Thai street markets are a sensory overload - colourful stalls, sizzling street food, and vendors calling out prices. To truly experience them, you’ll need more than just pointing and nodding. Knowing a few Thai phrases can turn haggling from awkward to enjoyable and help you snag better deals.
Essential Thai Phrases for Street Markets
- Tao-rai khrap/ka? (เท่าไหร่ครับ/คะ?) – "How much?" (Add khrap if male, ka if female).
- Lot noi dai mai? (ลดได้ไหม?) – "Can you lower the price?"
- Phaeng pai (แพงไป) – "Too expensive."
- Nee tao-rai? (อันนี้เท่าไหร่?) – "How much is this one?"
- Ao (เอา) – "I’ll take it."
Haggling Like a Local
Haggling is expected in Thai markets, but it’s done with a smile. Start by asking the price, then counter with a lower offer (around 20-30% less). If the vendor refuses, walk away - sometimes they’ll call you back with a better deal.
Tip: Don’t haggle over small amounts. If something costs ฿20 (about £0.50), just pay it. Bargaining over tiny sums can come off as rude.
Useful Vocabulary for Shopping
Khun pood angrit dai mai?
/kʰun pʰuːt ʔaŋɡrit dai mǎi/“Do you speak English?”
A polite way to check if the vendor speaks English before switching languages.
Mai ao, khob khun
/mâi ʔaw kʰɔ̀p kʰun/“No thanks”
A polite refusal if you’re not interested in buying.
Suay mak
/sŭay mâk/“Very beautiful”
A compliment that can sometimes soften vendors for haggling.
Numbers You’ll Need
Prices are often shouted out quickly, so knowing Thai numbers helps:
| Number | Thai | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | สิบ | Sip |
| 20 | ยี่สิบ | Yee-sip |
| 100 | ร้อย | Roi |
| 1,000 | พัน | Phan |
Street Food Phrases
Markets aren’t just for shopping - they’re food havens. Try these phrases when ordering:
- Sai phet mai dai (ไม่ใส่เผ็ดได้ไหม) – "Can you make it not spicy?"
- Aroy (อร่อย) – "Delicious!" (Vendors love hearing this.)
- Khorat (ขอราด) – "Extra sauce, please."
Final Tips
- Carry small bills. Vendors rarely have change for large notes.
- Smile and stay friendly - haggling is a game, not a battle.
- Learn to recognise fake goods. If a "designer" bag costs ฿200, it’s not real.
Want more Thai language tips? Check out our guide on Thai coffee culture for ordering drinks like a local.
