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A Few Thai Phrases to know
From these pages you can learn a little more about Thai business ethics and a few simple phrases, words and customs
 www.4bangkok.com
From these pages you can learn a little more about Thai business ethics and a few simple phrases, words and customs.
Bangkok's full name
The largest city and capital of Thailand, Bangkok also has the longest name of any capital in the world. Translated as 'city of angels' the western version of the name is Bangkok. The Thai name is however much different that Bangkok. Thai people refer to Bangkok as 'Krung-thep' because. Krung-thep is the first part of the full name for the city. The full name of Bangkok is more than a mouth full, and is a song which children learn at school. Simply knowing 'Krung Thep' will give you have a greater knowledge and understanding of Thailand than some foreigners have even those who have lived in Bangkok for years.
The full and complete name of Bangkok is:
Krung-thep-maha-hnah-khon Bor-worn-rhattana-gosin Mah-hintara-yutayah Mah-hah-delok Pop Nop-parat-lacha-thanee-buree-rom Udom-ratcha-neewet-mah-hah-sathan Amorn-peemarn-awat-dahn-sat-tit-saka-tat-deeyat-wisa-nut-gram-brasit.
Greeting People
Upon greeting someone, the greeting in Thailand is 'Sawatdee krap' for a man, 'Sawatdee Ka' for a women. This is used to say both hello and good-bye. Saying this clearly and correctly is important, you will say this phrase ten times a day.
Krap Pom
If someone calls your name, to gain your attention, a simple response of 'Krap Pom', will earn you the respect of the people you are dealing with. It is a quick, easy and polite response to your name. It shows that you have shown an interest in learning about Thai culture, and language.
Khun
Khun is a word that needs to be explained fully. It is used before your first name in the same way that 'Mr. And Mrs.' is used, it also means 'you' and is a formal mark of respect. It is also used to call someone when they do not know their name.
Khun is a word that is given by His Majesty the King, as a sign of respect, to an important person in Thailand. Such as passed on to the Prime Minister, and his wife, are referred to as Khun, and Khun Ying (Ying meaning wife). This however has been adopted throughout Thai society in the spoken language and is used as a sign of respect for a person.
When greeting a Thai person, you can use the word Khun (pronounced coon) and the person's first name, which is listed first on his or her business card. For example, a Westerner with the name "Peter Smith " would be called "Khun Peter". Among Thai's, family names are not usually used. Most Thai's refer to each other by their first names only, and also by their nick-names.
You should however, never refer to yourself with the word Khun; simply say your first name. Thai's will probably address you by using "Mr." or "Mrs." and your first name. You should not refer to yourself as 'Khun Peter', such as in a telephone conversation, simply as Peter or Mr. Peter, and allow the Thai add the word Khun.
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