Silom: The Beating Heart of Bangkok

• Helloสวัสดี
  [sawasdee]
• Goodbyeลาก่อน
  [laa kon]
• Yesใช่
  [chai]
• Noไม่
  [mai]
• Please/You're welcomeโปรด/ยินดี
  [proht/yindee]
• Thank youขอบคุณ
  [kop khun]
• Excuse me/Sorryขอโทษ
  [khor toht]
• How are you?สบายดีไหม?
  [sabai dee mai?]
• Fine. And you?สบายดีครับ/ค่ะ คุณละ?
  [sabai dee khrap/kha kun la?]
• Do you speak English?คุณพูดภาษาอังกฤษได้ไหม?
  [kun poot paa-sa ang-grit dai mai?]
• I don't understandฉันไม่เข้าใจ
  [chan mai khao jai]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseขอดูเมนูหน่อยค่ะ/ครับ
  [khor doo menu noi kha/khrap]
• I don't eat meatฉันไม่กินเนื้อ
  [chan mai gin nuea]
• Cheers!ชนเค้ก
  [chon kek]
• I would like to pay, pleaseชำระเงินหน่อย
  [cham ra ngoen noi]

• Help!ช่วยด้วย!
  [chuai doei!]
• Go away!ไปหายไป!
  [pai hai pai!]
• Call the Police!โทรตำรวจ!
  [thor tam-ruat!]
• Call a doctor!โทรหมอ!
  [thor mor!]
• I'm lostฉันหลงทาง
  [chan long tang]
• I'm illฉันไม่สบาย
  [chan mai sabai]

• I'd like to buy...ฉันอยากซื้อ...
  [chan yak sue...]
• I'm just lookingฉันเข้ามาชมของเท่านั้น
  [chan khao ma chom khong tao nan]
• How much is it?ราคาเท่าไหร่คะ/ครับ
  [ra-ka tao rai kha/khrap]
• That's too expensiveแพงเกินไป
  [paeng gein pai]
• Can you lower the price?ลดราคาได้ไหม?
  [lot ra-ka dai mai?]

• What time is it?เวลากี่แล้ว
  [wela kee laeo]
• It's one o'clockเป็นโมงหนึ่ง
  [pen mong nueang]
• Half past (10)ยี่สิบครึ่ง
  [yee-sip khrung]
• Morningเช้า
  [chao]
• Afternoonบ่าย
  [bai]
• Eveningเย็น
  [yen]
• Yesterdayเมื่อวาน
  [meua wan]
• Todayวันนี้
  [wan nee]
• Tomorrowพรุ่งนี้
  [phrung nee]
• 1หนึ่ง
  [nueang]
• 2สอง
  [song]
• 3สาม
  [sam]
• 4สี่
  [see]
• 5ห้า
  [ha]
• 6หก
  [hok]
• 7เจ็ด
  [jet]
• 8แปด
  [paet]
• 9เก้า
  [gao]
• 10สิบ
  [sip]

• Where's a/the...?...อยู่ที่ไหน?
  [...yoo tee nai?]
• What's the address?ที่อยู่อย่างไร?
  [tee yoo yang rai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?จะดูให้ได้ไหม?
  [ja doo hai dai mai?]
• When's the next (bus)?รถเมล์ต่อไปเมื่อไหร่?
  [rot mel tor pai meua rai?]
• A ticket (to ....)บัตรโดยสารไป...
  [bat doy saan pai...]

Silom's history dates back to the early days of Bangkok when it was established as a trading area. The name 'Silom' is derived from the Thai word for 'lime', which was once cultivated in the area. In the 19th century, the neighborhood began to develop into a commercial center, benefitting from the proximity to the Chao Phraya River, facilitating the transport of goods and people.

During the Rattanakosin era, particularly in the mid-19th century, Silom evolved significantly under King Rama IV, who implemented modernization efforts in Bangkok. The construction of roads and infrastructure attracted merchants and businesses, establishing Silom as a vital economic zone in the growing capital city.

By the late 20th century, Silom transformed into Bangkok's financial district, hosting numerous banks, financial institutions, and corporate offices. This shift was marked by the construction of high-rise buildings, including the iconic State Tower and the Bangkok Bank Building, reflecting the area’s importance in Thailand's economy.

Silom is not only a financial hub but also a cultural melting pot. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife, particularly around Patpong, famous for its night markets and entertainment venues. The blend of traditional Thai culture with modern entertainment has made Silom a unique destination, attracting both locals and tourists.

In recent years, Silom has been the center of various social movements and protests, reflecting Thailand's dynamic political landscape. The area has hosted significant demonstrations, emphasizing civic engagement and the demand for democratic reforms. These events have contributed to the neighborhood's identity as a space for political expression and activism.

Silom is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Bangkok. From Sukhumvit, you can take the BTS Skytrain to Sala Daeng Station. From Khao San Road, take a taxi or a bus to the nearest BTS station, which is Saphan Taksin. For those arriving via the MRT, the Silom Station is located within the neighborhood, providing convenient access to the area.

Silom is well-connected through public transportation. The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are the most efficient ways to navigate the area. The BTS Sala Daeng and MRT Silom stations provide access to major attractions. Local buses and motorbike taxis are also available. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle to explore the area at your own pace.

Silom is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take precautions. Areas around Patpong, especially at night, can attract petty crime such as pickpocketing. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark and keep your belongings secure. Always be cautious when accepting offers from strangers, particularly in nightlife spots.

In case of emergency, dial 191 for police assistance or 1669 for medical emergencies. The nearest hospital, Bangkok Christian Hospital, is located within Silom. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. For minor issues, pharmacies are widely available in the area.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting temples. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless tops in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove shoes when entering temples. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a 'wai,' a slight bow with hands together. Don't engage in overly casual behavior in public settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try street food but ensure it's from a reputable vendor. Don't be overly critical of local cuisine, as it can be seen as disrespectful.

To experience Silom like a local, visit the vibrant street markets like the Silom Night Market for affordable food and shopping. Explore the local temples such as Wat Hua Lamphong. Try to learn a few basic Thai phrases, as locals appreciate when foreigners make an effort to communicate. Enjoy the rooftop bars for a stunning view of the city, but remember to dress appropriately as some venues enforce a dress code.