Titles & Address Etiquette in Thailand

Use polite titles and honorifics when addressing people, especially older adults or anyone in a formal setting: Khun plus the given name is the safest default, and you should avoid using first names alone unless invited. Thai names are usually long and nicknames are common in everyday life, but in business, with officials, or when showing respect, people still expect the more formal Khun form and a gentle, deferential tone.