AB Level 1.30: Thai for Emergencies

Helpful Phrases for Emergencies

Helpful Phrases about Heath

Quick Tips

• Don't hesitate to shout in English or in your own language if you can't recall how to say help in Thai. Getting attention from a crowd is actually the most important thing.
• Thailand lacks a dedicated paramedic station for ambulance services.
• A volunteer system is in place to provide basic assistance, such as transportation to a hospital or coordination with police officers.
  • This volunteer system is prevalent throughout Thailand and is free of charge.
• For ambulance services with a professional nurse on board, contacting a specific hospital may be necessary.
  • However, waiting times for such services may be longer.
• Thai language has different levels of formality
  • Adding or removing a word can change the tone from casual yet polite to formal yet cold
  • Thai people may use slightly different accents or forms when speaking common phrases
  • The word "ná" is often used in Thai language to make phrases smoother, even if it has no particular meaning.
• The word แรงๆ (raaeng-raaeng) is a repetition of the word แรง (raaeng) which means "strong" or "powerful."
  • Thai often repeats an adjective to emphasise the meaning of it and make it superlative.
• Majority of medicines don't need a prescription.
  • Inform the pharmacist about the medicine name or brand. The pharmacist may have it available in-store.
  • If unsure, ask for the original label. Most medicine labels are printed in English.