Meaning
Good deeds bring good results.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a simplified version of the Law of Kamma. Thais believe that 'merit' (Bun) can be transferred or accumulated, influencing this life and the next. This proverb is one of the first moral lessons taught in Thai primary schools. It's often written on posters in classrooms. Thai soap operas (Lakorns) almost always follow this rule. The villain (Tua Rai) always meets a tragic end, while the hero/heroine is rewarded. Thais use this phrase to comment on social justice issues. It's a way of calling for accountability in a society where legal systems can be slow.
Shorten it
You can just say 'ทำดีได้ดี' (Tham Dee Dai Dee) in 90% of positive situations. The full version is more for formal teaching or warnings.
Don't be judgmental
Be careful using 'ทำชั่วได้ชั่ว' about someone's bad luck, as it implies they are a bad person.
Meaning
Good deeds bring good results.
Shorten it
You can just say 'ทำดีได้ดี' (Tham Dee Dai Dee) in 90% of positive situations. The full version is more for formal teaching or warnings.
Don't be judgmental
Be careful using 'ทำชั่วได้ชั่ว' about someone's bad luck, as it implies they are a bad person.
Tone matters
The falling tone on 'Dai' (ได้) is crucial. If you say it with a mid tone, it means something else entirely.
Merit making
If you want to 'Tham Dee,' the most common Thai way is to give food to monks in the morning.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
ทำดีได้___ ทำชั่วได้___
The proverb is 'Tham Dee Dai Dee, Tham Chua Dai Chua.'
Which situation best fits the proverb 'ทำชั่วได้ชั่ว'?
A man steals a phone and is caught by the police the next day.
Stealing is a bad deed (Chua) and being caught is the bad result.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ฉันช่วยแมวที่ติดบนต้นไม้ B: ดีมากเลยจ้ะ ________
Helping a cat is a good deed, so 'Tham Dee Dai Dee' is the appropriate encouragement.
What is the literal meaning of 'ทำดีได้ดี'?
Choose the best English translation.
'Tham' = do, 'Dee' = good, 'Dai' = get.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The Two Paths of Karma
Examples of 'Tham Dee'
Actions
- • Helping others
- • Honesty
- • Hard work
Results
- • Respect
- • Peace of mind
- • Good luck
Practice Bank
4 exercisesทำดีได้___ ทำชั่วได้___
The proverb is 'Tham Dee Dai Dee, Tham Chua Dai Chua.'
A man steals a phone and is caught by the police the next day.
Stealing is a bad deed (Chua) and being caught is the bad result.
A: ฉันช่วยแมวที่ติดบนต้นไม้ B: ดีมากเลยจ้ะ ________
Helping a cat is a good deed, so 'Tham Dee Dai Dee' is the appropriate encouragement.
Choose the best English translation.
'Tham' = do, 'Dee' = good, 'Dai' = get.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, while it has Buddhist roots, it's a universal moral proverb used by all Thais regardless of religion.
Yes, it's very common in professional settings to encourage honesty and hard work.
Thais might say 'Kam' (Karma) from a past life is interfering, or that the good result just hasn't arrived yet.
Yes, 'Chua' (ชั่ว) means evil or wicked. It's quite strong, so use it carefully.
This phrase is the most direct equivalent.
People often say 'กรรมตามสนอง' (Kam tam sanong) when someone gets what they deserve.
Yes, like helping someone with their bags or sharing snacks.
It's not. The structure is [Do Good] [Get Good]. The word 'Dee' (Good) is repeated.
It's neutral. It's appropriate for almost any situation.
It has a rhythmic balance (4 syllables + 4 syllables) which makes it sound like a chant.
Related Phrases
กฎแห่งกรรม
synonymThe Law of Karma
กงเกวียนกำเกวียน
similarThe wheel of the cart
หว่านพืชเช่นไร ได้ผลเช่นนั้น
similarAs you sow, so shall you reap
ทำบุญสวยชาติหน้า ทำหน้าสวยชาตินี้
contrastMake merit for beauty in the next life, get surgery for beauty in this life
