Do People Speak English in Thailand? Let’s Find Out!

By Alice Ross | ASIA

Apr 22
Do People Speak english in Thailand

If you're considering a trip to the Land of Smiles, you may be wondering, "Do people speak English in Thailand?". As most people who visit Thailand can only speak a little or no Thai at all, the communication between Thai people and foreigners usually has to happen in English. And although a lot of Thais can speak a bit of English, understanding them or trying to make sure they understand you can nevertheless still be a bit of a challenge.

More...

One of the main reasons for this is that Thai people usually translate Thai phrases into English very literally - particularly those who have had limited access to education and haven't studied the language formally. In addition, English words are also pronounced in a distinctive way in Thai.

In general, the pronunciation is a bigger barrier to understanding than the grammar. It is often possible to figure out the meaning even if there are mistakes or if the words are in the wrong order, but identifying the words that are spoken can be trickier.

Many tourists visiting Thailand, especially those who are not staying in the country for too long, just abandon the idea of learning the local language and decide to rely on English. However, how well do people speak English in Thailand? Will you be able to communicate? Let's find out…

English in Thailand

students learning English in Thailand

Even though the English language is taught in some schools in Thailand, most locals don't have a lot of opportunities to practice foreign languages unless they study abroad. Perhaps reading and writing are easier, but speaking the language is not as simple.

In the 1960s, it became more common for Thai people to learn the English language, as the number of foreign visitors grew. In particular, there was an influx from the American Military, which was based in Vietnam and used neighboring Thailand as their R&R base.

sign answering the question do people speak English in Thailand

Since then, English learning has been continually boosted, as the country has become a famous destination for travelers looking for an affordable place to vacation. Another important factor is the rising number of expats deciding to live in the country.

English is now widely spoken in the capital city, Bangkok, as well as in other tourist destinations in the country. However, some locals' English remains quite rudimentary and you may find that understanding the words is not always simple.

teaching

In Thai schools, exposure to the English language is variable at best. Therefore, unless parents can afford to send their children to expensive schools or on study abroad programs, it's more likely for locals not to develop great English oral skills. While there might be some English taught in Thai public schools, it's usually not an essential part of the curriculum. Therefore, children may be able to say some words and phrases, but in some cases they might not even actually understand what they mean.

The further the place is from major cities such as Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, the lesser the exposure to English. The net outcome is extremely poor English skills on the whole, although English is more common among the middle classes. The issue is worsened by teachers giving students passing grades regardless of their actual scores.

hotel

The staff of hotels and restaurants in most major tourist destinations will almost always have acceptable English speaking skills. In those areas, signs and menus are routinely translated into English, although they may contain some - often charmingly amusing - errors.

On the other hand, if you go to more rural parts of Thailand, your chance of encountering people who speak English is greatly reduced. Even if the language is spoken, you will still have to focus on trying to understand the pronunciation, grammar, and sentence structure, as Thai people can have trouble pronouncing English correctly.

When a shop keeper or street vendor has to tell you the right price for a product they are selling, don't be surprised if they choose to type the amount into a calculator and then show it to you rather than speak it out loud.

In the business field, you will more commonly find Thai people speaking to each other in English. This is particularly true among educated locals. Understandably, those with good English like to show off their skills, since for most of them, being able to speak English is a symbol of status and intelligence.

ad

There has been a growth in English language media in Thailand in the past few years, and it continues to rise. There are many English magazines and newspapers circulating around the country, which includes big mainstream publications like The Nation and The Bangkok Post newspaper. Actually, even Thai language periodicals will normally have headlines written in English.

Likewise, if you're wondering if you'll be able to catch a movie on your holiday, don't worry. Nowadays, cinemas in big cities and popular tourist destinations give you the option to watch English-language movies in the original with Thai subtitles.

Tips to Communicate in English in Thailand

Don't let the occasional language barrier stop you from connecting with the locals! Thai people are some of the friendliest and smiliest people in the world, and will usually do their best to communicate with you even if their English is not perfect.



Here are a few tips that will help to make your life easier when conversing with your Thai hosts:

  • If your interlocutor seems to have trouble following you or does not understand you correctly, try to adapt your speech. In this situation, most people's instinct is to keep repeating the same thing louder. This usually doesn't help and can end up creating frustration and annoyance for both parties. Instead, make sure to speak slower, spell out your words clearly, and think of alternative, simpler ways to rephrase what you are saying. This does not mean patronizing your interlocutor, so don't overdo it. But often, using a slightly simpler syntax and vocabulary is all it takes to unblock a conversation.
  • Keep in mind that in Thai (and in most Asian languages), the "R" sound does not exist and is instead pronounced as an "L". If your Thai interlocutor speaks a word containing an "L" sound that you do not recognize, try replacing the "L" with an "R" in your head, and it might suddenly make sense.
  • Be aware that the Thai language uses a different syntax and conjugation, and that locals may apply those rules to English. As an example, there are no past and future tenses in Thai. Because of this, it is common for Thai people to utter statements like "Last week, I go to Krabi", mirroring how they would express the past in Thai. Don't be fazed by this and accept it as one of those charming linguistic differences that make our world interesting.
  • Learn a few basic phrases, like "Hello", "Thank you", and "Goodbye," ahead of your trip or at the beginning of it. Pick up the phrasebook we recommend below and start studying the first pages on your flight over. Knowing just a few of these polite expressions will mark your respect toward the Thai people and culture and will help you get by. Locals usually feel particularly kindly toward visitors who make the effort to learn at least a few words of their language.

So, the answer to the question "Do people speak English in Thailand?" is yes, and no. It is very easy to survive in Bangkok and other tourist spots even if you don't speak Thai. However, if you try to wander off-the-beaten-path and venture into more remote areas that don't receive a lot of foreign visitors, you'll likely have some trouble getting by if you don't have a phrase book.

We recommend carrying the Berlitz Thai Phrasebook and Dictionary with you! It's been our trusty travel companion on our extensive trips in Thailand. With its clear and compact, pocket-sized format, it's easy to use and even comes with free access to the Berlitz app. It contains everything you need to know to understand others and make yourself understood when you're out and about in Thailand!

There are a lot of foreigners living in Thailand. A lot of them try learning the local language, and a lot of them are disappointed, as it turns out to be a very difficult language to learn. So don't worry if you've been struggling with it: you're not alone!

to what extent do people speak English in Thailand

Although being able to speak Thai when visiting Thailand would be a lot easier for you, you will certainly be fine relying on English as a foreigner in Thailand. Just make sure that you have a phrase book with you if you are planning to go to less touristy parts of the country.

Have you been to Thailand before? What has your experience of speaking English during your stay been like? Make sure to share your thoughts in a comment below!

Rating: 4.67 (12 votes)

Follow

About the Author

Hi, I’m Alice Ross, a long-term traveler who left the corporate world to travel the world. I chose to live life on my own phase and live day by day while immersing myself in new experiences, new knowledge, and new people in a different walk of life I met along the way.

Leave a Comment:

Leave a Comment: