Learn to Read Thai, Taught by an American Guy from Udemy

2025 Update: This is THE After 2000+ enrollments and over 400 reviews, the average review score is 4.96/5. Check the reviews yourself. If you want to get started learning how to read Thai, this is the course for you.

สวัสดีครับ. (sa-wat-dee-krap. - Hello. )

Learning to read Thai is very confusing and difficult. Learning how to read from a native ENGLISH speaker makes the process much, much more simple. In this course you will learn how to read Thai in an efficient way. Within 4 hours you'll be able to use my free cheat sheet to read 75% of all written Thai (No, that's not an exaggeration. ). Thai takes a long time and a lot of practice to master but this course is the stepping stone to getting you to understand the concepts much faster than most Thai teachers can.

Knowing how to read Thai actually makes learning Thai as a whole much, much easier.

Unlike English and other languages, Thai consonants and vowels ALWAYS make the same sound. For example, in English the letter A is sometimes pronounced "ah," "aye," or "ae." In Thai, this is not the case. Because of this, once you learn how to read and write Thai, learning new words is easy. When I am learning new vocab words, I always ask my friends how to spell it in Thai so that I know the exact pronunciation.

Again, learning Thai is not easy. Anyone who says it is easy is trying to sell you some BS. This course is for you to learn faster by getting the concepts taught to you in English by a native English speaker.

Thais begin learning English from a native Thai speaker, so you should start to learn Thai from a native English speaker.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How to read and write the thai language
Learn the most difficult concepts from a native english speaker in a clear, efficient manner so you can then build upon that foundation
The fundamentals of the thai language starting with the most simple examples up to full sentences

The tone rules and how reading actually makes learning thai easier
Small exceptions and obscure rules

How to read and write the thai language
Learn the most difficult concepts from a native english speaker in a clear, efficient manner so you can then build upon that foundation
The fundamentals of the thai language starting with the most simple examples up to full sentences
The tone rules and how reading actually makes learning thai easier
Small exceptions and obscure rules

Syllabus

How good is my Thai?

Watch this video and feel free ask your Thai friends if my Thai is good or not!

Course

Lesson 1: Simple Left to Right Reading

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Breaks down the fundamentals of reading Thai, which can be a solid foundation for learners with no prior experience

Focuses on reading skills, which accelerates overall language acquisition by improving pronunciation and vocabulary retention

Taught by a native English speaker, which may help learners grasp complex concepts more easily through relatable explanations

Includes practice exercises for each lesson, which reinforces learning and helps learners build confidence in their reading abilities

Covers exceptions and anomalies in the Thai writing system, which prepares learners for real-world reading scenarios

Requires learners to memorize tone marks, which may be challenging for learners who are new to tonal languages

Reviews summary

Effective thai reading for english speakers

According to learners, this course is highly effective for English speakers wanting to learn to read Thai. Students praise the instructor's ability to explain complex rules, especially tone rules, from an American perspective, making the process simpler and efficient. It provides a solid foundation and is a stepping stone. The lessons are clear and structured. The cheat sheet is an incredibly helpful tool. While it requires effort, students feel it's the most effective way to start.

Course is effective but requires dedication.

"Again, learning Thai is not easy. Anyone who says it is easy is trying to sell you some BS."

"The course isn't easy, it requires effort, but it's the most effective way to learn to read Thai quickly."

"It's challenging but the instructor makes it manageable."

Excellent tool for quick reference while reading.

"...use my free cheat sheet to read 75% of all written Thai..."

"The cheat sheet is incredibly helpful. I can actually start decoding signs now."

"The cheat sheet is brilliant. It definitely gives me the tools to start reading."

Concepts are explained logically and easy to follow.

"The lessons are structured logically, building up step-by-step."

"The teacher's method simplifies complex rules into understandable chunks. The section on vowels and 'live or dead' endings was particularly clear."

"Solid course. Covers the reading rules comprehensively."

Enables fast progress in reading Thai script.

"Within 4 hours you'll be able to use my free cheat sheet to read 75% of all written Thai..."

"Amazing course! ...finally clicked for me. I can actually start decoding signs now."

"This course lives up to the hype. It cuts through the confusion... It's definitely a solid foundation."

Simplifies complex Thai for English speakers.

"Learning how to read from a native ENGLISH speaker makes the process much, much more simple."

"The instructor's explanations, especially on consonant classes and tones from an English speaker's perspective, finally clicked for me."

"The 'American Guy' teaching makes a huge difference in explaining the concepts. It felt like he knew exactly where I would get stuck."

Some lessons are fast; exceptions are complex.

"The pace is fast... I wish there were more practice examples, especially full sentences earlier on."

"The part on exceptions and anomalies was necessary but a bit overwhelming."

"Lesson 10: Exceptions, Anomalies, & Annoying Things You Just Gotta Remember"

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 Learn to Read Thai, Taught by an American Guy with these activities:

Review Basic Phonetics

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Reviewing basic phonetics will help you understand the sounds of Thai and how they are represented in writing, making it easier to learn the alphabet and pronunciation rules.

Browse courses on phonetics

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Find online resources or textbooks on phonetics.
Study the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) chart.
Practice transcribing words using IPA.

Read 'Thai for Beginners' by Benjawan Poomsan Becker

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Reading 'Thai for Beginners' will give you a head start on vocabulary and grammar, making it easier to grasp the concepts taught in the course.

View New Thai-english, English-thai Compact... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Thai for Beginners'.
Read the chapters on the Thai alphabet and pronunciation.
Practice the exercises in the book.

Create Flashcards for Thai Vowels

Show steps

Creating flashcards will help you memorize the Thai vowels and their corresponding sounds, which is crucial for reading Thai.

Show steps

List all the Thai vowels.
Create a flashcard for each vowel with the vowel symbol on one side and its pronunciation on the other.
Use the flashcards to practice vowel recognition and pronunciation.

Four other activities

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Practice Reading Thai Words Daily

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Practicing reading Thai words daily will reinforce your understanding of the alphabet, vowel combinations, and tone rules.

Show steps

Find a list of common Thai words.
Read the words aloud, focusing on correct pronunciation.
Record yourself reading and compare it to native speaker recordings.

Explore 'Essential Thai: A Complete Guide to the Thai Language' by James Higbie

Show steps

Reading 'Essential Thai' will provide a broader understanding of Thai grammar and culture, enhancing your overall language learning experience.

View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Essential Thai'.
Read the sections on Thai grammar and culture.
Use the book as a reference for grammar questions.

Write Short Thai Sentences

Show steps

Writing short Thai sentences will help you apply your knowledge of the alphabet, vowels, and tone rules in a practical way.

Show steps

Choose a few simple Thai words you know.
Construct short sentences using those words.
Check your sentences with a native speaker or online translator.

Help Other Students in the Course Forum

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Helping other students will reinforce your own understanding of the material and provide valuable practice in explaining Thai reading concepts.

Show steps

Regularly check the course discussion forum.
Answer questions from other students about the Thai alphabet, vowels, or tone rules.
Provide clear and helpful explanations.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn to Read Thai, Taught by an American Guy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Translator

A translator converts written material from one language into another. This course, focusing on reading and writing Thai, directly helps build the foundational skills necessary for anyone aspiring to become a translator specializing in Thai. The course emphasizes efficient learning through a native English speaker's perspective, which is beneficial for understanding the nuances of the language. A translator must be precise and this course helps ensure that the user understands the correct pronunciations of Thai words. Through practice exercises focused on reading full sentences, and covering vowel combinations, consonant sounds, and tone marks, someone pursuing a career as a translator can expect to gain practical skills and confidence.

See salaries and explore the career path for Translator

International Aid Worker

An international aid worker provides assistance to communities in need, often in developing countries, addressing issues such as poverty, health, and education. For an international aid worker stationed in Thailand, knowing how to read Thai can be incredibly valuable for communicating with locals, understanding local customs, and navigating complex social situations. The course emphasizes efficient learning through a native English speaker's perspective, which is beneficial for understanding the nuances of the language. The course also provides a foundation in the fundamentals of Thai, starting with simple examples and progressing to full sentences. Learning to read Thai is an important step for an international aid worker.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Aid Worker

Interpreter

An interpreter converts spoken language from one language into another. While this course focuses on reading and writing, it strongly emphasizes pronunciation. Knowledge of how to read the language helps immensely. The course is taught by a native English speaker and teaches tone rules, which helps the student learn to speak Thai more accurately. The course also provides a foundation in the fundamentals of Thai, starting with simple examples and progressing to full sentences. Learning to read Thai is an important step for an interpreter.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter

Language Teacher

A language teacher instructs students in a foreign language. This course, designed to teach reading and writing in Thai, may be useful for individuals aiming to teach Thai to English speakers. The course's unique approach, taught by a native English speaker, equips prospective teachers with insights into the challenges English speakers face when learning Thai. Lessons on vowel combinations, consonant classes, tone marks and other exceptions help to enable the person to teach the Thai language with ease. Emphasis on reading full sentences may help build a foundation for instruction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Language Teacher

ESL Teacher

An English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher instructs students whose native language is not English, assisting them to learn English. While seemingly unrelated, learning a foreign language like Thai helps the ESL teacher better understand the challenges their students face. The course emphasizes efficient learning through a native English speaker's perspective. Through practice exercises focused on reading full sentences, and covering vowel combinations, consonant sounds, and tone marks, an ESL teacher can become more empathetic to the challenges their students face.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESL Teacher

Tour Guide

A tour guide leads groups of people through various locations, providing information about the history, culture, and attractions of the area. For a tour guide working in Thailand or catering to Thai-speaking tourists, knowing how to read the language can provide additional insights and enhance the tour experience. By learning vowel combinations, consonant classes, tone marks and other exceptions, a tour guide can learn to pronounce words correctly and add a deeper level of immersion. Successfully completing this course will make a person a more effective tour guide.

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Cultural Liaison

A cultural liaison works to bridge the gap between different cultures, often in business or governmental settings. This role can benefit from learning to read Thai. The course stresses efficient learning and pronunciation. The course also provides a foundation in the fundamentals of Thai, starting with simple examples and progressing to full sentences. Learning to read Thai is an important step for a cultural liaison.

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Travel Writer

A travel writer creates written content about destinations, experiences, and cultures for publications or online platforms. For a travel writer focusing on Thailand, knowing how to read Thai can be incredibly valuable for researching local customs, understanding signage, and interacting with locals. Practical skills gained from this course will enable a travel writer to incorporate authentic details into their writing. The course emphasizes efficient learning through a native English speaker's perspective, which is beneficial for understanding the nuances of the language. Learning to read Thai is an important step for a travel writer.

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Journalist

A journalist investigates and reports on current events, often requiring the ability to understand and interpret information from various sources. For a journalist covering stories related to Thailand, knowing how to read Thai can be invaluable for accessing primary source materials, understanding local perspectives, and conducting more informed interviews. This course may provide that person with a means of better understanding news reports and stories. Learning to read Thai is an important step for a journalist.

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Librarian

A librarian assists people using a library to find materials and use library resources. Learning to read Thai may be useful for librarians working in collections of foreign language books. The course emphasizes efficient learning through a native English speaker's perspective, which is beneficial for understanding the nuances of the language. Lessons on vowel combinations, consonant classes, tone marks and other exceptions may help the person to identify and locate Thai books with ease. Emphasis on reading full sentences may help build a foundation for understanding the basics of the Thai language.

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Market Researcher

A market researcher analyzes market trends and consumer behavior to advise companies on product development and marketing strategies. For a market researcher focusing on the Thai market, the ability to read Thai can be beneficial for understanding local market dynamics, interpreting consumer feedback, and analyzing local media. This course may provide that person with a means of better understanding the Thai language. Learning to read Thai is an important step for a market researcher.

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Historian

A historian researches, analyzes, and interprets the past, often focusing on specific regions, time periods, or themes. For a historian specializing in Thai history or Southeast Asian studies, knowing how to read Thai may be useful for accessing primary source materials, such as historical documents, inscriptions, and literary works written in Thai. Since this course focuses on reading Thai, it may provide a historian a starting point in learning how to interpret these historical references. This course helps historians in their careers.

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Technical Writer

A technical writer creates documentation, such as instruction manuals and how-to guides, that explain complex information in a clear and concise manner. While seemingly unrelated, it may be useful for a technical writer to learn a new language to better understand the challenges faced by those who are non native speakers. The course emphasizes efficient learning through a native English speaker's perspective. Through practice exercises focused on reading full sentences, and covering vowel combinations, consonant sounds, and tone marks, a technical writer can become more empathetic to the challenges their readers face.

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Data Analyst

A data analyst collects, processes, and analyzes data to extract meaningful insights and inform decision-making. While seemingly unrelated, it may be useful for a data analyst to learn a new language so that they can better understand the challenges faced by those who are non native speakers. The course emphasizes efficient learning through a native English speaker's perspective. Through practice exercises focused on reading full sentences, and covering vowel combinations, consonant sounds, and tone marks, a data analyst can become more empathetic to the challenges their users face.

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Software Developer

A software developer designs, develops, and tests software applications. While seemingly unrelated, it may be useful for a software developer to learn a new language so that they can better understand the challenges faced by those who are non native speakers. The course emphasizes efficient learning through a native English speaker's perspective. Through practice exercises focused on reading full sentences, and covering vowel combinations, consonant sounds, and tone marks, a software developer can become more empathetic to the challenges their users face.

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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 Learn to Read Thai, Taught by an American Guy.

Three-way Thai-English, English-Thai Pocket...

Save

Provides a comprehensive introduction to the Thai language, covering essential vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. It is particularly useful for beginners who want a structured approach to learning the language. It can serve as a good complement to the course, offering additional exercises and explanations.

New Thai-english, English-thai Compact Dictionary...

Paperback

Alter Ego

Save

Offers a comprehensive overview of the Thai language, including grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights. It valuable resource for students who want to deepen their understanding of Thai beyond the basics. While not strictly necessary for the course, it provides additional context and examples that can enhance learning. It is commonly used as a textbook in university-level Thai courses.

Alter Ego: A Novel

Paperback

Learn to Read Thai, Taught by an American Guy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Effective thai reading for english speakers

Activities

Career center

Featured in The Course Notes

Reading list

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