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How does Standard Thai differ from other Tai languages spoken in Thailand?
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Tai languages
Major divisions of the Tai languages and related languages.
Standard Thai serves as the national language of Thailand and is based on the dialect spoken in the central region, particularly in and around Bangkok. While it has exerted a strong influence on all other languages within the country, several distinct Tai languages and dialects persist, particularly in rural areas.12
The primary differences between Standard Thai and these other regional languages involve variations in tones and, to a lesser extent, consonant usage. Notable regional variations include:2
- Northeastern Thai: Spoken on the Khorat Plateau, these dialects are closely related to the Lao language of Laos.12
- Northern Thai: Also known as Kammüang or Yuan, this is spoken in the northern regions around Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.12
- Southern Thai: Known as Pak Tai, this is spoken in the southern provinces such as Songkhla and Nakhon Si Thammarat.12
While Standard Thai is used for government, education, and media, these regional languages remain significant in domestic settings for a substantial portion of the population.1