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In the areas, which are developed for tourism an increasing number of Thai people can speak English more or less, so usually it is possible to have basic conversation supported by body language. Only the staff of big hotels and banks, who are trained in interrelations with foreigners can speak English well and fluently. If you are travelling off the beaten tracks you need to know some Thai. Foreigners who are able to speak a couple of Thai words and sayings, even with the right tone, will quickly experience the difference, how much more fun it is, to travel and speak the local language.
Thai people often face problems in transcribing Thai language into the western alphabet. There are no standard transcription rules yet. This fact is especially noticeable when you see written street names for example; Ratchadamnoen Road, Rajadamnoern Road, Rajadamnern Road, Rajdamnern Road, Rajdamnoen Road and so on. There is a binding list from the ministry of the interior for the names of villages, towns and cities. According to that list, the writing “Koh Samui” is correct while “Koh Samui” is wrong.
YOU and I
Thai people are very polite. That’s how they talk to each other and they expect you talk to them in the same manner.
Kun: “kun” means “you or your” , and is Singular. This personal pronoun is used by male and female speakers, at the beginning of the question and at the end of a sentence. Example: What’s your name? - kun chee arrai? I like you - pom chop kun / ti-chan chop kun.
Pom: “pom” means “I” , but it is only used by male speakers. Example: I like you - pom chop kun.
Ti-chan: “ti-chan” or “chan” means “I“, and it is only used by female speakers. Example: I like you - ti-chan chop kun.
Krap: “krap” or “kap” (mostly pronounced in this way) is used as a particle for expressing politeness and it is used at the end of the sentence when the speaker is male. Example: What’s your name? - kun chee array kap? Krap or kap also means “yes” (polite) and is used by male speakers only.
Ka: “ka” is a particle for expressing politeness, used at the end of sentence and for chee arrai ka? Ka also means “yes” (polite) and is used by female speakers only.
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