Learning Thai the Easy Way > Speak Thai > Top Ten Useful Phrases

If you are coming to Thailand on holiday and you don't have much time to learn many phrases then this is the right page for you. We have compiled what we think is the Top 10 Most Useful Phrases for your holiday in Thailand. To make a request or greeting sound more polite, male people should add "khrab" to the end of a sentence and female "kaa".
1. Hello (sa-wat dee)
  For sure this is the word that all tourists need to learn first. It is used for both "hello" and "goodbye".
2. Thank you (khorb koon)
  When you are in Thailand don't forget you are representing your country so please always try to be polite. This is a useful word to say "thank you" if someone gives you something.
3. How much? (gee baht)
  If you are shopping you wil need to ask "how much?" You don't really need to learn "..is this?" or "...is that?" as you can use sign language at the same time.
4. Where is ...? (... yoo tee nai)
  I think you will find this phrase very useful. Just point at a place on your map or in your guide book and say "yoo tee nai". Also useful when you are trying to find the right bus to go to Phuket etc.
5. I don't want (mai ow)
  When you are walking down the street or even sitting on the train you will sometimes be approached by vendors who are trying to sell you something. Some of them are very insistent so try this useful phrase.
6. Sorry (khor toat)
  Another useful phrase to help you be polite. Use this when you have to push by someone on the train or you accidentally stepped on their feet.
7. One-ten (neung-sib)
  I recommend to everyone that they should at least learn how to count up to ten.
8. Can you make it cheaper? (lot noi dai mai)
  If you are doing a lot of shopping then try this handy phrase. By speaking a little Thai you might get a better discount.
9. Delicious (a-roi)
  After a delicious meal the cook would love to hear that you found the food delicious. You never know, the next time you go back to the same place she might give you an extra helping!
10. Never mind (mai ben rai)
  One of my favourites. If someone apologizes to you for doing something wrong (khor toat) reply with "mai ben rai". If someone says "thank you" for a present just say "mai ben rai".