Showing gratitude by saying “Thank You” in the Thai language is More Than Just a Phrase!
So, you’re heading to the Land of Smiles! Whether you’re planning to hit the beaches of Phuket or feast on street food in Bangkok, you’re in for an incredible time. While many Thais speak some English, learning a few local phrases is the best way to show respect and connect with the amazing people you’ll meet.
And the most powerful phrase of all? A simple, genuine “thank you.” It’s more than just good manners; it’s a sign that you appreciate the culture, and it’s guaranteed to be returned with a warm smile. This guide will take you from the basic “how to say thank you in Thai language” to expressing heartfelt gratitude like a local.
To truly understand how to express gratitude, it is helpful to know that Thai culture places a significant emphasis on respect. It’s not just about being nice; it’s about acknowledging a person’s age and status, which is why a simple thank you in Thai language can have so many different levels.
Therefore, before we proceed to the phrases, it is helpful to understand why politeness is so central in Thailand. By using the correct polite phrases, you’re not just being a good tourist; you’re actively contributing to a culture of respect. It shows you’ve made an effort, which goes a long way. Getting the gendered endings right is the easiest way to do this, and it makes all the difference.
The Absolute Essential: The Basic "Thank You"
This is your bread and butter, the one phrase you’ll use every day. The core of “thank you” in Thai is:
ขอบคุณ (khàawp khun)
But you’re not done yet! To make it polite, you must add polite particles at the end depending on your gender. Think of it as dotting your i’s and crossing your t’s.
If you’re a male speaker, you add ครับ (khráp) to thank someone:
ขอบคุณครับ (khàawp khun khráp)
If you’re a female speaker, you add ค่ะ (khâ):
ขอบคุณค่ะ (khàawp khun khâ)
Using “khàawp khun” without the “khráp” or “khâ” at the end of the phrase can sound blunt or incomplete, so always remember to add it, as that’s the most polite way to say “thank you” in Thai in your day-to-day situations.
Turning Up the Gratitude: "Thank You Very Much"
While khàawp khun might suffice in usual scenarios, don’t we all notch up our gratitude scales when someone does something truly amazing for us?
Imagine a situation where your colleague or friends invite you for a wholesome lunch or dinner, and perhaps the host treats you to a special home-cooked meal or your favourite Australian snack to make you feel at home.
Won’t you be over the moon? In that situation, will a simple Thanks in Thai language be enough to convey your emotions well? No, right? Then, for these moments, you can use a phrase that shows deep, sincere respect.
กราบขอบพระคุณ (gràap khàawp phrá khun)
This is a highly formal and heartfelt way, loosely translated as Thank You Very Much in Thai. Although you wouldn’t use it with a street food vendor, it’s perfect for expressing gratitude to a respected elder, a benefactor, or someone of high social standing. It’s the pinnacle of gratitude.
Keeping it Casual: Thanking Mates and Younger People
Just like you wouldn’t use formal language with your mates back home, there’s a casual way to say thanks in Thai.
ขอบใจ (khàawp jai)
Crucial Cultural Tip: Use ‘khàawp jai’ only with people who are close friends, younger acquaintances, and Thai kids in informal settings. It implies a sense of seniority on your part, so using it with an elder would be a cultural faux pas. When in doubt, always stick to the safe and respectful khàawp khun khráp/khâ.
Therefore, you might hear your friend use this phrase with you, but not with your senior. Also, to make it sound even friendlier, you can add นะ (ná) to the end: ขอบใจนะ (khàawp jai ná).
Beyond Words: The Wai (ไหว้)
One of the most common ways to express gratitude in Thai is by using “Wai.” You must have seen the wai everywhere in Thailand.
It’s the beautiful, prayer-like gesture where people press their palms together. It’s used for greeting, apologising, and, of course, thanking.
When someone gives you something or does you a favour, accompanying your “khàawp khun khráp/khâ” with a wai is a wonderful sign of respect in formal and informal settings.
However, here’s a pro-tip for Aussies: you don’t need to return a wai from service staff. When a cashier at 7-Eleven or a waiter wais you, they are doing it as part of their job. One of the most positive ways to respond in that scenario is with a warm smile and a polite nod, accompanied by a verbal thank you. Returning their wai can sometimes create a slightly awkward moment for them.
Thinking your Thai lessons are ending here? Well, this is only the beginning! It’s time to learn common ways or know how to say Thai Thank You in a particular sentence so you can thank us after receiving the best translation services.
Getting Specific: "Thank You For..."
To thank Thai people for something specific, you generally use one of two structures:
For a thing (noun): Start with ขอบคุณสำหรับ (khàawp khun săm-ràp)…
For an action (verb): Start with ขอบคุณที่ (khàawp khun thîi)…
1. Thank You for the Food.
Thai: ขอบคุณสำหรับอาหาร (khàawp khun săm-ràp aa-hăan) (khráp/khâ)
When to use: Perfect for after a delicious meal at a restaurant or when someone has treated you to food.
2. Thank You for Your Help.
Thai: ขอบคุณสำหรับความช่วยเหลือ (khàawp khun săm-ràp khwaam chûay-lĕua) (khráp/khâ)
When to use: An essential phrase for when someone has helped you find your way, translated for you, or assisted you.
3. Thank You for the Gift.
Thai: ขอบคุณสำหรับของขวัญ (khàawp khun săm-ràp khŏng-khwăn) (khráp/khâ)
When to use: When you receive a gift or a souvenir from someone.
4. Thank You for Coming.
Thai: ขอบคุณที่มา (khàawp khun thîi maa) (khráp/khâ)
When to use: A great phrase for a host to say to a guest, or if you’ve invited a Thai friend to meet you somewhere.
5. Thank You for Driving/the Ride.
Thai: ขอบคุณที่มาส่ง (khàawp khun thîi maa sòng) (khráp/khâ)
When to use: Say this after a friend, a Grab driver, or anyone gives you a lift. It literally means “Thank you for coming to drop me off.”
6. Thank You for Your Kindness.
Thai: ขอบคุณสำหรับความใจดี (khàawp khun săm-ràp khwaam jai-dii) (khráp/khâ)
When to use: A very sincere way to thank someone who has been particularly warm, generous, or kind-hearted.
7. Thank You for Taking Care of Us.
Thai: ขอบคุณที่ดูแลเป็นอย่างดี (khàawp khun thîi duu-lae bpen yàang dee) (khráp/khâ)
When to use: Perfect for the end of a tour, a hotel stay, or when leaving a friend’s home. It means “Thank you for taking such good care.”
8. Thank You for Teaching Me.
Thai: ขอบคุณที่สอน (khàawp khun thîi sŏn) (khráp/khâ)
When to use: Ideal for after a Thai cooking class, a Muay Thai lesson, or when someone teaches you a new word, or how to say Good Morning in Different Languages.
9. Thank You for the Recommendation.
Thai: ขอบคุณสำหรับคำแนะนำ (khàawp khun săm-ràp kham-náe-nam) (khráp/khâ)
When to use: When a local suggests a great restaurant, a reliable Thai translation service, a market, or a sight to see, and you want to thank them for the tip.
10. Thank You for Everything.
Thai: ขอบคุณสำหรับทุกอย่าง (khàawp khun săm-ràp thúk yàang) (khráp/khâ)
When to use: A wonderful, all-encompassing phrase to show deep gratitude and sincere appreciation to someone who has gone out of their way to help you in many ways.
While there may be hundreds of ways of saying thank you in Thai, in Thai society, politeness and respect are essential. Therefore, before you learn Thai phrases, you may start with politeness.
The Other Side of the Coin: How to Say "You're Welcome"
In formal and informal situations, you will need to reply to thank you in Thai. Therefore, let’s move from different ways to say “Thank You in Thailand” to ways to say “You’re Welcome” in Thai.
The All-Purpose Reply: “No Worries!”
If you wish to remember only one phrase, this is the one. The most common and versatile way to say “you’re welcome” in Thai is:
ไม่เป็นไร (mâi bpen rai or mai pen rai)
This is the Thai equivalent of “no worries,” “no problem,” or “it’s nothing.”
You’ll hear it constantly. It perfectly captures the relaxed, easy-going nature of Thai culture. It’s suitable for almost any situation, from a formal setting to a casual chat with a street food vendor.
When to use it: Someone thanks you for holding a door, giving directions, or any small favour. This is your go-to, everyday response.
The Sincere Reply: “My Pleasure”
If you want to sound a bit warmer, more sincere, or more formal, you can use:
ยินดี (yin dii)
This translates directly to “pleasure” or “gladly.” It carries a sense of “I was happy to do it for you.” While mâi bpen rai is about brushing off the thanks, yin dii is about warmly accepting it.
When to use it: Someone thanks you for a gift, for significant help, or in a more formal business or hospitality setting.
More Polite & Nuanced Options
Want to sound even more like native speakers? Here are a couple of other phrases you might hear:
ด้วยความยินดี (dûay khwaam yin dii)
This is a more formal and very polite version of yin dii, meaning “With pleasure.” It’s perfect for showing extra respect.
เล็กน้อย (lék nɔ́ɔi)
This phrase means “It’s just a small thing.” It’s a humble way to respond when you’ve done someone a favour and want to be modest about it.
Pro Tip: As a tonal language, the biggest part of the Thai language relies heavily on nasal sounds. Therefore, be careful of the Classic Mix-Up: “No Problem” vs. “Is there a problem?”
The correct phrase is ไม่เป็นไร (mâi pen rai).
The word for “no” or “not” is mâi, said with a falling tone (your voice goes down). This means “It is not a problem.”
Don’t stress about getting every single word perfect. Thais are incredibly forgiving. However, if you focus on making the ‘khráp’ (khrap) sound sharp and high, and the ‘khâ‘ sound soft and falling, you’ll be understood and appreciated 99% of the time. Just listen to how the locals say it and copy that. You’ll get the hang of it.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet: How to Say Thank You in Thai
| Situation | Thai Phrase | Pronunciation | Who to Use It With |
| Polite Thank You (Male) | ขอบคุณครับ | khàawp khun khráp | Anyone, formal/general |
| Polite Thank You (Female) | ขอบคุณค่ะ | khàawp khun khâ | Anyone, formal/general |
| Thank You Very Much (Male) | ขอบคุณมากครับ | khàawp khun mâak khráp | For extra gratitude |
| Informal “Thanks” (Male and Female Speakers) | ขอบใจ | khàawp jai | Among friends, younger people |
| “You’re Welcome” | ไม่เป็นไร | mâi pen rai | General response |
| “My Pleasure” | ยินดี | yin dii or yin dee | Polite/sincere response |
Conclusion: Go On, Give It a Go!
Now that you know various ways to say thank you in Thai, don’t be shy about trying out these phrases. Thais are famous for their welcoming and patient nature, and they will almost always appreciate your effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. Therefore, learning a polite “khàawp khun khráp/khâ” is a small step that will make your interactions more meaningful and your trip to Thailand even more memorable.
Thus, go ahead and give it a try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is "sawadika" in Thailand?
What Does "Chok Dee Krap" Mean?
“Chok Dee Krap” (โชคดีครับ) means “good luck.” It’s a common, friendly way to wish someone well. “Krap” is the polite particle used by male speakers; females say “Chok Dee Kha.”
What Does "Su Su Na Kha" Mean in Thai?
“Su Su Na Kha” (สู้ๆนะคะ) is a cheer of encouragement meaning “Keep fighting!” or “Don’t give up!” “Kha” is a polite particle for female speakers; men say “Su Su Na Krap.”
What Are the Main Ways to Say 'Thank You' and 'You're Welcome' in Thai, from Polite to Casual?
- Goes beyond a simple translation: It asks for “ways” (plural), indicating a need for multiple options.
- Includes politeness and formality: This captures the core of your guide—khàawp khun vs. khàawp jai vs. gràap khàawp phrá khun.
- Mentions cultural context: Specifically referencing the wai ensures this crucial non-verbal element is included.
- Covers both sides of the conversation: It asks for both “thank you” and “you’re welcome” (mâi bpen rai / yin dii).
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