Thai Times

Covering the Thai Renaissance
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2026

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

0:00
0:00
Close
Thailand Arrests Fugitive Gang Leader Sahil Chauhan, Moves Toward Deportation to India
PM Anutin Concludes Policy Debate with Pledge to Strengthen Thailand’s Security and Stability
Regional Tourists Flock to Thailand for Songkran 2026 as Festival Draws Global Attention
Energy Price Surge Weighs on Thailand’s Songkran Travel Momentum
Thailand Targets High-Value Tourism Growth in Strategic Industry Reset
Thailand Signals Cautious Approach to Joint Border Talks with Cambodia
Thailand Intensifies Crackdown with New Asset Seizures in Expanding Scam Investigation
Rising Oil Prices Test Thailand’s Economy as Government Moves to Safeguard Growth
Autel Unveils Ultra-Fast EV Charging Technology in Thailand with High-Current Innovation
Thailand Moves to Shield Economy with Targeted Support as Oil Prices Rise
Thailand Advances Comprehensive 10-Point Human Rights Agenda Under New Government
Bangkok Leads Grand Songkran 2026 Celebrations with Expansive Cultural and Water Festivals
Thailand Addresses Allegations Involving Security Agency in Incident Targeting Muslim Lawmaker
Thailand Launches Strategic Review of Visa-Free Entry Policy to Strengthen Tourism and Security
Thailand Seizes $260 Million in Assets in Major Crackdown on Alleged Scam Networks
Microsoft Expands Global AI Strategy with New Investments in South Korea and Thailand
Thailand and Washington Guard Deepen Cooperation to Strengthen Port Emergency Response Capabilities
Chinese Electric Vehicles Accelerate Transformation of Thailand’s Automotive Market
Thailand Upholds Legal Process as Journalists Face Lawsuit Over Reporting on Ministerial Case
Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul Secures Landmark Victory at Home LPGA Tournament
Rising National Pride Seen Driving Surge in Volunteer Participation Across Thailand
Thailand Bond Market Faces Further Pressure as Inflation Outlook Drives Investor Caution
Thailand’s OR Unveils Five-Year Strategy to Expand Beyond Fuel Amid Accelerating EV Transition
Thailand PM Encourages Remote Work as Energy Pressures Linked to Iran Disrupt Supplies
Thailand Considers Tourist Insurance Scheme to Address Rising Unpaid Medical Bills
Huawei Cloud Launches AI MaaS Platform in Thailand to Accelerate Digital Transformation
KFC Thailand Transforms Songkran Challenge Into Viral Marketing Event With Landmark Takeover
Thailand Positioned as Premier Gateway for Multi-Country Travel Across Southeast Asia
Thailand Advances Rooftop Solar Growth With New Legal Framework and Incentives
Uno Strengthens Global Network Through New Partnerships With Thai Institutions
Massive Cross-Border Scam Compound Exposed Near Thailand-Cambodia Frontier
Thailand Enforces Tough Anti-Vaping Laws as Tourists Face Fines and Possible Jail Terms
U Power Expands Battery-Swapping Truck Plans in Thailand and Eyes Hong Kong Taxi Rollout
The CIA’s Secret Technology That Can Find You by Your Heartbeat Successfully Locates Downed Airman
Thailand’s New Coalition Government Sworn In, Marking Start of Unified Leadership Phase
Thailand’s Prime Minister Calls for Remote Work to Safeguard Energy Stability
Thailand Targets Six Resilient Tourism Markets to Sustain Growth Amid Flight Disruptions
Thailand Expands Visa-on-Arrival Access to Boost Travel from India
Thailand and China Deepen Tourism Cooperation with New Agreements Linking Guizhou and Sanya
Thailand Issues Heat Alert as Northern and Northeastern Regions Face Temperatures Up to 42°C
Bangkok Unveils Asia’s Largest Transparent LED Screen at CentralWorld
Thailand Unveils Reform Agenda to Accelerate Growth and Reduce Business Costs
Thailand Moves to Counter Oil Smuggling as Government Strengthens Energy Stability Measures
Phuket and Chiang Mai Ranked Among Top Global Destinations for 2026
Asian Economies Respond to Oil Supply Strain as Saudi Export Cuts Trigger Regional Adjustments
Thailand’s Anutin Prepares New Economic Measures to Accelerate Growth and Investment
Thailand Warns of Rising Summer Health Risks as Extreme Heat Intensifies Across the Country
Thailand Strengthens Oversight on Crude Palm Oil Exports to Stabilise Domestic Supply
Ancient Buddha Statue in Thailand Reveals Hidden Gold Treasure, Astonishing Archaeologists
Thailand Intensifies Response as Hazardous Smog Levels Affect Large Parts of the Country
×