Andrew Biggs Academy - Thai Language Classes

[Tod Daniels]

I was at the FCCT (Foreign Correspondents Club Thailand) the other nite and listened to talk about the "English Wall" or the difficulties in thais learning english.

Andrew Biggs was one of the speakers along with 3 others. Before the discussion, I had a chance to speak to him. I thanked him for reading my email on his radio program (Learn English By Songs on 106FM) a couple Sundays ago. He mentioned I was the first foreigner to ever write in. Then again because the program teaches English to thais, probably not that many foreigners listen to it.

He mentioned he has a new Thai language program starting Tuesday August 5th, twice a week from 7-8:30PM, running for 8 weeks or 24 hours of class time. I stopped by the school at Major Ekami Cineplex and perused the two text books. Both the beginner book and the intermediate one are well put together. A lot of time and much effort went into them. They have thai on one page and transliteration (karaoke thai) on the facing page.

The price of the school isn't really in line with the plethora of Thai language schools in and around the Bangkok Metro area. The books are on the pricey side 800 baht each, but I think the material more than makes up for it. I also think he is banking on "brand name recognition" to offset the disparity in pricing.

Before you can attend you have to take a pre-screening test for placement. I knew too much thai to start in the beginner class and they have no students to schedule the intermediate class as of yet.

Their number is 02-714-2838

I am NOT affiliated with ABA in any way shape or form, and am only providing this information to those interested in the thai language. (In actuality; I am posting this because I want intermediate students to sign up to start that level of class in group lessons versus me coughing up the private lesson fees, so it's purely a cost saving tactic for me). ..

This is a new school, new format, and anything that isn't a "Union Based" clone is of high interest to me.

[Sir_Sanuk]

I'd be interested in doing the intermediate class (if they agree my Thai is good enough).

How many people do they need to have before they can start a class?

Cheers.

[desi]

Two text books. Both the beginner book and the intermediate one are well put together. A lot of time and much effort went into them. They have thai on one page and transliteration (karaoke thai) on the facing page.

Sounds interesting. Did you buy either text book? I'm just wondering if you have to join the course before purchasing.