I went to Thailand 40 years ago and went to language school in Bangkok for 1.5 years, 4 hours a day. I also lived among Thai people. Back in those days, there was very little to zero English in Thailand. I was immersed and forced to learn. On top of this, I was involved with a church that gave me many friends that forced practice on me daily.
Learning to read is critical. Reading helps you understand the tones. Getting the tone correct is critical and pronunciation of the short and long vowels are critical.
The older you are the more difficult learning becomes due to responsibilities in life. Taking Thai language classes helps reach “small talk” possibilities.
Thai is spoken in many ways. This can be challenging. There is “street talk,” “formal talk,” “Lao language talk,” “loan word adoptions,” “slang,” and if you can go deep, “religious talk,” as well as คำคู่ (synonyms). All these ways have their own dynamics.
What you learn in school will be different outside on the streets. (This is with all languages.)
When foreigners say they can speak Thai, they most likely cannot. They only know small talk and their annunciations are poor. And this is OK! Thai people respect those who try!
I am sorry this is long. In short, make sure you focus on tones. Develop a community of Thai friends and practice daily. Do not get discouraged at the time it takes to learn. It takes time. Much time. Learning any language from scratch takes time.
The more you can understand, the more joy and depth you will experience in relationships with Thai people. It’s not about the sites and fun. It’s about the people.
Good news! Thai grammar is very easy. No conjugations, no genders, no cases, simple. But, spelling can be challenging due to the Sanskrit foundation.
More good news! Most words are short. However, the tone is critical. 44 characters. Vowels are in front, above, below, and behind the consonants.
Have fun! 💪
It will take you 1-2 years to reach “small talk conversation.” (if you are practicing daily).
I read and write Thai daily. I am fluent in speech with a good accent. Been speaking Thai 40 years… yet, still… there are times I feel, I don’t know anything! 😂