Thais Love Peace but do not Fear to Fight

Explore a famous line from the Thai national anthem, ไทยนี้รักสงบ แต่ถึงรบไม่ขลาด (tai níi rák sà-ngòp, tàe tʉ̌ng róp mâi klàat), and discover how mixing up ขลาด and ขาด completely changes its meaning. Then hear about two real incidents that show what can happen when someone “plays with the system” in Thailand: the 2024 clash on Sukhumvit Soi 11, and an attack near Rangsit University. Along the way, you’ll pick up words for talking about conflict, remorse and respect, plus a personal story about a national anthem singing competition.

Thai Vocabulary:
ขลาด (klàat) – Cowardly / Afraid
ขาด (kàat) – Torn / Lacking / Absent
หมาหมู่ (mǎa mùu) – Ganging up on someone (slang)
สำนึกผิด (sǎm-nʉ́k pìt) – To feel remorse
สาวประเภทสอง (sǎao prà-pêet sɔ̌ɔng) – Transgender woman (respectful term)
ใจเขาใจเรา (jai kǎo jai rao) – Put yourself in others’ shoes

Keep listening, keep learning, and enjoy discovering the culture behind the language!

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The Importance of Food in our Lives

Do Thai people really think about food all the time? Explore nine ways food shapes everyday life in Thailand—from packing meals for road trips and craving spicy food abroad, to never interrupting someone’s meal and always inviting others to eat. You’ll also hear about the stress of choosing what to eat, the famous ‘dessert stomach’, how food at weddings and funerals reflects a host’s financial status, and why food vendors seem to find you wherever you are. Thai Vocabulary: แซ่บ (sâep) – Spicy and delicious หวังน้ำบ่อหน้า (wǎng náam bɔ̀ɔ nâa) – To count on finding what you need later ขาดตอน (khàat dtɔɔn) – Interrupted, broken off กินไม่ชวน (gin mâi chuan) – To eat without inviting others โมโหหิว (moo-hǒo hǐu) – Hangry เกรงใจ (greeng-jai) – Not wanting to impose on others Do you agree that food is at the heart of Thai culture? Share your own experiences and keep enjoying your Thai journey!

Thais Love Peace but do not Fear to Fight

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