I've been learning Thai solidly for just over a year. I can read, write and can hold conversations with locals.

I've completed the Becker series and have attended lessons at SOAS in London. My question is, my Thai seems to be at an intermediate standard and I'm wanting to know ways of really pushing it on so that I become fluent in the language. My problem is that I'm not based in Thailand but spend about 6 weeks of the year over there. If I was in Bangkok I would simply hire a private tutor but living in the UK that option is not available where I live.

Any members have any ideas?

TV (Thai channels available on satellite, find someone who has it and make him record tapes with Thai TV for you).

Make Thai friends by going to Thai shops and restaurants and hanging out. If you start to cook Thai food you'll have lots to ask and talk about.

Practice reading by accessing Thai newspapers online with the aid of www.thai2english.com.

Be active in Thaivisa's Thai language forum, by asking questions, starting topics etc.

Find Thai cyber friends via chat rooms that you can practice your Thai with (often in exchange for teaching English).

Hire a local student ... listen to Thai radio online .. (they speak informally (the DJ's) and the News is always spoken formally. Get Thai friends online and chat via skype etc ....

Check out

http://www9.sbs.com.au/radio/language.php?language=Thai

Click "Listen to Latest Braodcast". There is a new one-hour program every Thursday.

Cheers,

Bob

Hey jack,

i'm in the same boat too and like yourself also took the internsive courses at SOAS. Were you taught by khun Lek? If not I can fwd you her contact details, she offers private tuition including conversation practice. PM me if you want her contact details.

J

There used to be an old Thai guy who held lessons for free on sunday afternoons at the Thai temple in Wimbledon. Im going back a few years now so don't know if they are still going on.

Thanks for the replies. A few ideas there, will check them out. I feel like this is where the hard work starts.