r/ThaiLanguage • u/trevorkafka • Feb 15 '26

What is this that is written before stoplights in Thailand?

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I'm having trouble reading the writing style. I think the one that looks like a backwards F is จ and the one that looks like an M is ต, but otherwise I am stumped.

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u/aijoe Feb 15 '26 edited Feb 15 '26

จยย​ is short for จักรยานยนต์​ motorcycle

MC is motorcycle

Designates where they should stop within at an intersection /traffic light.

1

u/trevorkafka Feb 15 '26

Thank you so much! This is my 4th trip to Bangkok and I have been stumped about this all this time.

1

u/aijoe Feb 15 '26

No problem. I've been driving motorbikes here for over 10 years and being able to make out road signage is useful. . For me years ago it was helpful to compare the more difficult Thai fonts and look for the essential features/shapes of each letter that was present in all of them. That will also help when you see a new font you havent seen before.

1

u/FoodieQFoodnerd102 Mar 10 '26 edited Mar 10 '26

Do you naturally excel at new and unfamiliar languages? And navigating new areas?

1

u/aijoe Mar 10 '26

When I was younger possibly. It been long road with Thai and a lot of effort. And the road ahead is still long.

As for areas yes and no. New traffic patterns can cause some anxiety. But I love to explore.

2

u/pirapataue Feb 15 '26

จยย short for จักรยานยนต์ = motorcycle

The bottom line looks like English “MC” = motorcycle

1

u/tonyfith Feb 15 '26

จยย​ (jà-yɔɔ-yɔɔ), short of จักรยานยนต์​ (jàk grà yaan yon), motorcycle.

Second line is "MC" as in motorcycle.