Thailand Language

The Thai language, the nation’s official language, is extremely different from English, which is spoken only in some sectors of the Thai population. Few tourists pick up more than basic rudiments during a short trip. Thai script is not based on an alphabet in the same way that English is, but is an abugida, relying on consonants with vowel notation. Some are used only to write Sanskrit words and some are only found at the ends of Thai words. Many of these consonants are the same sound except differing in tone, and are thus distinguished by an accompanying name. For the sake of brevity, Let’s Go: Thailand provides only a guide aimed at providing the traveler with some speaking ability.

Since even spoken Thai is so difficult to learn and since few travelers make the effort, even the most basic attempts at Thai by farang will be greeted with excitement. This section will help you prepare for your trip and gives you a few key phrases to practice.

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