Do They Speak English In Thailand? Find Out Here!
Do they speak English in Thailand? Let’s get into it.
Have you ever wondered if people in the “Land of Smiles” speak English?
I absolutely love Thailand. It is such a beautiful country with so much to explore and discover.
However, if you’re thinking about traveling to Thailand, it’s important to consider the language barrier.
We have first-hand experience backpacking through Thailand and are here to tell you that, yes, English is spoken in Thailand.
Although it may not be as widely spoken as other languages.
It’s possible to find English speakers all throughout the country, especially in touristy spots like Bangkok or Phuket.
Additionally, many of the Thai people working in hospitality fields (restaurants, hotels) may also be able to communicate with you in English. Many likely work with foreigners daily.
That being said, learning some basic Thai phrases before traveling overseas is always helpful.
In this blog post, I’ll cover whether or not Thai people speak English and how well they know the language.
As well as provide a few common Thai phrases for you!
Beyond that, I also put together some useful tips, information, and trustworthy advice from our own personal experiences traveling through Thailand.
Do People Speak English In Thailand?
While many Thai people know the language, expect to find a variety of levels of knowledge when it comes to English speakers in Thailand.
Here are a few more things you should know.
Expect Varying Proficiency
As you travel through Thailand, be aware that the level of English proficiency can vary from person to person and region to region.
In major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and tourist hotspots such as Phuket and Pattaya, you are more likely to come across individuals who speak very good English.
As these areas are tourism centers, the locals frequently interact with foreigners visiting from English-speaking countries.
Interacting with native English speakers and many foreigners gives great practice for better use of the English language.
However, when venturing into rural areas or less-traveled regions of the country, expect to encounter far fewer fluent English speakers.
In small towns in rural parts of Thailand, locals primarily communicate using their native Thai dialects.
Which could pose challenges for foreign travelers relying solely on their English language skills.
I know we have made some hilarious pronunciation mistakes trying to get to a small town in northern Thailand.
This resulted in us finding ourselves on the wrong train heading to the wrong town during our backpacking travels!
I strongly recommend using Google Translate to avoid mistakes like ours! This helps us so much when trying to communicate with the employees at the bus stations in Thailand.
Be sure to check out our video about trying to find Lopburi, Thailand, if you need a good laugh.
Limited Number Of Fluent English Speakers
Although English is taught in Thai schools, the number of fluent speakers remains relatively low.
Approximately only 27% of the population speaks English, with many individuals having just a basic proficiency level.
Finding people who speak intermediate or advanced English is more likely in major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. However, since English is not their native language or first language, some might struggle with complex conversations or technical terms.
While we travel through Thailand, we never have major issues, though.
If the Thai people we interact with know a few English words, that is enough for us to be able to communicate effectively.
English Speaking In The Major Thai Cities
In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, English speaking is relatively more common due to the higher concentration of tourists and expats in these areas.
Remember not to assume that everyone speaks perfect or even conversational English within the city limits.
Communication might still be challenging when interacting with street vendors or taxi drivers who may know only basic phrases.
Factors like age and education may make a difference, as well.
For instance, younger people who have had exposure to English through school tend to exhibit better fluency than older generations who have not had the same opportunities.
Use Of English In The Tourism Industry
English is spoken in the tourism industry of Thailand, particularly in major tourist destinations and larger cities.
Although not all employees speak English fluently, most tourist attractions like hotels, restaurants, and shops have staff that can communicate at a basic level.
Tour guides generally speak English to cater to foreign tourists.
In Bangkok, in shopping malls or markets, street vendors, and sellers often use basic phrases.
These include ‘hello,’ ‘how much,’ or ‘thank you’ which are enough for communication purposes.
Language Diversity In Thailand
Thai is Thailand’s official language but not the only language spoken in the country.
Some locals speak Khmer, Malay, Burmese, Lao, Chinese, and many more. Below we will explore some of the commonly spoken languages in this country.
The Official Language And Regional Dialects
Thai is the official language of Thailand. It is widely spoken throughout the country.
However, regional dialects are spoken in Thailand’s four main regions: Northern Thai, Lao or Northeastern Thai, Central Thai (including several sub-dialects), and Southern Thai.
People from different regions may speak different variations of the same language, making communication between locals even more challenging.
Furthermore, there are over 70 living languages in Thailand, including minority languages such as Karen and Hmong.
Despite this diversity in language, most Thais can understand basic phrases in English due to the emphasis on tourism and international trade.
Other Languages Spoken In Thailand
In addition to Thai, several other languages are spoken in this country.
Chinese is the second most widely spoken language, particularly among the ethnic Chinese population.
Lao and Malay are also commonly spoken along the borders with Laos and Malaysia, respectively.
Can You Get By In Thailand Speaking English?
Yes, you can get by in Thailand speaking English, especially in major tourist areas and cities where English is a commonly spoken language.
That being said, knowing a few Thai phrases will help break down barriers and encourage you to get to know the locals.
And perhaps let you experience more unique interactions than tourists who don’t know any Thai phrases would.
Basic Thai Phrases To Know
We advise you to learn some basic Thai phrases before traveling to Thailand, even if you plan on speaking English most of the time.
Making friends with the locals always makes for a better travel experience and a chance for more adventures!
Here are some of the common phrases that will make communication easy:
👋 Hello: Sawatdee krap/ka
This is a polite greeting that is used at any time of day. Women should say “Sawatdee ka”, while men say “Sawatdee krap”.
🙏 Thank you: Khob khun krap/ka
Showing gratitude goes a long way in Thai culture. Women say “Khob khun ka”, while men say “Khob khun krap”.
🙅♀️ Cannot/Cannot do: Mai dai
When someone offers something or asks you to do something, and you cannot comply, use this phrase.
👍Yes: Chai (khrup/ka)
Women end it with “ka”, while men say “krap”.
👎No: Mai (khrup/ka)
Women end it with “ka”, while men say “krap”.
🚻 Where is the restroom? Hong nam yoo tee nai?
This phrase will undoubtedly be useful at some point during your travels. I know I have had to use it a ton!
🩺 I need a doctor: Phom dong gaan hai mor maa raak sa khrup/ka
I hope you never need this phrase, but it’s always good to know, just in case.
If you do ever need it, it’s best to be prepared and make sure you have good quality travel insurance.
While these phrases may seem simple, they can make all the difference in communicating with locals and feeling more comfortable navigating Thailand.
Why Is English Not Widely Spoken In Thailand?
Despite being taught to speak English in schools, many Thai people don’t speak it for several reasons.
Firstly, the education system in Thailand places a greater emphasis on rote memorization instead of communication skills and practical use of the language.
Secondly, many rural Thai people do not have regular exposure to the English language outside of formal education or tourist areas.
Furthermore, social factors such as cultural differences and shyness keep many Thais from speaking English confidently with foreigners.
Despite this, non-native speakers can communicate with locals by using basic Thai phrases.
Challenges And Solutions To Communication In Thailand
Overcoming language barriers and navigating cultural differences can be challenging when communicating in Thailand, especially in rural areas.
However, learning basic Thai phrases and being open-minded helps you connect with locals.
Overcoming Language Barriers
In Thailand, language barriers challenge travelers, expats, and locals alike.
However, there are several strategies to use to overcome these challenges and improve language communication.
Among the most effective ways is to learn basic Thai phrases to help you navigate everyday situations such as shopping or ordering food at restaurants.
Coffee shops in Thailand have also taken an innovative approach to breaking down language barriers by hosting language exchange programs.
These programs encourage Thai locals and foreigners to come together and practice speaking each other’s native languages in a relaxed environment.
Navigating Cultural Differences
When communicating in Thailand, keep cultural differences in mind.
Thai people value politeness, calmness, and consideration for the feelings of others in their communication styles.
They often seek to maintain amicable interactions through smiling or nodding.
Be aware of the relationship and rank between speakers and listeners when communicating with Thais. Both verbal and nonverbal communication may vary depending on these factors.
For instance, addressing someone by their first name may be seen as inappropriate if they hold a high position or are older than you.
Frequently Asked Questions
When visiting a foreign country, knowing the rules of communication is important to respect different cultures and navigate your way through a new place.
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about speaking English in Thailand.
English is widely spoken in Bangkok, making it relatively easy for English-speaking tourists to get around the city. Many Thais understand and speak English, especially educated locals and those working in businesses that cater to tourists.
In destinations such as malls and tourist attractions, signs are written in both Thai and English. Street vendors and tour guides speak basic English to communicate with foreigners.
According to official statistics, around 27% of the Thai population speaks English. However, the actual percentage might be lower. The level of English proficiency in Thailand is reported to be low, and the country ranked 89th out of 100 countries according to the 2020 EF language proficiency index. While many Thais may not be fluent in English, they can hold basic conversations as English is a mandatory subject in Thai schools.
That would be Thai, Lao, and Chinese. Thai is the official language of Thailand and is spoken by the majority of its population. However, English is also widely spoken as a second language in popular tourist destinations and major business areas.
In addition to Thai and English, many Thai people speak Chinese. Knowing even a few basic phrases in these languages can make it easier to interact with locals.
Final Thoughts
One of the most common questions about Thailand, along with wondering if Thai tap water is safe to drink, is wondering if English is spoken in this country.
English is widely spoken and understood in major cities and tourist areas in Thailand.
However, visitors should expect varying levels of proficiency from locals.
To make the most of your trip to Thailand, learn some basic Thai phrases to help you overcome language barriers and navigate cultural differences.
Try out the local drinking establishments to make new friends and discover unique experiences. Just be sure to follow Thai drinking laws and respect local cultures.
Plus, becoming friends with locals and experiencing different cultures is the best part of travel!
Wishing you safe and happy travels, my friends.
