Writing on signs in Thailand
Little loops on the letters
Thai letters start with a small loop, and vowel marks sit above and below the line. Words run together with no spaces between them.
- Look for the small circles at the start of letters like ก, ด and บ.
- Tall marks stack above the letters, like in ที่.
- Thai is sharper and more angular than Lao, its close cousin.
13 photos, grouped by the clue they show.
Key clue Shop sign 7
Key clue Street sign 6
Thailand: what its writing looks like
Thai letters are easy to spot: most start with a small loop, and vowel and tone marks sit above and below the letters. Words run together with no spaces.
Thai shop signs are often very big and colourful, and the letters can be drawn in a modern style without the loops, so look for the stacked marks too.
Thai script is used all over Thailand. Signs in tourist areas often add English.
Look-alikes: how to tell them apart
Laos
CambodiaLao looks like a rounder, simpler Thai with fewer marks. Khmer is curlier, with little hats on top and letters stacked below.
Questions about the writing in Thailand
How do I tell Thai and Lao writing apart?
Thai letters are sharper and have more loops and tall marks above the line. Lao letters are rounder and simpler.
Why are there no spaces in Thai?
Thai is written without spaces between words. Spaces are used only between phrases or sentences.