Flexible schedules, useable vocabulary, and high-value instruction in the Thai language

Are you already enjoying Thailand, and have a visa but lack good Thai language skills? There are all manner of educational visa programs through a multitude of providers including local shops to established universities. What you need is a language program that fits your individual needs with a flexible schedule.

I am in the same boat. I am ashamed to say, I have lived here for more than a decade and have not applied myself with focused language learning. Don’t get me wrong. I have decent skills and can hold conversations, but need a larger vocabulary and understanding if I want to tell jokes. That is a different level of language skill found in personalised Thai language courses.

Of course, being humorous is not my only goal, that was a joke. I like deep conversations about concepts and ideas, not only the simple dialogue. I like to know what and how people think. Conversations with others reveal much of who they are.

Have you learned a secondary language before? I believe you have. Do you speak morse code, computer programming languages, or the language of love? Mistakes will happen. The best way to learn is by applying what you think you know. The Thai language and its several dialects from up near Laos, in Bangkok, or toward Malaysia all sound different.

Do not let mistakes stop your growth. Don’t be shy. I have yet to find a Thai citizen who isn’t happy to help you speak their language with clarity. You need to work things out through experience. I learned how to ask all types of questions but it was useless as I didn’t know how to listen for the answers.

I needed comprehensive instruction in reading and speaking Thai to understand the tones and how to use them. To this day, I wonder how to sing in Thai, as singing requires tone changes, and tone changes alter word meaning. That is a conundrum.

Some expats desire citizenship in the Kingdom. The government of Thailand invites those with a history of work, work permit possession, social fund contribution or financial investment, and willingness & ability to pass a written and spoken Thai language examination. In the history of all expats, only 483,000 have made the grade. It is no easy task. Thailand does not permit dual citizenship. It is a commitment they are looking for. I can respect all of this.

In my originating country, I want prospective citizens to learn the language, the culture, find work, achieve stability, and contribute to the nation’s economy and society. I consider myself a bit of a hypocrite for taking so long to fully understand the language. However, without the use of English, I am able to totally survive using Thai. Albeit rough around the edges.

I salute your efforts. Don’t give up on the dream of deeper communication within the community you reside. This remarkable place and these peaceful people are more than worth one more try.