If you’ve ever sat in the back of a Thai taxi awkwardly pointing at Google Maps… this one’s for you.
Today, you’ll learn 3x simple Thai phrases that will help you:
- Tell the driver where to go
- Ask them to turn on the meter
- Let them know where to stop
1) "go to __________ please"
You can say: bpai ________ kráp/kâ
Here are 2x examples for you:
- bpai Terminal 21 kráp = Go to Terminal 21, please.
- bpai Ari kráp = Go to Ari, please.
Thai Vocabulary Broken Down:
- bpai = “to go”
- kráp/kâ = polite particle (male/female)
2) "please use the meter"
You can say: chái mee-dtêr dûai nòi dâaimái kráp/kâ
You can say this right when you get into the taxi cab to avoid a flat fare negotiation.
Thai Vocabulary Broken Down:
- chái = “to use”
- mee-dtêr = “meter”
- dûai = “also"
- nòi = "please"
- dâaimái = ...can (you)?
- kráp/kâ = polite particle
3) "stop right here"
You can say: yùt tîinîi kráp/kâ
You can also say: jòt tîinîi kráp/kâ
You can say this when you are just about to arrive to where you want to be and would like to get out of the taxi cab.
Thai Vocabulary Broken Down:
- yùt = “stop”
- jòt = "park"
- tîinîi = "here"
- kráp/kâ = polite particle
Key Things To Remember:
Even if your vocabulary isn’t perfect yet, just speaking up and trying your best goes a long way in Thailand. Thai people really appreciate the effort and honestly, it’s often more about your attitude than perfect grammar.
Start with these simple phrases, say them with confidence, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s how real learning happens.
And don’t forget... adding kráp (if you’re male) or kâ (if you’re female) at the end of your sentences keeps things polite and friendly. It’s one of those little details that makes your Thai feel way more natural.
Ready To Speak Thai For Real?
The Thai Language Challenge is a 100-day program I built to take you from zero to having a 10-minute conversation entirely in Thai.
Every student who completes the challenge proves it in a live exam with me.
And every single one has passed.
The next cohort opens September 4.
Spots are limited to 50 students only.
Curious what my students really sound like?
Click here to watch their final conversation exam fully in Thai.
See you in next week’s Thai Phrasebook!
~ Kru Fah
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