I want to learn Thai, need a good teacher

Post by **Pundi64** » Fri Dec 15, 2006 5:59 pm

Can you help me learn Thai?
e-mail me at
Truepathdan@hotmail.com

Post by **Jockey** » Fri Dec 15, 2006 6:50 pm

Pundi64 wrote:Can you help me learn Thai?
e-mail me at
Truepathdan@hotmail.com

Everytime I ask this question I keep getting the same recommendation - go to a certain place just out of town - which is c r a p!

Post by **Huahinian** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 10:15 am

I studied from a book - "The Fundamentals of the Thai Language" - which I found excellent. It also teaches you to read and write Thai if you wish to go that far. The book recommends you use a Thai companion to help and it is also a good way for them to learn and improve their English.

I needed to learn at my pace and found the language schools did not suit my style (although I had only 4 hours of school tuition).

Post by **Jockey** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 10:46 am

Huahinian wrote:I studied from a book - "The Fundamentals of the Thai Language" - which I found excellent. It also teaches you to read and write Thai if you wish to go that far. The book recommends you use a Thai companion to help and it is also a good way for them to learn and improve their English.

I needed to learn at my pace and found the language schools did not suit my style (although I had only 4 hours of school tuition).

Thanks for that feedback. I am interested to know how well you can now speak Thai - can you listen to a conversation and know what they are talking about? Can you have an in-depth conversation with a Thai or is it just Basic i.e. what is your name, where do you come from, how are you etc.?
Do you read Thai? If so, was it difficult to learn? How about writing? I often thought if I could read the Thai local newspaper it would open up a whole new world for me. Sorry for all the questions Huahinian, I'm very interested to know... hell - stop procrastinating jockey - start learning today (that was me talking to myself ... in English with a slight American influence!)

Post by **buksida** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 10:53 am

I used the book mentioned above among others, took around 18 months but can speak, read and write now. Trouble is when you get to an almost fluent level conversationally you don't learn anymore as you brain feels it doesnt need to to get the message across. However there are so many different levels of Thai that I for one should press on with.

Never had a formal teacher but everyone learns differently.

Post by **Huahinian** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 11:17 am

Jockey - I can understand most of a Thai conversation but, like Buksida, felt I had reached a sufficiency level and I became complacent. I can read Thai but not well enough to read a newspaper (different level of the language) but would be able to if I had not become lazy. The book really does allow you to decide how far you wish to go. How well do I speak? For others to judge!

Post by **Randy Cornhole** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 12:32 pm

I have the same book but for me having a good teacher was better. Having said that unless you speak it regulary you forget it quickly! I know of a good teacher, if anybody wants details I can pm.

Post by **Pundi64** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 7:03 pm

Randy please e-mail me with whatever info you have on this Thai teacher.

Thanks

Post by **lomuamart** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 7:41 pm

I'd be interested to hear where I can buy the book. Here in HH?

Post by **PeteC** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 8:00 pm

lomuamart wrote:I'd be interested to hear where I can buy the book. Here in HH?

Maybe not HH Lomu but over the years I've picked up some good books at Asia Books up in Bangkok.

The 'bible' that I use here (also mentioned by other posters) is THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE THAI LANGUAGE (FIFTH EDITION), which I bought about 1990. Probably 6th or 7th by now.

In Europe available from Bay Foreign Language Books, 19 Dymchurch Road, St. Mary's Bay, Romney Marsh. Kent TN29 England.

The edition I have was distributed by Marketing Media Associates Co., LTD, Charn Issara Tower II, 26th Floor, 2922/292-293 New Petchaburi Road. Phone then was/is 308-2098. No idea if they are still there.

First edition was in 1957 so quite an extensive book and background. Hard-bound, 529 pages. Pete

PS: If anyone interested, the other two worldwide sole distributors were/are:

Paragon Books, 14 East 38th Street, New York, New York, 10016 and, F.W. Chesire PTY. LTD., 388 Little Collins Street, Melbourne.

Post by **lomuamart** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 8:23 pm

Thanks Pete,
Was just Googling it and it certainly seems the business. Tried a couple of pronounciations from it with the missus and she laughed her head off at my attempts.
Still, I noticed an Asia Books store in the new complex past the police station this morning and there used to be one round the corner at TheSofitel. Maybe I'll pop in there tomorrow and see if they've got that and if not whether it's possible to order from BKK.
8.5 years in Thailand and I'm pretty poor at the language. Pathetic.

Post by **PeteC** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 10:34 pm

lomuamart wrote:8.5 years in Thailand and I'm pretty poor at the language. Pathetic.

So am I....LOL. I think it's age and the fact that just about every Thai I've ever known well wants me to teach them English. Also, lack of will power and motivation.

I have noticed though that the golden liquid loosens my tongue and Thai comes out at an astonishing rate, and usually correct as well. So, perhaps my grey matter does retain more than I realize.

I also find this true when I am totally overtired and almost in a coma, it flows easily. Strange we humans are. Pete

Post by **lomuamart** » Sat Dec 16, 2006 11:54 pm

A good friend of mine arrived in Thailand about 20 years ago - he was travelling at the time.
Nearly down on his luck, he got a job as an English teacher in BKK. (Remember, he was well qualified degree wise and it was years ago).
He's shown me some of the places in BKK he used to live closeby to.
Now, he's married to a beautiful Thai wife - who I've known for 10 years or so - they've got two daughters and they're doing well in another country as ex-pats, my friend living the dangerous life as a journalist there.
I was embarrassed when they came to HH a couple of months ago and my friend, who hasn't lived in Thailand for about 8 years, spoke better than me.
He just let me off with "I'm lucky I can remember a few things", but I knew what he meant.

Post by **shakin' boxcar joe** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 8:12 am

fundamentals of the thai language is now out of print , however it can be downloaded free from

http://www.thai-info2004.com/the_language_thailand.htm

scroll down the page a bit and you will see the download link.

i speak and read thai to an intermediate level and would also like to know a place where i can further my knowledge as part of a group.

i have had one to one lessons with two teachers here in hua hin , and whilst they have been useful , i would rather learn/converse in a small discussion group with others of similar ability , with a thai teacher who will lead and encourage conversation and correct mistakes.

if anyone knows of such a group , please let me know.

Hua Hin Forum

I want to learn Thai, need a good teacher

I want to learn Thai, need a good teacher

Re: I want to learn Thai, need a good teacher

Yes I would like whatever info