Thai language school in LOS

[Evilectus]

Any bros ever take formal Thai lessons in Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai)? I'm keen in learning but do not know which school is good.

[TroyGage]

Any bros ever take formal Thai lessons in Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai)? I'm keen in learning but do not know which school is good.

Hello Bro Evilectus,

I would recommend AUA in Bangkok (at the Rachdamri Station) but only if you have like a few months coz their method is that you listen first only and don't speak then slowly you pick up the nuances of the Thai language faster.

The complete course is 4 years, but by then you would be able to speak and write like a native.

I only went there for 3 months :o

[Evilectus]

Thanks for your recommendation, bro TroyGage. How do you find the AUA course? What did you learn after the 3 mth course? If I'm lucky, then maybe I can go for 3 mths. But probably 1 - 2 mths at the most.

Reading and writing Thai is top of my list in learning Thai. I've a bit of knowledge but am still very weak. :o

[rapebill]

You can buy the AUA book from Kinokuniya office (not bookshop) at Ngee Ann city Tower A. About $19 per book. I can provide the associated audio files for a nominal fee.

I am also selling some thai language instructional manterials (video DVDs, CDs, etc). PM me if interested.

[TroyGage]

Hey bro,

I think AUA is good if you have a lot of time because the way you pickup the language is very natural, just like the same way a baby learns to speak.

As for what I've learned, I think it doesn't really apply becuase I already had a working knowlege of Thai before I started, so I could understand everything that was said from the get go. AUA's teaching method is to assume you've never even heard Thai, so they get you used to the sound in the first few months.

But if you have only a short time, 2/3 months, I suggest that you find a school that will fast track your learning process.

You could, of course, get a "sleeping dictionary" for the 2/3 months, I think it will be cheaper :D

[rapebill]

AUA seems to be targeted at english-speaking students and is very focused, intense and follows the book to the letter. Cannot anyhow ask teacher for extra words/phrases. And what a fellow bro, best for those with zero knowledge of thai, else may hinder progress.

[vmtech]

it depends on whether how imp u are learning thai language for.
if it is primarily for the sake of learning, u can get many good schools for a reasonable price.
if it's for the sake of able to stay in thailand, den there are a few around, like thaiwalen school which includes a 1 yr ED visa.

if u are in bkk, u can drop by Times Square , alot of language schools there

[gl_bob]

i never went to any thai language classes or school before
but i can speak thai quite fluent..
been learning for 1 year plus already.
speak thai with thai people everyday.
my tactics:
learn frm Learning Thai the Easy Way (http://www.learningthai.com)
save those thai word into my handphone drafts and practise everyday
slowly bit by bit.
learn the meaning of each sentence.


slowly u can speak thai fluent. dont need to waste money on classes or what..
if need help pm me lor. i can teach u bit by bit.

[Si Geena]

Well, the TS is keen on learning to read and write as well and not necessarily just speech and hearing.

It's all about the basics, isn't it? The alphabets, the consonants and the vowels.

[<<<SUCHINDA>>>]

For conversational thai no need to take lessons la......buy a good book or even learn from internet & standby a 'teacher' to answer your questions can liao......this is how i learn for few years & most impt must practice speaking, listen & learn that's all. For written thai its a different kettle of fish for those with some linguistic talent can still try self study :)

[Evilectus]

A very big thank you to all bros who posted their feedback. I really appreciate it. I've been learning Thai for some time but I find myself stagnating cos I don't force myself to read or write. I'm quite a lazy bum.

Bro Si Geena, thanks for suggesting to start with the basics. I agree it is very important. Presently, I have an ok level of reading and writing the alphabets though still not very good.

Simple conversations and passage reading are ok for me. However, I'm very keen to master more of the language and I really want to force myself to learn more, up to P6 standard if possible.

Bro Suchinda, I wish I got a teacher on standby. Sometimes if I don't know something, also don't know who to ask. Haiz..

The AUA school mentioned by bro TroyGage and bro rapebill may be too strict for me cos I like to ask a lot of questions. Cannot imagine sitting like a dumb-ass throughout the entire lesson. :(

Bro vmtech, are there any particular schools you would recommend? I don't think I can afford to stay in LOS for a year. Probably only 2-3 mths. I was hoping I can at least 'up' my proficiency to P4 standard during this time.

Bro gl_bob, thanks for the link and your offer to help. I'd definitely seek your advice when I encounter difficulties.

Thank you again, bros for all your suggestions. I am still no good in my Thai and I hope to learn more from all of you.

Cheers!

[vmtech]

Bro vmtech, are there any particular schools you would recommend? I don't think I can afford to stay in LOS for a year. Probably only 2-3 mths. I was hoping I can at least 'up' my proficiency to P4 standard during this time.


Thank you again, bros for all your suggestions. I am still no good in my Thai and I hope to learn more from all of you.

Cheers!

i have heard that unity or AUA is not bad. approach the school and tell them ur length of stay, im pretty sure they would work out a schdule for you instead of the normal 2x a week schedule for 1 yr course.

[Cyberspace Nerd]

For conversational thai no need to take lessons la......buy a good book or even learn from internet & standby a 'teacher' to answer your questions can liao......this is how i learn for few years & most impt must practice speaking, listen & learn that's all. For written thai its a different kettle of fish for those with some linguistic talent can still try self study :)

Want to learn thai and have pleasure at the same time? Do it like suteerak 1099. :D For $130, the package deals comes with 1 night accommodation, free food (case by case basis), and 2 rounds of sex with your tutor. Confirm learn thai very fast and become a thai guru like suteerak1099. hehe...

[<<<SUCHINDA>>>]

If you can afford it then engage a private tutor......a friend of mine got posted there for work, his company hired a private tutor for him & he reveal to me that their lessons got 'interesting' after awhile :D

Nothing beats having your personal long hair dictionary ;)

[Midnightiger]

For conversational thai no need to take lessons la......buy a good book or even learn from internet & standby a 'teacher' to answer your questions can liao......this is how i learn for few years & most impt must practice speaking, listen & learn that's all. For written thai its a different kettle of fish for those with some linguistic talent can still try self study :)

Little Bro,

Did you take your good book and use it in the massage parlor with the standby teacher helping you out in more ways than one?:D

[WuMingKe]

For conversational thai no need to take lessons la......buy a good book or even learn from internet & standby a 'teacher' to answer your questions can liao......this is how i learn for few years & most impt must practice speaking, listen & learn that's all. For written thai its a different kettle of fish for those with some linguistic talent can still try self study :)


Bro SUCHINDA,

Can intro what book to buy or website to learn?
All the website i been to need to pay $$ one which eventually lead me no choice but to conisder whether to learn in community centre or not.
Kumsia..

[borom]

formal Thai lessons...which school is good.

Try
Union Language School
328 CCT. Office Bldg. Fl. 7, Phayathay Rd. Rajchathewi, Tel. 02-2146033-5

[<<<SUCHINDA>>>]

Bro SUCHINDA,

Can intro what book to buy or website to learn?
All the website i been to need to pay $$ one which eventually lead me no choice but to conisder whether to learn in community centre or not.
Kumsia..
try Learning Thai the Easy Way (http://www.learningthai.com) i learnt most of my thai there & after few months my feedback from my tiraks was my thai improved leaps & bounds.....thank God for somethings in life still free :D

[Evilectus]

Bro SUCHINDA,

Can intro what book to buy or website to learn?
All the website i been to need to pay $$ one which eventually lead me no choice but to conisder whether to learn in community centre or not.
Kumsia..

There are a few free good sites to learn Thai. Some offer a basic introduction while others have more advanced materials.

Thai language sites
1. http://www.seasite.niu.edu:85/thai/
2. Learning Thai the Easy Way (http://www.learningthai.com)
3. thai-language.com (http://www.thai-language.com/)
4. Thai Language Page (http://thaiarc.tu.ac.th/thai/introth.htm)
5. Thai Language (http://www.thailanguage.org/)
6. WELCOME to SPEAKINGTHAI.COM (http://www.speakingthai.com)

Thai language forums
1. Learning Thai - Paknam Web Thailand Forums (http://www.thailandqa.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=5)
2. thai-language.com message boards (http://www.thai-language.com/msgboard/)
3. Thailand Forum -> Thai language (http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showforum=43)
4. Thai Language - TeakDoor.com - The Thailand Forum (http://teakdoor.com/thai-language/)

It's not that difficlult. Do a search and I'm sure you can find all these and more.

Bro Suchinda, pai seh I snatch your answer.

[Evilectus]

Try
Union Language School
328 CCT. Office Bldg. Fl. 7, Phayathay Rd. Rajchathewi, Tel. 02-2146033-5

Thanks for your advice, bro borom.

[gl_bob]

Bro gl_bob, thanks for the link and your offer to help. I'd definitely seek your advice when I encounter difficulties.

Thank you again, bros for all your suggestions. I am still no good in my Thai and I hope to learn more from all of you.

Cheers!

no problem.. anything u wish to know just pm me.
i will try my best. :D

[TroyGage]

There are a few free good sites to learn Thai. Some offer a basic introduction while others have more advanced materials.



Oh yeah, I forgot I do have Pimsleur's Compact Thai.
Its 10 mp3 lessons that last half and hour each.

I know, 10 lessons does sound pathetic, but Pimsleur only makes the Compact version of Thai.

If you're interested I could email or upload them to you ;)

[abbycarreon]

Thai language is a necessity especially when you have decided to live in the beautiful country of Thailand. I am so glad that this thread offers a lot of options on where to learn Thai language.

Thai Language School (http://www.thailanguagehut.com/)