Thai Language:
Learning Simple Phrases

Fast functional use of Thai language is not easy - but it is quite possible to learn some simple phrases and words that you will enjoy using - and your hosts will also enjoy.

I recommend that in any language - on any vacation - at the very least you should learn how to say - using polite terminology:

Hello / Good bye

Thank you,

You're welcome

No problem

Very good

I want/don't want

Delicious

You'll find Thais amazingly tolerant of your efforts and quite pleased that you made the effort.

All of the following links have audio and most are oriented for beginning level learners.

http://www.learningthai.com

http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Thai

http://www.thaisouth.com/learn_thai.php

http://www.sriwittayapaknam.ac.th/thailanguage/

http://sunsite.au.ac.th/education

http://www.travlang.com/languages

http://thaiarc.tu.ac.th/thai/introth.htm

http://www.into-asia.com/thai_language

As Thai is a tonal language - you might find it useful to listen to tapes or CDs to help you get the pronunciation right. The time you spend picking up a few useful phrases will greatly enhance your visit to the land of smiles.

Many phrase books that you might purchase tend to have some fairly un-useful language in them: like how to purchase tickets to the opera.  I would recommend that you first learn how to order a few basic dishes and whatever you might want to drink.  These type interactions will occur much more frequently and are more likely to have misunderstandings that are bothersome - and sometimes expensive.

Good luck and enjoy!