Thai Word: ตั้งแต่นั้นมา (dtâng-dtàe nán māa)

Meaning: since then / ever since
Part of Speech: adverb of time

The adverb of time ตั้งแต่นั้นมา (dtâng-dtàe nán māa) is used to indicate a time reference, specifically to describe something that started at a particular point in the past and has continued to the present. It functions similarly to the English phrase ‘since then’ or ‘ever since’ that signifies a change or an event that marks the beginning of a period, with its effects still ongoing. The phrase ตั้งแต่นั้นเป็นต้นมา (dtâng-dtàe nán bpēn dtôn māa) can also be used.

As a time expression, it can appear either at the beginning or the end of a sentence, depending on what you want to emphasise. At the beginning of a sentence, it introduces the time frame for the event that follows, providing the context that the action or situation started at a certain point in the past and has continued since then. At the end of a sentence, it gives the time context after stating the main action or event, reflecting that the action has continued from a specific point in the past.

In both cases, ตั้งแต่นั้นมา (dtâng-dtàe nán māa) or ตั้งแต่นั้นเป็นต้นมา (dtâng-dtàe nán bpēn dtôn māa) provides the same meaning, but its position in the sentence can subtly shift the emphasis between the time context or the action itself. Look at the sentence examples below:

(t^hēr rêuhm àwk-gām-lāng-gāai dtâng-dtàe nán māa)
She started exercising since then.
Literal: She start exercise since then.

(dtâng-dtàe nán māa, chǎn gâw dūu-lāe sùk-k^hà-p^hâab mâak-k^hêun)
Since then, I have taken better care of my health.
Literal: Since then, I then look after health more.

(dtâng-dtàe nán māa, bprà-t^hâed Thāi gâw rêuhm bplìan-bplāeng)
Since then, Thailand has started to change.
Literal: Since then, country Thai then start change.

(k^hǎo yaai bpāi t^hām-ngāan dtàang-bprà-t^hâed dtâng-dtàe nán māa)
He moved to work abroad since then.
Literal: He move go do-work different-country since then.

Want to dive deeper into this lesson?

If you would like to dive even deeper and have a handy resource at your fingertips, you can grab the full PDF copy in my online store. You’ll get the PDF version of this lesson — plus extra collocations, synonyms, and more detailed grammar explanations to help you truly master what we’ve covered today. Your purchase also helps me keep creating new lessons and sharing free Thai learning resources here on The Blog for everyone. It’s a small way to support this work, while getting even more learning materials for yourself. Thank you so much for your support — it truly means the world to me and keeps this learning community alive.

With all my heart, 💛 — Urai