Games Thai Kids Love: A Cultural Adventure
Children in Thailand love to play games just like kids everywhere else! Many of their favorite games are played outdoors with friends and include lots of running, jumping, and laughter. Some Thai games are similar to ones you might already know, while others are unique and full of fun cultural twists.
Here are three of the most popular traditional games played by Thai children.
E-Gar-Fuk Khai – Crow Sits on the Eggs
This exciting game is similar to “Cat and Mouse.” In Thailand, it’s known as E-Gar-Fuk Khai, which means “Crow Sits on the Eggs.”
In this game, a circle is drawn on the ground and small stones or pebbles (representing eggs) are placed in the middle. One child plays the “crow” and stands in the center to guard the eggs. The rest of the players, known as “chicks,” sneak in and try to grab the eggs without getting caught. If the crow tags a chick, they switch places!
This game is great for improving speed, timing, and teamwork.
Ling Ching Luk – Monkey’s Run for a Pole
Ling Ching Luk is a fast-paced game that’s a favorite on school playgrounds. It translates to “Monkey’s Run for a Pole.”
All players except one hold onto wooden poles or anything similar like tree trunks or fence posts. The one player without a pole is the “monkey.” When a signal is given (usually by a teacher or leader), everyone must run to a different pole. The monkey tries to grab one first! Whoever is left without a pole becomes the new monkey.
This game helps kids practice quick thinking, running, and reaction time.
Tang Te – Thai Hopscotch
Tang Te is the Thai version of hopscotch, loved by younger kids in kindergarten and first grade.
To play Tang Te, children draw a pattern of numbered squares on the ground using chalk. Then, they toss a small object (like a stone or button) into one of the squares and hop through the rest of the path on one foot—skipping the square with the object in it. If they finish the course without falling or stepping outside the lines, they pick up the object and go again.
Tang Te is a great way to develop balance, coordination, and number skills.
Play and Learn Thai at the Same Time
If your child enjoys playful learning, games like these are a great way to connect with the Thai language and culture. Dinolingo offers fun and interactive language learning for kids through games, songs, videos, and lessons—all designed to keep kids engaged. With over 50 languages, including Thai, Dinolingo is available on web, iOS, and Android, and can even be used offline. Kids earn rewards while learning, and parents can track progress easily using the parent dashboard.