“Mai ow lord ka” (female) / “Mai ow lord kap” (male).

And be prepared by carrying your own reusable straw!

3. Do Not Ride Elephants

Many travelers want to see elephants on their visit to Thailand, and there are many places to choose from. Be sure you do your research and choose a reputable sanctuary that does not allow riding. (Riding elephants is very harmful to these gentle animals.) Book your experience in advance, as most of the respected elephant sanctuaries fill up quickly. 

Asking a local to plan your trip has a couple of advantages. First, you’ll support the local economy. Second, you give locals the space to advocate for how they want visitors to see their home. Third, it’s a great way to get off the beaten path and away from tourist traps. ViaHero, a service that pairs travelers with locals, launched in Thailand in 2019.