How Should I Address My Friend's Mom?

[Millard]

I'll be visiting a Thai-American friend who's mom doesn't speak English very well. How should I properly and politely address her mom in Thai? I'd ask my friend, but she's so Americanized that I actually speak more Thai than her. Thanks in advance.

[NADTATIDA1]

sawadee ka..edit.....sawadee khap...

Edited February 26, 2010 by NADTATIDA1

[Millard]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. What should I call her in Thai (e.g. auntie, etc.)?

[Colabamumbai]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. What should I call her in Thai (e.g. auntie, etc.)?

I would call her Maw for mother even though she is not your mother I have found that it works.

[anchan42]

Call her คุณแม่ will be fine.

[farangnahrak]

More of a cultural question than language question . . .

If the mother is nice and welcoming, คุณแม่ would be fine. Especially if you are dating this girl

Some old Thai ladies are really bitter . . . those types I just don't address by any name at all . . . just answer when spoken to, smile, and wai a lot . . .

[Johpa]

Call her คุณแม่ will be fine.

Not only fine, but it would be the most appropriate term by far to address the mother of any friend. I can't really think of another term I have used over the decades to address such a person.