Koh Sichang T-shirts

Over the long weekend, I took a trip to the island of Koh Sichang. I'd really recommend it too, as there was plenty to see and do. Chinese temples, old palaces, beaches, viewpoints and great food were all there. It's also the closest island to Bangkok and you can get there in a few hours by stopping off in Sri Racha first.

While I was there, I took some photos of some of the more humorous t-shirts that they sold on the island. For your entertainment and education, here's the English explanation about three of the best that I saw.

Bangkok Job Poster

While walking around Victory Monument in Bangkok, I noticed this poster stuck to a pillar. I thought I'd share it here since it's a good chance to learn a few different job types found in Thailand. For those actually looking for work, I'd recommend looking online instead. Those employers will be slightly more modernised!

Music Lesson, No 1: รักต้องเปิด (แน่นอก)

In the past week or so, a new song, รักต้องเปิด (แน่นอก) or Rak Dtawng Bpeert (Naaen Ok), has exploded across Thailand, forming an army of satisfied fans while angering some more conservative Thais. In this lesson, I thought I'd go over the lyrics to the song so you know what all the fuss is about. Before we go into more detail, watch the video and see how much you can pick up.

Street Signs, Part 3

This is a sign from one of the MRT (subway) stations in Bangkok. While written in Thai, this offers important information for English speakers as well. Let's go through each of the Thai words and sentences to see what it says.

Controversial Thai TV Ad: Skin Whitening Drink

Let's do something a bit different for today's Thai lesson. A few days ago, a television advertisement for a skin whitening drink, L-Gluta Berry Plus, by the company, Verena, caused some controversy in Thailand as it was deemed racist (specifically towards Africans and African-Americans). I thought I'd go through the script so you could understand what's going on in the clip.

First, here's the ad so you can watch it. See how much you can pick up in the first listen.

To Be in the Thai Language

Like in English, the verb 'to be' in Thai is more complicated than others, following its own unique set of rules. Thus, it's important for new learners to memorise the different forms so that you can then use this word in the proper manner. Luckily, there are only three situations you need to remember so that you can speak as naturally as possible.