Although many Thai people do not speak English fluently, their gentle spirits and hospitality help overcome any language barriers. Most foreign visitors feel comfortable communicating with body language, such as hand gestures and facial expressions. In addition, English is commonly used in most hotel and tourist businesses, such as shops and restaurants.  

Listed below are some words you can learn to speak before traveling to Thailand. They may seem difficult at first, but with practice you can learn them. Something to remember about speaking Thai: use a courtesy phrase after whatever you say. For example, if you're speaking to a man, add "krap" to the end of your statement. If you're speaking to a woman, add "ka." Here are a few helpful phrases:

Sawasdee (krap/ka) = Hello (males say sawasdee krap; females say sawasdee ka).
Khun cheu a rai (krap/ka) = What is your name (male/female)?
(Phom/Chun) cheu... (Male/Female) = My name is...
Sabai dee mai (krap/ka) = How are you (male/female)?
Sabai dee (krap/ka) = I'm fine (male/female).
Khop khun mak (krap/ka) = Thank you very much (male/female).
Tao rai (krap/ka) = How much is this (male/female)?
Lod noi dai mai (krap/ka) = Can you lower the price, please (male/female)?
Hong nam = Toilet
Nam = Water
Khor Tod (krap/ka) = Sorry, excuse me, pardon me (male/female)

In addition to the phrases listed above, there is one more thing that every visitor to Thailand should know - the traditional Thai form of greeting called the wai. The wai, which is always performed as a polite formality that conveys respect, is made by putting your hands together (with the palms and fingertips facing each other, as is often done during prayer) and then raising them to a position between the chest and forehead, with the head slightly bowed.

When offering the wai greeting to someone, it is customary to say "sawasdi (krap/ka)" at the same time. Also, never initiate a wai to a child. But when a child initiates a wai to you, you can either reciprocate, or you can just say hello by saying "sawasdi (krap/ka)."   

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