Greetings
สวัสดี (Sawatdee) + ครับ/ค่ะ
sa-wat-DEE krap/ka
Hello / goodbye. Always add the politeness particle — 'krap' if you're male, 'ka' if female. Thai is tonal; a smile carries you a long way.
ขอบคุณ (Khop khun)
kop-KOON krap/ka
Thank you (+ krap/ka). The wai (palms together, slight bow) often accompanies it — return one to someone older or in service to you.
สบายดีไหม (Sabai dee mai?)
sa-bai-DEE mai
How are you? / are you well? 'Sabai' (comfortable, at ease) is a core Thai concept; reply 'sabai dee' — I'm fine. 'Sabai sabai' is the chilled-out vibe itself.
Social
เจ้า (Jao)
jao
The Northern Thai (Lanna / Kham Muang) polite particle — Chiang Mai locals use 'jao' where Bangkok uses 'krap/ka'. Hearing and using it marks you as a true Northerner.
ไม่เป็นไร (Mai pen rai)
mai pen RAI
It's okay / no worries / never mind — the relaxed Thai philosophy in three words. The unofficial motto of life in Chiang Mai's gentle pace.
Daily life
เท่าไหร่ (Tao rai?)
tao-RAI
How much is it? Essential at markets and with songthaews — agree the price first. 'Lot noi dai mai?' is 'can you lower it a little?'.
พูดไทยไม่ได้ (Phut Thai mai dai)
poot tai mai DAI
I can't speak Thai. Tourist and nomad areas (Nimman, Old City) get by in English, but a few Thai words earn warmth fast.
ห้องน้ำอยู่ไหน (Hong nam yu nai?)
hong-nam yoo NAI
Where is the toilet? ('hong nam' = bathroom). A genuinely useful one out exploring temples and markets.
Food
อร่อย (Aroi)
a-ROY
Delicious! The compliment that delights any cook. 'Aroi maak' is 'very tasty' — say it over a bowl of khao soi and you'll make a friend.
ไม่เผ็ด (Mai phet)
mai PET
Not spicy. Thai 'a little spicy' can floor a newcomer — 'phet nit noi' (a little spicy) or 'mai phet' saves you. Even then, expect heat.
ข้าวเหนียว (Khao niao)
kao-NIAO
Sticky rice — the Northern staple, eaten by hand with grilled meats and som tam. Order it instead of steamed rice for the real Lanna table.
Emergency
ช่วยด้วย (Chuay duay!)
CHUAY duay
Help! For emergencies dial 1669 (ambulance/EMS), 191 (police), 199 (fire); 1155 is the English-speaking Tourist Police.
Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.