When using Khrap and Kha in Thai, when do you stop?
I understand that adding Khrap (for males) and Kha (for females) at the end of every sentence is formal and polite. However, how long does this formality last? For example, for the entire first time conversation with a stranger? What about for when speaking to your Thai boss that you see everyday?

Also, do you speak with these formalities to everyone for the first time? What about status of people? For example, speaking to children vs a sales associate vs a classmate?

Thank you,
David

Question

When using Khrap and Kha in Thai, when do you stop?
I understand that adding Khrap (for males) and Kha (for females) at the end of every sentence is formal and polite.  However, how long does this formality last?  For example, for the entire first time conversation with a stranger?  What about for when speaking to your Thai boss that you see everyday?

Also, do you speak with these formalities to everyone for the first time?  What about status of people?  For example, speaking to children vs a sales associate vs a classmate?

Thank you,
David

Answer

1. I use "kha" with the people that I respect.

In Thai culture, we have to respect
- the older people
- monks
- parents
- relatives
- teachers
- etc.

2. I use kha with the people who is in a higher social class than me, such as

- my boss
- the minister
- etc.

3. I use kha when I want to be polite. Everyone love gentleness, so it is good to be polite with them.

-

Anyway, sometimes politeness can make people feel like it is not close and this is a reason why we shouldn't use "kha" with friends.

Answer

we  always use Khub anf kha when we speaking with who older than us or sometime we use with children but with friend we doesn't use it

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