How Well Can Thai’s Speak English?

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Thailand Musings I first went to Thailand in 1997 and immediately fell in love with the country. Thailand at that time to me was mysterious and exotic, full of potentials and pitfalls. Fast forward to 2010 and here I am after 13 years and many trips to the LOS sharing, with the help of my Thai wife Golf, my experiences and knowledge with you here at Thailand Musings. Thailand may have lost some mystery for me, but it is still exotic and wonderful and I will always remember that first feeling when I stepped out into the Bangkok smog for the first time. I have yet to learn everything about Thailand and thankfully for all of us Golf is here to correct me when I err.

31 December 2007 ~ 2 Comments

How Well Can Thai’s Speak English?

I hope that English is not unusually difficult for a Thai person to learn, especially when motivated. Are there special courses available for this here in the US, or is it more efficient for the woman to attend English classes in Thailand?

Answer: Have you tried to learn any Thai yet? If you have you will know how difficult it is. English is just as hard for a Thai person to learn in my experience. The languages are so completely different that it is impossible to form a common frame of reference. Grammar, sentence structure and etymology for the languages are so far apart that there is no common reference like there would be for you and I learning a Romance language or for a Thai person learning an Asian language. It may be getting better for younger Thai’s as English is now taught from a young age at many of the Thai schools.

I am not aware of any special classes available here specifically for Thai’s, however you can find ESL classes at your local universities usually and there are other non-profit’s that do ESL tutoring. Check with your local United Way agency or Literacy Council in your area.

The best way is to have your girlfriend start taking classes now in Thailand, practice speaking as much as possible and then take more classes here in the U.S. Of course the best way to learn is by actual practice and while Golf’s English was already pretty good, she made the best progress once she started working here in the U.S. and interacting everyday with native English speakers.

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About the Author

Steve started Thailand Musings in 2006 after meeting and marrying Golf on the site Thai Love Links. The site was started as a way to share information about Thailand, it's people, culture and traditions and has grown substantially since that time. As a long time visitor to the Kingdom Steve hopes you enjoy his thoughts and observations about Thailand and it's culture. He can be contacted here.

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2 Responses to “How Well Can Thai’s Speak English?”

Yulee 1 March 2008 at 8:36 pm Permalink

Well, it depends on how long you’ve emerged yourself in the Western culture. I’ve an straight “A” in English when I was studied there. As soon as I moved here to stay with my aunt&uncle. That’s the other part of my life had changed forever. I adjust myself into new culture, new environment, new belief. and I’ve been here in the states almost seven years now. I bet when Americans have comes across with me regarding to work, school, etc. They thought I was here!! Things changed! You’ve gotta believe in yourself.
Steve 1 March 2008 at 9:27 pm Permalink

Hi Yulee and thanks for your comment!

7 years is a long time and if you take the effort to adjust yourself to your new culture it makes learning that much faster and easier. And believing in yourself helps you become successful no matter what areas you’re talking about…language learning, school, work, relationships. Having a strong belief is the first step to success.