Most Important Sentences in Thai — Start Here

If I could go back and tell myself which sentences to learn first in Thai, this would be the list. These aren't just useful — they're the sentences that will get you through 80% of real-life situations in Thailand.

Greetings and Politeness: สวัสดี (Sawasdee khrap/kha) — Hello/Goodbye. ขอบคุณ (Khop khun khrap/kha) — Thank you. ขอโทษ (Kho thot) — Sorry/Excuse me. ไม่เป็นไร (Mai bpen rai) — No problem/Never mind.

Survival Phrases: ฉันไม่เข้าใจ (Chan mai khao jai) — I don't understand. พูดช้าๆ ได้ไหม (Phut cha cha dai mai?) — Can you speak slowly? ช่วยด้วย (Chuay duay) — Help me.

Eating and Shopping: อันนี้เท่าไหร่ (An nee thao rai?) — How much is this? อร่อยมาก (Aroi mak) — Very delicious. ไม่เผ็ด (Mai phet) — Not spicy. เอาอันนี้ (Ao an nee) — I'll take this one.

Getting Around: ไปที่... (Bpai tee...) — Go to... อยู่ที่ไหน (Yuu tee nai?) — Where is...? หยุดที่นี่ (Yut tee nee) — Stop here.

Making Friends: คุณชื่ออะไร (Khun chue arai?) — What's your name? ฉันชื่อ... (Chan chue...) — My name is... ยินดีที่รู้จัก (Yin dee tee ruu jak) — Nice to meet you.

Learn these 20 sentences properly — tones and all — and you'll feel confident from day one. These are the most important Thai sentences you'll ever memorise. Everything else builds on top.