Jingjok
เลี้ยง: who pays
líang
When Thais eat out together, the bill often isn't split. The person who invited, the oldest, or the one who earns most usually เลี้ยง (treats), and a boss treating the team is expected. The next time, someone else takes their turn, and it evens out over months, not evenings. Splitting every bill exactly is jokingly called อเมริกันแชร์ ('American share'). It's normal among students and friends of the same age, but it can feel cold with a senior who wants to treat you. If you're treated, thank them warmly and offer to pay next time: คราวหน้าผมเลี้ยงนะ. If you invite, be ready to pay. And on your birthday, you're often the one who treats.
Try this today
Next time you invite a friend for food, say เลี้ยงเอง and pay.
The words that carry it
Learn this in “Making friends” →
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.