Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Introduction
English is taught in schools in Thailand but most people do not speak more than a few
words. Thai is the national language and is spoken by 95% of the population. You could be
hard pressed to find English speakers outside of the tourist zones. A few words in Thai can
go a long way, at the very least it will endear you to the locals. You will also be crossing the
language barrier that divides most tourists from the locals who don't know any English.
The Thai script comes from the 4th or 5th century AD and originated from the south Indian
script from that time. It is written from left to right with no spaces between words. There
are 44 consonants in Thai but many of them are redundant and rarely used. In the 1940s the
government tried to simplify the language and eliminate some of the letters but it was not a
popular decision and did not happen.
Knowing a few basis in Thai will make many things about your trip much easier and a more
in depth cultural experience. One of the staples of Thai life is haggling, particularly while
shopping.Thailand hasalotofshoppingspotstoofferfromair-conditioned malls tooutdoor
markets. In the malls the prices will be clearly marked and are not negotiable. But in the
markets haggling and bargaining is part of the experience and will prevent you from being
overcharged.
 
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