Thai Langauge

Thai Langauge

Thai is one of the oldest languages in East and South-East Asia. It is a monosyllabic language which uses five tones (high, mid, low, rising, and falling tone) to alter the meaning of a single syllable. This makes it rather tricky to learn for most Westerners used to speaking non-tonal languages.

The Thai script, introduced by King Rham Khamhaeng in 1283, consists of 44 consonants and 48 vowels, and is of Sanskrit origin.

Words and Phrases

When being polite the speaker ends his or her sentence with 'khrap' (for men) or 'kha' (for women). khrap and kha are also commonly used to answer 'yes' or to show agreement.
In the following examples tones are represented by colours (High, Mid, Low, Rising, Falling)

English
Thai

I
Phom (men)Deechan (women)

NoNo? - Isn't it?
Mai chaiMai - Chai mai

You
Khun (for peers)Thaan (for elders)

Good
Dee

Thank you
Khawp Khun (khrap/kha)

Like
Chawp

Hello
Sawatdee (khrap/kha)

Hello Paul
Sawatdee (khrap/kha) Khun Paul

Understand
Khao jai

I understand
Khao jai (khrap/kha)

Don't understand
Mai khao jai

I don't understand
Mai khao jai (khrap/kha)

Excuse meSorry
Kor tot

I'm sorryExcuse me please
Kor tot (khrap/kha)

Today
Wan nee

John is going today
Khun John pai wan nee

Tomorrow
Prung nee

Go tomorrow
Pai prung nee (khrap/kha)

Yesterday
Meua waan

Good
Dee

How much
Tao rai

How much is this
Nee tao rai (khrap/kha)

Where
Tee nai

Where is the bathroom
Hong naam tee nai (khrap/kha)

When
Meu arai

Go to Pattaya when
Pai Pattaya meuarai (khrap/kha)

This
Nee

Bathroom
Hong naam

Go
Pai

I'm not going
Mai pai (khrap/kha)

Soure:http://www.amazing-thailand.com/Lang.html

Thailand's People

Thailand's People

Thailand is often called the "land of smiles", and rightly so because you will see more smiling people here than anywhere else in the world.

The country has a population of about 59 million, with some 6.7 million of these people living in the Bangkok area. Approximately 75% of the citizenry are ethnic Thais, 14% are Chinese, and the remaining 11% are mostly Indian, Malay, Karen, Khmer, or Mon. The literacy rate is high at about 94% and the average life expectancy is 66 for men and 72 for women.

Thai people are friendly and tolerant but there are a few Do's and Don'ts which you should observe. Avoid touching people on the head, and keep your feet on the ground where they belong. Stay calm, smile and enjoy the hospitality of your hosts.

The official language is Thai, but English is widely spoken in all major tourist locations. However if you are travelling around Thailand it is a good idea to buy a phrase book.

Soure:http://www.amazing-thailand.com/People.html

Welcome To My Amazing Thailand Blog

Welcome To My Amazing Thailand Blog. The Kingdom of Thailand is southeast Asia's premiere destination with over 14 million visitors per year sampling its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, outstanding hospitality and superb cuisine.

Welcome To Thailand.