When going on a vacation to Thailand, do you have to speak a little Thai or do they all know English there?

February 3rd, 2010 | by admin |

My boyfriend and I are considering going on a 17 days-long travel through the country (with a touroperator naturally, not by ourselves). Should we learn some basic Thai before we go, or will the people there know some English (enough to express themselves and understand what we’re saying)?

If you stay in the tourist areas yes you will find people at the resorts and businesses that cater to foreigners all speak some English. However, you get out of these areas and into the local community then you will find that any who do speak even a little Thai will not even try to talk. And then your find some who have good English skills will approach you and want to talk to you about anything in general. Learn a few Thai. Here is a web site you can use to help http://www.thai-language.com/ also a pocket Thai/English phase book would be helpful.

  1. 8 Responses to “When going on a vacation to Thailand, do you have to speak a little Thai or do they all know English there?”

  2. By Fake Bean bin Laden on Feb 3, 2010 | Reply

    just speak slowly some how they can manage to understand you, those who can’t speak english will shy away when you approach them, don’t worry just be natural and enjoy
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  3. By Lisa on Feb 3, 2010 | Reply

    If you want to learn basic thai before you go you can but if you speak english to them speak slowly so they can understand and repeat the words again but my friends cousins dad goes to thailand and speaks english and they understand
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  4. By Illuminated paths on Feb 3, 2010 | Reply

    Hey! Thailand is a beautiful place, and nearly everyone who handles tourists (cab drivers, hotel managers, staff, sales people etc etc) speak at least a bit of English. When I went there the communication part was very easy, you should have no trouble.

    But hey! Why don’t you try to learn a little Thai as an added bonus? The people are very nice and seem to respond well when you greet them in their own language.

    Safe travels and good luck!
    Yvie- Australia
    References :
    Been to Thailand

  5. By Jen on Feb 3, 2010 | Reply

    if you go to tourist place like Phuket, Chaingmai, Bangkok most of people can understand basic English, just speak slowly , but if you stay in Hotel or go to nice restuarants, they all can speak English, or if you want to get some infomation , I reccomend to ask young people, they can un derstand english better than old people.

    smile and respect to people , they will be very kind to you as well.

    enjoy your trip!!! : )
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  6. By JEET PRAKASH on Feb 3, 2010 | Reply

    No,it is not necessary to learn thai.People there have basic knowledge about english.My parents and I went to Thailand 4 years ago and we were able to talk to them in well toned english as they deal with tourists everyday.We did’nt even have the basic knowledge of thai language.Bye.
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  7. By Col Oi! Oi! Oi! on Feb 3, 2010 | Reply

    Take a little phase book to say hello,thank you etc they like that.But you wont have any problems.
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  8. By Gerald J on Feb 3, 2010 | Reply

    The majority of Thais don’t speak English, but Thais who work in the tourist industry, hotels and in many restaurants will speak some English and some will speak very good English. It’s always good to learn a few phrases though, especially greetings and how to say things like thank you. People will appreciate it your effort and even a hello or thank you in Thai will usually bring a nice smile from the locals. Many signs and menus are in English here, but if you take the time to learn a few basic phrases and words it can go a long way toward making your trip a more pleasant and enjoyable experience. This is an excellent website for learning some basic Thai:
    http://www.learningthai.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1039
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  9. By Mazlan Zulkifli Bin Mohd Noor on Feb 3, 2010 | Reply

    They speaks American English.
    References :

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