Languages Spoken in Thailand: Do They Speak English in Thailand?

Thailand is an incredible destination, with dreamy beaches, sparkling temples, elephant sanctuaries, and good food galore! Yet, before going there, you may be wondering, “Do they speak English in Thailand?” 

I have traveled extensively throughout Thailand, from the Chinese border to Malaysia, spending almost a year there in total and acquiring many Thai entry stamps throughout the past decade. And being among the world’s top 10 most visited countries, I would have expected the general English proficiency to be better, but there’s a definite improvement!

As with any country, communication can be a bit of a challenge if you don’t speak the local language. But, this should not stop you from exploring this beautiful country. 

In this guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about the English language in Thailand, plus some handy essential phrases before you go.

Do They Speak English In Thailand?

Out of the 72 million people living in Thailand, the majority do not speak English. In my experience, while many Thai people have a basic level of English, fluency is not common.

When traveling in Thailand, you’ll primarily communicate with those who work in the tourist, hospitality, or retail sectors. They usually will have better language skills to assist foreign visitors than the general public.

What percentage of Thailand speaks English?

Although a 2021 survey claims that 44% of the population in Thailand speaks English, I think that is overestimated. According to Wikipedia, the population of Thai English speakers has risen from 48,000 in 2000 to 324,000 in 2010. I can only assume it has dramatically grown since then.

Is English widely spoken in Thailand?

English is not widely spoken in Thailand, but it can certainly be found in larger cities and tourist-focused areas like Bangkok and Phuket. For those traveling outside major cities or in the countryside, finding someone who speaks English can be difficult. 

Although the country has incorporated English into its education system to boost the number of English speakers, there is still a long way to go. An Annual EF English Proficiency Index report ranks Thailand 97 out of 111 countries, classifying the country as having “Very Low Proficiency.” 

Generally, because the second language is now being taught in Thai schools, younger people are more likely to be able to converse with you than older generations.

Languages Spoken In Thailand

What Languages Do They Speak In Thailand?

Thailand only has one official language: Thai, which is spoken by most of the population. As of 2020, over 69 million people (92.7%) speak Thai. 

Thailand’s population is relatively homogeneous, but there are four main different dialects: Central, Southern, Northern Thai, and Isaan.

Initially, the Thai language was significantly influenced by Chinese, but after the 13th century, they ceased using Chinese characters and instead adopted scripts that had strong roots in Sanskrit.

What are the top 3 languages spoken in Thailand?

After Thai, English is the second most widely spoken language, followed by Burmese and Malay, only accounting for a small percentage.

There are several minority groups living in the more rural parts of Thailand who speak languages other than Thai. Other than the substantial population of Chinese descent, other minorities are typically from hill tribes such as the Khmong, Karen, and Mein, who have their own languages.

English in Thailand by Popular Region 

Bangkok Language: Is English enough in Bangkok?

Bangkok is a city of over 11 million people but has more than 22 million international visitors, so English has become quite popular. 

Many English-speaking locals and expats live in the city, making communication much easier for those visiting. In recent years, it’s increasingly common to find signs written in English as well.

In general, you should have no problem getting around Bangkok using English. Most locals can understand basic English phrases and questions, though they may struggle with specific technical terms. 

Phuket Language: Do they speak English in Phuket Thailand?

Phuket is another popular tourist destination known for its beaches and nightlife. In the main areas of Phuket, it’s easy to find English speakers, as many locals and expats move there for job opportunities. 

Tourist areas such as Patong Beach have a large number of bars and restaurants that cater to foreigners. Restaurant menus in southern Phuket will almost all be in Thai, English, Russian, and Chinese. Many times all four!

Chiang Mai Language: Do they speak English in Chiang Mai Thailand?

Even though Chiang Mai is a popular expat and backpacker destination, finding Thai English speakers is more difficult to find in the country’s northern region compared to Bangkok. 

In the Old City or Nimman, you’ll be able to speak English. That task will be more challenging in other parts of Chiang Mai or neighboring cities. 

Traveling To Thailand

Can you get by in Thailand speaking English?

The answer is yes, but it really depends on where you go. Bangkok, in particular, is a major tourist destination, and many locals are well-versed in English. In major cities like this, it’s relatively easy to get around speaking only English. 

English may be more difficult to come by in more rural areas, such as the Mae Hong Song Loop or smaller southern islands. However, don’t let that scare you! You can still find many people willing to help with the language barrier. 

Do you need to know Thai to visit Thailand?

Not really, but it is nice to know a few basic phrases more than just “Hi” and “Thank you”. Although English is more prevalent than in other countries in the Southeast Asia region (like Indonesia or Vietnam), many people still don’t know the language. So why not bring a smile to the Land of Smiles? 

Do you need to speak Thai to live in Thailand?

Again, no, you don’t need to speak Thai to live in Thailand. I’ve met people who have lived in Thailand for decades and barely know more than a 2 year old child. As with anywhere else, having some local language skills is always useful to make communication easier. 

Many expats are able to get by never learning Thai, but you might want to make some friends so you can get your paperwork sorted because hardly any of it will be translated. Ultimately, it depends on what kind of experience you are looking for and how integrated with the locals you want to be.

Do taxi drivers in Thailand speak English?

Most taxi drivers in Thailand will be able to get you to where you plan to go, but good luck having an enlightening conversation. And since your Thai accent is probably pretty bad, its a good thing that getting a cab will most likely be on Grab, Thailand’s version of Uber. 

Basic Thai Phrases To Use On Your Travels

Learning some phrases in Thai can help you show appreciation for the local culture and bring a smile to the locals’ faces. 

Below are some basic Thai phrases that could come in handy during your travels:

• Hello – Sawadee khrup/ka
• Yes – Chai (khrup/ka)
• No – Mai (khrup/ka)
• Maybe – Aaj ja (khrup/ka)
• Thank you – khop khun (khrup/ka)
• Sorry/excuse me – Khor thoad khrup/ka
• Where is the restroom– Hong nam yoo tee nai khrup/ka?
• No worries- Mai pen rai
• Can you speak English? = Kun pood paasaa anggrit dai mai 
• Cheers! – Chok dee! 

Is learning Thai worth it?

Learning Thai is worth the effort for anyone planning a long-term stay in Thailand or wanting to return year after year. It helps you communicate more effectively with locals and allows you to experience the culture on a much deeper level. 

Even learning a few phrases can make a world of difference when making friends or getting around in Thailand, so don’t be shy! 

Is learning Thai difficult for English speakers?

Thai pronunciation is pretty hard, even for someone like me, who already speaks a tonal language. Thai has 5 different tones to learn, and because they use another writing system, you’ll also have to learn the Thai Alphabet.

Which is harder Thai or Korean?

This is a difficult question to answer. Thai has tones that can be hard to master, but grammar rules are quite simple. Korean has relatively simple grammar rules as well, but for both languages, you’ll have to learn a new alphabet. 

What is the fastest way to learn Thai language?

Thailand is filled with language schools. A common way for visitors to obtain a longer visa extension is by enrolling in a Thai language school to receive an education visa, which provides a one-year uninterrupted visa. Hence, you are filled with choices.

Final Thoughts: Do They Speak English In Thailand?

While you don’t need to know the language in Thailand to travel or rent a scooter around the country, knowing some key Thai phrases can enhance your travel experience. English may be spoken to some extent in touristy places like Ayutthaya and Koh Phi Phi, but way less common in smaller islands like Koh Phayam or in the Thai border towns.

But, download Google Translate and purchase a SIM card and, with a little bit of patience, getting around will be a breeze. The country is no stranger to international visitors; many residents are understanding and just want to help!