How to Learn Thai: Tools, Tips & Resources

Thinking of learning Thai? Great choice. Thai is a vibrant language spoken by over 60 million people, primarily in Thailand. Known for its unique script, tonal pronunciation, and cultural richness, Thai may seem intimidating at first—but it’s also incredibly rewarding to learn. And now, we’re thrilled to announce that Thai is officially available on LingQ! In this post, we’ll share how to learn Thai successfully on LingQ as well as some of the best Thai YouTube channels to get you started.

Learn Thai with LingQ

To learn a language, you want to be using the right tools. LingQ is the ultimate platform for a language learner. On LingQ, read and listen to content in your target language smoother than ever before. Look up and save new words with just one click, track your progress, and build strong learning habits. From beginner-friendly stories to content for native Thai speakers, LingQ will help you build your vocabulary and comprehension skills more effectively than any other language learning platform.

Can I Learn Thai with YouTube?

One of LingQ’s standout features is the ability to import your favorite content. Transform YouTube videos into custom language lessons with LingQ. LingQ enhances the value of content on YouTube, as you’ll now have an interactive transcript, review exercises, and the ability to take your lessons with you wherever you go.

The Best YouTube Channels to Learn Thai

To learn a language, you need interesting content that is appropriate for your level. Here are a handful of YouTube channels to help set you up for success as you embark on your Thai language learning journey.

1) Comprehensible Thai

This YouTube channel is essential for anyone interested in learning Thai. The premise is simple. To learn Thai, you need vast amounts of exposure to the language. This channel creates comprehensible content for Thai learners of all levels. Browse the playlists to find level-specific content that interests you: Buddhism, travel, fitness, etc.

2. Thai Growth Expert

Kruu Arty posts a wide variety of videos for Thai learners. Many learners will find this channel particularly useful for learning how to read in Thai. Kruu Arty guides you through the Thai alphabet and provides lots of reading practice, all while speaking in slow and clear Thai. In addition, Kruu Arty also posts videos about daily life, pronunciation, and idiomatic expressions.

3. Thai with Grace

Grace is a Thai polyglot who speaks over 10 languages. Fortunately for us, Grace creates ideal content for Thai language learners on YouTube. She has playlists for beginner, intermediate, and advanced learners, and there’s a strong emphasis on daily life and travel. In particular, Grace’s “Thai Patterns” playlist is invaluable in acquiring more natural phrasing and communicating more clearly.

4. AlexT Official

For those looking for more advanced content, let’s look at Thai channels intended for native Thai speakers. AlexT Official (อาหารของอาเล็ก) is a YouTube channel hosted by a famous Thai actor Teeradetch Metawarayut (also known as Alex). Let Alex show you the best spots for food and travel in Thailand and beyond. His videos are equipped with Thai subtitles and is especially engaging for foodies.

5. Pud Production

Here’s another solid recommendation for advanced Thai learners. Pud Production is a YouTube channel with a simple goal: to expand knowledge. There’s a variety of shorter and longer videos on varied (but educational) topics: war history, fish sauce, social issues in Thailand, etc.

6. Banana Thai

Banana Thai offers ample listening and reading practice for beginner and intermediate learners. The YouTube channel is well-organized and structured with the learner in mind. A particularly fun series on this channel is “Farangs Talk”, in which Kru Smuk interviews successful Thai language learners (in Thai, of course).

7. Mossala101

Mossala101 flips perspectives. Gauge a Thai person’s point of view as they adjust to life in Los Angeles. Mossala101 posts videos about thrift shopping in California, looking for Thai products in Trader Joe’s, and interviewing Thai people who have achieved great success in the United States. Her content is engaging, but the language is not too unpredictable or technical.

Other Resources:

• Aakanee – This website features a collection of Thai audio recordings (with transcripts) and illustrations designed for language learners. This is perfect content to import into LingQ, and it’s a robust resource for natural, everyday language.
• Maanii Books – Thai children use this series to learn how to read and write in Thai. You can do the same! Yes, the content is originally designed for children. However, it provides a lot of insight into rural Thai life and can be a fun addition to your Thai learning.
• Sanook.com – This is a good resource for fun reading material. Whether you’re interested in politics, sports, or lifestyle posts, you’re sure to find something interesting here. Furthermore, all articles come with audio and adjustable fonts (a true gift for those still adjusting to the new writing system).
• LingQ Mini Stories (Thai) – Of course, LingQ’s Mini Stories are now available in Thai! Build a strong foundation in the language by listening to and reading Thai stories. Each story is filled with repetition, high-frequency vocabulary, and shifts in perspective to help you grasp the structure of the language more intuitively.

Final Thoughts:

What’s the best way to learn Thai? Read and listen to lots of content in Thai. Spend lots of time with this language on a daily basis, enjoy the process, and trust that you will progress. LingQ not only makes reading and listening smoother for the language learner, but also connects you to libraries of content that you’re sure to love.

Writer Bio

Tyler is an American language teacher and language learner. He’s taught Spanish, French and Latin in the K-12 system since 2018. Tyler also speaks Thai and Italian. Currently, he’s learning German and Polish on LingQ!