Going to Thailand and i'm really worried about the language barrier!

Question

Hi!

I'm going to Thailand next year on my honeymoon, ive never been overseas and i'm worried that we wont be able to buy anything or EAT because of the language barrier!

Do many Thai people understand english and is it going to be really difficult? We're staying in Bangkok, Koh Samui and Phuket

Thanks

Answer 1

It depends on the resturant or food shop you are about to eat. If you are going to a Food Center in supermarket or a resturant, there should be no problem. But, if you are going to a small food stall where menu is written in Thai, there will be a little difficult.

However, I think you will be fine. Many people can speak English. Ask for help if you have any problem, Thai will be willing to help. Don't forget to say "Kob koon" = thank you.

Yes and be careful about taxi. Ask them to open meter if they don't, just move to other taxi. Or at least, negotiate the price. I have never experienced problem about taxi cheating but to be careful is better.

Have fun!

Answer 2

Your find enough people in tourist areas who speak some English.  Most restaurants have menus in English and Thai (with only few spelling errors)  Millions of tourist come here daily and survive.  I won't worry about it.

Answer 3

You need not worry at all. One of the biggest contributor to Thailand's GDP is tourism, the Thais are so accustomed to tourists that they will go "konichi-wa" "ni-hao" "hello, how are you?" before you even open your mouth.

No worries about language barrier. Most of the pple in the tourist sector speak basic English. You just got to speak slowly and clearly.

Enjoy the beaches!

"Same same but different" - You will know what i mean when you shop at the bazaar.  

Answer 4

You won't have a problem,.You will have fun. most menu's in the touristy ares have a menu in Thai and English, and at the sidewalk food stalls you can just point at the food on display.

Thai's are very helpful and friendly people..

Answer 5

you don't to worry because Bangkok, Koh Samui and Phuket mostly people can speak English. I live in Phuket with have many foreigner and a lot of people can speak English very well.

For Honeymoon trip in Phuket i would like to recommend you to stay at The Racha Hotel (http://www.agoda.com/asia/thailand/phuke...

Answer 6

Thailand is easy to travel in. Many people speak English. Thailand you might recall has long been a trading partner with England. The US has long had a presence there as well. You will ahve a wonderful time. I especially like Chiang Mai in the north.

Astrobuf

Answer 7

You'll have very little problem if any.  When you go look for a sign that says in English KFC (this is a Thai food chain that sells chicken) Go inside and there will be a counter with a clerk behind it. Say the phrase, "I'll have a number 2".  The clerk will say, "two?".  Repeat, "yes two" and hold up two finger.  She will then show you the price 135.  Remember it in Thai baht and not dollars (about $4).  Thai money has 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 on it so you'll just have to find a 100 and a 50 baht note.  S/he will give you back 2 coins that will be a 10 baht coin and a 5 baht coin(keep these as you'll find them useful for buying other things like bus tickets).  They will either have your meal ready or you can sit down and they will bring it to your table. enjoy.

Answer 8

Don't worry - - you will be in tourist areas - - if the people in restaurants there did not speak English they would starve before you did... just remember, there are a million tourists a year who arrive in Thailand - - maybe only four of them speak any Thai - -  

Answer 9

No worry about language barrier  in Thailand ,especially the places you going to as most Thai people speak English , only thing is some Taxi driver don't really understand or speak , I suggest you bring along the name card of the hotel you stay , just show it to them and you shouldn't have any trouble.

Enjoy your stay in Thailand !!!

chok dee ( good luck)

Answer 10

In those places you'll be fine!!

Your biggest concern might be with taxis in Bangkok, so try and get your hotel to recommend a shuttle, if not, make sure you determine the price before you agree to the ride. Write down a number if you aren't sure what you've agreed to.

In the main tourist places English will be very widely spoken.

I went last year and had NO problems. I learned how to say please and thank you in Thai, but other than that, nothing. Oh... ting tong means crazy... and falang is foreigner. That's all!

almost every restaurant in tourist places has an english menu. You'll be FINE! Don't worry.

Answer 11

Thailand is one of those countries where the people understand basic English but they don't show it. It is similar to Japan where a majority understand what you are saying in English but they expect you to speak the native language. If you are in touristy areas, hotel receptionists speak good english, same with in airports and restaurants. Restaurants in Thailand is a little different where as there are many side street open air mom and pop type restaurants and then there are those big restaurants where you sit in air conditioned rooms, etc (menues are in English and Thai). It is really a hit and miss with those mom and pop places, some of them have menus in Thai and English, some are just in Thai. As long as you use simple English they will understand what you mean. Also to get in good with the locals, try learning some basic Thai phrases like Hello, Thank you, etc. Remember, Thais love foreigners because they spend lots of money and they look different (my friend told me that lol). Just keep an openmind and have fun.  

Answer 12

There's nothing to worry about. Most Thai people know how to speak English, and all the schools in Thailand teach English.