Main Translations

English: Excise

Thai Primary Translation: ภาษีสรรพสามิต (Phasi Sapphasamit)

Phonetic: Pah-see sap-pa-sa-mit

Explanation: In Thai, "excise" most commonly refers to a tax on specific goods produced and consumed within the country, such as alcohol, tobacco, and vehicles. This term carries practical and economic connotations, often evoking discussions about government revenue and cost of living. In daily life, Thai people might use "phasi sapphasamit" when talking about inflated prices on items like beer or cars, reflecting a mix of frustration and acceptance due to its role in funding public services. Emotionally, it can symbolize the burden of taxation in a culture that values frugality and community welfare, but it's also seen as a necessary evil for national development. For instance, during economic hardships, media often debates excise policies, influencing public opinion.

Secondary Translation (Verb Form): ตัดออก (Dat Ok)

Phonetic: Dat ohk

This applies to the meaning of "to remove or cut out," as in surgery or editing. It's less common in casual contexts but appears in medical or editorial discussions. Thai speakers might use it with a sense of precision, reflecting cultural emphasis on harmony and avoiding waste—e.g., in traditional medicine where removing something is done thoughtfully.

Usage Overview

In Thailand, "excise" is primarily encountered in financial and governmental contexts, where it denotes taxes that affect everyday purchases. Urban areas like Bangkok see it discussed in business meetings or news reports, often linked to economic policies and inflation. In contrast, rural regions, such as Chiang Mai, might reference it more casually in market conversations about the high cost of goods like motorcycles, emphasizing how it impacts agricultural communities. Overall, usage varies by context: in cities, it's formal and policy-oriented, while in rural settings, it's tied to practical survival, highlighting Thailand's blend of modern economy and traditional lifestyles.

Example Sentences

Here are a few relevant examples showcasing "excise" in different scenarios. I've selected ones that best illustrate its practical applications in Thailand, focusing on taxation for brevity and relevance.

Everyday Conversation

English: I heard the excise on alcohol is going up again this year.

Thai: ฉันได้ยินว่าภาษีสรรพสามิตสำหรับเครื่องดื่มแอลกอฮอล์จะเพิ่มขึ้นอีกในปีนี้ (Chan dai yin wa phasi sapphasamit samrap krueang deum ael-ko-horn ja phoeng sung ik nai pee nee).

Brief Notes: This sentence might come up during a casual chat at a night market in Bangkok, where friends discuss rising costs. It's a great way to practice everyday Thai, as it touches on a relatable topic—Thais often complain about excise taxes humorously, blending concern with light-hearted banter to maintain social harmony.

Business Context

English: Our company needs to factor in the excise when calculating the production costs for these vehicles.

Thai: บริษัทของเราต้องนำภาษีสรรพสามิตมาคำนวณต้นทุนการผลิตยานพาหนะเหล่านี้ (Bor-ri-sat khong rao dtong nam phasi sapphasamit ma kham nuan dtun tum karn pit yaan pha hna ha nee).

Usage Context: Imagine a meeting in a Bangkok office where executives are reviewing budgets—excise taxes are a hot topic in Thailand's automotive industry. Using this phrase shows respect for local business etiquette, where being precise about finances builds trust and avoids misunderstandings.

Practical Travel Phrase

English: Does this include the excise tax, or will I have to pay extra at the border?

Thai: นี่รวมภาษีสรรพสามิตด้วยไหม หรือว่าฉันต้องจ่ายเพิ่มที่ชายแดน (Nee rum phasi sapphasamit duay mai, reu wa chan dtong jai phoeng thi chai daen).

Travel Tip: When shopping for souvenirs or vehicles in tourist spots like Phuket, always ask about excise to avoid surprise fees. Thais appreciate polite inquiries, so pair this with a smile and a phrase like "khob khun krub/ka" (thank you). It can save you money and foster better interactions with locals.

Related Expressions

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• ภาษี (Phasi) - This is a broader term for "tax" in general, used when discussing overall fiscal matters; it's handy in everyday talks about government fees, making conversations less formal.
• ตัดทิ้ง (Dat ting) - Related to the verb form of excise, meaning "to cut out or discard"; Thais use it in creative or editing contexts, like in film or writing, to emphasize letting go of unnecessary elements, aligning with cultural values of simplicity.

Common Collocations:

• ภาษีสรรพสามิต บน สุรา (Phasi sapphasamit bon sura) - Meaning "excise on alcohol," often heard in bars or social gatherings in places like Pattaya, where people debate its impact on nightlife and tourism.
• ยกเลิก ภาษีสรรพสามิต (Yok leuk phasi sapphasamit) - Translates to "abolish excise," a phrase from political rallies or online forums, especially in rural areas, where communities push for tax reforms affecting daily essentials.

Cultural Notes

Thai Cultural Perspective: In Thailand, excise taxes are deeply intertwined with the nation's history, dating back to the Ayutthaya era when similar levies funded royal courts and defenses. Today, they reflect a balance between Buddhist principles of moderation—evident in high taxes on vices like smoking—and the practical needs of a developing economy. For instance, excise on alcohol is not just about revenue; it subtly promotes cultural norms around responsible consumption, as seen in community events where health and family are prioritized. Interestingly, in Thai society, complaining about excise can be a social icebreaker, fostering camaraderie without direct confrontation, which aligns with the concept of "kreng jai" (consideration for others).

Practical Advice: For foreigners, use "phasi sapphasamit" sparingly in conversations to avoid sounding overly formal—Thais might prefer simpler terms like "phasi" in casual chats. Be mindful of etiquette; criticizing taxes could be seen as disrespectful, so frame discussions positively, perhaps by linking it to shared benefits like infrastructure. Avoid misuses, such as confusing it with import duties, which could lead to awkward exchanges in markets.

Practical Tips

Memory Aid: To remember "phasi sapphasamit," think of it as "fancy tax" (since "sappha" sounds like "sapphire," a fancy gem) on everyday luxuries. Visualize a sparkling beer bottle with a tax stamp—it's a fun way to link the word to Thailand's vibrant street culture and make pronunciation stick.

Dialect Variations: While standard Thai uses "phasi sapphasamit," in southern regions like Phuket, you might hear a softer pronunciation, like "pa-see sap-pa-sa-mit," with a more relaxed tone. In the north, such as Chiang Mai, people may shorten it in informal speech, but the meaning remains consistent, reflecting Thailand's linguistic diversity without major changes.

This entry is designed to be a practical resource for English speakers engaging with Thai language and culture. For more words, explore our English-Thai dictionary series, optimized for learners and travelers searching for authentic insights.