English Names in Thai

We have a collection of over 1,000 names

These translations are phonetic transcriptions into Thai script.

Most English language names can be spelt several different ways into Thai Language....

 report by Spindle

If we don't have it please submit a request  - read more


Please note that you really should, according to Thai Culture, have a Nickname!

Thais universally have one, or occasionally more, short nicknames (Thai: ชึ่อเล่น play-name) that they use with friends and family. Often first given by friends or an older family member, these nicknames are typically one syllable (or worn down from two syllables to one). Though they may be simply shortened versions of a full name, they quite frequently have no relation to the Thai’s full name and are often humorous and/or nonsense words. Traditionally call-names would be after things with low value, eg 'dirt', which was to convince bad spirits that the child was not worth their attention. Some common nicknames (the non-nonsense ones, anyway) would translate into English as fatty, pig, little one, frog, banana, green, or girl/boy.

Though rare, sometimes Thai children are given nicknames after the order they were born into the family (i.e. one, two, three, etc.). Nicknames are useful because official Thai names are often long, particularly among Thais of Chinese descent, whose lengthy names stem from an attempt to translate Chinese names into Thai equivalents, or among Thai with similarly lengthy Sanskrit derived names.

Link to list of 1000+ names English Names in Thai

Ghost Culture Bangkok

Ghosts and the supernatural is a deeply rooted belief in Thai culture, it’s origins are dated well before the introduction of Buddhism when in fact the religion, rather the beliefs were devotion of animism.

In order for the new and old to co exist there was a merger of the two beliefs and the elements of animism is evident in modern day Buddhism.

Animism (from Latin anima "soul, life") is a philosophical, spiritual idea that souls or spirits exist not only in humans but also in animals, plants, rocks, natural phenomena such as thunder, geographic features such as mountains or rivers, or other entities of the natural environment.

 

Image via WikipediaDifferent forms of worship and ceremony are significant to people in almost every part of the country. People of all ages and backgrounds, will on a daily basis visit a temple. In the backstreet of Bangkok to they pay their respect to the shrine of "Mae Nak," a famous female spirit believed to have died more than 200 years ago.

According to local tales, Mae Nak's husband was called off to war when Mae Nak was pregnant and a short time later she and her child died during childbirth.

Image via WikipediaHer husband came home not knowing of the deaths and was cast under a spell which made him live with Mae Nak's ghost and their child. A visitor said "The story of Mae Nak has been passed on from family for generations, so believed to be sacred. A lot of Thai people believe in her and pray to her to bring happiness to their family and that they don't fight."

In another corner of the Thai capital, a group of believers gather every weekend at the Power of Life Center to communicate with spirits. They sit together in a circle, chant, sing and meditate, in an attempt to reach out to the ghosts.

Image by a_whisper_of_unremitting_demand via FlickrOnce connected, they can feel what the spirits have to say. During the session, many mediums are in tears as they feel the grief of the souls they contact.

Sathittham Pensuk, director of Power of Life Center, said, "I think the reason Thai people believe in ghosts and spirits is partly because we study the rule of Karma and Samsara, or birth and rebirth. It's a Buddhist belief. Ghosts and spirits, therefore, are the end of life and the beginning of another life as the spirit."

Meanwhile, a new exhibition opening in Bangkok trying to explain the origin of the beliefs, and how Thais cope with and learn from ghosts.

It shows that even though Thai people's fear and beliefs have evolved with the changing surroundings and modern technology, in daily life, ghosts and different kinds of spirits are still prevalent.

Spirits, derived from , are still omnipresent. Spirit houses are erected on the compound of every building to serve as dwellings to house and befriend the spirits who inhabited the original spot, and every morning offerings – in the form of fruit, drinks and incense sticks – are brought to pay respect to them.

Links
WA Thai community Website - Superstition

Forum article - see the video

Thai Language "I botched it"

Image via WikipediaI just read a very funny article submitted in our forum about the humour and embarrassment between languages.  So now its time for me to confess my stumbles in learning / speaking Thai

I was the driver for my three (3) Thai friends to visit an Asia supermarket in Perth. While pushing the shopping trolley I asked Khun Pair (thai student) “what’s the word for Trolley?"

Her answer (I've forgotten) was challenged by Khun Tong (ladyboy thai student). We resolved the definition with a ruling from khun Angella (thai visitor and adopted mum of the two students).

The conversation drifted to the appropriate word for “driver” (of a vehicle) being “cup" as opposed to "Kee" which is more appropriate when you put your leg over something, like a motor bike or an Elephant...  ok but not ok...

As the 2 students dashed ahead Angella laughed to herself and then explained.. she told me the slang word “kee por” (meaning wife rides husband)!!!!  ah haa funny guy me.. thinks I would test my skill on the unsuspecting students. But I mangled it…

I said PaW (raising) instead of Por (middle). One is father and the other is Husband

So when I thought I was being cheeky, talking stating "Wife riding husband" they were bemused by my sicko atttidue of "wife ride daddy".

Being polite they said nothing, they looked down with a sense of disgust and walk off?
It was apparent by their body language my humour was not right?

I did not understand .....  yet Angella was rolling in tears of laughter… how can there be 2 radical reactions ?

I stood puzzled by the diverse reaction and turned to Angella seeking guidance. Angella graciously explained my foible or rather fetish. She thought it was hilarious that I made such a mess of it. I immediately chased after the 2 Thai students trying to explain the intended joke ... eventually I managed to convince them I did not have such tendencies or perverted thoughts..

At the time it was most awkward but now we look back and laugh about it a lot.   The more I quote this story the more confident I am about learning from mistakes...

Equally the opposite happened

Khun Pim was visiting from Thailand. There was a plumbing problem in the house and I mentioned I must attend when I get home from work. When I arrived Pim proudly bosted how she fixed the plumbing problem.

I looked quite surpirsed and having inspected the repairs I returned to the kitchen and praised her skill and said "how did you know how to do that"

Pic left: Khun Pim

Khun Pim looked me squarely in the eyes and produced a big beaming smile and an expression of great satisfaction and achievement, like someone was giving a speech for saving the world!

She boldly declared "I'm a pervert"!!

I recall coughing up my glass of water, whipped the spill from my face and said "your a what"?

again she said "Pervert", my expression had changed from humble to disbelief as I said "are you sure". By this stage Khun Pim realised something was wrong, her expression changed to a puzzled look but yet she continued to pursue the stance of a winner.

I explained what a "pervert" is and she was horrified.

We went back over the options and resolved that she wanted the word "Expert" and moved forward. It's now 2 years later and I use this example every few months, it always gets a laugh and opens up the channels for everyone to start trying speak another language without fear of too much embarrassment.

The article that I just read is submitted in our Forum - it's very funny but there are some rude words so we shifted the article to Members only - this link - click here

There are articles about Tongue twisters in the  forum .. use ths tag word "compare" to see them - click here

Thailand Service Industry is Magical

HAVING recently return from my annual pilgrimage to Thailand, I am pleased to acknowledge the continuing congenial culture of the people from the "Land of a Smiles" scored with their excellent service, which was delivered straight from the heart.

Reporter: Spindle

Whether it was the masseuse at the dainty and unassuming foot-massage shop or the concierge where I stayed, their actions and mannerisms were consistent with, I believe, an intrinsic Thai cultural trait which causes them to exude both a natural and genuine humility, affable and warm hospitality which we in Australia can learn a lot from.

Compared to the our “Lucky Country”, I am sure Thailand has not had as many "courtesy" campaigns to inspire the population to achieve such high levels of service delivery. I think the Thai add Khun Kaa" sums it up.. see this link below.  In Thailand, you will notice every encounter starts with "Sawasdee ka" (Hello) and ends with "Khob khun kha" (Thank you).

Case in point:

My friends and I were taking a stroll along Sukhumvit Soi 19 after dinner one evening when it began raining (nothing new really)..

The rain should be accepted as a clear sign that you should be in company of others and so we did. Instead of braving the elements and getting drenched we hopped into the nearest foot-massage shop.

After subjecting our feet to an hour of pleasure we made our way out the door, only to be confronted with a flood that had risen along the entire stretch. We tried to flag down a taxi, but to no avail and here is the wonder of Thai smile…

Noticing our plight, the masseuse approached us and asked us to wait under the shelter and she promptly took position in the flood waters and waded (more than ankle deep) to the middle of the street to wave down a taxi for us. She (Khun Anne) even made sure the driver reversed the vehicle as close to the curb as possible, so that we could enter it without getting wet.

We all share the view/comments that She didn't have to do this, but she did and without expecting anything in return. We were enthralled and impressed by her actions.

Shopping at Central Department Store was another happy experience. No matter how many shirts and paints the sales staff showed great enthusiasm, not just about a sale, but about having the satisfaction of a satisfied customer. It did not stop there, the experience was repeated with most everything we did, be shuffling many pairs of sunglasses to DVD and electronics, no one showed any grumble about the endless changes we made, they just kept smiling.

It was the same when shopping at Platinum and again the famous MBK. My group was a bunch of guys and girls that had all sorts of styles and tastes so and constantly overriding each other and insisting on another style so there was multiple changes before a sale. We were taking a long time deciding, which included calling and sending text messages to family members back home to check on sizes, before making a purchase.

The stall owners were patient and appreciative that we were a customer (of sorts) and served us more than required (or what I’m used to back home). I noticed that regardless of where we went, be it Siam Paragon, Emporium or the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the experience was the same.

It felt good that the polite treatment and courtesy we received was not the template stuff that big brands have been known to dish out. The cold, formulaic classroom inculcation of service-oriented values will never be as good as the warmth that emanates from one's innermost spirit.

How do we foster that attitude within our society? The current "Brand Thailand" effort which the Abhisit Government is embarking on can only be a positive push for the country as a whole.

With their native DNA already in place, everything else should be a breeze.

Bangkok Tourism is guided by the leadership of a elite Networking group called "Skal International Bangkok". 

This chapter is part of the older and largest travel association the world.

Here is an "Unpublished" version of their Members Handbook for 2009-2010 - check our the players in this Network (place the cursor on the book to view).

Open publication - - More thailand

See more about Skal Bangkok in the link below "Networks Bangkok".  

AusWaThai executives conduct monthly tours from Perth WA to Bangkok - if your an Exec looking to achieve more for Business or Social we have the networks. Join our Monthly tours or D.I.Y. .. from our website - Networks Bangkok

AusWaThai Travel - Thailand and the Aussie Community in Thailand

หญิงไทยกับชายต่างชาติ (ฝรั่ง) Foreign Men meet Thai Women

วีดีโอ 2 เรื่องนี้ ฉันไม่ได้ให้ความสนใจเกี่ยวกับการค้าขายบริการ(มีทุกแห่งในโลก) แต่ฉันสนใจและรู้สึกชอบเกี่ยวกับการบอกเล่าเรื่องราวหรือประสบการณ์ชีวิต เมื่อในวันหนึ่งคุณต้องเจอและต้องเลือกหนทางชีวิตของตนเอง อีกทั้งความคิดเห็นเกี่ยวกับวีดีโอของแต่ละคน ทำให้ฉันเรียนรู้เข้าใจการใช้ชีวิตของคนไทยบางคนและชีวิตของคนต่างชาติบางคนที่มาท่องเที่ยวหรืออาศัยอยู่ในประเทศไทย

author: forum member K999

2 this videos. I did not focus on “buy” or business (No one place in the World). But I’m interested and feel like telling stories about life or experience. One day when you have to see and to choose way of life. Also comments on videos. Cause I can learn and understand the life of some Thai and some foreign tourists at Thailand or living in Thailand. OK. I hope Foreign and Thai are lucky..

Read more - see forum article with 2 videos - great viewing - click here

Puns for those with a higher IQ

Do you understand English

Image via Wikipedia 

Those who jump off a bridge in Paris are in Seine.

A man's home is his castle, in a manor of speaking.

Dijon vu - the same mustard as before.

Practice safe eating - always use condiments.

Shotgun wedding - A case of wife or death.

A man needs a mistress just to break the monogamy.

A hangover is the wrath of grapes.

Dancing cheek-to-cheek is really a form of floor play.

Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?

Condoms should be used on every conceivable occasion.

Reading while sunbathing makes you well red.

When two egotists meet, it's an I for an I.

A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is two tired.

What's the definition of a will? (It's a dead give away.)

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

In democracy your vote counts. In feudalism your count votes.

She was engaged to a boyfriend with a wooden leg but broke it off.

A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.

If you don't pay your exorcist, you get repossessed

With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.

The man who fell into an upholstery machine is fully recovered.

You feel stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.

Local Area Network in Australia - the LAN down under.

Every calendar's days are numbered.

A lot of money is tainted - Taint yours and taint mine.

A boiled egg in the morning is hard to beat.

He had a photographic memory that was never developed.

A midget fortune-teller who escapes from prison is a small medium at large.

Once you've seen one shopping center, you've seen a mall.

Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead-to-know basis.

Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.  

Acupuncture is a jab well done.

The Best bar scene story from Thailand

Arguable the most consuming story I have every read. I don't know if it was love, lust, loser.

reporter: Johnd

The dramatic cover photograph, was taken in Anglewitch Bar in Nana Plaza and features one of the bar’s top showgirls.

Often described as the best book ever written about the Bangkok bar scene, Private Dancer has been a huge hit around the world, and has been downloaded in more than forty countries.


Good news – we configured FREE online viewing of the book. The same page includes other "best" novels donated by our faithful readers. The link is below. BE WARNED - it's an Amazing story

The author of the Book Stephen Leather, a frequent visitor to the Land of Smiles, is the author of seventeen thrillers that have been translated into more than a dozen languages, including The Tunnel Rats, set in Bangkok and Vietnam, and The Solitary Man, set in Thailand and Hong Kong. He has sold more than a million books worldwide.

Two of his novels, The Bombmaker and The Stretch, have been filmed for television in the UK and he has written for TV shows such as London’s Burning and the BBC’s Murder In Mind.

The novel is set in Thailand in 1996. Pete, a young travel writer, wanders into a Bangkok bar and meets the love of his life.Pete thinks that Joy is the girl of his dreams: young, stunningly pretty, and one of the top-earning go-go dancers in Nana Plaza.

What follows is a roller-coaster ride of sex, drugs, lies and murder, as Pete discovers that his very own private dancer is not all that she claims to be. And that far from being the girl of his dreams, Joy is his own personal nightmare.

Now lets Recognise yet again the achievements of Australia

Neil Hutchison (Aussie) has become a legend with his  collection of short stories about "T.I.T" (This is Thailand). The tales are fast-paced, humorous, well written and ALL TRUE.  The centre around is love for Beer, Bars and all those things...  I read "Fool in Paradise" and agree that "such is life". 

"Using the pen name 'A Fool in Paradise' is not an accident. The opinion of both myself and I suspect, many others, is that I am probably the biggest fool in a city literally teeming with them. I am at my most stupid when the subject of relationships comes up so be warned. I swear if I live a thousand years I will never understand women." The Author

The links to summary of his books are linked from the page "Private Dancer".

Links: 
Private Dancer online viewing of the book

How to be an Expat in Thailand

OK, try riding your motorbike, one hand holding an umbrella, the other hand sending an sms, steering with your knee and then suddenly dropping everything to offer a quick wai to a roadside spirit house before crossing four lanes of traffic to make a sudden U-turn because you forgot to pick up your girlfriend and she's going to wear a sulk longer than it takes to explain the concept of 'money back guarantee' to a Thai businessman.

by Peter Melzer - we have published an article created by auswathai forum user

Remember.... T.I.T. This is Thailand

For sure, Thailand can be quite strange and newcomers find themselves conducting all sorts of cultural charades and going berserk trying to figure out some of the crazy habits of the locals.

Don't ask us why they eat ice-cream sandwiches, or drink their beer with ice. Never sleep with your head facing west, duck when you walk in front of people, paste yourself in skin whitening cream… there are all sorts of strange beliefs here.

Luckily Bangkok allows you to keep a foot both in the Eastern and Western world. An increasing number of Thais now speak English, especially in the services industry, and there are all sorts of clubs, groups and activities that suit ex-pats. Of course, you should make the effort yourself to learn the language and etiquette of Thailand and assimilate into Thai social circles to truly appreciate the place.

One important consideration if you are planning on living here is that it's not perfect. The Thai way of life is quite different to what you may have experienced back home and they have their own, sometimes strange, way of going about things. In fact the Thai here in Bangkok are incredibly good at some things, but can be quite unsatisfactory at other things we may expect or take for granted back home.

Useful Links

1. Forum Thailand - this article - add comment or see other articles about Thailand people/culture/land

2. WA Thai Community - Thai Culture A to Z 

3. Business Networks - Aussie and Thai - click here 

4. Best E Networks Aussie and Thai - click here

The Generation of Spenders

My generation was parented by the Menders so I became a Minder, today I see the young generation as "Spenders".. there are so many that have or at least expect every single consumer item known to mankind?

by Peter Melzer

So do we... "MYOB" (mind your own business) or do we throw a life line.  Give them a hand to break the cycle of spending money like there’s no tomorrow.  Buying them “The Barefoot Investor: 5 Steps to Financial Freedom” by Scott Pape.. a book written by someone from their Generation!.

RULES FOR BEING HUMAN

You will receive a body
You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period this time around.

You will learn lessons
You are enrolled in a full-time school called “life on planet earth”. Every person and incident is your teacher. Each day you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lesson, or think them irrelevant or stupid.

There are no mistakes-only lessons
Growth is a process of trial and error-in other words, a process of experimentation. The “failed experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately “works”.  A lesson is repeated until learned.

It is presented in various forms until you learn it. When you have learned it, you can then go on to the next lesson. If you are here, there are still lessons to be learned.

If you don’t learn the easy lessons, they get harder Discomfort is one way the universe gets your attention.

You’ll know you’ve learned a lesson when your actions and behaviors change.

Only action can transforms knowledge into wisdom.

“There” is better than “Here”
When your “there” has become a “here”, you’ll see another “there” that now looks better than “here”.

There is no right or wrong-but there are responsibilities and consequences. The Universe doesn’t judge us, but it gives us continual opportunities to balance and learn.

What you make of your life is up to you

You have the tools and resources.

What you do with them is up to you. The choices are yours.

Your answers lie inside you. Living skillfully, gracefully, and with purpose, involves developing the ability to listen and trust.

You’ll tend to forget all this.

You can remember any time you wish!!


Links:
1. For a PDF version of this article - click here
2. Our articles on Philosophy

Tips about Dating Websites

In today’s world dating is a particularly common romantic social activity that includes two people. It is being done to have the chance to begin to know better a certain partner. As an interesting point, as early as our ancestors, dating has taken place. Indeed as the culture develops, the dating activity also evolves and as the time goes by, dating also evolves. As an important point, a straightforward dating can now be done through an internet access. .

It’s extraordinary to see that dating sites are becoming favored all over the world, These sites are utilised by people who are singles to go looking for date, future spouse or even love. The online sites offer extraordinary service to the people and help them find their future mates. The dating is being done thru instant

Image via Wikipedia

messengers, emails, chat rooms and other amazing services offered by the sites. These services are critical to meet the most compatible partners as possible.

However, there are some tips to think about in making the dating experience online very exciting. Anything else, conditioning the mind is really important before you begin with dating online. A conditioned mind is the secret of a successful online dating experience. If you condition your mind, then you may be prepared for any disappointments you might have to face later. It is certain that in the world of web, not everything is for real. This is the major drawback when it comes to online dating.

Image via Wikipedia

However, if ever the mind is conditioned, anticipation is probable. When you are upbeat about your online dating experience, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself a lot more.

The following tip is to seek for the most reliable dating sites. It is certain that internet dating websites are everywhere online thus, a smart decision on choosing the best site is vital. This is vital because not all sites for online dating on the worldwide web guarantee a chance with regards to meeting the genuine partner for life. Researching for the good internet site is often needed to be able to seek for the best dating site available on the net. The most effective way to do researching is thru joining BBs and forums to have the opportunity to ask other web savvy on what is the best dating site among all others.

And the last tip would be, always bearing in mind the term safety. This essentially means that

Image via Wikipedia

caution is a must when making a web profile in some dating websites. As much as possible, never post critical information like work affiliations, physical address as well as contact numbers. Use your chat ID and your email as a mode to speak with possible dates.

The previously mentioned tips are needed to have a successful dating experience when using dating online. If you’ve a successful experience with internet dating your changes for find the ideal partner are higher. When you meet your soul-mate you’ll find the happiness you have always desired. It the best feeling in the entire world when you can share you happiness with somebody you love.

Image by Jelmer. via Flickr

It's important to understand the Culture, one aspect can draw you closer and another can shuttle you away at great speed leaving your partner puzzled and dazzled by your erratic behavour or worse it becomes the trigger of their perceived erratic behaviour by you.

For those of you in Love with Thailand and it's people please view Thai Love and appreciate the difference

How to Bungle the Thai Language

Image via WikipediaI’ve lost count of how many times I’ve left Thailand for a return trip home only to have someone ask me, “So how much Taiwanese do you speak?” When I tell them that I don’t speak a single word, the quizzical look I get Priceless! 

Reporter: Lucky

Thais, of course, speak Thai, of which the spoken part is a branch of the Tai-Kadai language, which originated in Southern China. The written part of Thai is based on Khmer, which is based on Indic, which is based on ancient Sanskrit. So, as you can see, it’s quite confusing - and we haven’t even talked about writing or speaking yet.

To many foreigners, speaking Thai is hugely challenging to do - even more difficult to do well (unless you’re a super-talented polyglot freak like Andrew Biggs, well known in Thailand for his ease with speaking Thai).

This is mainly because Thai is tonal, which means that the same word means different things depending on how you say it. I offer examples that will give you an idea of how much trouble you can get into if you say PEee (older person, used with respect) instead of peEE (ghost).

WARNING SOME MATERIAL MAY BE CONSIDERED OFFENSIVE so if may be offended .. please do not read..  the comments were intended to show the humour of "such is life" but if you don't think that some rude words can do that then please do not read.... 

Here are a few interesting foibles of Thai Language.  Teaching ... and Thai students ...

Being teenagers, they were obsessed with their looks, and often asked, “Teacher, am I beautiful?“ Whenever a woman asks you this, there’s only one answer - yes. Naturally wanting to be polite you would sat the Thai word for beautiful - suay - but it can be met by horrified stares because you might be saying SUay (falling tone) instead of suAY (rising tone). So .. how it sounded ... Student: Teacher, am I beautiful? Me: Yes, you are cursed.

Below are a few more situations some words that, if said incorrectly, could land you in either a world of trouble or embarrassment, so be careful.

Another situation ... at a restaurant with some female friends, I asked them how to ask for dipping sauce - naam (water) jim (dip). But instead of naam JIM, I said naam jiIM (with a rising tone, as I was asking a question). How it sounded - Me: Excuse me, can I have some vagina water? My friends nearly spit out their drinks and the waitress looked terrified.

Another example

A farang was swimming, and stepped on a sea urchin. He hobbled to the local clinic, blood dripping off his foot, where he told the attendant that he stepped on a hoy (shell) men (porcupine). But instead of saying hoy MEN he said hoy meN (another rising tone). How it sounded - Attendant: What happened? Me: I stepped on a smelly pussy. He eventually helped me - after he stopped laughing.

Here are a few more words and phrases which have alternate meanings if you say them incorrectly:

Sawng (2) can also mean whorehouse

kaw toht (excuse me) can also mean may I fart?

man (engaged) can also mean sterile

Canada mee hee maa mak mak (Canada has lots of snow) can also mean Canada has lots of dog vagina

kon khai dtua (ticket vendors) can also mean prostitute

glai (near) can also mean far

sai nom (with milk) can also mean shake your boobs

And last but not least, a Jewish chap John, who is well into practicing Thai with anyone who will listen, was proud to say sasana pben juu when someone asked what religion he was. It took him a while to figure out that Thais pronounce Jew as yoo - juu means penis. What they heard: Friend: What religion are you? John: I worship the cock.

Now some of us may say Thai Language is difficult but what about English "awake" and "a wake" .. one means to wake up the other means your dead!

Or if not spoken correctly can you appreciate the outcome of a conversation about a "new career venture" verses a "nuclear venture"....  yes it happened ... just like my Thai friend told me she was able to fix the plumber problem because she was a "deviate" instead of an "expert".