Joining a language course in Thailand does not only open your eyes to the culture of Thailand, there are lots of other benefits too including getting to see more of Thailand in your free time.
Students join courses from all over the world, and get an excellent opportunity to get exposed to another culture as well as to make some new friends and improve language skills.
Universities in Thailand are among some of the best Asia has to offer. In addition, the country also has top quality private language schools.
We highly recommend that you choose to study in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Phuket. Bangkok is the capital of the country and this city has a lot to offer all international travelers whether you are a student, business professional, or a tourist.
Study Thai in Bangkok
All too often just a place of transit but it’s well worth spending time living, studying and exploring Bangkok. There are countless things to do and you’ll find extraordinary people and places to visit around every corner. Barter for all sorts of goodies at the largest outdoor market in the world, the Chatuchak weekend market, or get along to MBK, an air-conditioned shopping haven. The King’s Palace is also well worth a visit, along with any number of temples including Wat Pho and the Temple of the Dawn.
Study Thai in Chiang Mai
Situated in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is quite a mountainous region and great for those more adventurous travellers keen to trek through forests, visit waterfalls and discover the wildlife. In your free time you can jump on a tour to visit a hill tribe – including the long neck Karen tribes in a nearby province. Your visit to Chiang Mai isn’t complete until you’ve paid a visit to Doi Suthep – Chiang Mai’s famous temple situated high in the mountains and giving you a great view of the city in the distance. If you’re feeling fit there are 290 steps to take you to the temple – or you can take a rail car.
Basic Thai Phrases
If you’re planning a holiday or gap year in Thailand and want to learn Thai you’ve come to the right place – have a go at the best Thai phrases & words below to get you started. Keep in mind that to make a request or greeting sound more polite, male people should add ‘khap’ to the end of a sentence and female ‘kha’.
Sa-wat dee (hello)
Used for both hello and goodbye.
Khop koon (thank you)
How to show your appreciation once you’ve been handed your Singha beer and pad Thai.
Gee baht? (how much)
Essential for all the shopping you’ll be doing, or when haggling with tuk-tuk drivers.
Yoo tee nai…? (where is…)
Invaluable when lost! Just point at a place on your map or in your guidebook and say ‘yoo tee nai’. Also useful when you are trying to find the right bus to go to Phuket or otherwise.
Mai ow (don’t want)
Useful for fending off persistent street vendors.
Khor tort (sorry)
Stood on someone’s foot at the Chatuchak market? Now you can apologise.
Neung, song, saam, see, haa, hook, jet, baat, gow, sip (one to ten)
Impress the locals by reciting one to ten.
Lot noi dai mai? (can you make it cheaper?)
If you are doing a lot of shopping then try this handy phrase. By speaking a little Thai you might just get a better discount.
A-roi (delicious)
Show your appreciation for that delicious Thai meal! You never know, if you go back to the same place you might get an extra helping.
Mai pen lai (never mind)
A common phrase in the Thai language – if someone apologises to you (khor tort) then reply with ‘mai pen lai’. If someone thanks you (khop koon) say ‘mai pen lai’. If there’s a mix up (which invariably happens with a language barrier) have a chuckle and say ‘mai pen lai’!
Sightseeing
When studying in Thailand you’ll get plenty of time to see the sights in your free time. Don’t miss: Chiang Mai (Thailand’s bohemian yet metropolitan city), Bangkok (the country’s vibrant capital), Ko Samui (home to some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches) and Ko Phangan (the home of the first full moon party). Search Thailand tours to discover the highlights.