📚 Thai Language and Culture: A Beginner's Guide

Viktor Dimitrov
May 14
3 min read

Thailand is known for its warm hospitality, vibrant traditions, and unforgettable cuisine—but to truly immerse yourself in Thai culture, even a few words of the Thai language can make a big difference. Whether you’re planning a trip to Thailand someday or simply want to feel closer to Thai culture during your meal at Sukhothai Restaurant in Brussels, this guide will help you get started.

Say It Like a Local: Essential Thai Phrases

Here are some simple and polite Thai phrases that can elevate your dining experience:

Sawasdee (สวัสดี) – Hello / Goodbye
A friendly, all-purpose greeting. Add ka (ค่ะ) for women or krub (ครับ) for men to be polite:→ Sawasdee ka / krub
Khob khun (ขอบคุณ) – Thank you
Always appreciated! Say:→ Khob khun ka / krub
Mai phet (ไม่เผ็ด) – Not spicy
Helpful if you’re sensitive to heat but still want to enjoy authentic Thai food.
Aroi mak (อร่อยมาก) – Very delicious!
Try saying this after your meal—our chefs love hearing it.
Check bin duay (เช็คบิลด้วย) – Can I have the bill, please?
A handy phrase to know when wrapping up your meal.

💬 Fascinating Fact About the Thai Language

Did you know Thai is a tonal language with five different tones? That means a word like mai can have multiple meanings depending on how it's pronounced:

ไม้ (máai) = wood
ใหม่ (mài) = new
ไม่ (mâi) = no or not
ไหม (mǎi) = a question word
ไหม้ (mâi) = burn

This makes Thai both challenging and fascinating to learn—and a great way to engage more deeply with Thai culture.

🙏 Thai Cultural Etiquette: Respect Comes First

One of the most important values in Thai culture is respect. This comes through in many aspects of daily life, especially in how people speak and interact. You’ll notice this in:

The Wai Gesture
A polite bow with hands pressed together (like a prayer) used to greet others, show gratitude, or apologize.
Soft speech and politeness
Thais tend to speak gently and avoid confrontation. Even a simple request is often framed with kindness and the polite particles ka or krub.
Respect for food and elders
Wasting food is seen as disrespectful, and elders are always served first. These customs are practiced in homes and traditional restaurants alike.

🍴 Unique Thai Dining Customs vs. European Habits

Dining in Thailand is a social and shared experience, and it differs in some interesting ways from what many Europeans are used to. At Sukhothai, we embrace these customs:

Sharing is Caring
Thai meals are typically served family-style, with all dishes placed in the center for everyone to enjoy together. Unlike the Western idea of individual meals, Thai culture emphasizes community through shared dishes.
Fork and Spoon, Not Chopsticks
Thai people traditionally eat with a spoon and fork—spoons in the right hand, forks in the left (used to push food onto the spoon). Chopsticks are used mainly for noodle dishes, influenced by Chinese cuisine.
No Knife Needed
Thai food is usually prepared in bite-sized pieces, so there’s no need for a knife at the table. This reflects the Thai value of making food both accessible and elegant.
Quiet Appreciation
While it’s common in some European cultures to express satisfaction with loud enjoyment, Thai dining culture leans toward quiet appreciation and smiling compliments like “Aroi mak!”
Blessing Before Meals
In some households and temples, a moment of mindfulness or a short blessing is said before meals. While this isn’t a restaurant custom, it’s a beautiful tradition that emphasizes gratitude.

🥢 Practice What You Learn at Sukhothai

At Sukhothai Restaurant, we love when guests take interest in Thai culture. Whether you greet your server with a warm “Sawasdee ka” or thank them with a cheerful “Khob khun krub,” these small gestures build connection and appreciation.

Even if you’ve never been to Thailand, dining at Sukhothai is your passport to Thai traditions—from the gentle respect of a wai to the joy of shared plates full of vibrant flavors. We believe food is one of the most authentic ways to experience culture, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

So next time you visit, bring your appetite—and a few Thai words. You'll leave full in every sense of the word.