The Thai language is an integral of Thai heritage, playing a key role in shaping and preserving the nation’s unique identity. Join Thao & Co. as we discover the most common languages spoken in Thailand – the land of golden pagodas – so you can prepare your best when it comes to studying, working, and living there.
The official language of Thailand is Thai (ภาษาไทย). It is also the national language of Thailand and is widely used across all fields, including:
Thai belongs to the Tai-Kadai language family. It has a unique writing system known as the Thai script, which was developed from the Khmer script.
The Thai language has straightforward grammar: it doesn’t have grammatical gender and number, for example. Still, its wide range of tones and complex honorifics may pose some challenges for beginners looking to learn Thai language.
Here are the most common languages in Thailand:
Around 80% of Thailand’s population speaks Thai. As an official language, it is used extensively in education, administration, and everyday communication.
Closely related to the Lao language, Thai is a tonal language with 44 consonants, 15 vowels, and tone marks that convey meaning through pitch. Among several regional dialects spoken across Thailand, the Bangkok dialect is regarded as the standard.
The Isan language is mainly spoken in the northeastern region of Thailand (Isan), which borders Laos. It shares many similarities with the Lao language in both pronunciation and grammar, though there are slight differences in vocabulary and meaning.
This language features a tonal system similar to Thai and serves as the primary means of daily communication among local people. However, Isan is not commonly used in formal education and official documents.
In Thailand, the Malay language (Bahasa Melayu) is primarily spoken in the southern provinces, particularly Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Satun, where the Malay community makes up the majority of the population.
The most common Malay variant in Thailand is Pattani Malay, also known as Yawi. Several other Malay variants are also spoken, such as Satun Malay or Bangkok Malay.
The English proficiency level in Thailand is average, which is lower than that of some other Southeast Asian countries. English language teaching in Thailand suffers from various educational and pedagogical challenges, causing limited proficiency across the nation.
However, English communication skills are generally stronger among people living in major urban areas such as Bangkok and Pattaya, or those working in the tourism and hospitality sectors. If you plan to travel to Thailand, download a reliable Thai – English translation app to ensure seamless communication.
In Bangkok – the capital of Thailand – Thai is the primary language.
Since Bangkok is a major economic and tourism hub, many people can speak basic English there. Some people in Bangkok also speak Chinese as there is a vibrant community of Chinese people in the city.
There are situations where using automatic translation apps just won’t cut it, and you’ll need accurate, professional Thai translation instead:
At Thao & Co. translation company, we offer high-quality Thai translation services by seasoned linguists with in-depth knowledge of Thai language and culture.
We can guarantee your satisfaction with our comprehensive solution:
For prompt and detailed consultation, contact Thao & Co. via the Get a Quote form today.
