Best School To Learn Native Thai? (spoken And Written)

[Sidewindr]

Ok I am not sure if this has beenn asked before as most topics seem to turn into discussions avout ED visas etc. and I am not interested in ED visas or the like as I am in Thailand legally and have no visa issues.

My query is related to learning to speak and read/write Thai nativley with out having to use transliteralisation, I don't want to have tothing the sentence in english then translate it my head before I speak it, I want to learn to speak it fluently and I expect this to take several years but I need this fro business reasons. I am looking for suggestions/recommendation on schools with relation to the quality, methods and costs for this education. I have started learning Thai via the Rosetta Stone method and found this very helpful, I will continue to use this tool for learning but want a formal schooling as well.

NOTE: This is not a visa discussion, please keep it on topic.

[Oswulf]

You don't say where in Thailand you are.

If you're in Bangkok, Unity (UTL) is great for serious-minded students. (The teaching style is a little old-fashioned.) The basic course takes six months - 3 or 4 hours a day, five days a week - plus plenty of homework once you reach month 3. You start reading/writing in month three, and by month five everything written is in Thai. At the end of the six months you'll be able to read Thai (albeit slowly), and write it (with plenty of mistakes). It does help, though, if you have a little spoken Thai before you start, to help with the vocabulary. All teaching is done in Thai. Most students are Korean or Japanese, so you can't necessarily cheat by talking to your fellow students in English. http://www.utl-school.com/

Unity is a breakaway from Union and uses the same basic methods and materials - but doesn't have as many missionaries.

[MacWalen]

If you are in Bangkok I would like to encourage you to come for a free demonstration to the WALEN SCHOOL OF THAI, have a look at our website www.thaiwalen.com and read the explanation of the method. With our method you learn to ready from day 1!, do not have to wait 2 months, no transliteration at all. You will learn to speak and read at the same time. You have nothing to lose.

Regards Walen

[Sidewindr]

Apologies, I am in Bangkok ...

I already have some basic thai that I have picked up over the years but I need to really get stuck into it now that I have a business here etc.

[truelove]

Apologies, I am in Bangkok ...

I already have some basic thai that I have picked up over the years but I need to really get stuck into it now that I have a business here etc.

To learn at your available place with highly qualified instructure and fun.

To improve your Thai call [phone number removed in accordance with the forum rules. Your phone number has been forwarded to poster Sidewindr who can now contact you if he likes] for free trial lesson.

[TonyBkk]

Its all up to personal preference, I myself wouldn't learn anywhere else but AAA Thai Language School, Chit Lom. . . Learning R&W from day one isn't the way to go, it will slow things down. hang in there with the transliteration for the first 3 months, then when you get to the r&w classes everything will click. . You need a good base of spoken Thai before you start R&W as otherwise you will have to go at a far slower pace, anyway it only takes 3days to learn the transliteration as opposed to 2/3months for the Thai script . I studyed at AAA from March-Nov of last year then took the ป.๖ at the start of Dec and got over 70% so their methods definitly work

[mangkorn]

Its all up to personal preference, I myself wouldn't learn anywhere else but AAA Thai Language School, Chit Lom. . . Learning R&W from day one isn't the way to go, it will slow things down. hang in there with the transliteration for the first 3 months, then when you get to the r&w classes everything will click. . You need a good base of spoken Thai before you start R&W as otherwise you will have to go at a far slower pace, anyway it only takes 3days to learn the transliteration as opposed to 2/3months for the Thai script . I studyed at AAA from March-Nov of last year then took the ?.? at the start of Dec and got over 70% so their methods definitly work

I don't know about AAA, but I do agree with the idea of getting some level of spoken fluency nailed down first. Reading and writing during class time does slow things down considerably at the beginner level. I found that most reading and writing was best done on my own time, with my examples and a big list of questions brought to school to discuss with my teacher. You can study reading by yourself, but you can't have a very good Thai conversation with yourself. It seemed better to use that time with a teacher to have her teach - by listening, correcting and speaking - rather than sit there waiting for me to read and write slowly; a better use of time, and a better use of the money. As tonybkk says, it is easier to get an early vocabulary base and pronunciation practice using an alphabet scheme you can readily understand, and then to refine that once you learn Thai script and all the tone rules well enough.

Then again, to each his own...

[luumak]

I am going to look at Piammitr school this week (comments?) I am serious about learning and already speak some Thai. I thought about UTL but Piammitr seemed better recommended. I like the lesson plan/progression also and its only b5500 for 60hrs a month I think.

From what I have read here I can also state that UTL seems a good choice for serious students, in fact - I thnk I will have a look there as well.

[i too will sort my visa out, there are options. I can't wait till all these 'students' get their first quiz at the embassy/immigration office like in Taiwan note: Piammitr said something on phone they may be able to help w/ extentions but they are not moe so cannot help beyond that].

Edited October 29, 2007 by luumak

[Sidewindr]

Well I agree that learning spoken before written is best as that is how you learn your native language. You first learn to speak then read and write. I am a bit wary of transliteration methods as they tend to not lend to fluency as well IMHO.

[JaiRawnNitNoi]

Luumak, I took two modules at Piammitr in May - June of this year. I did not continue due to travel and work considerations. As you know, modules are only available M-F either afternoon or morning. Sessions are three hours per day.

I was favorably impressed with the experience at the school. Facilities are good, teachers are experienced, lots of students which in my mind indicates a strong program. I had no complaints. I don't think you would have a much better experience at Unity or Union or some of the other schools that use essentially the same syllabus.

I have also worked with private tutor and still attend AUA on weekends, but I think Piammitr is good value option.