you do a small favour for a friend ,

they express thanks to you and imply that they want to give you some monetary reward or gift.

you dont expect or want anything in return.

how do you express in thai the common english expression "you owe me one".

meaning that i dont want anything in return , the favour was freely given , but if you ever get a chance to return a favour , then you can do so.

its not meant to be taken seriously , its just a friendly comment , said with a smile.

i'm looking for a colloquial expression , not a direct translation.

When they say thanks, smile, slowly extend your hand, look the person intently in the eye,, and say:

"Haa baat, khrap".

No that would be saying you owe me five

I've got to agree with meadish. I've seen the Haa Baht expression with big smile used plenty of times and it's always returned with a welcoming smile from the recipient.

I've got to agree with meadish. I've seen the Haa Baht expression with big smile used plenty of times and it's always returned with a welcoming smile from the recipient.

The same here and always a big smile in return. Say it to the wife often.

good point actually.

I used to take it seriously and pay five baht. But that was just offensive.

I think the meaning behind it is what you may be looking for Tax.

They say it in a manner that suggests,

"well, pay me five baht"

which of course is F-All.

Therefore implying they are aware of what is now unspoken.

Which is

That which you seek, in this instance.

I've got to agree with meadish. I've seen the Haa Baht expression with big smile used plenty of times and it's always returned with a welcoming smile from the recipient.

Sort of like the old expression (inflation has caused its usage to cease) haa roi baat being accepted as the translation of "I love you" in Thai.

Just a joke folks, just a joke, but a joke that once played a part in an Internert libel case in the UK.

Haa sip Bath works OK in my office.

People always laughing and understand I not need anything in return.

But say it directly after they thank you.

Alex

I've also heard this used (either as ห้าบาท or สิบบาท) alot by a complimenter after they are thanked for the compliment by their friend, to amusing effect.

Sorta like:

A:You look nice today.

B:Why thank you!

A:(Hand extended) Ten baht, please.

ไม่เป็นไร ติดไว้ก่อนก็แล้วกัน is the expression that I would say in this case.

ไม่เป็นไร ติดไว้ก่อนก็แล้วกัน

thats the one i'd heard before and was trying to recall.

Ah yes, very good suggestion.