Jingjok
Saying no without saying no
kong jà yâak nít nùeng
A flat ไม่ได้ to a boss or client sounds rude in Thai, so refusals are wrapped up. คงจะยากนิดหนึ่ง ('that may be a little difficult'), ขอพิจารณาก่อน ('let me consider it'), ขอปรึกษาทีมก่อน ('let me check with the team') and a long pause all often mean no. The other side is true too: a Thai colleague's ได้ครับ may mean 'I hear you' rather than 'I promise'. If something matters, follow up with specifics: dates, who does what, in writing. When you must say no yourself, give a reason, offer an alternative and thank them; the relationship matters as much as the answer.
Try this today
Next time you need to decline at work, try คงจะยากนิดหนึ่ง and offer an alternative.
Learn this in “Meetings, emails, negotiation” →
Your first 90 days of Thai
Culture cards in Jingjok are tied to the words that carry them, each ending in one thing to try today.
- WEEKS 1–2 · SURVIVEGreet anyone, pay, and order food and 7-Eleven exactly how you like it.
- WEEKS 3–6 · SETTLE INGet around by taxi, Grab and skytrain, find anything, and handle your landlord.
- WEEKS 7–12 · RUN YOUR LIFEPharmacy, bank, SIM and apps, how you feel, and a weekend away, all in Thai.
The first week is free.