SAME-SAME

Tuesday, 13 December 2005

"Same-same" - the most useful and used English phrase in Thailand.
Every other road side traders dealing with the farangs (foreigners) can
communicate fairly effectively using just that one word,


(Scene: Chiangmai Night Market)

Farang: "How much is this T-shirt?"
T seller: "200B"
Farang: "How much is that Hard Rock Cafe T-shirt?"
T seller: "Same same"
Farang: " But quality is different."
T-seller: " No, same same."
Farang: "Too expensive, are you try to rip me off?"
T-seller: "No, same same."
Farang: " You think I am a big sucker, don't you?"
T-seller: "Same same." (meaning: I'm no sucker too)
Farang: " #@//%!!!"
T-seller: " Same same." (meaning: #@//%!!! to you too)

Tourism is big in Thailand. So is the promotion of the English language.
You can also buy T-shirt proudly embossed with SAME SAME.

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