Why would a foreigner want to learn the Thai language?

[The Man Who Sold the World]

The question remains, Why would a foreigner want to learn the Thai language?

As it is not a “cheap” or easy thing to accomplish, not necessarily that difficult, but it does take some effort, funds, and planning. What is the benefit a student will receive to justify the effort in receiving the “student” visa?

1. Married to a Thai for communications purposes? Can get a “family” visa.
2. Retired in Thailand, assimilating into your resident community?
3. Business opportunity, expect your Thai language skills will somehow provide income?
4. General interest in learning a tonal language? Really can’t connect the dots on this one.
5. Legal permission to stay in Thailand? (Why not a tourist visa?)
6. Cover for illegal employment without a WP. Much easier than jumping-through-the-hoops for a “business” visa with WP. (Also, no Thai taxes to pay, hence the illegal).

So, the question remains, what is the reason you the student decided to pursue Thai language skills?

In my own personal experience and opinion a “most difficult” language to learn.

Thanks for your replies.

[ubonjoe]

Moved to the Thai language forum for the answer to the topic title.

Not directly visa related.

[brewsterbudgen]

I've lived here for 10 years and would love to be able to speak Thai properly. But I find anything more than simple ordering in restaurants, talking with taxi drivers and chatting up girls beyond me. As I work full-time I don't have time for classes.

I get by.

[jarrcbb]

1. Understanding the culture.

2. Girls who can't speak English.

3. I want to live here and it's helpful for all kinds of things.

In that order.

[Eliot Rosewater]

The question remains, Why would a foreigner want to learn the Thai language?

As it is not a “cheap” or easy thing to accomplish, not necessarily that difficult, but it does take some effort, funds, and planning. What is the benefit a student will receive to justify the effort in receiving the “student” visa?

• Married to a Thai for communications purposes? Can get a “family” visa.
• Retired in Thailand, assimilating into your resident community?
• Business opportunity, expect your Thai language skills will somehow provide income?
• General interest in learning a tonal language? Really can’t connect the dots on this one.
• Legal permission to stay in Thailand? (Why not a tourist visa?)
• Cover for illegal employment without a WP. Much easier than jumping-through-the-hoops for a “business” visa with WP. (Also, no Thai taxes to pay, hence the illegal).

So, the question remains, what is the reason you the student decided to pursue Thai language skills?

In my own personal experience and opinion a “most difficult” language to learn.

Thanks for your replies.

Funny I didnt see "wanting to talk to and understand the people in this country" as an option

Perhaps that is the root of your "misunderstanding"

[AnotherOneAmerican]

I can speak Thai, pointless waste of your time, most of the Thais will pretend not to understand even if you can.

Better to learn Chinese and hit on all the tourist girls.

[KhunBENQ]

The thread title does not quite fit with the text.

I am not a "student" (do not attend courses or the like), but I live here with my wife and family and have no plans to leave.

I live in upcountry where there is very littel chance to get through with English.

Under these conditions I have no doubt that learning the language is a must.

So from your list it is 1) and 2).

Yes it is hard to learn. Took me a year just to learn some basic reading (learning the script which is really a burden for the poor pupils).

But slowly I see the advantages in everyday life.

Simple example: I can do online orders from (solely) Thai language websites on my own. Do the order, fill in my adress in Thai script and so on.

i see the point, that single pensioners living in the "farang centers" feel little to no pressure learning the language.

[canuckamuck]

I speak Thai, not great, but good enough for most situations. Yet I would dearly love to speak it better. I shop, I need to get things fixed, I have relatives and neighbors that speak no English. It is pretty obvious that speaking the language of the country you live is an advantage.

I did get an Ed visa once, and the course was pretty limited. But also pretty easy. I don't think I learned a lot of Thai in that course, but I did not think the effort required was a deterrent.

[gomangosteen]

Not a student; I had lessons as part of my original employment deal, paid for and in work-time - couldn't say no

Never regretted a moment of it, the bound A4 course handbook is still with me, tattered these days and a great reference 6 years on.

Don't know how people survive, met a few been here for longer than me who won't go to a 7/11 or bank etc on their own, couldn't imagine living in isolation like that.

[96tehtarp]

English is my native tongue and after having learned three additional European languages fluently Thai was really just a hobby.

While living in Thailand, speaking Thai is the ultimate "fixer".

Note to new Thai learners: Learn the alphabet visually first. You will save yourself about 1000 hours of unneeded frustration.

[The Man Who Sold the World]

Yea, I speak Thai. Lived and worked in Thailand for several years. Married a Thai girl. So I learned the language, needed to, it was necessary to communicate with our Thai workforce and, of course, with my wife who at the time did not speak a word of English.

AnotherOneAmerican "I can speak Thai, pointless waste of your time, most of the Thais will pretend not to understand even if you can." I disagree on the pointless waste of time (to a point). My Thai language skills developed over 20 years very slowly and with almost continuous study, yet, I am not fluent. As far as "them not understanding" When I see this I force them into English and then, amazingly, my Thai becomes clearer. For me, was learning Thai worth the effort, possibly, the vast amount of hours I have invested, versus my language skills, worth it? - a most definite Maybe.

I started this thread asking why others desire to learn Thai, arguably, but in my opinion a rare, difficult, tonal language spoken by a small minority of the people of the world.

[The Man Who Sold the World]

English is my native tongue and after having learned three additional European languages fluently Thai was really just a hobby.

While living in Thailand, speaking Thai is the ultimate "fixer".

Note to new Thai learners: Learn the alphabet visually first. You will save yourself about 1000 hours of unneeded frustration.

Learn the Alphabet first - most Solid Words of Wisdom !

[96tehtarp]

I started this thread asking why others desire to learn Thai, arguably, but in my opinion a rare, difficult, tonal language spoken by a small minority of the people of the world.

There is also a lot to be said for not learning Thai. Japanese factory expat managers come to my mind in this case. Their large corporations employ 6000+ Thai staff at each location in Bangkok, Rayong, Chonburi. They do not speak Thai, it is beneath them. They are the masters, and hire lower people who will stoop to the level of speaking Thai when necessary.

This is much like Thai expat managers in the west who can barely speak English. They employ people to do it for them, and shun mixing with the local staff. That's why they have two sets of elevators. One for the local staff, and another for the executives.

This is very feudal and colonial. It is however, a method still being used today. Consider it's not enough to speak a language. What accent do you speak it with?

[OJAS]

2 good reasons to learn Thai if you're a Brit:-

(1) To renew your passport

(2) To seek consular services from your Embassy.

Both involve interface with local staff with a minimal grasp of English.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

The thread title does not quite fit with the text.

I am not a "student" (do not attend courses or the like), but I live here with my wife and family and have no plans to leave.

I live in upcountry where there is very littel chance to get through with English.

Under these conditions I have no doubt that learning the language is a must.

So from your list it is 1) and 2).

Yes it is hard to learn. Took me a year just to learn some basic reading (learning the script which is really a burden for the poor pupils).

But slowly I see the advantages in everyday life.

Simple example: I can do online orders from (solely) Thai language websites on my own. Do the order, fill in my adress in Thai script and so on.

i see the point, that single pensioners living in the "farang centers" feel little to no pressure learning the language.

Chrome does pretty good translations of entire web pages.

Right click on the page and choose "translate".

Good enough for internet shopping anyway.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Yea, I speak Thai. Lived and worked in Thailand for several years. Married a Thai girl. So I learned the language, needed to, it was necessary to communicate with our Thai workforce and, of course, with my wife who at the time did not speak a word of English.

AnotherOneAmerican "I can speak Thai, pointless waste of your time, most of the Thais will pretend not to understand even if you can." I disagree on the pointless waste of time (to a point). My Thai language skills developed over 20 years very slowly and with almost continuous study, yet, I am not fluent. As far as "them not understanding" When I see this I force them into English and then, amazingly, my Thai becomes clearer. For me, was learning Thai worth the effort, possibly, the vast amount of hours I have invested, versus my language skills, worth it? - a most definite Maybe.

I started this thread asking why others desire to learn Thai, arguably, but in my opinion a rare, difficult, tonal language spoken by a small minority of the people of the world.

Very few of us are daft enough to stay here 20 years.

If you gonna waste that much of your life, Chinese (Mandarin) is much more worthwhile.

So after 20 years you aren't fluent and you still aren't Thai?

Bit of a waste of a life, EH!

[TheSpade]

I can speak Thai, pointless waste of your time, most of the Thais will pretend not to understand even if you can.

A guy I know who's lived here for 15 years and is fluent in Thai tells me the same.

Before anyone says "maybe he's not as fluent as he thinks" well I've seen him with his Thai friends and talking to people he knows.

They communicate freely and fast flowingly without any confused looks, asks to repeat, or confusion.

It's all very smooth.

Yet he tells me whenever he talks to people he doesn't know or isn't friends with many of them will suddenly not understand him, ask him to repeat everything, give him answers to questions he never asked, and talk to him like a small child.

[rgs2001uk]

I can speak Thai, pointless waste of your time, most of the Thais will pretend not to understand even if you can.

A guy I know who's lived here for 15 years and is fluent in Thai tells me the same.

Before anyone says "maybe he's not as fluent as he thinks" well I've seen him with his Thai friends and talking to people he knows.

They communicate freely and fast flowingly without any confused looks, asks to repeat, or confusion.

It's all very smooth.

Yet he tells me whenever he talks to people he doesn't know or isn't friends with many of them will suddenly not understand him, ask him to repeat everything, give him answers to questions he never asked, and talk to him like a small child.

many of them will suddenly not understand him,

Sounds more like selective hearing to me, choose not to want to understand him.

I chose to learn the language out of frustration and being pissed off at myself for not being able to communicate.

I have walked into a mom n pop store, spoke in perfect central Thai to some old yai, who didnt understand, or refused to accept or believe a farang could speak Thai.

The young kid at her side understood every word and brought me what I had asked for.

Yesterday I was in the bowels of Bkk, underneath the bridge over the Chao Phraya, Klong Bang Hua Seua, mainly Mon down there but never mind, they speak Central Thai.

There was a girl who couldnt believe a farang could not only understand her, but could answer back to her.

I made it into a joke and told her I was a leuk kreung, my mohter is Burmese and my father is Laos, my SIL was pissing herself with laughter.

Many Thais tell me AB doesnt speak like a Thai, I have Thai friends who know straight away if the speaker is Lao (fluent in Thai) or Thai.

I accept I will never be fluent in the language, a prime example was on this forum the other day, pasat wai run, heck even my mrs doesnt understand it.

I continue to struggle along, if you live here it makes sense.

[Aforek]

OP, why did you cross out number 4 ?

I can't imagine being blind, dumb and deaf in the country I chose to live

[Denim]

Why bother to learn any language ?

If you just speak English very loudly, very slowly and very clearly , surely any civilized person will understand .........won't they ?

[jspill]

Something to do, and it slows brain ageing. http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27634990

[96tehtarp]

many of them will suddenly not understand him,

Sounds more like selective hearing to me, choose not to want to understand him.

Three possible things going on there. (Maybe more).

1.) A racist anti foreigner Thai.

2.) A Thai who has never been exposed to a foreigner speaking Thai. Some English speakers might recognize this from back home where in some far out backwater places people have no experience listening to another dialect or accent. e.g. Learning to understand a Chinese speaking English is a learned skill. If no exposure to foreigners then there will be no flexible listening skills.

3.) Snobs. I've encountered difficulties with Thai government school teachers nit picking and criticizing every little tone, whether it's short or long etc.

Language is about communicating and understanding, not nitpicking. Fortunately I can curse up a storm in Thai when needed. They don't like to admit they understand that, but they do. 1, 2 & 3.

[Couscous]

Are you kidding me?

If you are too lazy or do not care to learn the language in the country where you live,

GO HOME!!

[Neeranam]

Why would i not want to learn is a better question.

Simply, I enjoy the freedom. Today I went shopping for paint and wood( got advice about priming and how to do it). Then I went to buy some things for my garden(got advice on which plants to buy etc).

This would be impossible if I never spoke Thai.

Spoke to some neighbours in the late afternoon. Read a newspaper about local news.

Freedom.

[gerry1011]

Why learn to speak Thai?

I did not do for a visa (I am a long time Thailand Elite member), nor because I was married to a Thai, nor because I wanted to do business, ...

I did because I wanted to be able to really understand the people around me, their culture, the world in which we live, the society...

I allow myself to upload this image in which I write that you should learn Thai... for your own happiness while living in this country.

Once you reach a fluent level in Thai language, your life is really different.

Why learn Thai?

To be happier

(Can be done in two years, with a bit of efforts)

[The Man Who Sold the World]

The question remains, Why would a foreigner want to learn the Thai language?

As it is not a “cheap” or easy thing to accomplish, not necessarily that difficult, but it does take some effort, funds, and planning. What is the benefit a student will receive to justify the effort in receiving the “student” visa?

• Married to a Thai for communications purposes? Can get a “family” visa.
• Retired in Thailand, assimilating into your resident community?
• Business opportunity, expect your Thai language skills will somehow provide income?
• General interest in learning a tonal language? Really can’t connect the dots on this one.
• Legal permission to stay in Thailand? (Why not a tourist visa?)
• Cover for illegal employment without a WP. Much easier than jumping-through-the-hoops for a “business” visa with WP. (Also, no Thai taxes to pay, hence the illegal).

So, the question remains, what is the reason you the student decided to pursue Thai language skills?

In my own personal experience and opinion a “most difficult” language to learn.

Thanks for your replies.

Funny I didnt see "wanting to talk to and understand the people in this country" as an option

Perhaps that is the root of your "misunderstanding"

My original inquiry concerning going through the problems in securing a "Education" visa to learn Thai. I can understand if you are already in Thailand you would want to talk and understand the locals, my question is along the lines of what is the driving force behind getting an education visa to go to Thailand and learn Thai.

[The Man Who Sold the World]

OP, why did you cross out number 4 ?

I can't imagine being blind, dumb and deaf in the country I chose to live

My query concerned going through the effort of getting an "education" visa to go to Thailand to learn the language, as you are a resident I fully understand why you would want to speak Thai. However, if you are already in Thailand, why do you need an education visa?

I crossed out number 4 because I don't think anyone would want to learn Thai "only" so they could speak a "tonal" language. Although, in an extreme case, possible?

And, to expand on this, actually moving to Thailand to "learn the language" isn't a "on-a-lark" adventure. There are many on-line free resources to get a feel for Thai. People that do pursue moving to Thailand to learn Thai need a strong reason to justify and motivate such an undertaking. I am sure that there are folk who have money and use the education visa to have a lengthy vacation and I know the teaching in Thailand incentive.

Please continue this discussion it is very interesting and I do appreciate the time you take in replying. It is also interesting in posters "real life" stories in applying Thai as-a-second language with the locals.

Thanks to All!

[Aforek]

However, if you are already in Thailand, why do you need an education visa?

I did'nt say that I need an education visa; I am number 2 in your list ( retired ); you thread is " Why would a foreigner want to learn the Thai language? ", so I answer for my personal case

tones and numerous letters are the challenge of this language, and I like that : reading is fantastic; very rich language

[The Man Who Sold the World]

Aforek;

Thanks for your reply.

The alphabet I have a good handle on. The tones kick my butt. Following a conversation - no problem, although I have to stop mentally translating and let my brain hear in Thai, mental trick.

Speaking, I can get my points across. My Thai teachers/friends and associates do tell me my tones are often wrong.

[brewsterbudgen]

Are you kidding me?

If you are too lazy or do not care to learn the language in the country where you live,

GO HOME!!

Why? It's perfectly possible to live in a city like Bangkok or Pattaya with only basic Thai.