Ariya
While you can definitely get by with English in most of the touristy areas, knowing a bit of Thai can really enhance your experience, especially if you venture into local neighborhoods or street food markets. Even just learning how to say basic things like “how much?” (Tao Rai?) or “yes/no” (Chai/Mai) can make interactions smoother and more fun. People are usually really friendly and patient, and they’ll appreciate the effort. Plus, it can help you avoid any confusion when haggling or ordering food!