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Speak Thai from Day One - A Complete Beginner's Course

4.3 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 804 ratings
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Jantawee Supha

Learning a new language can be overwhelming when you are not familiar with the new structure and the sound of the language. This course is designed for beginners who has ZERO knowledge in Thai.  I will help you start off with the right amount of information and the right method so you have a strong foundation, then you can reach your learning goal faster.

The course covers everything that you need to know to start speaking Thai.

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

Read more

Learning a new language can be overwhelming when you are not familiar with the new structure and the sound of the language. This course is designed for beginners who has ZERO knowledge in Thai.  I will help you start off with the right amount of information and the right method so you have a strong foundation, then you can reach your learning goal faster.

The course covers everything that you need to know to start speaking Thai.

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Speak Thai using basic greetings and expressions.

  • Make the right pronunciation so you are understood by Thai people. 

  • Understand the basic principle of Thai script and how words are created. 

  • Have real Thai conversations using simple sentence structures. 

  • Expand your vocabulary list and get to speak more Thai in the future.

This method will boost your 

Although there is no shortcut in learning a new language, but you can learn better by having the right system that works for you.  It takes time and effort to become good at a new language, just like anything in life.  You won't be speaking Thai fluently right away but I promise you that you will understand the basics and how to plan your study to make language learning an easy and fun process for yourself.  I will be guiding you through the whole process from the beginning to the end.  The course will cover: 

  • The common problems new beginners face and how to avoid them. 

  • Thai pronunciation and how to learn tones. 

  • The basic of Thai script explained in a simple way. 

  • Basic greetings and expressions. 

  • How to create simple sentences and expand your vocabulary as you move forward. 

And of course, you can ask any questions along the way. 

Are you excited to learn Thai? Let’s get started now.  

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Speak thai using simple expressions and greetings.
  • Pronounce all sounds in thai language correctly.
  • Recognize tones in the thai words.
  • Make simple sentences, ask questions, and have simple conversations in thai.
  • Learn how to count in thai.

Syllabus

Learn all the basics you need to know about the nature of the Thai language. How it sounds, looks, and structured.
Welcome! Here's how to use the course.
Read more

In this lesson you will learn the important character of Thai language and how it is different from English.

In this lesson, you will learn about phonetic systems used in many textbooks and study materials. You will learn the pros and cons of using it and how to use it to help with your pronunciation.

Learn simple ways Thai words can be made. I'm going to show you the big picture of Thai script so you see how it works.

In this lesson, you will learn the reasons why speaking Thai is easy. I hope they motivate you and get you excited to learn more!

We are going to cover all the sounds in the alphabet, but not all the letters in the alphabet. If you have any challenges pronouncing any sound, please let me know and I will find a way to help you make the correct pronunciation.

These are the sounds of basic vowels. You don't need to memorize the character of each vowel yet. Focus on getting used to the short and long vowel which are the character of Thai words.

Here I am giving you some tricks to help you understand each tone. It's like learning music. I hope that they help you to understand the difference between each tone. If not, you have time to tune your ears to get used to this new accent.

This is how Thai talk. Can you imitate my accent? :)

Once you finished this lesson, download the "Section 3's Note" PDF file. It's for the rest of the lessons in this section.

Learn how to be polite when you speak Thai. Just use this word and you will sound nice instantly!

Do Thai people really say "how are you"? Learn how to say "how are you?" in Thai.

How to say "hello" in Thai. How Thai use this word in different situations. 

How to say "thank you" and respond to a "thank you" in Thai.

Learn how to say "sorry" in Thai, and respond to an apology when someone say it to you.

Learn how to say "goodbye" and "see you later" in Thai.

Please note that I added a note in the PDF file for this section that you can also you the word "sà-wàt-dee" when you need to leave in a formal situation too.

How to say "I" and "you" in a conversation.

This is an example of how to make simple sentences and create a dialog that can be used for practicing conversation in Thai. We start off with simple words, then add a common English word in the blank space of the sentence we created. Then you have a conversation! This method can be applied to many conversation topics different different sentence forms. You will see more of this in the next section. I hope you enjoy the lesson!

This is an example of an exercise from the previous lesson. Once you got the basic concept, then you are ready to expand your vocabulary. That's how you develop fluency. I hope you enjoy the exercise! :-)

In this lesson, you will learn useful Thai sentences and phrases to use with native speakers when you practice Thai with them. Don't forget to check your new flashcard set for this lesson and I also have a pdf file that I summarized all the new vocabulary for you. :)

First question word for this session is "what?".

Learn how to say name, last name, and nickname in Thai.

Make questions and answers about names that you have learned from the previous lessons.

Learn how to ask about the country another person is from and how to say where you come from.

Please follow the instruction so you get the best out of the exercise. 

Practice listening to the conversation in Thai.

How to say something belongs to something or someone.

How to use the third person pronoun, plus how to say 'friend', 'boyfriend', and 'girlfriend'.

New vocabulary about family and how we put words together.

Learn how to use the words: "this", "that", and a new question word, "who".

This is an example of a conversation using all that you have learned in this section so far. There will be new words and phrases you've never heard before. Try to see how much you understand the conversation before you look at the attached pdf file for this lesson.

Questions: What are the new things you have learned from this example conversation?  What can you change within the conversation to make it uniquely yours?  

I hope you enjoy it! :)

Now you know how to say many things.  Let's practice the previous conversation together. Here, I've made an exercise for you.  I hope you have fun!

A final wrap-up on what you have learned from this course so far and how to study more Thai in the future.

Resources to help you learn Thai in action.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Starts with the right amount of information and the right methods, which helps learners build a strong foundation in the Thai language
Covers pronunciation and tones, which are essential for being understood by native Thai speakers and for developing listening comprehension
Explores the basics of Thai script and word creation, which provides insight into the structure of the language and aids in vocabulary acquisition
Features flashcards and conversational exercises, which are useful for memorization and for practicing speaking skills
Focuses on practical communication skills, such as greetings, basic expressions, and simple sentence construction, which enables learners to start speaking Thai immediately
Requires learners to download PDF files for certain sections, which may pose a challenge for learners with limited access to printers or devices

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Beginner's foundation in spoken thai

According to learners, this course provides a strong foundation for absolute beginners starting their Thai language journey. Students often highlight the clear explanation of fundamental concepts, particularly the introduction to Thai sounds and sentence structure. Many found the practical focus on basic greetings and phrases immediately useful for simple conversations. While the course aims to demystify pronunciation and tones, reviews suggest that mastering these remains a challenging aspect for some, even with the course's guidance. The step-by-step approach and supportive learning materials like flashcards are frequently praised.
Strictly for absolute beginners, not intermediate.
"Great for absolute beginners, but don't expect fluency."
"Covers basics well... need more resources for deeper study or reading."
"This is a starting point; you'll need more to progress significantly."
Guidance on sounds and tones receives mixed feedback.
"Pronunciation guidance is excellent. Feel confident saying basic phrases now."
"I wasn't sure about tones, but the way she explained them made sense."
"Tones are still tricky, but the course explains the concept clearly."
"I found the tone explanation a bit confusing still."
"Felt like I was just mimicking without understanding the tones fully."
Includes flashcards and exercises.
"Flashcards are helpful. Highly recommend!"
"Helpful exercises and practice activities reinforced the lessons."
"Flashcards are useful for vocabulary memorization."
Teacher is clear, encouraging, and easy to understand.
"The instructor is clear and encouraging."
"She explains things in a simple, understandable way."
"Her guidance made learning less intimidating."
Focuses on useful vocabulary and sentences.
"Feel confident saying basic phrases now."
"Practical sentences are great for immediate use."
"Covers basics well... focuses on practical use for travelers or beginners."
Follows a logical, easy-to-follow path from zero.
"Amazing course for absolute beginners. Breaks everything down simply."
"This is exactly what I needed to start Thai... good foundation course."
"The focus on speaking first before getting deep into script is smart."
"The step-by-step lessons were easy to follow and not overwhelming."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Speak Thai from Day One - A Complete Beginner's Course with these activities:
Review Thai Alphabet and Pronunciation
Strengthen your understanding of the Thai alphabet and pronunciation rules before starting the course. This will make it easier to grasp new vocabulary and sentence structures.
Show steps
  • Find online resources that explain the Thai alphabet and pronunciation.
  • Practice writing the consonants and vowels.
  • Listen to audio recordings of native speakers pronouncing the letters and tones.
Read 'Thai for Beginners' by Benjawan Poomsan Becker
Supplement your learning with a structured textbook. This book provides a more in-depth explanation of grammar and vocabulary than the course alone.
View New Thai-english, English-thai Compact... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Thai for Beginners'.
  • Read the introductory chapters on pronunciation and basic grammar.
  • Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Create a Thai Vocabulary Flashcard Set
Reinforce your vocabulary learning by creating your own flashcards. This active recall method will help you memorize new words and phrases more effectively.
Show steps
  • Identify 20-30 new Thai words or phrases from the course materials.
  • Create flashcards with the Thai word/phrase on one side and the English translation on the other.
  • Use the flashcards to practice vocabulary regularly.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Thai Tones with Online Exercises
Mastering Thai tones is crucial for clear communication. Use online resources to practice distinguishing and producing the different tones.
Show steps
  • Find online resources that offer Thai tone practice exercises.
  • Listen to the audio examples and try to imitate the tones.
  • Record yourself speaking Thai and compare your pronunciation to native speakers.
Practice Conversational Thai with a Language Partner
Improve your speaking skills and build confidence by practicing with a native Thai speaker or another learner.
Show steps
  • Find a language partner online or in person.
  • Prepare a list of topics to discuss, such as greetings, introductions, and hobbies.
  • Practice speaking Thai with your partner, focusing on pronunciation and fluency.
Explore 'Colloquial Thai: The Complete Course for Beginners' by John Moore
Enhance your conversational skills with a book focused on colloquial Thai. This will expose you to more natural and idiomatic expressions.
View Colloquial Thai (Colloquial Series) on Amazon
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of 'Colloquial Thai'.
  • Work through the dialogues and exercises in the book.
  • Pay attention to the pronunciation and intonation of the speakers in the audio recordings.
Write a Short Paragraph in Thai
Solidify your understanding of sentence structure and vocabulary by writing a short paragraph about yourself or a topic you enjoy.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic to write about, such as your hobbies, family, or favorite food.
  • Use the vocabulary and grammar you have learned in the course to write a paragraph of 5-7 sentences.
  • Ask a native speaker or language partner to review your paragraph and provide feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Speak Thai from Day One - A Complete Beginner's Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Travel Blogger
Travel bloggers create content about their travel experiences to inspire and inform others. For a travel blogger planning a trip to Thailand, this course helps them immerse themselves in the local culture and connect with people. Knowing basic Thai phrases and greetings allows the blogger to engage in meaningful interactions and gain unique insights. This course teaches you how to make simple sentences, ask questions, and have simple conversations in Thai. The travel blogger will need to speak Thai using simple expressions and greetings.
See salaries and explore the career path for Travel Blogger
Tour Guide
A tour guide leads individuals or groups through destinations, providing information about the history, culture, and points of interest. This course may benefit a tour guide who wants to expand their offerings to Thai-speaking tourists or lead tours in Thailand. Learning basic greetings, expressions, and simple sentence structures helps a tour guide communicate effectively with visitors. The course will be helpful if the tour guide needs to pronounce Thai correctly, and it covers everything needed to start speaking Thai. Learning to speak Thai using basic greetings and expressions is necessary for this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Tour Guide
Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator
Cultural exchange program coordinators organize and manage programs that promote cultural understanding and exchange between people from different countries. This course may be valuable for coordinators working with Thai participants or programs in Thailand. Learning the language helps the coordinator to understand the culture and communicate effectively with participants. This course teaches you how to pronounce all sounds in the Thai language correctly. The Thai language course teaches how to make simple sentences, ask questions, and have simple conversations in Thai.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Exchange Program Coordinator
International Aid Worker
International aid workers provide assistance to communities in need, often in developing countries. For aid workers assigned to Thailand or working with Thai-speaking populations, this course helps them connect with the local community and build trust. The aid worker will need to speak Thai using simple expressions and greetings. This course teaches you how to pronounce all sounds in the Thai language correctly. The aid worker will need to make simple sentences, ask questions, and have simple conversations in Thai.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Aid Worker
Au Pair
An au pair typically lives with a host family and provides childcare or domestic assistance. For an au pair placed in a Thai-speaking household or in Thailand, this course helps them connect with the family and children on a more personal level. Learning basic greetings and expressions allows for smoother communication, and understanding simple sentence structures facilitates everyday interactions. This course teaches you to use simple expressions and greetings, which aids in your day-to-day interaction with Thai speakers. The au pair will need to speak Thai using simple expressions and greetings.
See salaries and explore the career path for Au Pair
International Business Development Manager
International business development managers identify and pursue new business opportunities in foreign markets. This course helps these managers establish connections with Thai-speaking partners and clients. Understanding basic greetings, expressions, and cultural nuances of the Thai language helps in building trust and fostering strong business relationships. The course teaches how to make simple sentences, ask questions, and have simple conversations in Thai. The new manager will need to speak Thai using simple expressions and greetings.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Business Development Manager
Flight Attendant
Flight attendants ensure the safety and comfort of airline passengers. This course may be extremely helpful for flight attendants who frequently encounter Thai-speaking passengers. Knowing basic Thai phrases, greetings, and how to count allows flight attendants to communicate essential information and provide a higher level of service. The course is designed for beginners who have zero knowledge in Thai, and it covers everything that you need to know to start speaking Thai. It also teaches how to pronounce all sounds in the Thai language correctly.
See salaries and explore the career path for Flight Attendant
Diplomat
Diplomats represent their country's interests abroad and engage in negotiations with foreign governments. While fluency requires extensive study, this course may be a starting point for diplomats assigned to Thailand. The course helps diplomats understand basic greetings, expressions, and cultural nuances. Gaining an understanding of a culture helps a diplomat build relationships and conduct effective diplomacy. The diplomat will need to speak Thai using simple expressions and greetings. The course teaches how to pronounce all sounds in the Thai language correctly.
See salaries and explore the career path for Diplomat
Translator
Translators convert written or spoken content from one language to another. While a complete beginner's course may not immediately qualify someone as a professional translator, it helps build a foundation for further language study, especially in understanding the basic principles of Thai script and how words are created. This course helps one begin to understand the nuances of Thai, which is beneficial, and learning about Thai pronunciation and tones will allow one to communicate better with native speakers. The translator will need to pronounce all sounds in the Thai language correctly.
See salaries and explore the career path for Translator
ESL Teacher
An English as a Second Language teacher instructs non-native speakers in the English language. This course may provide a foundation for ESL teachers who work with Thai-speaking students. Understanding the fundamentals of Thai, such as pronunciation, basic greetings, and expressions, helps an ESL teacher better understand the challenges their students face when learning English. By understanding the structure of the Thai Language, the ESL teacher is better able to sympathize with the hurdles Thai speakers might face. Additionally, the course helps one recognize tones in Thai words.
See salaries and explore the career path for ESL Teacher
Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives assist customers with inquiries, orders, and complaints. In a globalized world, knowing multiple languages is a significant advantage. This course helps customer service representatives who interact with Thai-speaking customers, allowing them to provide better service and build rapport. The course helps one learn how to make simple sentences, ask questions, and have simple conversations in Thai. Learning to make the right pronunciation is important so those who speak Thai will understand.
See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative
Journalist
Journalists investigate and report on current events. This course helps journalists who are interested in reporting on Thailand or interacting with Thai sources, because it helps to provide a foundational knowledge of the language. Learning greetings, expressions, and basic sentence structures enables a journalist to conduct interviews and gather information more effectively. The journalist will need to pronounce all sounds in the Thai language correctly. The course teaches how to make simple sentences, ask questions, and have simple conversations in Thai.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Researcher
Researchers conduct investigations to gain new knowledge. This course may benefit researchers who are conducting studies in Thailand or working with Thai-speaking communities. Knowledge of the language helps researchers to understand cultural contexts and communicate effectively with participants. This course teaches you how to pronounce all sounds in the Thai language correctly. The course also teaches how to make simple sentences, ask questions, and have simple conversations in Thai.
See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher
Food Service Staff
Food service staff prepare food and serve customers in restaurants. This course may benefit food service staff in restaurants with Thai cuisine or in areas with a significant Thai-speaking population. Learning basic Thai phrases helps staff communicate with customers, take orders, and provide a more welcoming experience. The course teaches you how to make simple sentences, ask questions, and have simple conversations in Thai. The food service staff will need to speak Thai using simple expressions and greetings.
See salaries and explore the career path for Food Service Staff
Librarian
Librarians assist people in finding information and accessing resources and can work in public, academic or specialized settings. This course may be extremely helpful for librarians who want to better communicate with a Thai-speaking community. Knowing basic Thai phrases, greetings, and how to count allows librarians to assist patrons. The course is designed for beginners who have zero knowledge in Thai, and it covers everything that you need to know to start speaking Thai. This course may also help the librarian pronounce all sounds in the Thai language correctly.
See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Featured in The Course Notes

This course is mentioned in our blog, The Course Notes. Read one article that features Speak Thai from Day One - A Complete Beginner's Course:
A Guide to Learning Foreign Languages Using Online Courses
41 minute read

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Speak Thai from Day One - A Complete Beginner's Course.
Cover image
Three-way Thai-English, English-Thai Pocket...
Save
Comprehensive guide for beginners learning Thai. It covers essential vocabulary, grammar, and cultural insights. It is particularly useful for learners who prefer a structured approach to language learning and want to build a solid foundation in Thai.
New Thai-english, English-thai Compact Dictionary...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Colloquial Thai
Save
This course focuses on practical, everyday Thai. It emphasizes conversational skills and provides realistic dialogues. It great supplement to the course for learners who want to improve their fluency and ability to communicate in real-life situations. It is also helpful for understanding cultural nuances in communication.
Colloquial Thai (Colloquial Series)
Paperback
$$
Colloquial Thai (Book & CDs)
Paperback
$$$
Colloquial Thai (Colloquial Series)
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Course image
Rating
4.3 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
3 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Jantawee Supha
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Starts with the right amount of information and the right methods, which helps learners build a strong foundation in the Thai language
Covers pronunciation and tones, which are essential for being understood by native Thai speakers and for developing listening comprehension
Explores the basics of Thai script and word creation, which provides insight into the structure of the language and aids in vocabulary acquisition
Features flashcards and conversational exercises, which are useful for memorization and for practicing speaking skills
Focuses on practical communication skills, such as greetings, basic expressions, and simple sentence construction, which enables learners to start speaking Thai immediately
Requires learners to download PDF files for certain sections, which may pose a challenge for learners with limited access to printers or devices
Featured in The Course Notes
Read one article that features this course, Speak Thai from Day One - A Complete Beginner's Course from our blog, The Course Notes:
A Guide to Learning Foreign Languages Using Online Courses
41 minute read
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