Useful Thai Language Phrases

The Thai language is the main language spoken in Thailand. When you speak with someone, you're always better off addressing him or her in that person's native language. 

Is it worth the effort to learn Thai?

Depending on your situation, it may or may not be worth the effort to learn Thai, but in order to better answer the question, let's try and look into what the advantages of learning the Thai language really are.

Learning Thai Lets You Better Understand Thai Culture

Thai culture is something that has developed over thousands of years. In all aspects of everyday life there are customs, traditions, saying and different expressions of respect and politeness that is used by Thai people in all walks of life. As a foreigner, you're pretty much excluded from all of this, and for the most part, it's understood and accepted. You're not expected to know and understand the finer details and intricacies of Thai culture.

But what if you did?

Speaking Thai would allow you to understand Thai people and Thai culture on a whole other level. You'd know what to say in the right situations, what kind of actions to avoid in order to not be rude, how to address someone older than you as to show respect. And you'll be able to correctly respond to how Thai people are addressing you!

People Will Appreciate And Acknowledge Your Efforts When You Speak Thai, Even If They Speak English

If you go to Thailand mainly to stay in touristy areas in Bangkok and Phuket, you'll be perfectly able to get by in English like most tourists do. If, however, you make the effort to learn a little bit of the local language - even if you'll only be reading off a menu while placing your restaurant order, your efforts will almost certainly be rewarded. When you show people that you're willing to struggle a little bit and try and speak in their language rather than just assume that they speak yours, you're showing them that you care. You'll be rewarded with instantaneous smiles, a sincere and honest welcome, and you'll be remembered. You can also be 100% sure that you'll get a lot of attention and free Thai-language tutoring from enthusiastic and patient Thai people who'll be complimenting you on your less-than-perfect Thai language skills!

Learning Thai Lets You Make Friends With Ordinary Thai People Who Don't Know English

We all know the expat stereotype who go to a foreign country only to surround him or herself with other English speakers rather than trying to dive in and be part of the local environment. It's very possible to live, work and spend your time in Thailand without really getting out of your comfort zone and really feeling like you're actually in a foreign country. If you're in this situation, you might ask yourself why you actually went there? Learning and speaking Thai is an important key to breaking through this barrier and start making friends with the local people who don't necessarily know a lot of English. And don't worry! You don't have to discuss philosophy, literature and politics off the bat. Enjoying a soccer match together or going fishing with an acquaintance can open up doors to a whole new world for someone who only knows Thailand through an English-speaker's eyes. Doing small-talk about everyday things, worries, concerns, hobbies, sports or other things can be a way of learning something about the world and seeing things from a whole other perspective. You'll end up smarter, culturally richer, and you'll be gaining a friend!

Speaking And Reading Thai Lets You Explore The Less Touristy Areas And Discover Another Side Of Thailand

If you want to go explore some of the lesser known regions, small towns and unique landscapes in Thailand where you won't need to fight a horde of international tourists to take your photo, you'll gain a clear advantage from speaking Thai. Being able to ask for directions and follow street-signs only written in Thai opens up a whole other version of Thailand to you. You'll be able to experience the country from a perspective that is hidden for most other tourists. Speaking Thai also gives you the luxury of being able to get lost in Thailand all while staying confident in being able to find your way back to your hotel or lodgings only by relying on the Thai language.

When You Speak Thai In Thailand, Everything Suddenly Gets Less Expensive

Something that many language learners have reported, not only in Thailand, but all over the world is that money matters suddenly get easier if you, as a tourist, speak the local language. Street vendors, souvenir shops and even more expensive things such as car rentals and organized trips often get a lot cheaper when you're able to haggle a little bit in Thai.

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