50 Thai Phrases for Chiang Mai Life

Safe greeting in shops, cafes, hotels, condos.

Use every time someone helps you.

Warmer than basic thank you.

Use before interrupting or after a mistake.

Useful when someone apologizes or offers help.

Reduces pressure and makes Thai people smile.

Essential beginner survival phrase.

Say this politely instead of panicking.

Pointing + this phrase works everywhere.

Add khrap/kha at the end for politeness.

Very useful in Chiang Mai cafes.

Clearer than “not sweet”.

Useful for dietary preference.

For drinks.

Still may be a little spicy.

Use if you cannot eat spicy food.

Good if you want mild spice.

Answer staff question.

Literally “go home”.

For restaurants and cafes.

Most useful shopping phrase.

More general than “this one”.

For objects/items.

Practice numbers with items.

Politer than “too expensive”.

Use carefully, can sound direct.

Polite way to decline.

Useful at markets.

Show map and say this.

For driver calls.

Useful in songthaew/taxi.

Direction phrase.

Direction phrase.

Direction phrase.

Listen for yes/no answer.

Opposite of near.

Polite general help phrase.

Useful everywhere.

Start explaining an issue.

For aircon, internet, phone, bike.

Useful with condo staff/landlord.

For repairs, service, queues.

Use for shops/services.

Friendly, simple small talk.

Simple answer.

Basic introduction.

Fill in your name.

Say your country.

Good for expats.

Friendly closer.