Thai Times

Covering the Thai Renaissance
Tuesday, Mar 17, 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 Urges Businesses to Hold Prices as Diesel Subsidy Review Looms
Thailand Launches ‘Healing Journey Thailand’ Campaign to Promote Wellness Travel
Thailand and Laos Mark Seventy Five Years of Diplomatic Ties Celebrating Mekong Friendship
MTech Reaffirms Longstanding Partnership with Alimak to Support Industrial Development in Thailand
Thailand Showcases Film Industry Strength at Hong Kong FILMART 2026
Thailand Activates Tourism Crisis Plan as Middle East Conflict Threatens Travel Flows
Thailand Confirms Oil Exports to Laos Will Continue Despite Global Energy Uncertainty
Thailand Considers Reviving Free Domestic Flight Incentive to Boost Tourism
Thai Parliament to Vote Thursday on Next Prime Minister Following National Election
Thailand Orders Return of 284 Tonnes of Illegal Electronic Waste to the United States
Rescued Thai Sailors Return to Bangkok After Cargo Ship Attack Near Strait of Hormuz
Rescued Thai Sailors Return to Bangkok After Cargo Ship Attack Near Strait of Hormuz
Thailand Moves to Digitally Consolidate National Disease Surveillance System
Vietnam Warns of Possible Flight Cuts as Jet Fuel Supply Tightens After Regional Export Restrictions
Thailand Parliament Opens New Session Amid Debate Over Barcodes on Election Ballots
Fuel Curbs Spread Across Asia as Hormuz Crisis Sparks Energy Supply Fears
Thailand Parliament Opens New Session Amid Debate Over Barcodes on Election Ballots
Twenty Thai Sailors Set to Return Home as Search Continues for Three Missing After Strait of Hormuz Attack
Thai Trade Office in New York Sees Opportunity for Exporters in US Section 301 Tariff Exclusions
Thailand Refiners Outline Four Measures to Shield Economy From Potential Oil Supply Shock
Thailand Seeks Larger LNG Supply From US Producer Cheniere to Strengthen Energy Security
Heat Intensifies Across Upper Thailand as Rainfall Declines While Southern Provinces Face Ongoing Storms
Thailand Calls for Durable Ceasefire and Urges Cambodia Not to Escalate Border Dispute
MotoGP 2026 Thailand Grand Prix: Full Weekend Schedule and How Fans Can Watch the Season Opener
Why the International Court of Justice Struggles to Resolve the Thailand–Cambodia Border Dispute
Why the International Court of Justice Struggles to Resolve the Thailand–Cambodia Border Dispute
From Bangkok to Istanbul: Real-World Locations Behind ‘The Night Agent’
Thailand’s Oil Product Sales Stay Above One Million Barrels Per Day in January
Thailand’s Finance Ministry, Central Bank and IMF Highlight Strong Progress in Economic Reforms
Thailand’s Rice Farmers Hit as Iran Conflict Disrupts Key Middle East Export Routes
OECD Tax Guidance Update Raises New Questions for Remote Workers and Employers in Thailand
Legal Advisers Urge Early Planning for Thailand’s 2026 Permanent Residency Applications
Jewish Life in Thailand: Fourteen Insights Into a Small but Historic Community
Jewish Life in Thailand: Fourteen Insights Into a Small but Historic Community
Asian Energy Security Tested as Strait of Hormuz Disruption Threatens Oil Supplies
Iran Sets Three Conditions for Ending Regional War as Diplomatic Efforts Intensify
Thailand Bolsters Energy Security as Oil Reserves Reach 98 Days and Officials Explore Russian Supply Talks
Thailand Bolsters Energy Security as Oil Reserves Reach 98 Days and Officials Explore Russian Supply Talks
Central Retail Plans Up to $560 Million Expansion Across Thailand and Vietnam
Thailand Warns Growth Could Be Cut in Half if Middle East Conflict Persists for Three Months
Thailand Launches DITP EXPO 2026 to Propel Local Businesses onto the Global Stage
Thailand–Europe Flights Continue Despite Middle East Conflict as Airlines Reroute Around Restricted Airspace
Summer Storm System Expected to Strike 48 Thai Provinces Including Bangkok
Summer Storm System Expected to Strike 48 Thai Provinces Including Bangkok
Thailand Advancing Toward Southeast Asia’s Premier Medical Hub
Thailand Advancing Toward Southeast Asia’s Premier Medical Hub
MJets Appointed as Gulfstream Business Jet Sales Representative in Thailand
Thailand Demands Apology From Iran After Cargo Ship Struck in Strait of Hormuz
Thailand Unveils Strategic Partnership to Build National Semiconductor Capability
Songkran 2026 Guide: Where to Experience Thailand’s Biggest Water Festival
×