How to Make Thai Friends

Lots of people come here and want to know how to make Thai friends. Making Thai friends is a great way to learn more about local culture and traditions. Also Thai people are great fun to hang out with. Many people make the mistake of moving to a new country and just socializing with other expats, or maybe even just people from their own country. Whilst some people are happy with this I believe you will be missing out on many possible experiences.

Why should I be friends with Thai people?

For me one of the main reasons for moving to a new country was to get to know new people and learn about new culture. As such being friends with Thai people was very important. However, when I arrived I didn’t know how to make Thai friends with the language barrier being a problem.

Having Thai friends has meant that I have learnt Thai in a fun natural way and have also helped my friends with their English which is really rewarding. Also it means no more awkward conversations with me sitting around not knowing what is happening. Day to day life is much easier as I can express my feelings and have conversations with people in shops, restaurants and at the sports club.

Also you will get the opportunity to take part in traditional Thai activities such as weddings and parties. I have been invited to so many different events and places by my Thai friends which I would not have experienced if I just stuck to expat friends. I really enjoy doing these activities and my friends love sharing these things with me. I have also introduced them to new things that I enjoy, such as western cooking and different music.

You will soon realize that Thai people are extremely generous and loyal to their friends. They will do whatever they can to help. I had some tough times when I first arrived and my Thai friends always helped me out whether it was with translation, directions or just being there to talk to. They also know how to relax and party with social life very important to most people.

I have some expat friends here but often people just have friends from their own culture and don’t integrate into Thai society. Maybe if you’re only planning to stay here for a few months this is ok but for a long term stay I think it is necessary to expand your friend group. However, sometimes people chose expat friends with the only link being they are from the same country or cultural background which means they really have very little in common. For me personally I have no desire to be part of the Khao San lifestyle so I tend to avoid these situations.

How to Make Thai Friends

So now you are here and want to make Thai friends but don’t know where to start. I have met most of my Thai friends in day to day situations. One thing to be aware of is the language difference and cultural problems. Most of my friends could speak a bit of English and over time my Thai has improved to speak with them in either language. Also there are many taboos in Thailand which you should avoid as this will offend many people.

I have met some of my Thai friends at the various places I have lived. The restaurants or social areas of apartments and condos are great for relaxing after work and hang out with friends. As you go to your room every night you get to see the same people and overtime I got to know a few people really well. A few shared drinks and meals later and you have some new friends. I have always lived outside central Bangkok so maybe its easier where I live as people are less used to meeting foreigners. However in the center of Bangkok you will find people who can speak English to a higher level.

I joined a sports club after arriving where I go a few times a week. I play badminton, tennis and swim after. Joining the badminton league I get to play with new people every week so get new social interactions often. I also play badminton with my Thai girlfriend so we get to meet people and have become friends with a few as well as getting many regular badminton partners. However this might be because I’m not very good and people like beating me every week! I would recommend a social activity like sport as a great way to meet a variety of new people.

Through work I have also made new friends. I get to socialize with a number of people I already know. Working in a number of places I am still friends with people from all the jobs I have had.

Expat Friends

It is also important to have some expat friends as you will feel the need to talk to someone who is in the same situation as you. From a Christmas meal to watching your favorite sports team there are lots of things to do together. Your job is an obvious way to meet people but you can also make friends from other places. Again sports clubs offer a chance to meet others and of course you can find plenty of expats in areas such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.