Thailand
Southeast Asia · Thai · Thai Baht
Keep your cool — the first person to raise their voice loses, and never touch anyone's head or point your feet at a Buddha.
Today in Thailand
No Thailand stories in today's wires — read the global briefing.
5 phrases you need in Thailand
- Helloสวัสดีครับ/ค่ะsa-wat-DEE krap/kah
- Goodbyeลาก่อนlah-GAWN
- Pleaseกรุณาga-roo-NAH
- Thank youขอบคุณครับ/ค่ะkop-KOON krap/kah
- Excuse meขอโทษkor-TOHT
The Trovlr app drills all 8 Thailand phrases with audio, Duolingo-style. Get the app →
Know before you go
money
Thai ATMs charge a flat 220-baht fee to foreign cards — withdraw large amounts infrequently. Street food, markets, and most taxis run on cash.
scams
The tuk-tuk driver who says the Grand Palace is 'closed today for a ceremony' is taking you to a gem shop — it is never closed. Use Grab or insist on the meter.
etiquette
Lèse-majesté is a real criminal offense — never disrespect the monarchy, even casually. At temples cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes before entering buildings.
transport
Grab works in every major city; in Bangkok the BTS Skytrain and MRT beat any car at rush hour. Overnight trains to Chiang Mai book out — reserve sleepers days ahead.
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