Every Way to Learn Thai (Ranked)

[@RW4U]

All the details about the Thai Language Challenge here: www.thailanguagechallenge.com/ Space is limited to 50 people only so claim your spot and let's do this!

[@herculez2878]

Your site has not contact information.

[@eddyk564]

From my perspective as someone who speaks and reads Thai well, it is super important to learn to read Thai. It is actually quite easy to learn as the writing is completely phonetic with each letter / vowel group having a sound. There are very few exception (tricky) words as there are in English that can't be sounded out. The reason I think it is so important is two fold: 1. There are letters with unusual sounds in That that are a combination of 2 letters in English (ป- half p, half b ต- half d, half t). You understand how they are supposed to sound when you read the words phonetically, rather than trying to get the sound correct using English letters. 2. You can eventually read comments on KZbin clips, Facebook, twitter, signs, Thai songs or whatever. This is a great way to understand how Thais speak as the way things are expressed are often quite different than in English, but you start to get a deeper understanding of it. I really struggled to learn Thai until I did this, but when I actually taught myself to read, my Thai improved out of sight. I learnt it on a free site that doesn't seem to exist anymore, but I'm sure you can find something similar by typing in "read Thai phonetically" into Google search.

[@jackhusbands8462]

100% agree! relying on transliteration leads to incorrect pronunciation.

[@prome666]

@@jackhusbands8462 Yes, I would skip reading any transliteration altogether. I read the first Benjawan book and that greatly helped, and probably puts my skills above most expats even though I'm only an occasional tourist.

[@armunro]

Totally agree. I would say I can read and write Thai better than I can speak or listen. I think this might also be a personality thing as I am an introvert and less likely to speak with people and interact with them (eg Thais).

[@unplugyourself7335]

I am at a language school at the moment and it is driving me nuts that they are teaching in transliteration. I started learning in Germany on my own already and I learned with Thai script from the start. Now when I see the transliteration of a word, it doesn´t translate in my head, even if I know the word. It s like having to learn it all again and it´s totally useless knowledge. On top it´s also very difficult for me as a German because I need to think about how the transliteration would be pronounced in English and then translate that to Thai and translate that to German. Absolute nightmare. In their textbook, many words aren`t even provided in Thai in assignments and it is just horrible.

[@danacoder2]

This is on point. Learn to read Thai script before anything else with the language, and you'll be off to a running start.

[@matthewmagennis2072]

This is one of the most honest and accurate admissions about learning a language at least with my experiences. Too much too fast! I want to be treated like I'm in the dumb group in Pre-K. Go slow! Talk to me like I'm a complete and utter town fool! And even then it will still probably be over my head. I wish more language teachers realized there are lots of us like this out there.

[@ihatekillerclowns]

until number 7 came along one big ad, but i get it, it's youtube

[@pimmiuamart5112]

As a language learner and a Thai tutor myself, I can honestly say that it depends on you. Get to know yourself first, find out what kind of learner you are and more importantly your learning goals. Ask yourself why do you want to learn Thai. Then get to know basic of a language itself. More importantly, BE OPEN. After been teaching for years and helping many students, what is more important than having 1 on 1 tutor is having positive attitude toward the language and your learning journey. It's definitely the key to success.

[@brycejodison6852]

do you teach at a school or do you have a course online?

[@pimmiuamart5112]

@@brycejodison6852 I teach online. 🙏

[@Luvly975]

I've done BananaThai and Learn Thai with Mod - both online schools with courses of different learning levels. I preferred BananaThai overall. My class consisted of 4 students and the teacher. She taught through zoom. Before the courses start date, they emailed me the digital workbook that we were going to learn from. During class, this was what was included in the slides. She taught for an hour, 2x a week. She'd assign hw every class and actually had us email it in so she'd be able to see how well we were all doing before class and go over the things we needed help in. She had even assigned recording hw where we'd have to record ourselves speaking 5 words with all the different tones to help us learn the tones, consonants and vowels. Yes, even though this was a writing & reading course, she did go over the tones and taught us first what their alphabet sounds like. I took the reading/writing course to start on my learning Thai journey in order to then be able to work on speaking Thai and it has helped me tremendously. I can hold a beginner conversation pretty well for a non speaker and at the same time can read but not yet 100% understand most of what I read. I'm still working on vocabulary lol.

[@liamharding5704]

U say u notice this and that.... Here is the number one tip for me... when u do learn a few phrases and numbers and colours in the thai language.......don't speak it with an English, American, Australian, Canadian or European accent..Schools will take your hard earned money and compliment u on saying things in thai but when u go out there nobody will understand u if u dont put a thai accent on it..Think about it. speaking thai with a texas or cockney accent..not gonna work. U will feel embarrassed at first but lets face it most falangs go around speaking thai glish ...so persevere when u learn a bit, put a thai accent on it.. Great video BTW.

[@kylejensen6022]

I’ve noticed this as well. I’ve demonstrated some Thai speaking (the little that I know) with somewhat proper tone to some friends, and something I commonly hear is: “but isn’t it racist for you to speak using that accent”, and I think it pretty much sums up why people in the west might not even try. I always say “it’s not racist to use the tones and accents that the language requires” Thai is 100% a tonal language though and some accents simply just don’t work.

[@robscovell5951]

​@@kylejensen6022That's a completely bizarre response! Makes zero sense.

[@robscovell5951]

I had a Thai teacher telling me I sounded great but it wasn't true.

[@BasedInBrazil]

So basically focus on the phonetics anyway how many basic sounds in Thai?

[@BangkokZed]

After spending about two years learning Thai in language schools, I can assure that within 1-2 months, anyone can pick up basic pleasantries, food names, and perhaps a few hundred words with some effort. Those who dedicate around 12 months or 700-800 hours tend to speak quite well, although they may struggle with understanding fast-paced native Thai conversations or TV shows. Students from China and Vietnam learn fast due to the similarities in phonology and grammar to their languages. Students from Korea and Japan are hardworking and learn a lot, but many, especially men, may retain a strong accent. European students, usually already familiar with two or three languages, adapt quickly to Thai language learning. Some American students, especially men, usually show less long-term dedication and have less language learning experience, leading to frequent dropouts at early levels. I'm aware I'm generalizing, and people have different skills and interests, but these are my overall observations.

[@martypoll]

I am an American that has stuck with Thai language learning for years but I generally agree with your observation. I think part of the issue with Americans, and you would think other native English speakers, is that English is the widely spoken international language. It is the default language so it is easier to fall back on English than put the effort into learning Thai. And Americans generally only know English. We seldom have any serious exposure to learning another language.

[@BangkokZed]

@@martypoll I completely agree with your point about resorting to English. In places like Bangkok, many locals with whom foreigners interact, such as shopkeepers, medical staff, restaurant employees, condo managers, etc., already speak English quite well. Achieving a higher level of proficiency in Thai than the locals have in English can be a challenging and time-consuming undertaking.

[@JimNichols]

@@martypoll I have friends that are Spanish and French and in one or two months I have learned enough to have a basic conversation and understand what is said to me in a basic understanding way. I personally think that Thai is difficult for me at least is that Spanish and French have pirated words forming some of the English language and thus have some commonality. Thai has zero commonality with English. I terribly want to learn Thai but I can not grasp the accent and the way people familiar with one another shorten their words and sentences. Please do not lump all Americans into one kettle.

[@martypoll]

@@JimNichols The OP lumped American’s together. The US State department language school acknowledges that Romance languages are easier to learn. Thai is more difficult. I did say that English speakers, not just Americans, are going to have difficulty with Thai. My bigger point is that it is possible to get by with English anywhere, it being more-or-less an international language, so the motivation is less. America though is isolated from Europe and less exposed to other languages except maybe Spanish. I think Americans are a bit more self centered and resistant to others that don’t also speak English. Everyone is different when it comes to learning. I took 3 years of French when in high school and couldn’t speak a word afterwards. What was the point? Nobody else spoke French. I forgot it immediately. I took a summer of intensive German. When I went to Germany they wanted to speak English. I’ve studied Thai for years and am not conversational but I can get by.

[@WhiteBorr]

From experience, the best method to learn Thai is with "comprehensible input". The same way EVERY child learns their native language. There is a channel called "Comprehensible Thai", just watch the course in sequential order and you will reach near native fluency. No more translation in your head. No more bad pronunciation. No more bad grammar. No more relying on memorization of sentences etc. You should not even try to speak any Thai UNTIL you have listened to a few hundred hours.

[@capri347]

Hi Chris, my son & i are coming to Thailand in a few weeks solely based on your videos and i have learnt quite a bit of Thai just from your videos, so I'd say youtube has been very helpful for myself.

[@ritualhealingcentre6054]

I’m in Australia and had lessons with a Thai teacher for months over the internet. I learnt so much but not being there have lost a lot of it. Now I’m coming back and trying to relearn what I’ve forgotten. This would be a great course for me to do!

[@preparingforretirement]

I am a language major and have taught language to remedial students.... my personal opinion is some sort of in person learning (or an actual online class) coupled with immersion. Use it or lose it. It works great! Also... for some people, they are kinetic learners and text books are not helpful for learning a second language. I got beyond this with some students by making flashcards... it was spanish, so for verbs the root was one card and the conjugations (me, you, he/she/it, they, we) were on separate cards. One student who had been failing was able to move to a C in Spanish 101 by using movement to learn. It makes a huge difference. If textbooks are not for you, maybe try something more kinetic? I'm hoping to learn some thai. I need to hear it and to write it. So for me I need a workbook and either an app/online course/ in person.

[@parasite34]

very good advice regarding seperate flashcard types, thanks. I've been learning recently and started to this. from here i am able to construct (speak out/improvise) new sentences with the additional words I am adding to my vocab, so it will help retain, rather than just repeating the word then just moving on to the next. I enoy learning new words by trying to speak out new sentences by piecing out words that I already know, which is not many so far. I'm trying to explore different types types of active listening to help retain as memory is not by best trait, if you have any I would like to know! I also have another flash card deck for whole setences, whch helps me retain the struct, but I also type the english translation in the order it is spoken in thai so I can see the structure as I find that the translations provided online/in examples dont expose this. I use Anki which I also practise whilst driving to work and back. "Learn Thai for motivated beginners" is a good podcast and thai dict app is highly worth the cost. learning the script characters was a whole can of worms for me. It took me 2 months of daily practise to memorise them. slow learner! I still havnt memorised the tone rules as there as so many, as that is very complex and too much to remember for me at the moment. I'm hoping over time I will pick this up naturally because I can read syallables most of the time, but I always use the Thai dict add to confirm this. I use Anki with Thai dictionary app in combination to create my cards, as I can create multiple sound clips within one card, using my phone and ipad to play and record the sounds between them to construct the sentences. that way I can play back and clearly hear each word to construct sentences I get online, with also the english translation in thai order as refence, but that takes some time. For the words I just use a deck I found online with hundred of words. Just my 2 cents as I am new to learning new languages outside of english, but quite enjoying it but you right everyone has a different learning method that works best. My advise to learning anything is that if your struggling find another way!

[@teplostar]

I would compare learning Spanish vs Thai is like leaning driving a bike vs the military supersonic jet. I got Spanish to advance level in two years, with Thai after two years I am still at 0.

[@preparingforretirement]

@teplostar yes I understand that but the process of learning a language can be very specific and related to how your brain is wired. But thank you for focusing on what I didn't say. I understand that Thai is extremely difficult. That wasn't even what I was talking about. Sheesh.

[@MM-sf3rl]

You’re so right. My daughter did Spanish immersion in Anchorage, Alaska, with many Spanish speaking kids. 12 years later, completely fluent and can read Harry Port in Spanish. Does not even sound like a white kid. Also, me being Dyslexic, you are so right about the flash cards, kinetic learning, and immersion. When I’m in the Grab in Bangkok and I tell the driver turn left (Leī̂yw ŝāy), the immersion and kinetic moment attaches me to the learning and puts it into long term memory unlike a distant classroom or web-based course. We all learn differently IS the easy way.

[@jakejake2577]

I got a huge vocabulary off an app called NEMO. However I had no structure. But now learning the structure is easier because I already have like 500 words and phrases memorised. I would just play the app while walking the dog an hour everyday. Started with if you only learn 10 things… then went 20 then 50 100 200 and so on.

[@karlshaw2652]

I agree with you. I have taken for one month an on-line Thai language school based in Chiang Mai and most of the Thai I know has evolved from this class. Now that I am back in Thailand I will continue with this "hybrid" method of being on-line yet in a structured Thai class room with other students. Thanks for the honest analysis.

[@simo787c]

Once again great content, Chris ! I done most of the things: Textbook, classroom, tutor; selfstudy. Best way when you have a basic level is to interact with the Thais. Then you really will improve your language skills.

[@fariqmb]

My mom taught me Thai with this book called มานะ มานี Mana Manee available online. She forced me to sit with her 30 mins to 2 hrs everyday depending on how long i wanna spend using an iPad for games. I had to pay her with number of pages I read to use my ipad. I hated it but had no choice. Basically 1 page for 30 mins so the more pages i read the longer i can use the ipad. Surprisingly i was able to read anything in less than 2 months.I has stopped after half way through 2nd book and my mom can no longer force me cuz now i can read any words she throws at me, might be a little slow because I don’t speak Thai at all. The point is if you can read thai script first, it helps you in a long run & speaking will be easier than you imagined.

[@dylanmccallum2355]

Yes so glad you mentioned Ling. I promise my kids one episode of avengers for every level of Ling we complete. We’ll go back and forth for hours

[@JJthelonelybullinasia]

I used Audible books to learn some basic Japanese. I really liked it. It was great for when I was driving long distances.

[@k9companion231]

You really freaked me out in this video because I still have my books and cd’s and recap was only good for a day. Videos helped me see why there is no break in the Thai sentences. I’m still thinking a one on one tutor. I really got tired of repeating the same 7 sentences and then petering out. Going to a school and seeing the words on a board, as I am a visual and note taking student. I need the timed structure as well to alleviate distractions and laziness. I also need to ask a lot of questions which can’t be done without a teacher present.Thanks for sharing.

[@repeattravels1922]

I first learned basic Thai from Pimsluer CDs from the library. Years later when I moved Thailand, I went to Duke language school in nana. I completed the first 4 courses, I didn’t want continue because it was getting into reading and writing. I have an intermediate level currently. I can speak and basic conversations. The best way learn is have Thai partner and force you to speak Thai. My girlfriend says I speak good, but I’m not happy with it because I don’t comprehend everything when I hear locals speaking. I can easily ask for things but understanding others speak is little hard. I recommend using a tutor. You start with learning the things you do on a daily basis. Grocery shopping, ordering food, night market….

[@JimNichols]

Understanding others conversations are my downfall too Sir...

[@jackhusbands8462]

Stuart Jay Raj" Cracking Thai fundamentals is an incredible resource for learning to read.

[@chrisdocherty6496]

Yeah. Reading other people's comments, many of them have not come across Stu. As a linguist he knows how Thai language works more than many Thai people. Thais learn it by rote at school but he explains how it works.

[@by_antony]

I first visited Thailand in 1999 and picked up a few keywords (greetings and numbers) looking at the back page of the in-flight magazine on a Thai Airways flight. Once I'd moved to Thailand in 2003, I had lots of free time and I wanted to be able to have conversations with the locals. I undertook a 60-hour Thai language course at a small language school near the BTS station where I was living. The 60-hour course lasted about 10 weeks into new year 2004. I would not say that I am fluent in Thai today, but I am able to have conversations with the locals as was my dream 20 years ago. The best way I felt I learned the most, was to just get out there, armed with a few expressions and questions, and get practicing. Admittedly, my conversations in the early days mostly took place in the many pool bars that no longer exist in the Asoke area of Bangkok. Still, it stood me in good stead. I have picked up various phrasebooks and dictionaries and cassette tapes over the years. I do, however, think with the explosion of social medium over the past 5-10 years, there are now hundreds of producers on TikTok, Facebook etc with free, short videos in Thai that weren't around in the early 2000s.

[@southpaw1755]

You and Adam will be proof of its success. I hope that you do very well because I'm interested at a later date. Thanks for taking the time to inform us.

[@RW4U]

Fingers crossed!

[@chriscalhoun9202]

Hey love your videos especially this one. I’ve used all the Thai language tools you mentioned. I concur with you but I’m not giving up!!! Dude- I’m a beach bum from San Diego and now a retired teacher. I e been to Thailand four times, one time per year and have been studying Thai consistency since then. I’m not a great student but still trying. I’m signing up for the challenge. Keep the faith! Thank you! P.S. you crack me up😂

[@storythong]

Here are some Thai language tips: While it's common for males to use ครับ (Krub) at the end of sentences, females may use ค่ะ (ka, lower pitch) or คะ (ka, higher pitch), causing confusion. Thais often debate on social media, sometimes bullying those who use it incorrectly (high-pitched ka for questions and lower-pitched ka for answers). I recommend using จ้า (Ja) instead, as it's friendlier but not as polite, especially with elders. Fun fact: If a Thai male uses (ka) to a female, it may be seen as a Casanova move. Thai actors sometimes use it with fans, portraying authority in language. If used between males, it could imply LGBTQ status. Similarly, if a Thai female uses (kub) with a male, she might be LGBTQ or expressing dominance. จ้า​ "Ja or Jar" is an old word used in rural areas in Thailand. There's a picture of a kid named Juk who consistently uses "Ja" at the end of sentences in Thai children's school books.

[@bangkokadventures298]

I actually had a private tutor here in Bangkok, (Baan Aksorn) and it was an utter disaster. She was so obsessed with making everything feel like "school" that she just hammered me with as much homework and she could possibly string together. I was endlessly doing homework assignments on random Thai we had never even practiced. I'll never forget it...

[@thomasmckenney3518]

I went to Thai language school in Time Square in Asok. They taught the alphabet and vocabulary. I also have a tutor aka my wife. Teaching me Thai and Isaan.

[@Patatovski]

Chris I absolutely agree with you. I have a Thai partner and don’t think I’ve picked up 20 words in the 10 years I’ve been with her. The slightest phonetic change changes the entire structure and meaning of the sentence and I just can’t pick up the difference and correct phonetics and make a meal of it

[@alainlarose4766]

Thanks Chris for all the precious tips, and, no, you're not old, you're golden!

[@jasonbrigitte6582]

Always very interesting. I am completely a fan of your different channels and this one is excellent and an excellent analysis. My Thai remains very average....but to bring up the subject of languages, and although I speak and understanding English quite correctly, I often regret that you have not activated comments in several languages on your channels. For exemple in french, because I am french.This will greatly expand your already numerous followers. I also know that automatic translation exists but it is clearly less good than when the language choice parameter is activated as some you tubers do.But in any case, I remain an attentive and passionate follower. I have known Thailand well for 40 years and like you, I am passionate about it, I even have a blog in French about Bangkok.

[@dqrossvideography5134]

Thank you for yet another really good video and thanks for mentioning Banana Thai. I have almost completed the A1 course and I can vouch for its quality. Kru Smuk is fun to watch and makes the course very enjoyable. I also like the structure of the course but like you said, one can only go so far on one's own. I'm fortunate to have a Thai language school not far from where I live, here in Australia so I am enrolling this year and looking forward to learning in a classroom environment. Coming to Thailand twice this year, looking forward to practicing what I have learned. I am also fortunate to be bi-lingual already (French/English) and I would say from experience that the key to learning a language and more importantly to becoming fluent is to practice with native speakers, literally forgetting about one's own language and immersing oneself in a completely new way of communicating. I only became fluent in English when I moved to the UK and stopped speaking French altogether (for a while anyway lol). Every time I switch language, I also have to switch the way I think so I intend to proceed the same way when it comes to learning Thai. Good luck with the Thai language challenge, great idea, I'm sure the course will fill up in no time. Thank you for all the work you put into it.

[@chrisdocherty6496]

I just follow her KZbin. She is great

[@MM-sf3rl]

Another way to lean a few words is Google translate. I suggest using it when, the mosquito (Yung) bites you, as opposed to Yùng (busy). When you wish you could tell the Grab driver, left (Ŝāy), right (K̄hwā), etc. Don’t worry about the tones at first (yes, you will be saying it wrong, and some Thai will correct you). Don’t try to say banana (Kl̂wy) at first to loudly in 7-11. 😂

[@J-Raoul-K]

Hi, great contentt and lots of info. I have one question? Is the curriculum accessible via an iPad? I am vision impaired and need to adjust and adapt specific settings like color inversion and contrast for readability. Thanks in advance and have a good one.😎

[@Payu89]

Completely agree on the learn thai for beginners audio. Like they were just speed reading the text book at you.

[@Pattayaman999]

Agree 100%. Go to Thai school. It's immersive and fun.

[@alfonsohshk8998]

I am from Madrid, native language Euro Spanish. I speak FR, Eng, D, Euro PT, and some Dutch as well as some Swiss German dialect. Now learning Italian which is not easy! For new languages I rely on Pimsleur and then Assimil. After 4-6 months have a tutor and listen to podcasts and KZbin channels. Key is every single day a little bit and repetition. Forget Duolingo, Babbel….

[@stee12318]

I failed 3 languages before learning Chinese fluently. Planning to live in Thailand next year and have considered creating a youtube series documenting how I'll learn. Would be cool to connect with you and see how this experiment ends up. Who knows, we might join forces at some point :)

[@Happ1971]

I work a day job... can I take classes whenever I'm free? Or do I have to attend a live course?

[@jonhobson3592]

You tube quite good , I have just started a language school course , 3 students in class only. Shall give it a go for one month. Also have textbook

[@ubiquitousdiabolus]

I speak fairly good Thai and I never lived in Thailand. Best way is to learn how to read and then start reading kids books and move up. This is how you learn vocabulary. Then get a private tutor for a while.

[@g.s.5868]

maybe you think you do... come here and try, probably nobody understands you

[@johnnysukhumvit9242]

You really don't speak more than a few words in Thai, right? Be honest.

[@EstherAlex-fb6xw]

Hi Chris! Awesome video again. I have also been quite lazy to learn Thai earlier and just wondered how the Thai Language Challenge has worked out for you since you started earlier this year. And how many days you attended? :) Greetings from Norway) Alex

[@travissimpkins8840]

So, I am a genie pig, I am currently working in Rhode Island. my schedule varies but looking forward to this challenge. Hope someday to run into you snapper lips and would enjoy some conversation with you all whether that be in Thai, English or even Canadian. Kho Hia Mee Khaum Suk

[@gabymalembe]

For me, learning to read made all the difference because I could finally get the tones right (mostly.) Took a lot of trouble but i was in no hurry.

[@billg7531]

That was a long way to get to marketing your new product. I would be interested to see the results you get after a few of your classes.

[@danielg4900]

Is there any video of you speaking Thai?

[@pinatacolada7986]

I used exactly the same book and CDs. I'm an expert on asking where the toilet is, but I only understand the answer if it's of the left hand side. I learned to count with a private tutor. The biggest problem is motivation, you can get by with English in Thailand. The only reason to learn it properly is to be a nerd.

[@robbatayaki5505]

In Thailand, I speak with Thais, and in my country, I listen to KZbin videos approx 20 minutes per day (Thai lessons by New ... etc....). No constraints ! Plus I do have a grammar book.

[@damonl.8224]

I generally enjoy your content so thank you. It would be great for you to demonstrate how good this course is by speaking in Thai (not simply a memorized sentence or words dotted here and there). Thanks

[@howardstern666]

I had great success with the Thai for Beginners/Becker series. The CDs, pronunciation, even learned to read and write.

[@alanharrison694]

I am in the same situation as you, and Thai beyond the basics is a difficult task. I was able to learn conversational Spanish from videos, and living in Los Angeles, and I even learned Hebrew by learning the alphabet and going to school for a few years, but Thai being a tonal language, I try building up my vocabulary a ‘nit noi’ at a time.

[@rong6481]

I went with the private teacher from a Thai language school. We meet two nights a week and I get a copy of the session that I can watch on my own between classes. Yes it could be costly (+ -15 usd) but my classes lasts for 2.5 months. I pay in blocks of 10. I also know that I have blocked off time for me. Two days a week also gives me time to use other methods like FSI, Pimsluer and CI.

[@JeffEdwards258]

I had a Thai language tutor once. Unfortunately he was a really cool guy and we ended up just shooting the breeze for an hour in English so I didn't learn anything.

[@davemorgan7349]

This is a Great video! I tried a few times to inquire how to get a spot in your classroom setting you mentioned in a video, I never did receive a response. As I am serious about learning Thai I joined a Language School and committed to 2 months. I have a much better Idea what the Thai challenge is about now and think its a great Idea. ( I though at first you were going to do a small class room of people and film the adventure, which I would have enjoyed) I would like to know if I could join the Thai challenge but begin my journey in it after April when I return to Canada. If not will you be doing future enrollments like in June 2024? Then I could join at that point and do the 100 day challenge. Thanks for all you do! have a super day!

[@glenloader639]

I don't agree with your point of view that studying privately isn't a good idea! Your reasoning is that you learn to fast and will not retain much. Well if you have a good teacher you will be able to review previous lessons because your the one driving the pace of the lessons. In class if you don't understand a point, you can say so and go over it until you get it. In a school group lessons the teacher can't take the time with each student because she must go through the lesson in a 50 minute time span.

[@ZoomtoCambodia]

Agreed. He’s reasoning doesn’t make sense. He’s trying to stack the deck and sell his program. One-to-one is cheap in Thailand. I studied Thai 25 years ago and paid around 150 baht per hour. Now it’s more expensive but should still be reasonably priced. According to him you learn more so you need fewer hours. With private tutoring you actually get to practice speaking and work on your fluency and pronunciation. Of course, the student should prepare for the lesson. They should bring questions and should prepare to speak on a topic. Private tutoring is the fastest way and best way to learn. If you aren’t in Thailand than that option isn’t available to you unless you opt for one-on-one live session via the Internet. After looking at his course just out of curiosity it looks like the course consists of recorded lessons.

[@grahamdenn7028]

😂 Great vlog Chris Live there when I was a kid in 1969 for 6 years an been travelling back since visiting family 😂😂😂 the less I use thai the more I forget 😂

[@cryptoman0079]

You videos are so good , I went to the mbk mall because you made it look so good, I left my partner in puket and fly Bangkok... 😅 on my own 2 days ... wow 👌

[@stoomkracht]

Yep a video listing the usual methods by someone who failed them all or didn't really try but thought it would mean views because he saw those HOW TO LEARN A LANGUAGE FOR REAL THIS TIME videos on youtube with million views. And of course a big promo for brother which was the main reason. Which apparently are also all "just" prerecorded lessons. No live action. Sigh.

[@BiffBurns]

Great show Chris! Stay cool 😎 kind and generous @

[@randolphpinkle4482]

This was one long lead in to a sales pitch. I'm smiling as I'm sayin' it!

[@markp5056]

Does this course teach you to read Thai whilst learning to speak?

[@bobhenderson7961]

Do you have plans to put recordings on KZbin for those of us who are not so dedicated as to comit to every day but still would like to work at our pace - thanks

[@stoomkracht]

Of course not, its a commercial endeavor. 500 dollar please for hopefully well structured recordings.

[@kaos1189]

Agree with you Chris, what I will also say is Westerners need to slow down with the English as well and dumb it down also, too often we expect a non-english speaker to understand us while talking like we would back in our nations. If people want to learn Thai or any any language and want the tutor or people to speak slowly then do the same when communicating on the daily with locals in English. Also, I have started using Mondly to learn Thai and it is pretty cool, my suggestion also is while learning it would help to have someone to bounce words and conversations off.

[@trkdrvr183]

I feel like Ralphie in "A Christmas Story" and I just received my Little Orphan Anne decoder ring.

[@BoninBrighton]

I’m having 1:1 zoom lessons with a teacher located in Thailand twice a week plus I use the Ling app

[@JasonS-n5d]

I too have an online Thai tutor and for me she has been invaluable. Her resources are amazing and she has a very soft way of learning. If you have not tried yet, HelloTalk is a great app, I have met many Thais on there to practice with and am even meeting some in Bangkok in January. Best of luck on your learning journey 🥰

[@pheonix2231]

This is cool, thanks!

[@bavvie001]

I've been picking up some basic Thai at some lady bars recently. For a few lady drinks you get a personal tutor and it is also nice to combine going out and meanwhile having an educational time too. It has been very fun so far but I guess for the more advanced Thai lessons you need some other methods.

[@chrisvic5017]

You are already sold out Omg! The video has been out for 3 hours 😮

[@RW4U]

Yes, the demand was much higher than anticipated. Great that so many people want to learn a little more Thai! We'll do it again one day.

[@severusbandaya]

@@RW4U Go play in traffic you grifter

[@dustinhasselhoff8479]

I like learn whit KZbin i watch the Video and whriting it down in a privat WhatsApp Group like i would speak it and than i send a vioce message so i can Listen too it again. And than i try the thing that i learn whit friends from thailand. Works decent for me

[@GioMixMusic]

hey nice idea this Fah challenge course

[@waynedrummond6583]

Only one-third in but very informative and fairly presented.

[@stevec9291]

Hmm how did I know within 30 seconds of this video that you were going try to sell me something?

[@stoomkracht]

Because its clear that he has no personal experience learning Thai ;)

[@severusbandaya]

He's a whore for money and would post videos of his own mother's naked body if he thought it would get him attention on KZbin

[@redddo1]

I would love to learn Thai. I live in Chiang Mai and work in sales. My predicament is that 50% pf the year I am travelling within SE Asia for work sporadically and then working from home the rest of the time. When travelling I am either in transit or working from 7am to 10pm (usually due to client meetings and dinners). Set classes in person are therefore out of the picture. I'm guessing an online course would be my best option where I can go at my own pace and lock in some one on one online lessons when I'm available. Suggestions are welcome.

[@martypoll]

You didn't mention learning from your Thai wife or girlfriend. I am married to a Thai. She is mostly useless when it comes to my Thai language journey. She speaks passible English and that is what she prefers to use (she has gotten considerably better over the years). Teaching language (or anything) is a skill. That's why experienced teachers at schools or online or one-on-one are so valuable. They provide structure, pacing, assessment, and immediate feedback. My Thai wife doesn't have the teaching skill. She will answer a specific question but I've got 3 minutes of her attention . . . maybe. When I first came to Thailand the Thai wife of a friend of mine asked if I would teach her cousin English. I declined. I know nothing about teaching a language. Science & math, yes. Languages, no.

[@brettallan7417]

I totally agree with you about learning from a Thai wife. I attended AUA Thai Language School in Pattaya in 2018. It was a six-week basic course and every night we would have homework to do. I enlisted my wife to help me with my homework and every night, without fail, we would end up in an argument as she got frustrated with my stupidity. I ended up arranging one on one lessons with my teacher after class each day and that worked better for me because we could rehash the day's lesson. It does get expensive but that system worked for me.

[@chrisdocherty6496]

Thais have been learning the sounds since they were born so the concept of tones, consonant classes etc is something they have not studied. A lot of it seems created by teachers to teach Thai.

[@martypoll]

@@chrisdocherty6496 The tone rules are real. It is part of the structure Thai language but yes, Thais learn the sounds of words as they grow up. I don’t think they would learn this in high school but if they studied linguistics in university or found it in a textbook they would understand it. As an adult learning Thai it can be a useful thing to know. I don’t ask my wife about the tone rules.

[@cdoc2439]

I was not saying tone rules were not useful just that, unless they are linguists as you say, Thais will not know them well. I had a teacher briefly who was an older man retired from teaching Thai in schools. We had a discussion about tones but he refused to recognize the accepted descriptions. For example he said what we describe as a falling tone was actually 'plosive' and he did not like falling as a description. From memory, he said it exploded out the mouth going up before going down. At the time I was not advanced enough to appreciate what he was saying or to keep his detailed drawings of the tones as they left the mouth.

[@Mitro.t]

Pro Tip: Register to a Thai Language school, actually commit to learning Thai and then you get to stay in Paradise for a lil while longer ✨

[@member529]

do you have another channel somewhere? i saw vids of you just doing tours of different places etc but i cant find them :(

[@Hammocktraveller]

Do you take in consideration time difference?

[@Sportzcontent876]

I have a big question , I am 23 years old and planning on visiting this December and if all goes well move next year February. I wanna know if it’s going to be good for my age over there because I know most older people move to Thailand, will I struggle to make friends? I just really wanna know if it makes sense for my age to think of living there

[@Ronboy69]

Best method is situated learning. Obviously if you have a Thai partner that makes it much easier.

[@genji3]

I found having a Private teacher great for pronunciation, learning commonly spoken phrases and learning what you want. I like Thai Pod, but it can be overly formal. Not useful if you want to learn slang or swear words. I make my own flashcards with Anki - that works best for me

[@inlandchris1]

Ha ha, I did the same thing as you in the exact same book and CD’s on the commute to work. The cd’s were wrong, she spoke wrong so I learned Wrong! (Your #3). Went .i got to Chiang mai, I took a few classes at AUA. However, one teacher was an old legacy Thai woman with anger. My focus was stopped on studies and on her. Fortunately, I left and just gave up. Thai language is hard and its opposite of western languages.

[@khunsateeb]

I'm fluent and i went to a thai language school with great teachers and did an intensive course for months and months and then I had a girlfriend that did not speak English. you need to have a base and an incentive that is all you need.

[@Aspersat]

All the Apps i tried teach Thai for female speakers only

[@Hammocktraveller]

Prices also kick off people from a school.

[@Quapadople]

Try Mondly by Pearson & Listen to Thairath news live.

[@renrenklein_th]

I tried to use ALA language school its literally one floor below Duke I enjoyed the people and the classes etc my only issue was the pacing was extremely fast like felt like I was placed in Advanced Classes while I felt like I should still be in beginner courses. Great people but maybe ill try again at another point in time right now I'm on a work permit. But I sadly don't use Thai frequently and can feel even what I learned slipping away.

[@aniwee17]

I have taken ALA classes couple times and feel the same way you do.

[@RichieAsmus]

Duke is the same way. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone

[@graywoolfhds]

Chris I like your translator what brand is it

[@Bangkokrover]

There’s no mention of the writing system or the pronunciation. These are probably the two most important aspects and also probably the most difficult to master. The grammar is relatively simple. Learn the writing system and you will be surrounded by new vocabulary as you go about your daily business, you will absorb passively. You need to speak the Thai that you learned, but Thai pronunciation is a major hurdle.

[@robertsultan2550]

So, for those of us interested in Thai language learning, you've suggested that there's a great new way to learn Thai... and after 8 months, you haven't provided any update on your experience. Maybe the method you found hasn't worked for you, but that's valuable information to share. I'd be really interested in an update. All the best...

[@JimNichols]

I have lived here 6 years now and I can speak Thai a little, I have dysphonia so, yeah not so many people understand me when I speak English even so there is that. The Thai accent when spoken back to me is completely not understandable for me and the way they structure their sentences gives me pause also. In BBK a friend whom lived in the USA for 35 years and speaks English with absolutely no accent what so ever was teaching me Thai. If he spoke to me or to a Thai he always enunciated each word so clearly and slowly, just his way that I understood him very well. But like there he would say "Koon japi tini mi" or you go where with the last mi making the question. Then when I came to Ratchaburi they say 'Bi ni ma'. The dialect is different and quite difficult at least for me. And dude you are not stupid in the least, it is a talent to learn languages quickly not smart .... peace out sir and thanks for the videos.

[@UlilangMatapang]

Haha good dude.

[@mpt7776]

I just rewatched something about Mary. Shits still hilarious to this gen Xer! 😂

[@akkaponpiano4273]

I am a native Thai language, who wants to learn Thai language?

[@CalMaile]

Me

[@PKP1]

Dude were you Hii, when you made this video?

[@Hydrosurfer68]

One of the best things you can do for your brain...

[@StevenM-jx7pu]

Awesome

[@matthewkearns905]

Off topic but where do you keep your important papers and have you had anyone you know lose their papers or passport and then what happens could you maybe address that on a another show

[@Philip_Thornton]

I thought one of the easiest and cheapest would be to go out there and mix with the locals and talk Thai. Isn't this how people natively learn a language. Also learning to read and not relying on the romanizing of pronounciation. eg. To say fish to me reads Bla not Pla like many write.

[@jimsdad3739]

Live ina Thai community. You'll learn just about the same time you get hungry.

[@robertsultan2550]

What did I miss here? I saw this video six months ago and no update on your progress? What gives?🙂

[@MM-sf3rl]

Another great way to learn Thai is to go get a foot message. One or two or three lovely Thai ladies will teach you a few words while you are Sabai-Dee. Same price as iTalki or many other classes you’ll pay for. Plus, you will have some great laughs. As she said, you “can” (K̄hæn) speak Thai. I say cannot. She points to me arm, K̄hæn = arm.