Ko Samui Language

For those who know how to speak Thai, language will be no barrier in Ko Samui. All local residents of Ko Samui speak Thai, which is the official language. However, English is generally understood by most of the people in the tourism business, as Ko Samui receives a high influx of tourists each year.

Thai, which is spoken by 80% of the 60 million strong people of Thailand has four major dialects. These dialects have developed according to the regions in which the Thai language is spoken. In Ko Samui, one is likely to find the local residents speak in the Southern dialect. Understanbly, the other dialects are named after the remaining regions - Northern, Eastern and Western.

In Thai, which is the official language of the people of Ko Samui, koh means ‘island'. The etymology of the word ‘Samui' is not that distinct. While some say samui evolved from mui , a kind of tree endemic to the island. Yet others attribute the word samui to a corruption of the Chinese word Saboey , meaning ‘safe haven'.

Tourists traveling to Ko Samui should be armed with some of the commonly used phrases of the Ko Samui language to have it easier to get around. One thing, though, is for sure – wherever you go, you will always be greeted with the universal Ko Samui language - a smile.

Hotels in Ko Samui
Baan Samui Resort	Siam Residence
Artrium Tropical Exclusive Club & Spa Hotel	The Samudra Retreat Samui Hotel
Samui Cliff View Resort & Spa	Samui Palm Beach Resort