Gratuitous Gift

Why do Thai people give money, gold, land and even cars to the people they love or admire? This lesson explores the Thai idea of giving out of affection: gifts for newborn babies and graduates, wedding presents, donations, and the generous gifts fans give to singers, actors, likay performers and athletes. You’ll also hear how Thai law treats these gifts, including when tax must be paid and why a gift can’t simply be taken back. Finally, you’ll see some of the surprising things Thai fans have given to celebrities.

Thai Vocabulary:
ให้โดยเสน่หา (hâi dooi sà-nèe-hǎa) – To give out of affection
เปย์ (bpee) – To lavish money or gifts on someone (slang)
แฟนคลับ (fɛɛn khláp) – Fan club
แม่ยก (mɛ̂ɛ yók) – Female patron of a likay performer
พวงมาลัย (puang maa-lai) – Garland
ของฝาก (khɔ̌ɔng fàak) – Souvenir gift

Understanding Thai culture helps you understand the language. Keep listening, keep learning, and enjoy your Thai journey!

Up next

Thai Dogs

Meet Thailand’s two native dog breeds: the Thai Ridgeback and the Thai Bangkaew! Explore their appearance, personalities and history, from guarding homes in the past to being loved pets today. Along the way, you’ll learn how to describe animals in Thai (their fur, ears, tails and temperament), plus useful everyday words for talking about habits and personal opinions. Thai Vocabulary: สุนัข / หมา (sù-nák / mǎa) – Dog (formal / everyday) ตัวผู้ / ตัวเมีย (tua phûu / tua mia) – Male / Female (for animals) สายพันธุ์ (sǎai phan) – Breed หูตั้ง / หูตก (hǔu tâng / hǔu tòk) – Pricked ears / Floppy ears หวง (hǔang) – Possessive / Protective ซื่อสัตย์ (sʉ̂ʉ-sàt) – Loyal / Honest ชิน (chin) – Used to (something) Whether you’re a dog lover or just curious about Thailand, this lesson gives you vocabulary you can use to describe almost any animal. Which Thai breed do you prefer?

Gratuitous Gift

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