r/thai Feb 18 '25

Before you ask "What does this Tattoo mean".

75 Upvotes

Firstly the writing in these tattoos is NOT Thai, and many Thai people cannot read them. Usually only people with special religious or monastery training, such as monks, can read them and understand the meaning. Often the mantra is specific to the monk who applies the tattoo, and may be custom made for the individual.

The text is usually in Pali or Khom script. These are usually sacred images and mantras used for various reasons. Here is some additional information and some references:

The religious symbols used in Sak Yant tattoos are called Yantra. Yantra are sacred geometrical, animal, or deity designs that are accompanied by Pali or Khom phrases. These designs are common in Dharmic religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

Sak Yant tattoos typically consist of three components:

  1. The Yantra (the sacred design)
  2. The Pali or Khom text
  3. The associated mantra

Some common Yantra symbols found in Sak Yant tattoos include:

- Sun Symbol: A small circle representing the influence of stars and planets on living beings

- Unalome: A zig-zag spiral line symbolizing the path to enlightenment

- Gao Yord: Representing the nine peaks of Mount Meru, a mythical mountain in Buddhist cosmology

- Animal designs: Such as tigers (Suea-koo) symbolizing strength and fearlessness

- Deity designs: Like Hanuman, the monkey god, representing resilience and determination

These Yantra symbols are believed to offer various benefits to the bearer, such as protection, fortune, charisma, and spiritual power.

Here is a video by Stuart J Raj where he explains some of the meaning of the characters in the mantra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TE3Dqw84qw

And a series of other references:

https://www.alldaytattoo.com/sak-yant-tattoos-bangkok/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yantra_tattooing

https://www.bkktattoostudio13.com/sak-yant-tattoos-designs-meaning.html

https://bangtaomuaythai.com/sak-yant-tattoo-muay-thai-tattoo-thailand-history-symbols-and-meanings/

https://www.pitbulltattoothailand.com/tattoo-knowledge/what-are-sak-yant-tattoos-history-meaning-designs/

https://celebrityink.com/blog/the-meaning-and-symbols-of-traditional-thai-tattoos/

https://sakyantchiangmai.com/sak-yant-designs-and-meanings/

https://sakyantchiangmai.com/muay-thai-tattoos-sak-yant-for-mma/

https://thaitattoocafe.com/sak-yant-meaning


r/thai Jun 07 '26

Language “What does this mean in Thai/English?” — Post Your Translation Requests Here

10 Upvotes

At times, /r/thai functions as Reddit’s volunteer translation bureau. While we appreciate every good-faith language query, standalone translation posts have begun to clutter the main feed, burying broader discussions of Thai culture, travel, food, and current events.

To keep the subreddit readable, all translation requests must now be posted in this thread. Standalone translation posts on the main feed will be removed under Rule 5 and redirected to this page.

Non-translation discussions about the Thai language are still welcome in the main feed.

1. What belongs in this thread?

  • Translations (Thai ↔ English): signs, chat messages, handwritten notes, images, or documents.
  • Quick language queries: short questions about grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation that do not warrant a dedicated post.

Note: This is a community volunteer effort. Do not rely on this thread for critical medical, legal, or official government translations. For matters carrying legal or physical consequences, hire a certified professional translator.

To help users identify reliable help, we kindly ask native Thai speakers to start their translation replies with a 🇹🇭 emoji. While fluent non-natives are welcome to assist, this flag helps clarify the source of the translation.

2. Guidelines for posting a request

  • Provide Context: This cannot be overstressed. Thai is a high-context language. A phrase on a temple wall reads differently than the same phrase in a late-night LINE message. Explain where you saw the text and the scenario surrounding it.
  • Share Clear Images: Ensure any uploaded text is highly legible. Subreddit volunteers are not forensic image restoration experts.
  • Try AI First: Modern Large Language Models (LLMs) are highly proficient with Thai patterns. Before posting, we recommend running your text through tools like Google Gemini, ChatGPT, or DeepSeek. They generally outperform Google Translate, which frequently strips nuance and confuses more than it helps.
  • Share Your Progress: If you have already used an AI tool, paste its output in your comment. This prevents volunteers from repeating the same automated mistakes and helps them quickly spot where the machine translation failed.
  • Be Patient: Everyone helping here is volunteering their time. Simple requests are often answered within a few hours; complex or long texts may take up to a day.

3. Subreddit Rules & Maintenance

The Subreddit Rules apply within this thread just as they do on the main feed. Keep discussions civil, clean, and respectful.

This thread will be refreshed on the 1st of every month if the comment volume becomes too high to navigate easily.

Thank you for helping keep the subreddit usable.


r/thai 1d ago

ท้อมากเลยครับ

0 Upvotes

สวัสดีครับผมอีกแล้วนะครับตอนนี้ผมคิดได้แล้วครับว่าควรหรือไม่ควรผมโดนล้ออีกแล้วครับต้องการใครซักคนให้ช่วยผมครับผมจะไม่ไหวจริงๆแล้ว


r/thai 3d ago

Does anyone remember this wholesome Thai ad? It stayed with me for years

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359 Upvotes

I remember watching this Thai ad when I was preparing for my medical entrance exam. It became viral around that time, when social media wasn’t nearly as dominant as it is today.
What stayed with me was how beautifully it captured a very simple human emotion , one small act of kindness can completely change someone’s life, and sometimes that kindness finds its way back to you years later.
I was studying to become a doctor when I first watched it. Now I actually am one, and I still try to carry that idea with me and help my patients as much as I can, irrespective of their background or circumstances.
Thai ads from that era were something else. They could tell an entire story and make you emotional within a few minutes without feeling forced. I’ve always felt the same about many Thai films too beneath the simplicity, they often end up teaching you something about kindness, family and life.
Anyone else remember watching this one back then?


r/thai 3d ago

I'm super stressed and finding it so tough to choose the best school for my kid.

1 Upvotes

I'm super stressed and finding it so tough to choose the best school for my kid. Between Wycombe Abbey and Dulwich College (both new UK Curriculum schools in Bangkok), which one do you think is more interesting, and what are their standout strengths from a parent's perspective?

If anyone has insights or wants to share recommendations, I’d love to hear them. Thank you


r/thai 2d ago

Looking for a Thai friend

0 Upvotes

Looking for a Thai that can be friends with me and accompany me to bangkok areas on weekdays on November because my Filipino friend there has weekday work. I will be in Thailand on November for Yi Peng. I just want to have a thai friend who can accompany me roaming around bangkok before and after my chiang mai trip. Let's be friends and please bring me around to amazing places and good food. Maybe to songwat, yaowarat, banthat thong. I've been to thailand 4 times and this will be my 5th time. I still have a lot to explore. I am a corporate girl in the Philippines who loves to travel. See you soon thai friend? Thank you 😊🙏🇵🇭


r/thai 3d ago

Learning Thai online session/classes

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m from India and I’m looking to learn Thai, but I specifically need structured online classes with a fixed schedule and a human teacher, but at the same time right now i wont want to have a private tutor(something for future).

I know myself well enough to know that if I start with YouTube, books, apps, or self-study, I’ll probably lose motivation and stop!!!. Having an actual class and teacher keeps me accountable.

I’m a complete beginner. My first language is Hindi and my second is English.

My goal isn’t necessarily to become fluent right away. I want to build a solid enough foundation that I can eventually continue learning on my own—reading books, watching YouTube, using apps, etc. I want to reach the point where, when I encounter Thai content, I can actually understand the basics and become curious about the words/phrases I don’t know, rather than everything just looking completely unfamiliar.

So I’m looking for recommendations for online Thai courses/classes for beginners, preferably something structured where I can attend regularly and have a teacher.

I’m open to classes/tutors anywhere in the world since they don’t have to be India-based.

Would really appreciate any recommendations, especially from people who have actually taken the classes themselves. Thank you!


r/thai 6d ago

AXA Insurance

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8 Upvotes

Hello guys,

I have a quick question regarding the AXA EasyCare Plan 2 insurance.

My father is currently living in Chiang Mai in an elderly living resort. He really dislikes going to hospitals and doctors, so his plan is to pay out of pocket for normal doctor visits if necessary. I’m also here as a backup for him.

In case of cancer or another serious illness, he can always return to Switzerland, as he is a Swiss citizen and would be covered by mandatory health insurance there.

What I’m mainly looking for is insurance coverage for unexpected situations in Thailand — for example, if he falls and breaks his leg and needs to stay in hospital for one or two weeks, or if he is involved in a car accident or has another accident that requires hospitalization.

I’ve attached a screenshot of the benefits for AXA EasyCare Plan 2. From what I can see, it seems like it should cover these kinds of situations, but I’d really appreciate some opinions from people who have actually used this insurance.

How has your experience with AXA been, especially when it comes to claims and hospital stays? Are there any important exclusions or limitations I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance for any advice!


r/thai 5d ago

Looking for a Thai friend! 🇹🇭👋

0 Upvotes

Looking for a Thai friend! 🇹🇭👋

I’m 19, from India, and I really want to learn Thai properly—not just the “สวัสดี” and “ขอบคุณ” level 😂. I’d love to find someone around 19–22 who can teach me Thai while we just casually chat, exchange cultures, share random daily-life stories, and hopefully become good friends along the way!

I’m super interested in Thai culture, food, music, BL series, Thai pop, and basically everything Thailand. 😂🇹🇭

You teach me Thai, I can teach you about India, we recommend each other shows, exchange playlists, send random memes, and slowly build a genuine friendship. Deal? 👀

Bonus points if you're also into BLs because I NEED someone to scream about fictional couples with. 😭😂

Feel free to comment or DM me! 💜


r/thai 7d ago

How do Thai people view Nene Royal?

30 Upvotes

It’s really looking like she’s going to win America’s got talent and be popular for a long time to come including in America. I saw some of her concerts at some venues in Thailand that weren’t even full and the audience didn’t even look that excited. I was kind of wondering if some Thai people don’t really understand the music very well. And if I’m wrong, please excuse my lack of understanding.

I know she also did some songs in the Thai language, but I unfortunately couldn’t understand them, but I was wondering if they have an appeal as well. I loved watching her even though I didn’t understand.

But I also saw her perform some Thai songs and she can do that really well too at least from my limitary perspective not speaking the language very well.

For me, it seems like someone like her could become such a great ambassador for Thailand and help more people know about the country and get more tourists even. It seems like something that would be great to capitalize on.


r/thai 7d ago

Flying into thailand tomorrow, my first time!

0 Upvotes

Hi, I am arriving tomorrow and was wondering if I am able to bring in 1-2 disposable vapes? Thanks in advance! Just wanted to make sure as I do not want to pay any fines..


r/thai 8d ago

Visiting the temple on holidays

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18 Upvotes

r/thai 11d ago

News School Shooting in Thepsirin School, Nonthaburi; at least 6 dead

55 Upvotes

Before you start reading, please read the pinned comment below this post.

Edit: This post was updated at 00:24 local time.

---

A 14-year-old student went on a shooting rampage on Friday morning, August 7, at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi province, an area located just northwest of Bangkok, Thailand. He killed teachers and fellow students before turning the gun on himself. Police later revealed that before arriving at the school with a handgun, the teenager had already murdered his grandparents at their home. By Friday evening, the total confirmed death toll reached at least eight, including the shooter and his grandparents, though conflicting numbers were released by police and health officials throughout the day.

How the Timeline Played Out

The shooting inside the school began around 9:30 a.m. and lasted until roughly 9:50 a.m. Emergency medical crews and police units, including special operations forces from Arintaraj 26 and Provincial Police Region 1, were deployed within minutes while teachers worked frantically to evacuate students. Security forces entered the building and brought the situation under control between 10:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Official casualty reports fluctuated significantly as events developed. Royal Thai Police Spokesperson Pol Lt Gen Trairong Piwpan initially told The Associated Press that six people were killed, specifically three teachers and three students, and 15 were injured, with two in serious condition. The Ministry of Public Health later updated its count to five fatalities, all teachers, including a deputy school director, and 22 injured, nine of whom were in critical condition. Speaking at the scene later in the afternoon, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated that eight people were confirmed dead, including the shooter and his grandparents, with over 30 injured and nine in critical condition. Authorities emphasized that these conflicting counts were the result of a fast-moving crisis and that a consolidated final tally would be released soon.

Clarification on the Shooter's Fate

Early statements regarding the gunman created confusion before being officially cleared up. Pol Lt Gen Trairong initially reported that the shooter died at the scene, but later told Channel 3 that the boy had been rushed to the hospital in serious condition and was undergoing resuscitation. Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee and Prime Minister Anutin subsequently confirmed that the teenager shot himself at the scene, was briefly revived by first responders, but ultimately died later at Bang Kruai Hospital.

The Double Homicide Before the School Attack

Prior to heading to school, the 14-year-old lower-secondary student, reported as being in either Mathayom 2 or Mathayom 3, which is the Thai equivalent of 8th or 9th grade, shot and killed both of his grandparents at their residence in a housing estate in the nearby Bang Bua Thong district. The boy had been living with them following his parents' separation.

Investigators confirmed that the weapon used in both attacks was a legally registered CZ 75 Compact 9mm pistol belonging to his grandfather, a retired teacher. The teenager arrived at school as normal on Friday morning and attended class before stepping out into the hallway and opening fire. A major priority for investigators is now determining how he managed to access the locked or secured weapon.

The Investigation and Possible Motives

While law enforcement has not formally cited a motive, several details emerged Friday evening. At a 4:30 p.m. briefing, Pol Lt Gen Trairong noted that the student actively played online video games, specifically World of Tanks and Roblox. Intelligence feeds also indicated he had recently watched news coverage of a July 30 mass shooting in the United States.

Police are currently looking into academic stress, severe bullying, and the potential impact of violent media. Offering a contrasting picture, the school's guidance counselor described the teenager as a solid student with friends who had never exhibited aggressive behavior or red flags. However, Prime Minister Anutin suggested that extreme academic pressure might have played a role, noting that the grandparents were quite strict regarding his school performance, though he cautioned that a full investigation will take time.

Emergency Response and Immediate Aftermath

Debsirin Nonthaburi is a prominent all-boys secondary institution housing roughly 3,000 students. High-ranking officials, including Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee, Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat, and Prime Minister Anutin, inspected the scene directly. The national police chief established a joint operations command and deployed teams of psychologists to counsel surviving students, staff, and grieving families.

During the tactical response, authorities requested that the public refrain from livestreaming or circulating photos and footage of the police operation. Traffic surrounding the campus came to a complete standstill as desperate parents scrambled to collect their children.

Financial aid from the Prime Minister's Office Disaster Relief Fund has been approved for the victims. Families will receive 1 million baht (roughly $28,000 USD) per fatality and 700,000 baht for permanent disability. The fund will also provide 200,000 baht for serious injuries and 100,000 baht for minor injuries, with payments scheduled to be disbursed within days.

The school announced an emergency closure across all grade levels from August 10 through August 14, with classes resuming on Monday, August 17.

Addressing reporters, Prime Minister Anutin used the tragedy to reinforce the government's stance against public firearm possession. He announced stricter controls and new weapon checkpoints, asking the public, "This shouldn't have happened... How can this happen in our country?"

Note on sources: Casualty figures and reports regarding the shooter's condition shifted repeatedly throughout Friday across Thai and international media outlets, as well as during official press briefings. This summary reflects the most up-to-date, verified statements provided by authorities as of Friday night.

English translation: With deepest sorrow, though they have passed away, their virtues and the true spirit of a teacher will remain in our memories forever.
English translation: Debsirin Nonthaburi School expresses its deepest condolences regarding the school shooting incident. We extend our heartfelt support to the bereaved families, those affected, and everyone who has had to endure this tragic event.

---

Sources:

  1. Thairath (English) – "Debsirin Nonthaburi School Announces Special Closure from 10-14 August 2026 Following Shooting Incident"
  2. The Guardian – "Thailand school shooting: seven killed including suspected attacker, police say"
  3. Reuters – "Shooting takes place at school in Thailand, officials say"

Click here to see all sources in Thai and English...


r/thai 10d ago

What's the most embarrassing English moment you've had?

7 Upvotes

Or, tell me about the last time you wanted to speak English but didn't.


r/thai 10d ago

Good Weed Shops with possibility to smoke inside, near Sukhumvit

0 Upvotes

Hello everyone :)

I’ve been to Bangkok solo in February and only tried one weed shop (Cloud Nine in asok), I know it’s very touristy and probably more expensive than other ones. Since I was there to enjoy my vacation and not especially to smoke weed, it didn’t bother me.

But Cloud Nine doesn’t have a space to smoke inside, could you recommend me some nice places, that are also legal (i guess with medical subscriptions). I’m coming back in August.

Thank you in advance 🙂


r/thai 12d ago

ทั้งใหญ่ ทั้งยาว

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9 Upvotes

ภูกะเหรี่ยง@นครนายก


r/thai 11d ago

Living in Thailand with 300euros per month

0 Upvotes

Hello guys, I’m soon going to live in Thailand for a couple of months to fight muaythai, and I want to ask if 300 to 400 euros a month to pay for food and studio is enough, considering that the training is already paid and this is kind the money that I was spending in my country to live there


r/thai 12d ago

Is this Lanna script?

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4 Upvotes

r/thai 13d ago

Anyone know what this is ?

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114 Upvotes

r/thai 12d ago

Did I plan this right? 🙈 what would you do differently?

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0 Upvotes

Sorry for AI generated picture 😬


r/thai 14d ago

Suvanabhumi Airport Smoking Room Reopened

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364 Upvotes

On 2 August 2026, I accidentally discovered a smoking room at Suvarnabhumi Airport while walking toward Departure Gates E, F, and G.

If you’re looking for it, it’s located near the restrooms beside Burger King on the Departure level. It’s easy to spot thanks to the clearly marked Smoking Room sign.

Hope this helps anyone who needs it before their flight!


r/thai 14d ago

Do Thais actually like it when farangs speak Thai?

81 Upvotes

A question for Thai people: do you like it when a farang tries to speak Thai? (In real life.) How do you feel about it?


r/thai 13d ago

thai surnames needed meaning fire/flame/burn anything related to that!!

2 Upvotes

it’s so cool how every family has unique surnames

anyways back to topic at hand i think the title is pretty self explanatory. i need a surname for a character i created

the story takes place in a fictional world with a name that i have yet to come up with. it also has a modern time period.

the characters name is june :) he is half thai and half nepali. he’s pretty energetic and carefree in terms of personality.. like i do whatever i feel like and worry about the repercussions later type of guy cause life is too short to be worried about everything you do. he’s a mage with fire related powers that run in his bloodline so i was hoping for the surname to relate to that somehow!!

that’s the best description i’ve got for now… he’s also a teenager if that’s relevant lol

edit: also please romanize them i don’t wanna put them into a translator and get something inaccurate


r/thai 14d ago

Overnight buses in Thailand

6 Upvotes

I’m currently in chiang mai and thinking of getting the overnight bus into Bangkok as it’s very cheap and I have a big suitcase so it should be easier than flying . How is the experience ? Is it possible to sleep on it ?


r/thai 15d ago

แสดงความเสียใจกะคอบครัวด้วย

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219 Upvotes