Learn Thai the Easy Way > Speak Thai > Conversation with a tuk tuk driver


Three-wheeled Taxi
= tuk tuk

The following is an imaginary conversation with a tuk tuk driver in Bangkok. I have tried to keep it simple so that it will be easier for you to remember. Some of the phrase books give you really long examples which are complicated and not necessary. Just say "bai xxx" to say where you are going. In Thai you don't really need to say "I". For how much you can use either 'tao rai" or "gee baht". You can learn numbers if you like or just use your fingers. Click on the Thai words to hear me speaking.

Tourists: How much is it to go to Panthip? (bai panthip tao rai?)
   
 
Tuk-tuk driver: 50 baht (har sib baht)
   
 
Tourists: Too expensive, how about 30 baht? (pang bai, sam sib baht dai mai?)
   
 
Tuk-tuk driver: No. 40 baht. (mai dai. see sib baht)
 

Tourists: Ok. 40 baht. (dtok long, see sib baht)

Extra phrases:

I don't want to go there. (mai yak pai)
 
Do you know World Trade Center? (roo jak world trade cendter mai?)
 

Turn left. (lee-o sai) Turn right. (lee-o kwar)
   

Straight on. (dtrong bai) Stop here. (jord tee nee)

TOURIST TIPS:

  • Always settle the price before getting in the tuk tuk. Usually the minimum is 35 baht though they might start off by asking for 50 baht or more. Knowing how much is always difficult for tourists when they first arrive. The tuk tuk will know you are new and will try and cheat you.
  • Please consider the air-conditioned taxis as the meters start at only 35 baht (less than $1). You might even find it is sometimes cheaper and certainly more comfortable.
  • Be careful of tuk tuk drivers that tell you that the temple you are going to is closed for a religious ceremony. They will tell you that they know a better one and then you will end up in a gem shop. It is all part of a scam. Be careful. A very useful Thai phrase is "mai ow" which literally means "no want".

Please visit "How to Say No" for more useful phrases.