Jingjok
What is not discussed in public
gaan-muueang
Thais enjoy talking about prices, traffic and the economy with almost anyone, but politics is often avoided at work and with people they don't know well, because it can divide families and colleagues. Phrases like แล้วแต่คนคิด 'it depends who you ask' keep things friendly. The monarchy is a different matter: it is deeply respected, and Thailand has strict laws protecting the royal family that apply to foreigners too. The safe and courteous path is simple. Speak about the King and royal family only respectfully, don't joke about them, and don't post or share comments about them online. Listening more than you speak is never wrong.
Try this today
If politics comes up, try แล้วแต่คนคิด and turn the talk to food.
Learn this in “News and society” →
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.