Thai Times

Covering the Thai Renaissance
Tuesday, Jun 10, 2025

Popular Thai Catchphrases That Made Waves in 2023

In 2023, several Thai catchphrases gained popularity, resonating with current events. Notable terms include "digital money," "soft power," and "Chin Thao" (suggesting questionable Chinese businesses).
Krunthep Turakij compiled a list of trending expressions, ranging from Thai to English, and combinations thereof.

Key phrases of the year are:

- "kee mong" (meaning "when"), used to express skepticism, such as doubting Thailand's World Cup prospects.
- "First Thai," mocking people falsely claiming to be the first at something.
- "Digital money," following the Pheu Thai Party's promise of a 10,000-baht digital wallet handout for those 16 and older, prompting questions about its distribution.
- "Chin Thao," referring to illicit Chinese enterprises.
- "Cham," originally meaning "extremely juicy," used for emphasis, with over 68 million mentions.
- "Cha Thai" (Thai tea), tied to global popularity and copyright disputes.
- "Chai Thrae," a twist on "Chai Thae" (real men), now implies male chauvinism.
- "Choc Mint," associated with Pheu Thai leader Paetongta Shinawatra's favorite drink and her party.
- "Short feel," a twist on "short-circuit," indicating an abrupt interruption that deeply offends.
- "Soft power," a term used widely after Pheu Thai's policy promotion.
- "Third crown coming," the rallying cry of Thai netizens during the Miss Universe pageant in support of Anntonia Porsild.
- "Whose fortune?" a compliment to attractive individuals on social media.
- "I told Phrae Mae Laxmi about you," a tag used for romantic intentions, invoking the goddess of love, Laxmi.
- "Woke," used to convey a sense of political disenchantment.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Thailand’s Mass-Market Staples Face Slowdown Amid Weakened Household Spending
0:00
0:00
Open
Thailand’s Mass-Market Staples Face Slowdown Amid Weakened Household Spending
0:00
0:00
Close
Thailand’s Mass-Market Staples Face Slowdown Amid Weakened Household Spending
Thailand Expands EV Incentives Amid Employment Surge and Localization Goals
Thailand Launches Initiative for Local Large Language Model Development
Foreign Property Demand in Thailand Faces Continued Decline Amid The intensified crackdown on nominee ownership
Thailand Faces Rising Household Debt and Employment Challenges
IMF Warns of Severe Global Trade War Impacts on Emerging Markets
Gold and Bitcoin Positioned for Record Highs Amid Global Economic Uncertainty
Thailand and UAE Strengthen Trade Cooperation Amid Global Challenges
Thailand's Household Debt Reaches 16.42 Trillion Baht in Q4 2024
Thai Households Average Spending Insights for May
Thailand Introduces New Tax Incentives to Attract Overseas Income
United States and Thailand Initiate Official Tariff Negotiations
Thailand Tightens Border Restrictions with Cambodia Amid Tensions
Cambodia and Thailand Reach Agreement Amidst Border Tensions
US Companies Urge Reduction of Vietnamese Tariffs Amid Trade Shift
American Tourist Arrested in Pattaya Following Vandalism and Altercation
Trump Administration Issues New Travel Ban Targeting 12 Countries
Chiang Mai Airport Allocates Land for Commercial Development
Thai Army Responds to Cambodian Statement on Sovereignty
Royal Thai Navy Prepares Amphibious Forces Amid Border Tensions
Border School Conducts Emergency Shelter Drills for Students
Police Chief Orders Border Patrol Readiness in Seven Key Areas
Royal Thai Navy Conducts Amphibious Assault Exercises
Naval Commander Monitors Cambodian Military Drills
Japan Grapples with Rice Shortage Amid Soaring Prices
Transport Minister Orders Expansion of Highway 211
Cambodia Eyes Four Contested Border Areas, Rejects JBC Talks
Thailand to Face Turkey in VNL 2025 Women's Volleyball Clash
Thai Army Asserts Readiness Amid Border Tensions with Cambodia
Thailand's Community Liquor Law Takes Effect Tomorrow
Thai Military Emphasizes Patience in Cambodian Border Dispute
Pichai Celebrates THAIFEX - ANUGA ASIA 2025 Generating 135 Billion Baht
Thai Army Denies Sending Drones to Spy on Cambodia
Holiday Crowds at Korat Zoo Cause Traffic Jam Over 1 km Long
Naka Cave Increases Daily Tourist Quota to 1,500 Visitors
Royal Thai Air Force Plans to Procure New GRIPEN E/F Fighter Jets
First Army Region Commander Inspects Tank Readiness and Personnel
Magnitude 4.6 Earthquake in Myanmar Felt in Chiang Rai, Thailand
1st Army Region Reviews Readiness of 'Black Panther' Division
Global News Roundup: From Ukraine's strategic military strikes and Russia's demands and Tensions Escalate in Ukraine, to serious legal issues faced by Britons in Bali and Trump's media criticism, the latest developments highlight a turbulent landscape
‘Vibe Coding’ Emerges as the New DIY Trend
AI Pioneer Yoshua Bengio Warns Models Can Deceive Users
Big Four Firms Rush to Create AI Auditing Systems
Musk’s xAI Pursues $113 Billion Valuation in New Share Sale
Walmart Increases Revenue Despite Shrinking Workforce
Hims & Hers Plans UK and EU Launch of Replica Obesity Drugs
Toyota to Acquire Supplier in $33 Billion Buyout
U.S. Reduces Military Presence in Syria
Trump Demands Iran End All Uranium Enrichment in Nuclear Talks
BlackRock-Backed Fintech Aims to Become Europe’s Charles Schwab
×