"Mai pen rai"

[Piesat42]

Mai Pen Rai – pronounced “My pin rye”. You will hear it many times before you get out of Thailand, often when something goes wrong or someone looses their cool. This simple phrase sums up life in Thailand and the attitude there in general.

There are lots of different opinions on the direct translation, but it literally means “no worries” or “its nothing“.

You will enjoy your trip exponentially more if you adopt this local attitude as well. The next time they loose your ticket, your bus breaks down, or you step in a pile of water buffalo poo – don’t freak out like you would at home, just smile and say “mai pen rai“.

[Takiap]

And you, I'm pleased to say, will fit in just fine. Great advice, but sadly it's advice which very few will take on board.

11 years, and still mai-pen-raiing..............lol

[Piesat42]

14 years for me! Would not change a thing

[PeteC]

Yes indeed, I agree. However the counter point that it is sometimes used absurdly needs to be mentioned. Our often referenced BKP editor, Voranai, has done an article or two on the subject and how it's sometimes used as an inappropriate, ridiculous catch all excuse. "It's the Thai way" is another catchy little phrase which quickly removes the burden of responsibility and sends the user whistling down the happy road of life. A search on here should reveal many threads about experiences of when mai pen rai should not have been used. Pete

[BaaBaa.]

The good and the bad of Thailand in one phrase.

[Takiap]

The good and the bad of Thailand in one phrase.

[Spitfire]

This phrase, as previously mentioned, is good and bad. It should not however be used as a cop-out so as to stifle discussion on the merits, or lack thereof, of subject/issues within this country.

Raising positives/shortcomings and commenting on them through whatever medium, even strongly, is completely acceptable.

Also with this phrase, you never quite know whether it's 'never mind/ it doesn't matter' or 'I don't care' and sometimes I think it is used in the apathetic context more often than many might think.