Best Online Tools for Learning Thai?

[Spouse]

I've tried to learn Thai in the past but have forgotten all but the most basic of what I learned.

It looks like we are going to be hear for another year so I would like to at least try and not forget everything while we are still here.

Main problem is that I never used any Thai on a daily/regular basis so whatever I learned never stuck.

But although I rarely use any Thai, occasionally a situation will arise where it would be helpful to know some.

I don't want to take lessons again, so are there any good online or other all-in-one learning aids that can help me keep going?

I could probably spend 30 mins a day and don't aim to get fluent, but just master the basics and improve my reading.

Any suggestions much appreciated?

Thanks.

[connda]

First, I highly recommend learning to read Thai right from the start. Why? Because written Thai will tell you everything you need to know about the pronunciation of the word. The sooner you can ditch transliterations, the better. Go buy Thai for Beginners and concentrate on learning to Read. This is about learning pronunciation from reading, but over time you'll pick up a decent vocabulary to boot.

Now, where to go online:

http://www.thai-language.com/

http://www.thai2english.com/online/dictionary/

If rote repetition is your bag, try Byki Thai http://www.byki.com/category/thai

That's enough to get you started...you'll be busy for a long time.

[Spouse]

Thanks for that. I did attempt to learn to read a while back and can read short words but anything too long with multiple hidden characters loses me pretty quickly.

[connda]

Thanks for that. I did attempt to learn to read a while back and can read short words but anything too long with multiple hidden characters loses me pretty quickly.

I bought Thai for Beginners about five years ago. I just keep reviewing it. I might go a couple of months, then I get the urge to pick it up, study for a couple of days, and drop it again. But I've found over time that a lot of the words start to 'stick' in memory. It's really my 'go to' book. Repetition, repetition, repetition, and time. It gets amusing when you're walking down the road, look at a sign, and think, "Dang, I can read that!" It happens. Then it start's to get fun.

Try this: All pharmacies will have the Thai word for "drug" ( ยา ) on their sign. So the next time you're walking down the road in town, start looking for the word. Then you'll start to see how common that word is. Then start picking other words that you'll know you should see in public. A stop sign (หยุด). A bathroom (ห้องน้ำ). Make a game out of it. Good luck -- have fun!

[Spouse]

Thanks. I can read some words and it is fun to spot them. Although if I read them out loud I doubt a Thai would under stand what I said!

The main problem is those invisible vowels and letters that are used twice.

For an online tool in after something with lessons I can work through as opposed to just a load of content.

Anyone used learn Thai podcasts?

Thanks

[Neeranam]

There's a group on facebook that is great for learning thai called farangcanlearnthai