Prime Minister has to have been a previous member of the House of Representatives.

2. When is Thailand’s Constitution Day?

Thai Flag

Each year, people celebrate this public holiday in Thailand on December 10.

3. Constitution Day in Thailand: Traditions & Events

Before Constitution Day, educational institutions often hold an exhibition about the origin of the day as well as the content of the current Constitution.

Representatives from government agencies and private companies, school students, university students, and the general public will gather in front of the statue of King Rama VII and place a wreath to pay homage to the King, who changed the political system of the country. He brought about democracy in Thailand, giving more rights to citizens to take part in politics.

As Constitution Day is a public holiday, the government holds a “Thai Kids Love the Parliament” activity in which youth representatives have a chance to interview and exchange knowledge about the Constitution directly with law experts. This allows Thai youth and the general public to gain a correct understanding of the Thai Constitution. The Prime Minister is the leader of the opening ceremony.

4. How Many Thai Constitutions?

People Celebrating

To date, how many Constitutions of Thailand have there been?

The answer: There have been eighteen Constitutions of Thailand!

The current Constitution is the 2007 Constitution of Thailand. This is the first Constitution that, after the draft was completed and approved by the National Legislative Assembly, was shown to the general public and approved through a referendum. As the majority of people agreed with the Constitution, it was declared to be in effect and has been in use until now.

5. Must-Know Vocabulary for Constitution Day in Thailand

People Making Plans

Here’s some Thai vocabulary for you to memorize before Constitution Day!

  • สนับสนุน (sà-nap-sà-nǔn) — “support”
  • ประชาชน (bprà-chaa-chon) — “people”
  • เปลี่ยนแปลง (bplìian-bplaaeng) — “change”
  • รัฐศาสตร์ (rát-thà-sàat) — “politics”
  • วันรัฐธรรมนูญ (wan-rát-thà-tham-má-nuun) — “Constitution Day”
  • การปกครอง (gaan-bpòk-khraawng) — “administration”
  • อำนาจ (am-nâat) — “authority”
  • กฎหมาย (gòt-măai) — “law”
  • รัฐบาล (rát-thà-baan) — “government”
  • ประชาธิปไตย (bprà-chaa-thíp-bpà-dtai) — “democracy”
  • ภาษี (paa-sǐi) — “tax”

To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to visit our Thai Constitution Day vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

What are your thoughts on Thai Constitution Day? Does your country have a Constitution as well, and if so, do you have a day of commemoration for it? Let us know in the comments!

Learning about a country’s culture and history is an exciting and enriching aspect of trying to master its language. If you’re interested in learning more about Thailand and her people, you may find the following pages on ThaiPod101.com useful:

Whatever your reasons for wanting to learn Thai, know that we have everything you need to truly master it! Language-learning doesn’t have to be a boring or overwhelming task—with ThaiPod101, it can even be fun!

If you’re serious about learning Thai, create your free lifetime account today and learn Thai like never before.

Happy Thai learning! 🙂

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How To Post In Perfect Thai on Social Media

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You’re learning to speak Thai, and it’s going well. Your confidence is growing! So much so that you feel ready to share your experiences on social media—in Thai.

At Learn Thai, we make this easy for you to get it right the first time. Post like a boss with these phrases and guidelines, and get to practice your Thai in the process.

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1. Talking about Your Restaurant Visit in Thai

Eating out is fun, and often an experience you’d like to share. Take a pic, and start a conversation on social media in Thai. Your friend will be amazed by your language skills…and perhaps your taste in restaurants!

Win eats at a restaurant with his friends, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down win’s post.

ไปทานอาหารญี่ปุ่นกับเพื่อนๆ (bpai thaan aa-hăan yîi-bpùn gàp phûuean phûuean)
“Having Japanese food with friends.”

1- ไปทานอาหารญี่ปุ่น (bpai thaan aa-hăan yîi-bpùn )

First is an expression meaning “Went to have Japanese food.”
In Thailand, Japanese food is very popular. Thai people are crazy about Japanese food, and because of this, it is common for new-generation Thais to eat out at Japanese restaurants in big shopping malls.

2- กับเพื่อนๆ (gàp phûuean phûuean)

Then comes the phrase – “With friends.”
The repetition of the word “friend” implies that there was more than one friend with him.

COMMENTS

In response, win’s friends leave some comments.

1- ไว้นัดกันอีกนะจ๊ะ (wái nát gan ìik ná já)

His high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “Let’s meet again!”
Use this expression to show you are eager to repeat this meeting with friends.

2- วันนี้สนุกมากเลยเนอะ ^^ (wan-níi sà-nùk mâak looei nóe)

His girlfriend, fáa, uses an expression meaning – “Today was so fun.”
Use this expression to indicate you enjoyed the experience.

3- อาหารร้านนั้นอร่อยมากๆค่ะ (aa-hăan ráan nán a-ràauy mâak mâak khâ)

His neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “The food there is very good.”
Use this expression to compliment the food.

4- ขอบใจที่ชวนมานะ เพื่อน (khàawp-jai thîi chuuan maa ná phûuean)

His college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “Thanks for asking me out, dude.”
Use this expression to show you are feeling grateful towards your friend for the invitation.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • อาหาร (aa-hăan): “food”
  • ญี่ปุ่น (yîi-bpùn): “Japan or Japanese”
  • นัด (nát): “make a meeting or appointment”
  • สนุก (sà-nùk): “have fun”
  • ร้าน (ráan): “shop, restaurant, store”
  • อร่อย (à-ràauy): “delicious”
  • ชวน (chuuan): “ask out or invite”
  • So, let’s practice a bit. If a friend posted something about having dinner with friends, which phrase would you use?

    Now go visit a Thai restaurant, and wow the staff with your language skills!

    2. Post about Your Mall Visit in Thai

    Another super topic for social media is shopping—everybody does it, most everybody loves it, and your friends on social media are probably curious about your shopping sprees! Share these Thai phrases in posts when you visit a mall.

    fáa shop with her sister at the mall, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down fáa’s post.

    ชอบมาช้อปปิ้งกับพี่สาวที่สุดเลย! (châawp maa cháwp-bpîng gàp phîi-săao thîi-sùt looei)
    “I love shopping with my sister!”

    1- ชอบมาช้อปปิ้งที่สุดเลย (châawp maa cháwp-bpîng thîi-sùt looei)

    First is an expression meaning “I love to go shopping the most..”
    Thai people love shopping. Clothes and goods in Thailand are relatively cheap, while the quality and designs are quite good. Moreover, it’s normal to see people selling stuff everywhere in Thailand. For example, on the street, in a shopping mall, or at a flea market.

    2- กับพี่สาว (gàp phîi-săao)

    Then comes the phrase – “with my sister.”
    One characteristic of Thai people, especially girls, is that they love to have someone accompany them when they go out.

    COMMENTS

    In response, fáa’s friends leave some comments.

    1- อิจฉาจัง 555 (ìt-chăa jang hâa hâa hâa)

    Her high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “Jealous. Lol.”
    Use this expression to indicate you’re envious of the poster’s experience, but not in a nasty way.

    2- ซื้อขนมมาฝากไอติมด้วย (súue khà-nŏm maa fàak ai-dtim dûuai)

    Her nephew, ai-dtim, uses an expression meaning – “Buy me some snacks!”
    Use this expression to make conversation by demanding something in a playful way.

    3- คนเยอะมั๊ย (khon yóe mái)

    Her college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “Is it crowded?”
    Use this expression to show you are curious and would like to know more about the event.

    4- ตอนนี้ร้าน A ลดราคาอยู่นะจ๊ะ (dtaawn-níi ráan ee lót raa-khaa yùu ná já)

    Her neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “Check out the sale in Shop A”
    Use this expression when you have advice to give that could benefit the poster.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • พี่สาว (phîi-săao): “older sister”
  • ช้อปปิ้ง (cháwp-bpîng): “shopping”
  • อิจฉา (ìt-chăa): “envy or jealous”
  • ขนม (khà-nŏm): “snacks”
  • เยอะ (yóe): “a lot, many or much”
  • ร้าน (ráan): “shop, restaurant, store”
  • ลดราคา (lót raa-khaa): “give a discount”
  • So, if a friend posted something about going shopping, which phrase would you use?

    3. Talking about a Sport Day in Thai

    Sports events, whether you’re the spectator or the sports person, offer fantastic opportunities for great social media posts. Learn some handy phrases and vocabulary to start a sport-on-the-beach conversation in Thai.

    win plays with his friends at the beach, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down win’s post.

    มาเตะบอลที่ทะเล ดำเลย (maa dtè baawn thîi thá-lee dam looei)
    “Playing soccer by the sea. Now, I’m dark.”

    1- มาเตะบอลที่ทะเล (maa dtè baawn thîi thá-lee )

    First is an expression meaning “Playing soccer by the sea..”
    The most popular sport among Thai men is soccer.

    2- ดำเลย (dam looei)

    Then comes the phrase – “Now, Im dark..”
    Thailand has strong sunlight. So by going to the sea, even without sun-bathing yourself, you tend to get darker.

    COMMENTS

    In response, win’s friends leave some comments.

    1- 555 (hâa hâa hâa)

    His girlfriend’s high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “hahaha”
    Use this expression to show that you find the post humorous.

    2- หรอ? ;P (rǎaw)

    His college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “Oh yeah? ;P”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling frivolous and are in a teasing mood.

    3- มาเล่นกับไอติมบ้างสิ (maa lêen gàp ai-dtim bâang sì)

    His girlfriend’s nephew, ai-dtim, uses an expression meaning – “Come and play with me too!”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling playful and inviting.

    4- ดูน่าสนุกจังเลยค่ะ (duu nâa sà-nùk jang looei khâ)

    His neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “Looks fun.”
    Use this comment when the poster’s photo looks like a fun event.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • เตะบอล (dtè baawn): “play football”
  • ทะเล (thá-lee ): “sea”
  • ดำ (dam): “dark or black”
  • กับ (gàp ): “with”
  • เล่น (lêen): “play”
  • ดู (duu ): “look like, seem or deem”
  • น่าสนุก (nâa sà-nùk): “seem fun”
  • Which phrase would you use if a friend posted something about sports?

    But sport is not the only thing you can play! Play some music, and share it on social media.

    4. Share a Song on Social Media in Thai

    Music is the language of the soul, they say. So, don’t hold back—share what touches your soul with your friends!

    fáa shares a song she just heard at a party, posts an image of the artist, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down fáa’s post.

    เพลงนี้โดนใจสุดๆ (phleeng níi doon-jai sùt sùt)
    “I’m so loving this song.”

    1- เพลงนี้ (phleeng níi )

    First is an expression meaning “This song.”
    Unlike in English, in Thai the word ‘this’ is placed after the noun, not in front of it.

    2- โดนใจสุดๆ (doon-jai sùt sùt)

    Then comes the phrase – “to my liking” or “super impressed”.
    This phrase literally means ‘maximum hit to the heart’. It is used when talking about things that you really like, mostly songs, movies and books. Sometimes we use it with people, but only when referring to a person of the opposite sex that you like in a romantic way.

    COMMENTS

    In response, fáa’s friends leave some comments.

    1- ชอบเหมือนกัน (châawp mǔuean gan)

    Her boyfriend, win, uses an expression meaning – “I like it too.”
    Use this expression to show you agree with the poster.

    2- ชอบคนหรือชอบเพลงจ๊ะ ;P (châawp khon rǔue châawp phleeng já)

    Her high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “Do you like the person or the song? ;P”
    Use this expression to be funny.

    3- ผมก็ชอบเพลงนี้ครับ (phŏm gâaw châawp phleeng níi khráp)

    Her supervisor, non, uses an expression meaning – “I like this song too.”
    This is the same as above, meaning you say that you like something, specifically the song.

    4- เพลงอะไรอะ ป้า -“- (phleeng à-rai à bpâa)

    Her nephew, ai-dtim, uses an expression meaning – “What song is this, Aunty? -“-”
    Use this expression to show you are curious about the name of the song.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • เพลง (phleeng ): “song”
  • นี้ (níi ): “this”
  • โดนใจ (doon-jai ): “to one’s liking”
  • ชอบ (châawp ): “like”
  • เหมือนกัน (mǔuean gan): “too”
  • คน (khon): “person or people”
  • อะไร (à-rai): “what”
  • Which song would you share? And what would you say to a friend who posted something about sharing music or videos?

    Now you know how to start a conversation about a song or a video on social media!

    5. Thai Social Media Comments about a Concert

    Still on the theme of music—visiting live concerts and shows just have to be shared with your friends. Here are some handy phrases and vocab to wow your followers in Thai!

    win goes to a concert, posts an image of himself at the concert, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down win’s post.

    คอนเสิร์ตวันนี้มันส์มาก (khaawn-sòoet wan-níi man mâak)
    “Today’s concert was so fun.”

    1- คอนเสิร์ตวันนี้ (khaawn-sòoet wan-níi )

    First is an expression meaning “Today’s concert .”
    Going to concerts are one of the most popular activities that Thai people love to enjoy.

    2- มันส์มาก (man mâak)

    Then comes the phrase – “Was so much fun.”
    This word is often used in spoken language and on social media.

    COMMENTS

    In response, win’s friends leave some comments.

    1- คอนเสิร์ตใครน่ะ (khaawn-sòoet khrai nâ)

    His college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “Whose concert was it?”
    Use this expression if you need more information.

    2- น่าสนุกจังเลยค่ะ 🙂 (nâa sà-nùk jang looei khâ)

    His neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “Sounds fun.”
    Use this expression if you want to comment shortly but positively.

    3- สนุกมั๊ย อยากไปบ้าง (sà-nùk mái yàak bpai bâang)

    His high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “Was it fun? I wanna go too.”
    Use these phrases to show your interest in the topic, and express that you’d like to have the same experience.

    4- ไม่เคยชวนเลยนะ 🙁 (mâi khooei chuuan looei ná)

    His girlfriend’s nephew, ai-dtim, uses an expression meaning – “You never invited me!”
    Use this expression to show you feel a bit left out.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • คอนเสิร์ต (khaawn-sòoet ): “concert”
  • วันนี้ (wan-níi ): “today”
  • มันส์ (man): “so much fun”
  • ใคร (khrai): “who or whose”
  • สนุก (sà-nùk): “fun”
  • อยาก (yàak): “want”
  • ชวน (chuuan): “ask out or invite”
  • If a friend posted something about a concert , which phrase would you use?

    6. Talking about an Unfortunate Accident in Thai

    Oh dear. You broke something by accident. Use these Thai phrases to start a thread on social media. Or maybe just to let your friends know why you are not contacting them!

    fáa accidentally breaks her mobile phone, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down fáa’s post.

    ทำมือถือตกแตก T T (tham muue-thǔue dtòk dtàaek)
    “I dropped and broke my cell. ”

    1- มือถือ (muue-thǔue)

    First is an expression meaning “cell-phone.”
    Nowadays, everyone in Thailand has a cellphone, and they’re addicted to social networks.

    2- ทำ…ตกแตก (tham…dtòk dtàaek)

    Then comes the phrase – “drop and break it.”
    A phrase describing the action of dropping something and breaking it instantly.

    COMMENTS

    In response, fáa’s friends leave some comments.

    1- ลองเอาไปให้ที่ศูนย์โทรศัพท์ดูนะ (laawng ao bpai hâi thîi sǔun thoo-rá-sàp duu ná)

    Her boyfriend, win, uses an expression meaning – “Take it to the phone center.”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling determined.

    2- ใจเย็นๆนะคะ เดี๋ยวก็ซ่อมได้ (jai yen-yen ná khá dĭiao gâaw sâawm dâi)

    Her neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “Calm down. It’ll be fixed.”
    Use this expression to give advice and remind the poster that the issue is not such a big problem.

    3- โห สภาพน่ากลัวมาก (hŏo sà-phâap nâa-gluua mâak)

    Her college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “OMG. It looks horrible.”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling shocked by something’s appearance. In this context, it’s also expressing a sort of sympathy.

    4- ถือว่าได้โอกาสเปลี่ยนเครื่องใหม่เลยไง (thǔue wâa dâi oo-gàat bplìian khrûueang mài looei ngai)

    Her high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “Think of it as a way to switch to a new cell.”
    Use this expression to be funny and encouraging at the same time.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • มือถือ (muue-thǔue): “cellphone”
  • ตก (dtòk): “fall or drop “
  • ศูนย์โทรศัพท์ (sǔun thoo-rá-sàp): “phone center”
  • ซ่อม (sâawm): “repair or fix”
  • สภาพ (sà-phâap ): “condition”
  • น่ากลัว (nâa-gluua): “scary”
  • โอกาส (oo-gàat): “chance”
  • If a friend posted something about having broken something by accident, which phrase would you use?

    So, now you know how to describe an accident in Thai. Well done!

    7. Chat about Your Boredom on Social Media in Thai

    Sometimes, we’re just bored with how life goes. And to alleviate the boredom, we write about it on social media. Add some excitement to your posts by addressing your friends and followers in Thai!

    win gets bored at home, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down win’s post.

    เบื่อจัง ไม่มีอะไรทำ (bùuea jang mâi mii à-rai tham)
    “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.”

    1- เบื่อจัง (bùuea jang )

    First is an expression meaning “I’m bored. .”
    A phrase often used by Thais to express that they are bored. It’s used in spoken language and on social media.

    2- ไม่มีอะไรทำ (mâi mii à-rai tham)

    Then comes the phrase – “There’s nothing to do..”
    Thai people normally kill time by going out to meet friends, chilling at a cafe, and/or going to a movie theatre.

    COMMENTS

    In response, win’s friends leave some comments.

    1- เบื่อด้วย (bùuea dûuai)

    His girlfriend, fáa, uses an expression meaning – “I’m bored too.”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling the same as the poster.

    2- 555 (hâa hâa hâa)

    His girlfriend’s high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “lol”
    Use this expression to show that you think the post is funny. (lol stands for:”laugh out loud” )

    3- ออกไปข้างนอกกัน! (àawk bpai khâang nâawk gan)

    His college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “Let’s hang out!”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling helpful to alleviate the poster’s boredom.

    4- ลองหาหนังสือมาอ่านดูสิ (laawng hăa năng-sǔue maa àan duu sì)

    His high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “Try finding a book to read.”
    This is another solution to the poster’s problem of boredom, so you’ll post this when you feel helpful.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • เบื่อ (bùuea): “get bored”
  • ไม่มีอะไร (mâi mii à-rai): “nothing”
  • ด้วย (dûuai): “too or also”
  • ออกไป (àawk bpai ): “get out “
  • ข้างนอก (khâang nâawk): “outside”
  • หนังสือ (năng-sǔue ): “book”
  • อ่าน (àan): “read”
  • If a friend posted something about being bored, which phrase would you use?

    Still bored? Share another feeling and see if you can start a conversation!

    8. Exhausted? Share It on Social Media in Thai

    Sitting in public transport after work, feeling like chatting online? Well, converse in Thai about your mood, and let your friends join in!

    fáa feels exhausted after a long day at work, posts an image of herself looking tired, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down fáa’s post.

    ทำงานเหนื่อยจัง (tham ngaan nùueai jang)
    “I’m so tired from work.”

    1- ทำงาน (tham ngaan )

    First is an expression meaning “work..”
    Office workers in Bangkok normally work at least eight hours a day. Their lives are very hectic; that’s why they always feel tired from work. Moreover, women in Thailand tend to work rather than staying home and being a housewife.

    2- เหนื่อยจัง (nùueai jang)

    Then comes the phrase – “I’m so tired”.
    A frequently used expression on the Internet that people use to whine and complain about being tired.

    COMMENTS

    In response, fáa’s friends leave some comments.

    1- ดูแลตัวเองด้วยนะคะ (duu-laae dtuua-eeng dûuai ná khá)

    Her neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “Please, take care of yourself.”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling warmhearted and caring.

    2- ขอบคุณที่ตั้งใจทำงานนะครับ (khàawp-khun thîi dtâng-jai tham ngaan ná khráp)

    Her supervisor, non, uses an expression meaning – “Thank you for the hard work.”
    Use this phrase when you are feeling thankful.

    3- ไปเที่ยวกัน! (bpai thîiao gan)

    Her college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “Let’s go out and have fun!”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling frivolous and playful. It’s an invitation to go out.

    4- สู้ๆนะ (sûu-sûu ná)

    Her boyfriend, win, uses an expression meaning – “Fighting!”
    Use this expression when you want to tell someone to hold courage and not give up the fight.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • ทำงาน (tham ngaan): “work”
  • เหนื่อย (nùueai): “be tired”
  • ดูแล (duu-laae ): “take care”
  • ตัวเอง (dtuua-eeng): “oneself”
  • ขอบคุณ (khàawp-khun): “thank you”
  • ไปเที่ยว (bpai thîiao ): “hang out, go out or travel”
  • กัน (gan): “let’s”
  • If a friend posted something about being exhausted, which phrase would you use?

    Now you know how to say you’re exhausted in Thai! Well done.

    9. Talking about an Injury in Thai

    So life happens, and you manage to hurt yourself during a soccer game. Very Tweet-worthy! Here’s how to do it in Thai.

    win suffers an injury, posts an image of himself in pain, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down win’s post.

    โอ๊ย จะปวดอะไรนักหนา (óoi jà bpùuat à-rai nák năa)
    “Ouch! Why is it so painful?”

    1- โอ๊ย (óoi )

    First is an expression meaning “Ouch.”
    An interjection to express physical pain.

    2- จะปวดอะไรนักหนา (jà bpùuat à-rai nák năa)

    Then comes the phrase – “Why is it so painful?.”
    In Thailand, the first thing people do when they feel pain is to take a painkiller. These are sold everywhere, even at convenience stores.

    COMMENTS

    In response, win’s friends leave some comments.

    1- เป็นอะไรมั๊ยคะ (bpen à-rai mái khá)

    His neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “Are you ok?”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling concern for the poster’s wellbeing.

    2- ปวดอะไร (bpùuat à-rai)

    His high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “What pain?”
    Use this expression when you are trying to inject some humour into the situation.

    3- ปวดใจ? ;P (bpùuat jai)

    His girlfriend’s high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “Love pain? ;P”
    This phrase has the same purpose as the previous one – you’re trying to lighten up the conversation.

    4- เกิดอะไรขึ้นเนี่ย (gòoet à-rai khûen nîia)

    His college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “What’s happening here?”
    This is a question to extract more information from the poster.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • โอ๊ย (óoi ): “Ouch”
  • ปวด (bpùuat ): “feel pain”
  • อะไร (à-rai ): “what”
  • นักหนา (nák năa): “so much”
  • ปวดใจ (bpùuat jai): “love pain”
  • เกิดขึ้น (gòoet khûen ): “happen”
  • If a friend posted something about being injured, which phrase would you use?

    We love to share our fortunes and misfortunes; somehow that makes us feel connected to others.

    10. Starting a Conversation Feeling Disappointed in Thai

    Sometimes things don’t go the way we planned. Share your disappointment about this with your friends!

    fáa feels disappointed about today’s weather, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down fáa’s post.

    เกลียดฝนตก เกลียดรถติด (glìiat fŏn dtòk glìiat rót dtìt)
    “Hate the rain. Hate traffic jams.”

    1- เกลียดฝนตก (glìiat fŏn dtòk )

    First is an expression meaning “Hate the rain. .”
    When it’s not the rainy season or an unusual occurrence, e.g. a typhoon, it seldom rains in Thailand.

    2- เกลียดรถติด (glìiat rót dtìt)

    Then comes the phrase – “Hate traffic jams..”
    When it rains, there’s a high potential for floods and massive traffic jams in big cities. That’s why Thai people always complain about the rain.

    COMMENTS

    In response, fáa’s friends leave some comments.

    1- เซ็งเหมือนกัน (seng mǔuean gan)

    Her college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “This sucks!”
    Use this expression to show you are agreeing with the poster.

    2- มาบริษัท ขับรถระวังๆนะครับ (maa baaw-rí-sàt khàp rót rá-wang rá-wang ná khráp)

    Her supervisor, non, uses an expression meaning – “Please be careful when you drive to the office today.”
    Use this expression to show concern, almost like a parent.

    3- ดูแลตัวเองด้วยนะ (duu laae dtuua eeng dûuai ná)

    Her boyfriend, win, uses an expression meaning – “Please take care of yourself.”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling concern for the poster’s wellbeing.

    4- น่าจะตกไม่นานนะคะ (nâa jà dtòk mâi naan ná khá)

    Her boyfriend’s high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “Maybe it won’t last long.”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling optimistic that there may be relief ahead.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • เกลียด (glìiat ): “hate”
  • ฝนตก (fŏn dtòk ): “rain”
  • รถติด (rót dtìt): “traffic jam”
  • เซ็ง (seng): “get bored”
  • บริษัท (baaw-rí-sàt ): “company or office”
  • ขับรถ (khàp rót): “drive”
  • ระวัง (rá-wang): “be careful”
  • How would you comment in Thai when a friend is disappointed?

    Not all posts need to be about a negative feeling, though!

    11. Talking about Your Relationship Status in Thai

    Don’t just change your relationship status in Settings, talk about it!

    win changes his status to “In a relationship”, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down win’s post.

    ไม่โสดแล้วครับ (mâi sòot láaeo khráp)
    “I’m not single anymore.”

    1- ไม่โสดแล้ว (mâi sòot láaeo)

    First is an expression meaning “I’m not single anymore”.
    When Thai people change their relationship status from single to in-a-relationship, friends will often post to either congratulate or tease them.

    2- ครับ (khráp)

    Then comes the phrase which is a particle for guys.
    This is the ending particle for men to indicate formality. However, on social media, it is normally used in a joking manner, like ‘sir’ or ‘madam’ in English, which people sometimes use to tease others.

    COMMENTS

    In response, win’s friends leave some comments.

    1- ยินดีด้วย! (yin dii dûuai )

    His high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “Congratulations!”
    Use this expression to give congratulations.

    2- ในที่สุดก็เปิดตัวนะ ;P (nai thîi sùt gâaw bpòoet-dtuua ná)

    His college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “Finally, you go public ;P”
    Use this expression to show you are in a fun mood, and want to tease the poster a bit.

    3- ดีใจด้วยนะคะ (dii jai dûuai ná khá)

    His neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “Happy for you”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling warmhearted and happy about the event.

    4- แต่งเมื่อไหร่บอกด้วยนะ อิอิ (dtàaeng mûuea rài bàawk dûuai ná ì-ì)

    His girlfriend’s high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “When you get married, please let me know. lol.”
    Use this expression to be funny and also a bit teasing.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • โสด (sòot): “single”
  • ยินดีด้วย (yin dii dûuai ): “congratulations”
  • ในที่สุด (nai thîi sùt): “eventually, finally”
  • เปิดตัว (bpòoet-dtuua): “officially go public, debut, launch”
  • ดีใจ (dii jai): “glad or happy”
  • แต่ง (dtàaeng): “get married (shortened word)”
  • เมื่อไหร่ (mûuea rài ): “when”
  • What would you say in Thai when a friend changes their relationship status?

    Being in a good relationship with someone special is good news – don’t be shy to spread it!

    12. Post about Getting Married in Thai

    Wow, so things got serious, and you’re getting married. Congratulations! Or, your friend is getting married, so talk about this in Thai.

    fáa is getting married today, so she leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down fáa’s post.

    วันที่มีความสุขที่สุดในชีวิต (wan thîi mii khwaam sùk thîi sùt nai chii-wít)
    “Happiest day of my life.”

    1- วันที่มีความสุขที่สุด (wan thîi mii khwaam sùk thîi sùt )

    First is an expression meaning “Happiest day .”
    For Thai women, weddings are very important. Some regard their wedding day as the most special day of their lives. Nowadays, weddings are usually held in big hotels, arranged in Thai-Western style, where the first half of the day, the bride and groom wear traditional Thai clothing, and the second half, the woman wears a white, Western-style bridal gown. Some aspects of Western wedding culture have been adopted in Thailand, such as bouquet tossing and cake-cutting, but many aspects of original Thai culture have been preserved as well.

    2- ในชีวิต (nai chii-wít)

    Then comes the phrase – “of my life.”
    This word is used to emphasize the importance of the wedding.

    COMMENTS

    In response, fáa’s friends leave some comments.

    1- ยินดีด้วยนะครับ (yin dii dûuai ná khráp)

    Her supervisor, non, uses an expression meaning – “Congratulations”
    This is the traditional way of congratulating someone.

    2- วันนี้สวยสุดๆเลยนะจ๊ะ (wan-níi sŭuai sùt sùt looei ná já)

    Her neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “Today, you’re very beautiful.”
    Use this expression to show you want to compliment the poster on their appearance.

    3- ดีใจกับฟ้าด้วยน้า (dii jai gàp fáa dûuai náa)

    Her high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “Happy for you.”
    Use this expression to show you’re feeling pleased and happy for the poster.

    4- มีความสุขเหมือนกันครับ (mii khwaam-sùk mǔuean-gan khráp)

    Her husband, win, uses an expression meaning – “I’m also very happy.”
    Use this expression to share that you are sharing the poster’s feelings.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • วัน (wan): “day”
  • ชีวิต (chii-wít): “life”
  • ความสุข (khwaam sùk ): “happiness”
  • ที่สุด (thîi sùt): “the most”
  • สวย (sŭuai): “pretty, beautiful”
  • สุดๆ (sùt sùt): “very, extremely”
  • เหมือนกัน (mǔuean-gan): “same/too/also”
  • How would you respond in Thai to a friend’s post about getting married?

    For the next topic, fast forward about a year into the future after the marriage…

    13. Announcing Big News in Thai

    Wow, huge stuff is happening in your life! Announce it in Thai.

    win finds out he and his wife are going to have a baby, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down win’s post.

    ครอบครัวเราจะมีสมาชิกใหม่เพิ่มแล้วนะ (khrâawp-khruua rao jà mii sà-maa-chík mài phôoem láaeo ná)
    “Our family will have a new member soon.”

    1- ครอบครัวเรา (khrâawp-khruua rao)

    First is an expression meaning “Our family .”
    Typical Thai families are large, with as many as 6 to 10 members. However, the new generation of Thais prefer to live on their own and often have smaller families.

    2- จะมีสมาชิกใหม่เพิ่มแล้วนะ (jà mii sà-maa-chík mài phôoem láaeo ná)

    Then comes the phrase – “will have a new member soon..”
    Having a new member, in this case a baby, is always a good event. Family and friends will normally visit the couple and new-born baby at the hospital, bringing gifts.

    COMMENTS

    In response, win’s friends leave some comments.

    1- จะมีน้องแล้วหรอ (jà mii náawng láaeo rǎaw)

    His high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “Are you having a baby?”
    This is a rhetorical question to make conversation.

    2- เห้ย ดีใจด้วย (hôoei dii-jai dûuai)

    His college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “OMG! Congrats!”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling happy and surprised about the good news at the same time.

    3- มีอะไรให้ช่วยบอกได้นะคะ (mii à-rai hâi chûuai bàawk dâi ná khá)

    His neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “If you need anything, please let me know.”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling supportive and want to help, if needed.

    4- อยากเล่นกับน้องแล้ว (yàak lêen gàp náawng láaeo)

    His nephew, ai-dtim, uses an expression meaning – “I wanna play with your baby!”
    Use this expression to be humorous and show your caring at the same time.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • ครอบครัว (khrâawp-khruua): “family”
  • สมาชิก ( sà-maa-chík): “members”
  • ใหม่ (mài): “new”
  • เพิ่ม (phôoem): “more, additional”
  • ช่วย (chûuai): “help”
  • เล่น (lêen): “play”
  • น้อง (náawng): “little brother or sister (in this case, it refers to the baby)”
  • Which phrase would you choose when a friend announces their pregnancy on social media?

    So, talking about a pregnancy will get you a lot of traction on social media. But wait till you see the responses to babies!

    14. Posting Thai Comments about Your Baby

    Your bundle of joy is here, and you cannot keep quiet about it! Share your thoughts in Thai.

    fáa plays with her baby, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down fáa’s post.

    ลูกแม่น่ารักที่สุด (lûuk mâae nâa-rák thîi-sùt)
    “My baby is the cutest.”

    1- ลูกแม่ (lûuk mâae )

    First is an expression meaning “My baby.”
    Thai people love to softly pinch a baby’s cheeks if they think the baby is cute. However, if you aren’t close with the parents, you should ask them first if it is okay to touch their child.

    2- น่ารักที่สุด (nâa-rák thîi-sùt)

    Then comes the phrase – ” is the cutest..”
    In Thailand, there’s an old belief that one should not call a new-born baby ‘cute’, because a ghost will come and steal the baby away. So some people prefer to use the word ‘ugly’ or ‘malicious’ instead of the word ‘cute’ to prevent the ghost from coming after their babies. However, this belief is often associated with older generations, and is becoming more and more rare.

    COMMENTS

    In response, fáa’s friends leave some comments.

    1- น่ารักมากเลยค่ะ (nâa-rák mâak looei khâ)

    Her neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “So cute.”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling warmhearted and appreciative of the young one.

    2- อยากหยิกแก้ม (yàak yìk gâaem)

    Her high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “Wanna pinch his/her cheek.”
    Use this expression to show your eagerness to meet the new baby.

    3- อยากไปเล่นด้วย (yàak bpai lêen dûuai)

    Her nephew, ai-dtim, uses an expression meaning – “I want to play with him/her.”
    Use this expression to show you feel positive about and are keen to play with the baby.

    4- น้องน่าชังมากเลยครับ (náawng nâa chang mâak looei khráp)

    Her supervisor, non, uses an expression meaning – “He/she is malicious. (which means cute in this context)”
    Use this expression to be old fashioned.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • ลูก (lûuk): “baby”
  • แม่ (mâae): “mom”
  • น่ารัก (nâa-rák): “cute”
  • หยิก (yìk): “pinch”
  • แก้ม (gâaem): “cheek”
  • อยาก (yàak): “want”
  • น่าชัง (nâa chang): “malicious”
  • If your friend is the mother or father, which phrase would you use on social media?

    Congratulations, you know the basics of chatting about a baby in Thai! But we’re not done with families yet…

    15. Thai Comments about a Family Reunion

    Family reunions – some you love, some you hate. Share about it on your feed.

    win goes to a family gathering, posts an image of the group, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down win’s post.

    นานๆจะพร้อมหน้าพร้อมตากัน (naan-naan jà phráawm nâa phráawm dtaa gan)
    “Been a while since everyone has been all together.”

    1- นานๆจะ (naan-naan jà )

    First is an expression meaning “Been a while that.”
    Since the new generation of Thai families don’t live with their parents anymore, for some families, it’s rare that they have a big gathering. They may only come together for very special events.

    2- พร้อมหน้าพร้อมตากัน (phráawm nâa phráawm dtaa gan)

    Then comes the phrase – “everyone has been all together.”
    When there’s a family gathering, it’s normally held in the house of the oldest people in the family, usually the grandparents. Everyone helps by either bringing food or cooking the meal together.

    COMMENTS

    In response, win’s friends leave some comments.

    1- ฝากสวัสดีคุณพ่อ คุณแม่ ด้วยนะ (fàak sà-wàt-dii khun phâaw khun mâae dûuai ná)

    His high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “Please send my regards to your parents.”
    Use this expression to send greetings to the poster’s parents.

    2- ครอบครัวนายใหญ่มาก (khrâawp-khruua naai yài mâak)

    His college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “You have a big fam.”
    Use this observation to partake in the conversation if the poster’s family is big.

    3- ครอบครัวน่ารักมากเลยค่ะ (khrâawp-khruua nâa-rák mâak looei khâ)

    His neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “Your family is very cute.”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling warmhearted.

    4- ไอติมหน้าตาตลกอ่ะ รูปนี้ (ai-dtim nâa-dtaa dtà-lòk à rûup níi)

    His nephew, ai-dtim, uses an expression meaning – “I look so weird in this pic.”
    Use this expression to comment on your own appearance.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • พร้อมหน้าพร้อมตา (phráawm nâa phráawm dtaa): “all present or all together”
  • สวัสดี (sà-wàt-dii): “hello, hi, regard”
  • คุณพ่อ (khun phâaw): “father”
  • คุุณแม่ (khun mâae): “mother”
  • ใหญ่ (yài): “big”
  • น่ารัก (nâa-rák): “cute”
  • ตลก (dtà-lòk): “funny”
  • Which phrase is your favorite to comment on a friend’s photo about a family reunion?

    16. Post about Your Travel Plans in Thai

    So, the family are going on holiday. Do you know how to post and leave comments in Thai about being at the airport, waiting for a flight?

    fáa waits at the airport for her flight, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down fáa’s post.

    รอบินอีก 1 ชม. (raaw bin ìik nùeng chûua-moong)
    ” Waiting to fly off in 1 hour.”

    1- รอบิน (raaw bin )

    First is an expression meaning “Waiting to fly off.”
    If you’re flying out of Bangkok, there are two international airports you can use – Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don mueang Airport.

    2- อีก 1 ชม. (ìik nùeng chûua-moong)

    Then comes the phrase – ” in 1 hour”.
    Thai people love to shop in the duty-free stores while they wait for their flight.

    COMMENTS

    In response, fáa’s friends leave some comments.

    1- ไปไหนหรอ (bpai năi rǎaw)

    Her college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “Where are you going?”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling frivolous.

    2- เดินทางดีๆนะคะ (dooen thaang dii dii ná khá)

    Her neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “Have a safe flight”.
    Use this expression to show you are feeling warmhearted.

    3- อย่าลืมของฝากนะ (yàa luuem khǎawng-fàak ná)

    Her nephew, ai-dtim, uses an expression meaning – “Don’t forget my souvenir.”
    Use this phrase to tease the poster a bit by requesting a gift.

    4- ขอไปด้วย 555 (khǎaw bpai dûuai hâa hâa hâa)

    Her high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “Can I go with you? lol”
    Use this expression to be humorous.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • รอ (raaw): “wait”
  • บิน (bin ): “fly or fly off”
  • ชม. (chûua-moong): “hr (abbreviation of hour)”
  • เดินทาง (dooen thaang): “travel”
  • ลืม (luuem): “forget”
  • ของฝาก (khǎawng-fàak): “souvenir”
  • ไป (bpai): “go”
  • Choose and memorize your best airport phrase in Thai!

    Hopefully the rest of the trip is better!

    17. Posting about an Interesting Find in Thai

    So maybe you’re strolling around at your local market, and find something interesting. Here are some handy Thai phrases!

    win finds an unusual item at a local market, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down win’s post.

    เจอของหน้าตาแปลกๆเข้าแล้ว (jooe khǎawng nâa-dtaa bplàaek bplàaek khâo láaeo)

    “Found exotic stuff.”

    1- เจอ…เข้าแล้ว (jooe…khâo láaeo)

    First is an expression meaning “found”.
    We use this verb to emphasize the thing we coincidentally found.

    2- ของหน้าตาแปลกๆ (khǎawng nâa-dtaa bplàaek bplàaek )

    Then comes the phrase – “exotic stuff!”
    Thai people love taking photos. When they find or see exotic things, they normally take photos and post them on social media.

    COMMENTS

    In response, win’s friends leave some comments.

    1- มันคืออะไรอะ (man khuue à-rai à)

    His nephew, ai-dtim, uses an expression meaning – “What is it?”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling cynical.

    2- ดูเหมือนของเก่าที่มีราคาเลยครับ (duu mǔuean khǎawng gào thîi mii raa-khaa looei khráp)

    His supervisor, non, uses an expression meaning – “Looks like a valuable antique”.
    Use this expression to share your opinion.

    3- ชอบของแปลกหรอ 555 (châawp khǎawng bplàaek rǎaw hâa hâa hâa)

    His wife’s high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “So you like weird stuff? lol”
    Use this expression to be funny and teasing.

    4- แปลกแต่ดูเก๋ดีนะ (bplàaek dtàae duu gěe dii ná)

    His high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “Exotic, but looks so cool.”
    Use this expression to share your opinion.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • เจอ (jooe): “found”
  • ของ (khǎawng): “thing, stuff”
  • หน้าตา (nâa dtaa): “appearance”
  • แปลก (bplàaek): “strange, weird, exotic”
  • ของเก่า (khǎawng gào): “antique”
  • มีราคา (mii raa-khaa): “valuable, marketable”
  • เก๋ (gěe): “chic, cool”
  • Which phrase would you use to comment on a friend’s interesting find?

    Perhaps you will even learn the identity of your find! Or perhaps you’re on holiday, and visiting interesting places…

    18. Post about a Sightseeing Trip in Thai

    Let your friends know what you’re up to in Thai, especially when visiting a remarkable place! Don’t forget the photo.

    fáa visits a famous landmark, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down fáa’s post.

    มาเปิดหู เปิดตา ในที่ใหม่ๆ (maa bpòoet hǔu bpòoet dtaa nai thîi mài mài)
    “Having an eye-opening experience in a new place.”

    1- มาเปิดหู เปิดตา (maa bpòoet hǔu bpòoet dtaa )

    First is an expression meaning “Having an eye-opening experience .”
    This is a proverb, literally meaning ‘open eyes, open ears’. It’s similar to ‘eye-opening’ in English.

    2- ในที่ใหม่ๆ (nai thîi mài mài)

    Then comes the phrase – “in a new place..”
    Thai people love to take vacations and go abroad or travel to somewhere far away in order to gain new eye-opening experiences.

    COMMENTS

    In response, fáa’s friends leave some comments.

    1- โห ดูสวยมาก (hŏo duu sŭuai mâak)

    Her husband’s high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “Wow, it looks so beautiful.”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling appreciative of the photo the poster has shared.

    2- ที่นี่ที่ไหนอ่ะ (thîi-nîi thîi-năi à)

    Her college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “Where is this?”
    Use this expression if you want more information about a location.

    3- ผมเคยไปมาเมื่อปีที่แล้ว (phŏm khooei bpai maa mûuea bpii thîi láaeo)

    Her supervisor, non, uses an expression meaning – “I was there last year.”
    Use this expression to share a personal detail.

    4- อยากไปมั่งเลยค่ะ (yàak bpai mâng looei khâ)

    Her neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “I really want to go there.”
    Use this expression to share your wanting to go somewhere.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • เปิดหู เปิดตา (bpòoet hǔu bpòoet dtaa): “eye-opening”
  • ที่ (thîi): “place”
  • ใหม่ๆ (mài mài): “new”
  • ที่นี่ (thîi-nîi): “here”
  • ที่ไหน (thîi-năi): “where”
  • เคย (khooei ): “ever, used to”
  • ปีที่แล้ว (bpii thîi láaeo): “last year”
  • Which phrase would you prefer when a friend posts about a famous landmark?

    Share your special places with the world. Or simply post about your relaxing experiences.

    19. Post about Relaxing Somewhere in Thai

    So you’re doing nothing yet you enjoy that too? Tell your social media friends about it in Thai!

    win relaxes at a beautiful place, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down win’s post.

    นอนพักผ่อนบนชายหาด (naawn phák-phàawn bon chaai-hàat)
    “Relaxing on the beach.”

    1- นอนพักผ่อน (naawn phák-phàawn )

    First is an expression meaning “Relaxing.”
    Thai people love taking vacations. When there’s a long vacation, people normally go on a trip, either abroad or to another province of Thailand.

    2- บนชายหาด (bon chaai-hàat)

    Then comes the phrase – “on the beach..”
    The beach is one of the most popular places to go during a long vacation. There are a lot of beautiful beaches in Thailand, such as Pattaya and Huahin.

    COMMENTS

    In response, win’s friends leave some comments.

    1- ชิวมากเลยนะเพื่อน (chiu mâak looei ná phûuean)

    His college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “You look so chillax.”
    Use this expression when you’re in a playful mood.

    2- ดูเงียบสงบมากเลย (duu ngîiap sà-ngòp mâak looei)

    His neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “It looks so calm and peaceful.”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling positive about the poster’s photo.

    3- ทริปในฝันเลยนะเนี่ย (thríp nai făn looei ná nîia)

    His high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “This is my dream trip.”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling very appreciative of their trip.

    4- กลับมาเร็วๆ (glàp maa reo reo)

    His nephew, ai-dtim, uses an expression meaning – “Please come back soon. ”
    Use this expression to show you are missing the poster and want them to return to you soon.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • นอน (naawn): “sleep, take a nap”
  • พักผ่อน (phák-phàawn): “relax, rest”
  • ชายหาด (chaai-hàat): “beach”
  • ชิว (chiu): “chillax, look so chill”
  • เงียบ (ngîiap): “quiet”
  • สงบ (sà-ngòp): “calm, peaceful”
  • ฝัน (făn): “dream”
  • Which phrase would you use to comment on a friend’s feed?

    The break was great, but now it’s time to return home.

    20. What to Say in Thai When You’re Home Again

    And you’re back! What will you share with friends and followers?

    fáa returns home after a vacation, posts an image of the family at home, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down fáa’s post.

    กลับมาแล้วจ้า (glàp maa láaeo jâa)
    “Back in town.”

    1- กลับมาแล้ว (glàp maa láaeo)

    First is an expression meaning “Back in town..”
    Thai people usually bring souvenirs back after a trip to give to their co-workers, friends and family.

    2- จ้า (jâa)

    Then comes the phrase – “(particle).”
    The most common souvenirs are food and candies, which can easily be shared with many people.

    COMMENTS

    In response, fáa’s friends leave some comments.

    1- ไปเที่ยวสนุกมั๊ย (bpai thîiao sà-nùk mái)

    Her high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “Did you have fun?”
    Use this expression to show your interest in the poster’s holiday.

    2- พักผ่อนเยอะๆค่ะ (phák-phàawn yóe yóe khâ)

    Her neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “Please get a good rest.”
    Use this expression to show concern that the poster might be tired and need rest.

    3- ได้ซื้อของฝากมาให้รึเปล่า (dâai súue khǎawng-fàak maa hâi rúe bplàao)

    Her nephew, ai-dtim, uses an expression meaning – “Have you brought any souvenirs for me?”
    Use this expression when you’re in a humorous, playful mood.

    4- ยินดีต้อนรับกลับบ้านจ้า (yin-dii dtâawn-ráp glàp bâan jâa)

    Her husband’s high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “Welcome back!”
    This is the traditional salutation when someone returns from somewhere.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • กลับมา (glàp maa): “come back”
  • เที่ยว (thîiao): “travel, go on a trip”
  • สนุก (sà-nùk): “enjoy”
  • พักผ่อน (phák-phàawn): “relax, rest”
  • ซื้อ (súue): “buy”
  • ยินดีต้อนรับ (yin-dii dtâawn-ráp): “welcome”
  • บ้าน (bâan): “home”
  • How would you welcome a friend back from a trip?

    What do you post on social media during a public commemoration day such as Songrkan Day?

    21. It’s Time to Celebrate in Thai

    It’s a public holiday too, and you wish to post something about it on social media. What would you say?

    win wants to celebrate Songkran Day somewhere special, so he leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down win’s post.

    ไปเล่นน้ำที่ไหนดีในวันสงกรานต์ (bpai lêen nám thîi-năi dii nai wan sŏng-graan)
    “Where should I go on Songkran Day?”

    1- ไปเล่นน้ำที่ไหนดี (bpai lêen nám thîi-năi dii)

    First is an expression meaning “Where should I go (to splash water).”
    Songkran is known in English as the water-splashing festival. During this festival, people splash water at each other all over Thailand. Hence, if you don’t want to get wet, it’s better to stay at home. There are a few famous places to enjoy this festival. One of them is Khao-saan road, where Thais and foreigners enjoy splashing water on each other throughout the day and night.

    2- ในวันสงกรานต์ (nai wan sŏng-graan)

    Then comes the phrase – “on (the) Songkran Day?.”
    Songkran is the Thai New Year, which lasts for three days between 13-15 of April. It’s a national holiday, so there is no school or work during that time.

    COMMENTS

    In response, win’s friends leave some comments.

    1- ไปข้าวสารกันเถอะ (bpai khâao-săan gan thòe)

    His college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “Let’s go to Khao San Road.”
    Use this expression to make a suggestion for a destination.

    2- ร้อนมากอ่ะวันนี้ (ráawn mâak à wan níi)

    His wife’s high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “Today’s burning hot.”
    Use this expression to comment on the weather.

    3- ถ้าออกไปข้างนอกก็ระวังตัวด้วยนะคะ (thâa àawk bpai khâang-nâawk gâaw rá-wang dtuua dûuai ná khá)

    His neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “If you’re going out, please take care.”
    Use this expression to show your concern for the poster’s wellbeing.

    4- ไปด้วย! (bpai dûuai)

    His nephew, ai-dtim, uses an expression meaning – “I wanna go too!”
    Use this expression if you want to join the poster on the outing.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • เล่น (lêen): “play”
  • น้ำ (nám): “water”
  • ร้อน (ráawn): “hot”
  • มาก (mâak): “very”
  • ออกไป (àawk bpai): “go out”
  • ข้างนอก (khâang-nâawk): “outside”
  • ระวังตัว (rá-wang dtuua): “be careful”
  • If a friend posted something about a holiday, which phrase would you use?

    Thai New Year, or Songkran Day, and other public holidays days are not the only special ones to remember!

    22. Posting about a Birthday on Social Media in Thai

    Your friend or you are celebrating your birthday in an unexpected way. Be sure to share this on social media!

    fáa goes to her birthday party, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down fáa’s post.

    แก่ขึ้นอีกปี (gàae khûen ìik bpii)
    “A year older.”

    1- แก่ขึ้น (gàae khûen )

    First is an expression meaning “older..”
    Thai people love to celebrate their birthday with their friends and family. Some organize a small birthday party, while others go to the temple and make contributions.

    2- อีกปี (ìik bpii)

    Then comes the phrase – “A year .”
    In Thailand, it’s traditional to go to your local temple on your birthday to make a contribution and get blessed by a monk. Some people donate items and money to NGOs instead, as a way to give back and be blessed for the coming year.

    COMMENTS

    In response, fáa’s friends leave some comments.

    1- แฮปปี้เบิร์ดเดย์จ้า (hâep-bpîi-bóoet-dee jâa)

    Her husband’s high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “Happy birthday (in English).”
    This is the traditional birthday wish as it would be phrased in English.

    2- สุขสันต์วันเกิดครับ (sùk-săn wan gòoet khráp)

    Her husband, win, uses an expression meaning – “Wish you a happy birthday (in Thai).”
    This is the traditional birthday phrased in Thai.

    3- ขอให้มีความสุขนะจ๊ะ (khǎaw hâi mii khwaam-sùk ná já)

    Her neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “Wish you happiness.”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling warmhearted.

    4- ขอให้สวยวันสวยคืน 555 (khǎaw hâi sŭuai wan sŭuai khuuen hâa hâa hâa)

    Her high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “Wish you get prettier as time goes by. lol”
    Use this expression to wish the poster beauty with increasing age.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • แก่ขึ้น (gàae khûen): “getting older”
  • อีก (ìik): “another”
  • ปี (bpii): “year”
  • สุขสันต์วันเกิด (sùk-săn wan gòoet): “Happy birthday”
  • วันเกิด (wan gòoet): “birthday”
  • ขอให้ (khǎaw hâi): “wish or hope”
  • สวยวัน สวยคืน (sŭuai wan sŭuai khuuen): “getting prettier (proverb)”
  • If a friend posted something about birthday greetings, which phrase would you use?

    23. Talking about New Year on Social Media in Thai

    Impress your friends with your Thai New Year’s wishes this year. Learn the phrases easily!

    win celebrates the New Year, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down win’s post.

    สุขสันต์วันปีใหม่ (sùk-săn wan bpii-mài)
    “Happy New Year.”

    1- สุขสันต์ (sùk-săn )

    First is an expression meaning “Happy .”
    Activities that people normally do on New Year include visiting family and friends and exchanging gifts and New Year’s cards. It’s believed to be a blissful day, because you can forget all of the bad things that happened over the past year and begin again in the new one!

    2- วันปีใหม่ (wan bpii-mài)

    Then comes the phrase – “New Year..”
    Thai people celebrate the New Year on the first of January, like the rest of the world. There is no school or work on New Year, but shops typically stay open.

    COMMENTS

    In response, win’s friends leave some comments.

    1- ขอให้เป็นอีกปีที่ดีของเรานะ (khǎaw hâi bpen ìik bpii thîi dii khǎawng rao ná)

    His wife, fáa, uses an expression meaning – “Wish it’s another good year for us.”
    Use this expression to wish someone a positive new year.

    2- ขอให้มีความสุขตลอดปีนะครับ (khǎaw hâi mii khwaam-sùk dtà-làawt bpii ná khráp)

    His supervisor, non, uses an expression meaning – “Wish you happiness throughout the year.”
    This is another way to wish someone well for the new year.

    3- มีของขวัญมาให้ไอติมมั๊ย (mii khǎawng-khwăn maa hâi ai-dtim mái)

    His nephew, ai-dtim, uses an expression meaning – “Do you have any presents for me?”
    Use this expression if you are feeling humorous and a bit teasing.

    4- ขอให้เป็นอีกปีที่ดีสำหรับวินนะ (khǎaw hâi bpen ìik bpii thîi dii săm-ràp win ná)

    His high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “Wish you another wonderful year.”
    Yet another way to wish someone a good new year.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • สุขสันต์วันปีใหม่ (sùk-săn wan bpii-mài): “happy new year”
  • สุขสันต์ (sùk-săn): “happy”
  • วันปีใหม่ (wan bpii-mài): “New year”
  • ตลอด (dtà-làawt): “throughout”
  • ความสุข (khwaam-sùk): “happiness”
  • ของขวัญ (khǎawng-khwăn): “present or gift”
  • สำหรับ (săm-ràp): “for”
  • Which is your favorite phrase to post on social media during New Year?

    But before New Year’s Day comes another important day…

    24. What to Post on Christmas Day in Thai

    What will you say in Thai about Christmas?

    fáa celebrates Christmas with her family, posts an image of the group, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down fáa’s post.

    สุขสันต์วันคริสต์มาสนะทุกคน (sùk-săn wan khrít-mâat ná thúk khon)
    “Merry X’mas everyone.”

    1- สุขสันต์วันคริสต์มาสนะ (sùk-săn wan khrít-mâat ná)

    First is an expression meaning “Merry X’mas .”
    Christmas is indeed an important day for Thai Christians. Even though Buddhism is Thailand’s state religion, you will still see Christmas decorations and Christmas trees, mainly in shopping malls and hotels. These are prepared both as a commercial exercise and as part of the Thai spirit of fun.

    2- ทุกคน (thúk khon)

    Then comes the phrase – “everyone..”
    Thai people celebrate Christmas by having a Christmas party with their friends and co-workers. Activities include things like gift raffles and gift exchanges. However, note that it is not a national holiday, so people still have to go to school and work during the day.

    COMMENTS

    In response, fáa’s friends leave some comments.

    1- วันคริสต์มาส แต่ยังทำงานอยู่เลย (wan khrít-mâat dtàae yang tham ngaan yùu looei)

    Her husband, win, uses an expression meaning – “It’s Christmas day, but I’m still at work.”
    Use this expression if you have to work on Christmas day.

    2- แต่ยังร้อนอยู่เลย (dtàae yang ráawn yùu looei)

    Her high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “But it’s still freaking hot.”
    Use this expression to be funny.

    3- ไปเที่ยวกันมั๊ย คืนนี้ (bpai thîiao gan mái khuuen níi)

    Her college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “Wanna hang out tonight?”
    This is an invitation to get together in the evening.

    4- เมอร์รี่ คริสมาส นะจ๊ะ (mooe-rîi khrít-mâat ná já)

    Her neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “Merry Christmas.”
    This is the traditional Christmas wish.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • สุขสันต์วันคริสต์มาส (sùk-săn wan khrít-mâat): “Merry Christmas”
  • วันคริสต์มาส (wan khrít-mâat): “Christmas day”
  • ทุกคน (thúk khon): “everybody”
  • ทำงาน (tham-ngaan): “work”
  • ยัง (yang): “still”
  • ร้อน (ráawn): “hot”
  • คืนนี้ (khuuen-níi): “tonight”
  • If a friend posted something about Christmas greetings, which phrase would you use?

    So, the festive season is over! Yet, there will always be other days, besides a birthday, to wish someone well.

    25. Post about Your Anniversary in Thai

    Some things deserve to be celebrated, like wedding anniversaries. Learn which Thai phrases are meaningful and best suited for this purpose!

    win celebrates his wedding anniversary with his wife, posts an image of them together, and leaves this comment:

    POST

    Let’s break down win’s post.

    ครบรอบวันแต่งงาน 1 ปี (khróp-râawp wan dtàaeng-ngaan nùeng bpii)
    “1 year wedding anniversary.”

    1- ครบรอบวันแต่งงาน (khróp-râawp wan dtàaeng-ngaan)

    First is an expression meaning “wedding anniversary.”
    Recently, Thai people have begun to place more importance on their wedding anniversaries. We often see people post the celebration on social media.

    2- 1 ปี ( nùeng bpii)

    Then comes the phrase – “1 year.”
    On this day, men normally take their wives out to have a nice dinner or give them a special present.

    COMMENTS

    In response, win’s friends leave some comments.

    1- ยินดีด้วยนะคะ (yin dii dûuai ná khá)

    His neighbor, phraae, uses an expression meaning – “Congratulations!”
    This is the traditional way to offer congratulations on a special day.

    2- 1 ปีแล้วหรอเนี่ย (nùeng bpii láaeo rǎaw nîia)

    His college friend, em, uses an expression meaning – “Is it 1 year already?”
    Use this expression to show you are feeling frivolous and want to joke around a bit.

    3- ขอให้รักกันไปนานๆนะ (khǎaw hâi rák gan bpai naan naan ná)

    His high school friend, maai, uses an expression meaning – “Wishing (that) you love each other for a long time.”
    Use this phrase if you want to offer the couple a positive wish for the future of their marriage.

    4- ไปฉลองกันที่ไหนเอ่ย (bpai chà-lǎawng gan thîi năi òoei)

    His wife’s high school friend, nám phŏn, uses an expression meaning – “Where are you going to celebrate?”
    Use this question if you’d like more information about the couple’s plans for the event.

    VOCABULARY

    Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

  • ครบรอบ (khróp râawp): “anniversary”
  • วันแต่งงาน (wan dtàaeng-ngaan): “wedding day”
  • ปี (bpii): “year”
  • รัก (rák): “love”
  • นานๆ (naan naan): “long time”
  • ฉลอง (chà-lǎawng): “celebrate”
  • ที่ไหน (thîi-năi): “where”
  • If a friend posted something about Anniversary greetings, which phrase would you use?

    Conclusion

    Learning to speak a new language will always be easier once you know key phrases that everybody uses. These would include commonly used expressions for congratulations and best wishes, etc.

    Master these in fun ways with Learn Thai! We offer a variety of tools to individualize your learning experience, including using cell phone apps, audiobooks, iBooks and many more. Never wonder again what to say on social media!

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