Essential phrases include: "sawatdee khrap/ka" (hello/goodbye), "khob khun khrap/ka" (thank you), "chai" (yes), "mai chai" (no), and "mai pen rai" (no problem/you're welcome). "Aroy" means delicious and is appreciated when complimenting food.
The Thai greeting, the "wai," involves pressing palms together near the chest and bowing slightly. Returning a wai when greeted shows respect, though you need not initiate wais to service staff.
Useful practical phrases include "tao rai khrap/ka" (how much?), "phaeng pai" (too expensive), and "check bin khrap/ka" (the bill, please). Numbers are helpful for bargaining, though calculator apps work well for price negotiations.
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