Geek in Thailand. Jody Houton
Used to show sudden realization, understanding.
Eh! Used to show confusion.
Oie! Used to show anger or frustration.
Uh! Used to show acknowledgement that the person you’re speaking to has finally understood.
The characters are written left to right, and spaces are only used to indicate the end of a sentence, not to separate words. The Thai language also has its own set of Thai numerals based on the Hindu Arabic numeral system, but nowadays the standard Western system is more common. Thai numerals can, however, still sometimes be seen, especially at places employing a dual pricing system.
Scholars fear that more letters, sounds and, of course, cute accompanying pictures will be lost to future generations as younger Thais seek new, quick and easy ways to communicate in text-speak.
In Thailand, a popular way of showing the ‘efficiency’ of the large smartphone screen is by showing a young Thai texting quickly on the ‘large-enough-screen’ that can accommodate all of the Thai letters, consonants and vowels.
Learning TINGLISH
Anybody who stays in Thailand for an extended period, even if they make little or no effort to learn Thai, will find they will begin to possess a rudimentary level of ‘Tinglish’—a hybrid of Thai and English based on existing Thai rules of grammar and cultural practices.
Tinglish tends to omit pronouns and the verb ‘to be’ as these are not necessarily used in the Thai language. For example, instead of saying “We don’t have...,” a cashier might say, in Tinglish,“No have,” as this is the most accurate translation from the Thai for Mai mee.
Walk past any taxi driver in the kingdom and the likelihood of him enquiring in Tinglish “Where you go?” is not necessarily rude and intrusive but merely a direct translation of the common Thai greeting/enquiry Bai nai? (“Go where?”)
Also quite common in Tinglish is the addition of a Thai particle, for example, ka/krab/na, at the end of a perfectly well-constructed English sentence to indicate polite conduct, as these particles are always used to end a sentence if the speaker wishes to speak formally. I hope you understand krab.
Other common mistakes made in Tinglish include:
I am boring = I am bored
Although it may initially seem like a refreshingly honest statement, it is likely that the Thai speaker merely wishes to convey their lack of interest in a particular activity. This misuse of the present continuous is simply a result of not understanding or remembering the difference in use and meaning. The Thai equivalent of bored (beau) and boring (naa beau) is created in a totally different way.
I play Internet = I go on/use the Internet
This is simply a case of first language interference, as in Thai the verb len (play) is used in conjunction with all games, including football and computers. In Thai, to work is associated with making money, while to play is any activity that doesn’t involve making money.
Same, same = Similar/the same
The doubling up of ‘same’ is, again, a result of direct translation. In Thai, one way of saying ‘similar’ can be deeokwan deeokwan or khlai khlai gap.
After a few months of living in Thailand, do not be surprised if some bad grammatical habits start to form. As there are no articles (‘a’, ‘an’, ‘the’) in Thai, and pronouns are largely omitted, new arrivals may suddenly find themselves speaking a rather neanderthal version of English, with utterances like “Want beer”.
There is also no Thai equivalent of ‘some’ or ‘any’, and when forming a question in Thai, the subject normally begins the sentence. This means that once the feckless foreigner masters the modern art of Tinglish, he will probably begin constructing sentences like “Beer have?” It’s not all bad though, as he is likely to also add krab on the end of every sentence.
THAILAND’S MOST IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS SITES
Many of the most stunning and historically significant Thai wat (temples) are located in the cities of Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and, of course, Bangkok. Thai temples are often used for multiple purposes and are therefore central to Thai life.
Some Thai temples act as rehabilitation centers, while others serve as festival venues. Some host huge annual temple fairs, complete with funfair rides, games, contests, live music and an obligatory Thai market. Entry to temples in Thailand is free for Thais but there may be a small entry fee for foreign visitors.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. This iconic riverside structure is breathtaking and when viewed from the water the temple’s reflection makes for a truly memorable experience, especially at sunset or sunrise. This beautiful structure is further characterized by its two central prang (spires), decorated with multicolored ceramic, that seem to stretch right up into the sky.
Wat Arun is a particularly beautiful Bangkok temple, especially when viewed at sunset. Although more like a theme park than a tranquil place of contemplation, the Grand Palace attracts thousands of visitors every day.
Another popular temple site is Wat Phra Mahatat in Ayutthaya. The temple ruins are in a similar state to other sites in Ayutthaya. However, it is the spectacular Buddha image embedded in a tree trunk that prompts many to visit. Theories vary as to its existence. Most Thais believe that Burmese ransackers had tried to steal the head, failed because of its weight, dropped it and that trees had subsequently grown around it.
Wat Pho
As its name suggests, Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) contains a 151 ft (46 m) long gold leaf-covered reclining Buddha statue. It is the biggest temple complex in Bangkok and is home to the Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School, where weary travelers can revive their aching feet, shoulders and body with a traditional Thai massage for a very reasonable price. Aspiring masseurs can even take a Thai massage course.
A patron receives a traditional Thai massage at the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is perhaps the most important temple in the whole of Thailand. Situated within the grounds of the Grand Palace, the exquisite structure contains a Buddha image dating from the 15th century, raised high upon a platform.
Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount) in Bangkok dates back to the Ayutthaya kingdom. The Golden Mount refers to the manmade mound upon which the temple sits. To reach the top of the mount, worshippers and visitors have to climb 300 steps. The crowning glory of Wat Saket is the wonderful golden chedi (stupa).
Wat Suthat is not only one of the largest temples in Bangkok (it covers around 10 acres/4 ha) but also one of the oldest. A huge red teak arch at the entrance is all that remains of a giant swing that once welcomed visitors to the complex. Inside the complex are wonderful murals, numerous pagodas and a 25 ft (7.6 m) tall bronze Buddha image.
Wat Benchamabophit
Wat Benchamabophit is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand. Designed by Prince Naris, a brother of the king at the time, it stands out from the majority of temples in Bangkok as it uses the finest Italian marble.