Thai Tuesday: Part 4 – The Art of the Deal

Welcome to week four! By now, you’ve mastered the basics of polite conversation. This week, we’re heading to the markets. Shopping in Thailand is a sensory explosion, and while many vendors speak some English, using a bit of Thai can be the difference between paying the "tourist price" and getting a genuine local deal.

Always remember: a smile is your best currency, and finishing your sentences with "ka" or "krab" keeps the negotiations friendly!

Price Tags and Bargaining

In most local markets, prices aren’t set in stone. Use these to start the conversation:

An-nee toaw-rai? – How much is this?

Pheng pai! – Too expensive! (Say this with a playful smile, not a frown).

Lot noi dai mai? – Can you give a little discount? (The magic phrase!).

Aow an-nee – I’ll take this one.

Trunk Travel Tip: If you see something you love at a night market, buy it! These markets are huge, and the chances of finding that exact same stall again later are slim to none.

Counting 31 to 40

We’re moving into the thirties. Once you know "Sam-sip" (30), you just add the numbers 1–9 you learned in week one!

• 31 – Sam-sip-et (Remember the "et" rule for numbers ending in 1!)

• 32 – Sam-sip-song

• 33 – Sam-sip-sam

• 34 – Sam-sip-si

• 35 – Sam-sip-ha

• 36 – Sam-sip-hok

• 37 – Sam-sip-jet

• 38 – Sam-sip-baid

• 39 – Sam-sip-gao

• 40 – Si-sip (4 + 10 = 40)

Next Week: We’re looking at Time and Days—essential for catching those ferries on time!