THAI
Speak Thai confidently, begin your learning with Langma
Langma's Thai language programs are a great way to learn the language and get to know Thai culture. Thai is the main language for business, government, and education in Thailand.If you can speak Thai, you'll have a better chance of experiencing Thailand's cool tourism, festivals, hospitality, and business scenes, which can lead to new and interesting ventures.
Langma's Thai language programs are made for all learners, no matter your level. We focus on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Our lessons give students a chance to see what it's like to study, work, and travel in Thailand. We can help you with information on scholarships, internships, and jobs. Langma's courses can also get you ready for Thai language tests, with a focus on grammar, vocabulary, and how to communicate.
Start learning with Langma and see where it takes you!
LOCATION-
Formerly known as Siam, Thailand is bordered by Burma to the north and west, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia and the Gulf of Siam to the southeast, Malaysia to the south, and the Bay of Bengal to the southwest. This country covers an area of 513,120 km2 (198,120 sq mi) and is located between longitudes 15.8700° N, 100.9925° E. Thailand spans approximately 513,115 square kilometers (198,115 sq mi). The highest point in the country is Doi Inthanon, which reaches an elevation of 8,415 feet.
CLIMATE-
Thailand experiences the effects of monsoon winds and has a humid, tropical climate. From April to October, temperatures range from average highs ranging from 28°C to 35°C (82°F to 95°F). In the rest of the year, 24°C to 32°C (75-90°F), but it can reach highs of 38°C (100°F) or more during the hot season. Average rainfall is approximately 60 inches in the northwest and about 100 inches in the central regions. The hot season occurs from March to May, while the majority of the rain falls between June and October. Cooler temperatures characterize the months from November to February.
POPULATION-
The Thai people belong to the Indochinese linguistic family and migrated from Southwest China at the beginning of the 1st millennium A.D. There are approximately 71,619,863 Thais, with noticeable minority groups including Chinese and, to a lesser extent, Malaysians in the south. About 31.4% of the population is engaged in agriculture.
CULTURE-
Thailand’s lack of foreign colonization has preserved many of its beliefs and customs. Thai women are notably active in business, professions, and the arts, often more so than in neighboring countries. Buddhism deeply influences Thai society. The friendly and easygoing nature of the Thai people is reflected in their literature, which includes significant works like the epic tale of King Rama and the Jataka Tales, both of which also inspire Thai art and music.
RELIGION-
Buddhism is the principal religion in this country, with over 1,800 monasteries and temples. Most Buddhist men spend several months in a monastery at some point in their lives. Additionally, there are practicing Muslims (more than 1 million), Christians, Confucians, and Hindus who embrace religious tolerance.
EDUCATION-
Education is free and compulsory for children between the ages of seven and fourteen. The literacy rate is approximately 94.1%. Thai is the primary language spoken, while English is taught in secondary schools, colleges, and universities. English is also widely used in commerce and by the government.
THE ECONOMY-
Thailand's principal export is rice, but in efforts to diversify its economy, the government has also increased the cultivation and export of corn, sugar, cotton, and kenaf. About 38.8% of the country is forested, providing sought-after hardwoods. Mining for metals and precious stones thrives, especially in the south, while manufacturing is growing due to multinational companies attracted by affordable, skilled labor. Tourism is a key industry, drawing nearly 4 million visitors this year, alongside other significant sectors like ready-made garments, jewelry, rubber products, marine products, fruits and vegetables, and toys. Thailand boasts rich deposits of coal, gold, tin, and valuable woods such as teak and rosewood, supported by fertile alluvial soils that facilitate ample rice production for local and international markets.
CITIES-
Bangkok, the largest city in Thailand, is also its capital. Known for its hospitable people, the city boasts a wide range of attractions, including temples, shopping centers, banks, hotels, cinemas, nightclubs, and restaurants. This diverse appeal makes it a favorite destination for millions of tourists who visit each year. Other popular tourist destinations in Thailand include Chiang Mai, Songkhla, Hat Yai, and Phuket.
GOVERNMENT-
After many years of having kings who had complete control, the country became a constitutional monarchy in 1932. According to the 1976 constitution, the king is the head of the country and the leader of the military. He chooses a group of advisors called the cabinet, and the prime minister is the main leader of the government. The cabinet and a group called the National Administration Reform Council (NARC), which includes high-ranking military officers, take care of the government’s work. The country is divided into 71 provinces, and each province is managed by a governor.
HISTORY-
Thailand became an independent kingdom when Sukhothai was founded in 1238. King Ramkhamhaeng the Great brought the different peoples of the country together by creating a common written language. He also promoted Buddhism and the arts. After his death, his people worked with a Sukhothai prince in the south to build Ayutthaya. This ancient city served as the capital of Siam for four centuries, ruled by 33 kings. In 1767, the Burmese invaded Ayutthaya, forcing the Thais to move south and establish Thonburi. In 1782, King Rama 1 moved the capital to Bangkok and started the Chakri Dynasty, which is still in place today. King Bhumibol Adulyadej was the ninth king of this dynasty.
Thai Language course at Langma
Elementary
This course is tailored for learners who are new to Thai and want to gain a practical understanding of the language. We recognize that you may want to learn Thai quickly and have limited time to dedicate, so we designed this course with your needs in mind. Each lesson includes six components: a short story or dialogue in Thai, a vocabulary list, grammar explanations, exercises with answers, pronunciation guidance, and a complete English translation. There are a total of 15 lessons to help you learn Thai.
Learning the Indigenous Script
In Lesson, you will be introduced to the Thai alphabet. By the end of the course, you’ll have learned to write the 44 consonants and 32 vowels necessary for reading and writing in Thai. This aspect of the course is optional but provides added value.
Method of study at Langma International
Let the teacher read while you follow the written sentences in the book. After finishing the lesson, replay and practice speaking after the teacher, either phrase by phrase or sentence by sentence. Repeat the process until you are satisfied with your pronunciation. Always try to imitate the Thai teachers' speech and compare your pronunciation with theirs.
NOTES ON THE THAI LANGUAGE
Salient Features
The following points highlight key differences between Thai and English:
Punctuation:-Thai does not use punctuation. Capital letters are not necessary except for the consonant of the first syllable of a word that starts with a capital letter for clarity (e.g., Choen, Kão-ma, etc.).
Monosyllabic Language:-Thai primarily consists of single-syllable words or combinations of monosyllabic words.
Tonal Language:-Thai features five tones, indicated by four tone marks.
PRONUNCIATION:-A detailed phonetic system is provided to help you understand the unique sounds of the Thai language. Listening to native speakers can further enhance your learning.
Tones:-The five tones and their markings are detailed in the language notes. Accurate pronunciation requires attention to these tones, and listening and mimicking Thai speakers will help improve your skills.
Double Vowels:-Double vowels should be pronounced sequentially to create a smooth sound.
Special Consonants & Vowels
Some consonant combinations, such as "bp" and "dt," have sounds that are not common in English.
Punctuation:-Thai does not use punctuation. Capital letters are not necessary except for the consonant of the first syllable of a word that starts with a capital letter for clarity (e.g., Choen, Kão-ma, etc.).
Monosyllabic Language:-Thai primarily consists of single-syllable words or combinations of monosyllabic words.
Tonal Language:-Thai features five tones, indicated by four tone marks.
PRONUNCIATION:-A detailed phonetic system is provided to help you understand the unique sounds of the Thai language. Listening to native speakers can further enhance your learning.
Tones:-The five tones and their markings are detailed in the language notes. Accurate pronunciation requires attention to these tones, and listening and mimicking Thai speakers will help improve your skills.
Double Vowels:-Double vowels should be pronounced sequentially to create a smooth sound.
