Thai is written in its own script — understanding a little makes signs, menus, and taxis far less baffling.
Thai script has 44 consonants, 32 vowels (written above, below, before, and after consonants), and 4 tone marks — it reads left to right.
Numbers are worth recognising on price tags and taxi meters; the words for 'toilet', 'exit', 'entrance' and 'closed' are useful; MRT/BTS signs always have English too.
Google Translate's camera mode reads Thai script in real time — point it at a menu or sign for instant translation; accuracy is good for common words.
Most Bangkok restaurants have English menus or pictures; for places without English, Google Translate camera or pointing at another diner's food works well.
Shop names, soi numbers, and directional signs increasingly include English or numerals alongside Thai script, especially in tourist-heavy districts — a genuine improvement over a decade ago.
Even without full literacy, recognising the shapes for "closed" (ปิด) and "open" (เปิด) on shop doors saves a surprising number of wasted trips.