Jingjok
The massage shop script
bao long nòi
A Thai massage shop follows the same script almost everywhere. You choose from the menu (นวดไทย, นวดน้ำมัน, นวดเท้า), often get your feet washed, and change into loose clothes the shop gives you. For Thai massage you stay dressed; the therapist uses palms, thumbs, elbows and knees and stretches you. Pressure is your call. Expect the question แรงไปไหม 'too hard?', and answer เบาลงหน่อย 'lighter', แรงขึ้นอีกหน่อย 'harder' or กำลังดี 'just right'. Thai massage can hurt; say so early. The head is sacred and the feet are low, so keep your feet away from people's faces even when lying down. A tip in cash for the therapist is common and appreciated.
Try this today
At your next massage, use one pressure phrase: เบาลงหน่อย or แรงขึ้นอีกหน่อย.
The words that carry it
Learn this in “Body, gym, massage, beauty” →
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.