Advantages to being able to speak Thai proficiently...Name them!

[midasthailand]

1. On my return from a work trip to Vung Tau in Vietnam I arrived at the end of the very long Immigration line and decided I did not want to wait 45 minutes to get out of there. I approached a trio of immigration officers having a chat near the ASEAN line and excused myself and explained that I was in urgent need of a toilet! They escorted me to the fast track lane where I was through in 30 seconds. Obviously, I then proceeded to the toilets for a quick visit and then exited the airport.

Felt a little guilty but also very happy to get through quickly and go home.

If I was not able to speak Thai, I would have had to wait.

I know I will probably cop some flak for my duplicity, but am interested to hear any other examples of where being able to speak Thai has been an advantage to you.

[stoneyboy]

I get just the right amount of Pla Ra in my som tam these days.

[Neeranam]

I honestly don't know where to start - there are so many.

Speaking Thai could save your, or someone else's life.

[stoneyboy]

I honestly don't know where to start - there are so many.

Speaking Thai could save your, or someone else's life.

Or cost you it.

[rak sa_ngop]

You can always find a public toilet!

[kannot]

Fly "Business " no need for anything................I know, its pretty lame

[NoshowJones]

I find speaking Thai very helpful, I cannot speak conversational Thai, but I can tell people things and ask for things.

[fang37]

Been here since 2003 - the first country I have lived in where English is not the native language.

I commenced learning Thai - self taught - immediately.

Huge advantage BUT for me, you can never learn too much.

[tonray]

Jesus.

You could tell this joke in Thai to your neighbors:

"Jesus and Buddha went in to a bar to get a drink......"

Yes you will still get stabbed afterwards but at least you will know why

[krisb]

Jesus.

You could tell this joke in Thai to your neighbors:

"Jesus and Buddha went in to a bar to get a drink......"

Yes you will still get stabbed afterwards but at least you will know why

They won't laugh because essentially it's just putting Thais down.

Something that happens a lot on here.

[lostoday]

I went to a clinic last week and was able to tell the Thai doctor what was wrong with me. I think she made the correct diagnosis (my English speaking doctor didn't and gave me a prescription for a drug that could have killed me). My Thai is not that good but it was good enough to talk to the doctor about all the critical areas of my condition (neck problem).

[Neeranam]

Getting paid for translation is a big advantage.

Although you need to learn more than "I need a piss"

[jacky54]

Not much of an advantage outside of Thailand

[lostoday]

Not much of an advantage outside of Thailand

It's a big help for Thai bashers who have never been to Thailand. They can read the local newspapers and it opens up many new avenues for their avocation.

[Neeranam]

Not much of an advantage outside of Thailand

what words of wisdom.

if you live outside Thailan don't bother learning Thai,

[Seastallion]

Saying, in your best sarcastic/diplomatic/polite voice, with a smile "Oh, you didn't see me waiting here. The end of the queue is behind me.":

And if that doesn't deter the queue jumper, in an imperious voice, sans smile, and with a cold stare, "I was here first!"

That always gets the oh, oh, you were here first..yes, mai pen rai..and they get in behind. Or if it's an older Chinese, a very cold stare back and a grumpy move out of the way with no words.

[Neeranam]

When standing next to some Chinese Thai women on the BTS complaining about the number of farang these days, being able to say, "it's amazing how Jek think they rule this country when 50 years ago they were only tolerated"

[GuestHouse]

The first and most significant advantage is by learning the language you attain the independence of 'self advocacy'.

You no longer rely on others to translate/interpret for you; the information you receive is no longer filtered or spun by an intermediary.

[GuestHouse]

Not much of an advantage outside of Thailand

I've found that not to be the case on a couple of very rewarding occasions. :-)

[Seastallion]

When standing next to some Chinese Thai women on the BTS complaining about the number of farang these days, being able to say, "it's amazing how Jek think they rule this country when 50 years ago they were only tolerated"

Lol...yes, that's another advantage.

Last week a group of workers were laughing and going on about "farang" (me, as I am the only one around). Lots of jokes. I couldn't actually hear what they were saying, but when one called out to me, "Poot Thai dai mai?" and by all the laughter, I think they expected a blank stare.

I smiled, and said "Poot Thai dai. Rawang kam poot na", which was taken with much laughter and a few wais and koh tots.

I suspect the conversation between these ladies may have been raunchy.

[patongphil]

Not much of an advantage outside of Thailand

I've found that not to be the case on a couple of very rewarding occasions. :-)

Ha ha Geylang road no doubt!

[GuestHouse]

Not much of an advantage outside of Thailand

I've found that not to be the case on a couple of very rewarding occasions. :-)

Ha ha Geylang road no doubt!

I guess you're still labouring under the misunderstand that expatriate Thai women in Europe (and other places) arrange their social meetings to have a day out the house and enjoy Som-Tam with their friends.

[Asheron]

Jesus.

You could tell this joke in Thai to your neighbors:

"Jesus and Buddha went in to a bar to get a drink......"

Yes you will still get stabbed afterwards but at least you will know why

They won't laugh because essentially it's just putting Thais down.

Something that happens a lot on here.

No, they wont laugh as most thais have absolutely terrible sense of humor.

[Thongkorn]

Its called Communication.

[Neeranam]

Jesus.

You could tell this joke in Thai to your neighbors:

"Jesus and Buddha went in to a bar to get a drink......"

Yes you will still get stabbed afterwards but at least you will know why

They won't laugh because essentially it's just putting Thais down.

Something that happens a lot on here.

No, they wont laugh as most thais have absolutely terrible sense of humor.

Really? Not the ones I've met. How long have you lived here and where?

[fish fingers]

Being able to speak thai is important for 2 things, dealing with rogue police and for random dinner table chat. Thats it really. I think most thais prefer it when they think farangs are 'fresh' and dont speak thai (especially potential dates)

[lostoday]

Being able to speak thai is important for 2 things, dealing with rogue police and for random dinner table chat. Thats it really. I think most thais prefer it when they think farangs are 'fresh' and dont speak thai (especially potential dates)

Ever been in an accident? Found yourself alone on a small Thai road at midnight looking for a way home?

Gone to a medical service provider who did not speak English? Had to deal with utilities like phone or internet or electricity or water on the phone? Ever tried to describe what was wrong with your car? Ever bought insurance? Ever tried to get a refund? I could go on. Not speaking Thai is like being deaf and dumb in Thailand.

[a99az]

​I know how to order noodle soup! But I still pay more for it as I look like a tourist. Going to work on my squint and get a nose job that might help.

[a99az]

Being able to speak thai is important for 2 things, dealing with rogue police and for random dinner table chat. Thats it really. I think most thais prefer it when they think farangs are 'fresh' and dont speak thai (especially potential dates)

Ever been in an accident? Found yourself alone on a small Thai road at midnight looking for a way home?

Gone to a medical service provider who did not speak English? Had to deal with utilities like phone or internet or electricity or water on the phone? Ever tried to describe what was wrong with your car? Ever bought insurance? Ever tried to get a refund? I could go on. Not speaking Thai is like being deaf and dumb in Thailand.

So a great place if you are deaf and dumb then?

[jacky54]

Don't matter how well you sapeek Thai, a number will still pretend they don't understand you