How to Bargain in Thai: Super Simple Guide

Last Updated on September 24, 2025 by admin

Bargaining at Thai markets doesn’t require perfect Thai. These basic phrases will help you get better prices at street markets, night bazaars, and vendor stalls.

Essential Bargaining Phrases and Method

1. “How much?”

Thai: tao rai
Pronunciation: “TOW-rye” (TOW like “cow,” RYE like the grain)
Use: Point at item and ask this

2. “Too expensive!”

Thai: pang mak
Pronunciation: “PANG-mak” (PANG like “hang,” MAK like “Bach” the composer)
Use: Your main bargaining weapon

3. “Cheaper, please”

Thai: lot noy
Pronunciation: “LOT-noy” (LOT like “hot,” NOY like “boy”)
Use: Ask for a discount. You can start at 50% lower and work upwards. Lower might be insulting.

4. “Final price?”

Thai: raka sut tai
Pronunciation: “RAH-kah SOOT-tie” (RAH like “ha,” SOOT like “foot”)
Use: Get their best offer

5. “I’ll take it” / “I want it”

Thai: ao
Pronunciation: “OW” (like “ow, that hurts!”)
Use: When you agree on price

Or:

“No, thank you” / “I don’t want it”

Thai: mai ao
Pronunciation: “MY-ow” (MY like “hi,” OW like “ow!”)
Use: To walk away (often brings lower prices)

Simple Numbers (1-100 Baht)

• 10 = (sip) – “SIP”
• 20 = (yee sip) – “YEE-sip”
• 30 = (sam sip) – “SAHM-sip”
• 50 = (haa sip) – “HAH-sip”
• 100 = (roy) – “ROY”

Easy shortcut: Just say the English numbers. Most vendors understand “twenty baht,” “fifty baht,” etc.

Bargaining Strategy

Step 1: Ask the Price

You: “TOW-rye?” (How much?)
Vendor: “Two hundred baht”

Step 2: Act Shocked, But Smile

You: “PANG-mak!” (Too expensive!) + shake head

Step 3: Make Counter Offer

You: Point to item + “One hundred baht?”

Step 4: Meet in Middle

Vendor: “One fifty”
You: “LOT-noy” (Cheaper please) + “One twenty?”

Step 5: Final Decision

You: “RAH-kah SOOT-tie?” (Final price?)
Vendor: “One thirty, final”
You: “OW” (I’ll take it) OR “MY-ow” (No thanks) and walk away

Pro tip: Be Polite and Say “Thank you”

Regardless of the outcome, smile and say “thank you” as you walk away.
You: “Khob khun kup” if you’re male. “Khob khun ka” if you’re female.

Body Language Tips

• Smile always – Thais appreciate friendly bargaining
• Point at items instead of trying to describe them
• Use fingers to show numbers
• Walk away slowly – often brings vendors running with better offers
• Don’t get angry – keep it fun and light

Where This Works

Good for bargaining: Night markets, street vendors, souvenir shops, clothing stalls
Don’t try bargaining: 7-Eleven, malls, restaurants, taxis with meters

Quick Success Tips

1. Start at 50% of asking price – work your way up
2. Compare prices at 2-3 stalls first
3. Buy multiple items for better discounts
4. Shop near closing time for desperate sellers
5. Have exact change ready – speeds up the deal
6. Look disinterested – Don’t look too committed to what you want to buy or too excited

Common Responses You’ll Hear

“Same same price” – They won’t go lower
“For you, special price” – Tourist pricing, keep bargaining
“Cannot, sorry” – Try walking away
“OK OK” – You got a deal!

Remember: Bargaining should be fun, not stressful. Smile, be patient, and enjoy the cultural experience. Even saving 20-50 baht is a win, and vendors expect you to bargain—it’s part of the game!

To learn even more, read our guide to essential Thai phrases for travelers in Pattaya.