Jingjok
The three questions, and why they're kind
maa jàak nǎi
Sit in a taxi, get a massage or meet a neighbour and the same three questions usually arrive in the same order: มาจากไหน (where are you from?), อยู่เมืองไทยนานไหม (been here long?) and มาเที่ยวหรือมาทำงาน (holiday or work?). This isn't an interrogation or a visa check. It's a friendly way of showing interest and finding something to talk about, much like chatting about the weather elsewhere. Short answers are perfect: มาจากอังกฤษ, เพิ่งมา, มาทำงาน. Then ask one back: พี่เป็นคนที่ไหน? Many people in Bangkok grew up in another province, so this question opens real stories about hometowns. Answer in Thai and expect a delighted พูดไทยเก่ง!
Try this today
Answer all three questions in Thai today, then ask one back.
The words that carry it
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.