21 easy Thai phrases for tourists, with practice tasks

Start with five Thai phrases: hello, thank you, excuse me, “I do not understand” and “Could you say that again?” Once those feel familiar, add the requests that fit your trip. The 21 phrases below are organised so you can learn one small group at a time.

Each entry has Thai script and an approximate pronunciation hint. The hints do not fully represent tones or vowel length, so they should help you remember a spoken model rather than replace one.

Add a polite ending to the whole phrase

ครับ — khrap is conventionally associated with male speakers. ค่ะ — kha is commonly used by female speakers for statements and replies, while คะ — kha is used in questions. People choose forms that fit their identity and the situation.

The two forms written “kha” here differ in tone and spelling. Compare ขอบคุณค่ะ, “Thank you”, with อันนี้เท่าไรคะ, “How much is this?” Listen to complete examples before using the endings automatically.

The tables show the core expressions so that the words are easy to identify. Do not speak the table numbers; they simply help you organise practice.

Phrases 1–7: begin an exchange and ask for clarity

Use ไม่เป็นไร when the context fits, such as responding to a small apology. It is not a general answer to every question. Asking for repetition is often more useful than pretending to understand a detail about your journey or payment.

Practice: Begin with a greeting, imagine missing the reply and choose phrase 6 or 7. Finish with thanks. Repeat the sequence without looking at the English column.

Phrases 8–14: request something and explain a preference

Pointing can make ขออันนี้ clear when you do not know a menu item's name. State a preference before preparation begins and let the other person confirm the request.

No added chilli or sugar does not describe every ingredient already in a sauce or mixture. Use the food-ordering guide when you need to discuss preparation or dietary requirements.

Practice: You want water, then decide you do not need a bag for another purchase. Say the two requests separately. Next, imagine the meal has ended and ask for the bill.

Phrases 15–21: find information and get help

A city may have more than one train station. Phrase 17 gives the type of destination, but you still need the exact station name or map pin. Likewise, a question about card payment asks about the business's available method; it does not assume acceptance.

Practice: Ask the price of an object. Imagine you missed the number and ask for it in writing. Then ask about card payment. Learn likely number replies with the Thai numbers lesson.

Test yourself with three situations

Cover the tables and decide what to say:

1. Someone gives you directions too quickly. Ask them to slow down.
2. You are pointing to the item you want. Make a short request.
3. You need to locate the bathroom. Ask where it is.

Possible answers are พูดช้า ๆ ได้ไหม, ขออันนี้ and ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน. Add the polite ending that fits your speech and the sentence type.

Change the order of the situations on your second attempt. Being able to choose a phrase from a situation is more useful than recalling it only as item seven in a list.

For the context around greetings, continue with hello and wai etiquette. For using a few expressions during actual transfers and check-in, see the hotel and transport phrase guide.