I don't want (mai ow)

I don't want (mai ow)

When you are walking down the street or even sitting on the train you will sometimes be approached by vendors who are trying to sell you something. Some of them are very insistent so try this useful phrase.

I don't want any (mai ow khrab*)

I don't have any money (mai mee dtung)

I forgot my money (leum ow dtung ma)
for women you must say kaa not khrab.

When you are walking down a street you might hear someone ask you "bai nai?" This means "Where are you going?" Usually it will be a tuk tuk driver but sometimes just an ordinary person. Some visitors get annoyed because they hear it so often. But really, "bai nai" is like a greeting and the person isn't really interested in your answer.


A: Where are you going? (bai nai?)

B: going out for pleasure (bai teeo)

That might be enough for most people. But, if a tuk tuk driver is insistant try:

I want to walk (ja dern bai)

A common complaint we get are about tuk tuk drivers or other people telling tourists that a temple or museum is closed for the day. They then take the tourists to another place and then eventually a gem shop. This is a scam. Try some of these replies:

I don't believe you (mai chue)

Not true (mai jing)

I want to go and see for myself (ja bai do eng)

I have been there already (ker-ree bai ma lao)

I don't want to go (mai yak bai)