For those intending to reside in Thailand for an extended period, acquiring knowledge of the Thai language is highly recommended, as it is crucial in establishing genuine connections with Thai individuals. While it is possible to manage solely with English, doing so would restrict your ability to converse with the majority of Thai people. This is especially true for those residing outside the primary tourist hubs. However, where can one find a suitable Thai language learning center in Bangkok?
Language Express
Language Express, located adjacent to Phloenchit BTS station, is a top-tier Thai language school in Bangkok. Native-speaking, qualified instructors lead classes in a pleasant and enjoyable environment. Their teaching approach prioritizes conversational Thai right from the start to enhance language comprehension.
The Thai language classes at this place are divided into four levels, as outlined below.
In Level 1 (Gateway), gain proficiency in verbal communication for survival scenarios, as well as develop skills in reading and writing.
Level 2 (Departure) – Enhance your fluency in speaking, reading, and writing.
Level 3 (Interchange) – Gain proficiency in spoken communication and responding to inquiries, as well as achieving a high standard in reading and writing.
Upon reaching Level 4 (Arrival), you will have acquired an extensive vocabulary in Thai, encompassing slang and appropriate grammar for both written and spoken language.
The course is designed to allow individuals to join at any given time. For instance, one day, they might focus on teaching speaking skills about travel, while the following day could be dedicated to teaching about shopping. Hence, each set of lessons can be done independently, eliminating the need for a specific order.
After completing each set of 16 lessons (approximately one month), you will have a one-on-one session with one of the teachers to evaluate your progress.
If you have prior knowledge of Thai language, you can take a placement check to determine the most suitable level for you to begin the course.
To qualify for an Education Visa, you will be required to purchase a 200-lesson course. Language Express can assist you in obtaining the Education Visa and managing all the related paperwork.
Walen
If you want to learn Thai before going to Thailand, you might find Walen to be a great option as it is a highly renowned Thai language school that offers the flexibility of learning online. Additionally, Walen has locations in various towns across Thailand including Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and many more.
Walen utilizes a teaching approach whereby new Thai words are introduced daily, and assistance is provided to ensure accurate pronunciation and the ability to respond to basic inquiries using those words. Additionally, they include instruction on reading Thai right from the beginning. This method emphasizes repetition as it leads to successful outcomes. It is likened to a child’s language acquisition process, wherein the individual hears a word, repeats it, encounters the word while reading, and eventually writes it independently.
Walen provides a complimentary lesson to allow you to experience firsthand what it’s like before making any financial commitment.
There are two Walen locations in Bangkok: one in Sukhumvit and another in Ladprao.
Walen is also available to assist in the application process for an Education visa.
Piammitr Language School
During my time in Bangkok, I had a fantastic experience studying at Piammitr Language School, where I completed two Thai language courses. Piammitr provides the option of either a 60-hour course, with three hours of class every weekday morning, or a four-week course, consisting of three-hour classes every weekday afternoon.
At Piammitr, I enrolled in level one Thai language and proceeded to level two in the subsequent month. Over the course of two months, I made significant progress in my Thai language skills, which enabled me to easily engage in basic conversations just one month after starting the learning process. The cost of these classes is quite affordable, approximately 5,400 baht for a month (including an extra 400 baht for the textbook), equivalent to around 100 baht ($3) per hour. The quality of teaching at Piammitr is exceptional, and since the classes are conducted entirely in Thai without any use of English, students experience rapid progress. Furthermore, the class sizes are small, typically accommodating only 3-6 individuals.
Pro Language
Pro Language, a language school located in Bangkok, is another well-liked option for learning Thai. The school offers courses that cover practical subjects such as counting, shopping, family terms, seeking directions, and using the telephone. Similar to Piammitr, their teaching approach is alike and their classes are kept small with 3-6 students, ensuring a professional experience.
Learning the Thai language costs more compared to Piammitr and other language schools, with a price tag of 9,000 baht for a 60-hour course. However, they do provide a full year of Thai classes for just 25,000 baht (approximately $833). This amount also covers a student visa, enabling you to reside in Thailand for a year without the need for visa runs.
Thai Language Station (TLS)
The Thai Language Station, also known as TLS, is another excellent option in Bangkok for learning Thai. It has received positive feedback from a few friends who have successfully learned the language here. The staff is friendly, the teachers are excellent, and the prices are affordable. They offer a 60-hour course in small groups of students for only 4,200 baht.
TLS provides a student visa Thai language course at a cost of 23,000 baht ($766), along with private lessons priced at 290 baht per hour (approximately $9.85 per hour).
Thai Language Solutions Language School
Thai Language Solutions has two branches located near Nana BTS station and Asoke BTS station in Bangkok, providing both group and private lessons. These lessons are available for individuals who wish to obtain the education visa, which requires attending classes for a duration of one year.
Thai Solutions offers group classes for the education visa at a cost of 24,600 baht per year, making it more affordable than certain language schools in Bangkok. Alternatively, you can opt for a six-month course priced at just 15,600 baht. Moreover, Thai Solutions provides a range of Thai language classes, catering to all proficiency levels, and presents a professional-looking environment.
In Bangkok, you can find numerous language schools that provide Thai language classes, all of which are affordably priced, well-managed, boast exceptional instructors, and cater to various skill levels. It is important to note that mastering the Thai language is challenging for most individuals, although it can definitely be an enjoyable experience.
