Thailand Proverbs (10)

น้ำขึ้นให้รีบตัก

“When the water rises, hurry to scoop it up.”

Seize an opportunity while it lasts, because favourable moments do not last forever.

ช้า ๆ ได้พร้าเล่มงาม

“Slowly, slowly, and you get a fine blade.”

Patience and careful, unhurried work produce excellent results.

น้ำร้อนปลาเป็น น้ำเย็นปลาตาย

“Hot water, the fish lives; cold water, the fish dies.”

Frank, sharp words can be more helpful than sweet, flattering ones that deceive.

รักวัวให้ผูก รักลูกให้ตี

“If you love your cow, tie it up; if you love your child, discipline them.”

True love sometimes requires firm guidance and discipline rather than indulgence.

กว่าถั่วจะสุกงาก็ไหม้

“By the time the beans are cooked, the sesame is burnt.”

Being too slow or indecisive can cause you to lose everything at once.

เข้าเมืองตาหลิ่ว ต้องหลิ่วตาตาม

“Entering a town where people squint, you must squint along too.”

Adapt to local customs when you are in a new place — the Thai equivalent of 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do.'

ปลาหมอตายเพราะปาก

“The climbing perch dies because of its mouth.”

People often bring trouble upon themselves through careless or boastful speech.

น้ำนิ่งไหลลึก

“Still water flows deep.”

Quiet, unassuming people may possess great depth of thought or hidden capability.

ทำนาบนหลังคน

“To plough the field on other people's backs.”

To profit or prosper by exploiting the labour and hardship of others.

ตนเป็นที่พึ่งแห่งตน

“Oneself is one's own refuge.”

You must ultimately rely on your own effort and virtue rather than depend on others.