Thai Names and Our English Spelling

Have you ever wondered why Thai names written in English can be so hard to read? In this episode, discover the difference between Thai real names and nicknames, why many real names come from Pali or Sanskrit or are chosen with help from fortune telling, and why Thai people themselves often struggle to read Thai names written in English letters. Hear real-life mix-ups where callers misread names like Sanga, Usa, Thawon and Ongart, and test yourself by guessing how each romanised name should really be said!

Thai Vocabulary:
ชื่อจริง (chʉ̂ʉ jing) – Real name
ชื่อเล่น (chʉ̂ʉ lên) – Nickname
นามสกุล (naam sà-kun) – Surname
ดูดวง (duu duang) – To have your fortune told

A fun look at Thai culture showing that reading Thai names is tricky for Thai people too!

Intermediate Astrology Culture English Fortune Telling Ghost Humor Mae Nak Names Nicknames Pali Phone Call Phra Khanong Pronunciation Romanisation Sanskrit Surnames Tones Transliteration

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Thai Names and Our English Spelling

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