Thai Language - how long did it take you to read, write, listen and speak Thai well?

[AlexRich]

I'm embarking on learning Thai and I'm focusing initially on learning how to read and write Thai, with less focus at the moment on listening and speaking. I'm not in a rush and view this as a long term project, but I am doing this from home in the UK, although I'm considering taking a language course in Bangkok for a couple of months each time I visit Bangkok. 

 

Out of curiosity, how long did it take you to reach a decent level in Thai, both spoken and written? And what methodology did you employ? 

[Utalk2mutt]

Speaking I can hold a reasonably good conversation with a Thai person and reading I’m ok at although I am upping my reading as I feel it will enhance my vocabulary when speaking. The writing side has fallen by the wayside to be honest as it’s the least part of the language I use. I don’t write letters or little notes so I don’t see it as being entirely necessary. I may change my mind at a later date so I have the complete Language package so to speak.
 

If you do decide to learn at a language school when you get to BKK I can thoroughly recommend ( and I hope I won’t get into trouble for saying this) Duke Language School located in the Trendy building. I learnt the basics there and they are a fantastic group of teachers with lessons that are informative and interactive.

 

i have been in Thailand now for just over 8 years and I can get by in most situations I do consider that I still have a long way to go though.

 

Good luck with your studies.

[AlexRich]

6 hours ago, Utalk2mutt said:

Speaking I can hold a reasonably good conversation with a Thai person and reading I’m ok at although I am upping my reading as I feel it will enhance my vocabulary when speaking. The writing side has fallen by the wayside to be honest as it’s the least part of the language I use. I don’t write letters or little notes so I don’t see it as being entirely necessary. I may change my mind at a later date so I have the complete Language package so to speak.
 

If you do decide to learn at a language school when you get to BKK I can thoroughly recommend ( and I hope I won’t get into trouble for saying this) Duke Language School located in the Trendy building. I learnt the basics there and they are a fantastic group of teachers with lessons that are informative and interactive.

 

i have been in Thailand now for just over 8 years and I can get by in most situations I do consider that I still have a long way to go though.

 

Good luck with your studies.

 

 

Thanks very much for the feedback. Duke was on my list of possible schools, and it's possible to learn there in chunks of one month (per course). A US guy has done a number of YT videos of his experience there and he was very complimentary. I'm in Bangkok next month and will pay them a visit, although I won't be signing up for anything this trip.