When exploring Phuket, a few simple Thai sentences can go a long way — whether you’re asking for directions, ordering food, or chatting with a taxi driver.
Locals always appreciate when visitors try a few Thai words — it shows effort, respect, and often earns a big smile (and sometimes better service too).
Here are 9 essential Thai phrases that travelers can use daily, complete with pronunciation, meaning, and real-world examples.
Meaning: Make it less spicy, please.
Example: “Pad Kra Pao ao phet noi na krub.” — “Please make the basil stir-fry not too spicy.”
💡 Tip: Phuket food can be quite spicy — this phrase helps you adjust your meal to your comfort level.
Meaning: Can I have plain water, please?
Example: “Khon nam plao duay ka.” — “Please bring me a bottle of water.”
💡 Use it at: Restaurants, cafés, or food stalls when you want regular water (not soda water).
Meaning: How much is this?
Example: “An nee tao rai ka?” — “How much is this t-shirt?”
💡 Perfect for: Local markets and souvenir shops.
Meaning: Where is the toilet?
Example: “Hong nam pai tang nai krub?” — “Which way is the restroom?”
💡 Essential: Always polite and useful at restaurants, attractions, or malls.
Meaning: Which way is the beach?
Example: “Chai had pai tang nai?” — “Where is the beach?”
💡 Use at: Town areas like Patong or Kata when finding beach access points.
Meaning: Where can I get a taxi?
Example: “Riak taxi tee nai ka?” — “Where can I catch a taxi around here?”
💡 Tip: You can also ask for “Grab” (Thailand’s ride-hailing app).
Meaning: You can stop right here.
Example: “Jod trong nee dai loei krub.” — “You can park right here.”
💡 Useful for: Tuk-tuks, taxis, or songthaews when reaching your destination.
Meaning: What does this mean?
Example: “An nee pla wa arai ka?” — “What does this word mean?”
💡 Great for: Learning Thai phrases or chatting with locals at markets.
Meaning: Which one do you recommend?
Example: “Nae nam an nai krub?” — “Which dish do you recommend?”
💡 Use at: Restaurants or cafés — locals love when you ask for their suggestion!
These 9 phrases are simple but powerful for any traveler in Phuket — helping you order food, get around, and connect naturally with locals.
You don’t need to speak perfect Thai — just trying these sentences will make your trip more personal and enjoyable.
📘 Bookmark this mini guide or share it before your next trip.
It’s a great reference for blog readers, travel creators, or anyone writing about Thailand’s local culture.
👉 Pair this with our [Phuket Local Slang & Thai Travel Phrases: Full Glossary] and [Phuket Travel Pass Google My Maps] for a complete, easy-to-use travel toolkit.
Getting to Phuket is easy and exciting! ✈️ You can fly directly into Phuket International Airport (HKT) from many major cities around the world, or catch a short domestic flight from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or other parts of Thailand. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also arrive by bus or ferry from nearby provinces. Once you land, it's just a short ride to the island’s beautiful beaches, vibrant towns, and hidden gems.
