AB Level 1.6: Start and End Times in Thai

Starting and Ending Times

• In Thai, the starting and ending times for an event, such as a breakfast buffet, can be stated with the formula:

  • ตั้งแต่ (dtâng-dtàae) + [start time] + ถึง (thǔeng) + [end time].

• We can say the hours in the morning between six o'clock and eleven o'clock a.m. as [number] + โมงเช้า (moong-cháao), which means "o'clock in the morning."

  • ตั้งแต่เจ็ดโมงเช้าถึงสิบโมงเช้า

  • (dtâng-dtàae jèt moong-cháao thǔeng sìp moong-cháao)

    ➤ “From seven to ten in the morning."

  • ตั้งแต่กี่โมงถึงกี่โมง

  • (dtâng-dtàae gìi moong thǔeng gìi moong)

    ➤ "From what time to what time?"

Thai Time

• The native Thai system of telling time uses different words for the hours at different times of the day.
• Also, some of the words for the hours come before the number and some come after.
• Some hours also have multiple ways of being said depending on the speaker's preference.
• Here are all twenty-four hours starting with one o'clock a.m.:

• In casual speech, we often drop the last syllable of the hours that have three syllables.
  • We can shorten บ่ายสามโมง (bàai-sǎam-moong), which is "three in the afternoon," to บ่ายสาม (bàai-sǎam).
• The one you have to be careful with is หกโมง (hòk moong), which could be an abbreviation for either six o'clock a.m. or six o'clock p.m.

Thai Lodging Options That Will Fit Any Budget

• Thailand has accommodations in a wide range of prices that cater to different types of travelers.
• Five-star hotels and luxury resorts can be found in cities like Bangkok and Chiangmai, and at popular beach destinations such as Phuket.
• Mid-range and budget hotels are available in nearly every city and large town, while guesthouses are popular with young backpackers.
• Guesthouses provide many services for their guests, such as booking tickets, Internet access, meals and drinks, and information about local sights.
• Small bungalows can be rented on beaches and islands in Southern Thailand.
• Homestays are another option for people looking for a unique experience to stay with a Thai family and experience local culture firsthand.