Learn Thai

Learn Thai by Thai Social

Person Pronoun

When Thais tell you they are phi-nawngkan พี่น้องกัน or Khrob-khrua ครอบครัว it means they are somehow related. Following is a list of words commonly used in correctly addressed various family relations:

Social customs differ in all parts of the world. Informality and general friendliness in personal relationships in all age, economic and social groups characterize the Thai people. Thais will gladly tell you what they would do in certain situations. They also will be interested in knowing how you do things in your country. A few “Thai ways” may be of help to you in your visit to Thailand.

The Thai people do not say “Good morning”, “Good afternoon”, “Good evening” or “Good night”. They greet one another with the word “Sawasdee” and instead of shaking hands; they put their two palms together in front of their chests under the chins and bow slightly. It is customary for the younger or lower in social status, to begin the greeting. When taking leave, the same word and procedure in the repeated.

In Thailand,  the head is a respected part of the body and normally should not be touched, except perhaps in a fatherly manner by one’s parents. There appear to be many reasons for this peculiar Thai characteristic.

Since the head contains the most delicate and important substance in the human body. Thus, Thais consider it improper to stand above or near the head of another person of higher or equal rank or status. On the other hand, when in the presence of the sovereign head of state, all Thais would instinctively and spontaneously bow their heads, as if to pay obeisance.

Women will “wai” first (to show respect to) by placing the hand palms and raising them to the chin or forehead during and introduction in which a man is presented. If the woman does not “wai” the man should not presume to “wai” first. The woman is not obliged to extend this courtesy, and when she does, it is because of sincere pleasure at the introduction.

When one greets a person with a “wai”, that person must reply with the same gesture. Not to do so, or to content one with merely nodding, would be a sign of low, breeding.
A polite man will never touch a woman.

Another sign of bad breeding is to point an object out with one’s foot. It is with one’s right hand that one must show things. Also, to receive something from a superior, a courteours Thai will rest his right hand-the one he is holding out- upon his left hand.

If you are invited into a Thai house it is usual to take off your shoes before entering. The host will probably tell you not to, but will respect you if you do.

Thai people are generally very kind and polite, but rural Thais are still extremely jealous of their privacy. They may be smiling, but do not start at them. Do not look into their eyes too long. Yong and old might react violently to such gesture, which they consider to be rude insult. They might consider it an invitation to fight, or a challenge to a duel to the finish.

Any time you pay a visit to a friend, you must go through a complicated ritual. To begin with, it is unseemly to knock at the door. A visitor who is well up in the ways of polite society will announce himself by a discreet cough. He will then come tiptoe, his hands clasped in the Thai manner.
Though the Thai temples are an irresistible magnet for tourists and well worth visiting, it should be remembered that they are primarily places of worship rather than tourist attractions. Remember to remove your shoes before entering a temple. While people pray it is polite for those not participating to quietly stand aside. Ask politely for permission to take photographs; the request is seldom refused. Make it a point to wear proper attire and not brief skirts or shorts. Ladies must on no account enter within the boundary stones of a bote (pronounced boat)- the most important building in the wat or monastery. It is not necessarily the largest building. What set it apart are the eight or more boundary stones which surround it. Only inside the limits of this specially consecrated section of the temple area may monks be ordained.

Ladies must never touch a monk or hand things directly to him. Remember always that a monk is looked up to and respected. He cannot ask you for anything, but he may accept things if they are offered. Woman should never be alone in the presence of a monk.

Finally, it is an unpardonable error of sacrilege to misuse any Buddha image. Icons should be kept at a place of worship, not used as a piece of furniture or for an ornament or commercial advertisement.
Foreigners living in Thailand must be especially aware of this. Through history, the Thai people have witnessed many notorious instances of looting of relics in temples and pagodas, beheading and dismembering of Buddha images. These acts constitute the most heinous offences not only against the kingdom but against all the people of Thailand.

Learn Thai by eating Thai style
Thai food is well-known for being hot and spicy, Thai cuisine has something to suit everyone’s taste. Visitors in Thailand should try to get to know Thai food. It’s good and is worthy of greater recognition among Asian cuisines.
Rice is the main national food. Thai rice will spoil your taste for all other types of rice. It is more fragrant, of a better consistency, tastier, and each grain is long.
Beef or chicken curry, fried crispy noodles, roast or barbecued chicken, fried prawns, and barbecued beef- Thai style- are among the many popular dishes for Thai and Europeans alike. A Thai meal is usually rounded off with either Khanom ขนม (sweetmeats) or some of the delicious Thai fruit. The outstanding feature of all Thai khanom is that coconut or rice in one form or another is almost always an ingredient.

In Thailand, good food appears in the most unexpected places such as along the edge of a canal or river, by the side of busy road or in a narrow lane (soi) is all that’s needed to produce cheap and good food.

Language is sometime a difficulty. If you are hesitant about the Thai pronunciation, you should repeat those words or phrases and make sure the stall-keeper or waiter understands.  If you are staying for a few days, it’s good to cultivate the friendship of someone who knows how to order the foods.

Thai Dishes

Noodle

Dessert – Khanom ขนม

Beverage

Eating Thai style

Eat with a spoon and fork. You shouldn’t use a knife ….
Always put the food on your plate before eating it…  don’t take it directly from the serving dish and put it in your mouth…  this is rude..

Greeting and Thank you in Thai style
The Thai people do not say “Good morning”, “Good afternoon”, “Good evening” or “Good night”. They greet one another with the word “Sawasdee” and instead of shaking hands; they put their two palms together in front of their chests under the chins and bow slightly. It is customary for the younger or lower in social status, to begin the greeting. When taking leave, the same word and procedure in the repeated.

Lah or Nah at the end of sentence is for pronounced softly, lending gentle emphasis.

Question in Thai style
Thais always use “Mai” place after word or sentence as the function of question mark.  For example, asking for permission, you will say “dai mai?”. If possible answer, you will say “dai” but if it’s negative answer, you will say “mai dai”.

Thai numbers
Thai number, we count from 1-10 and every 10, 100, 1000, 10000, 100000, 10000000.  Thai will not use 10,000 Ten thousand but Thai will have specific for 10,000.

Cardinal numbers

Ordinal numbers
Cardinal numbers and Ordinal numbers also say different in Thailand.. 
I want 1 Pad Thai is “Chan tong karn Pad Thai nueng jaan”.
“Chan” is I
“Tong karn” is want
“Nueng jaan” is 1 dish
Thai food is my 1st favorite food is “Chan shobb Ahan Thai Thi Nueng”.
“Chan” is I.
“Shobb” is like
“Ahan Thai” is Thai food.
“Thi Nueng” is 1st.