This module teaches the student to recognize and pronounce the vowel sounds, the consonant sounds, and five tones of the Thai language. Students learn a phonetic writing system that is used to write Thai words. Students also learn basic vocabulary and practice basic conversations about topics ranging from introducing yourself, ordering food, and asking directions, to expressing preferences and comparing things.

This module continues to use the phonetic writing system learned in module 1. Students expand their vocabulary and conversation skills. They learn and practice conversations about topics ranging from geography, weather, and body parts, to emotions and seasons of the year.

This module introduces the Thai writing system. Students learn to read and write some of the Thai consonants and vowels. This module also continues to build the students’ vocabulary and conversation skills.

This module expands the students’ knowledge of the Thai writing system and continues to add to their vocabulary and conversation skills. Students learn to read and write the remaining Thai consonants and vowels. Students’ writing skills are improved by the daily dictation exercises and homework assignments.

This module focuses on the characteristics of the written Thai language. Students learn basic reading skills, read short essays about life in Thailand, and practice writing short essays. Topics include Thai fruits, the Chao Phraya River, and the famous Chatuchuk weekend market. Students’ listening and writing skills are enhanced by the daily dictation exercises and homework assignments.

This module focuses on the characteristics of the spoken Thai language. It introduces some spoken slang, some Thai idioms, and many commonly used phrases and expressions. Students also improve reading skills by learning to read basic spoken conversations between two or more people. The students’ listening and writing skills are built by the daily dictations exercises and homework assignments.

Advanced Modules

Once the student has completed Modules 1-6, there are many advanced modules available to strengthen their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Grade 6 Equivalency Examination Preparation Course

This intense 3 month preparation course gives the student the skills necessary to take the Ministry of Education’s Grade 6 Equivalency Examination held each year in Mid-December. It prepares students to write essays, write letters, answer questions about reading, read orally, and take dictation in Thai.

Social Problems

This module introduces the student to some of the social problems in Thailand, e.g. drugs, divorce, and prostitution. Students learn vocabulary and read essays about the social problems. Conversations during class and homework assignments focus on student reaction to and opinions about the social problems.

Newspaper 1

This module introduces the student to some basic vocabulary and writing style of Thai newspapers. It uses articles on a variety of topics from politics and the economy to health and sports from past newspapers. Conversations during class and homework assignments focus on the topics in the newspaper articles.

Newspaper 2

This module improves the students’ ability to read and understand Thai newspapers. It uses articles from current Thai newspapers on topics of the student’s choice. The topics vary each session depending on the interests of the students in the class. Conversations during class and homework assignments focus on the topics in the newspaper articles.

Thai History

This module introduces the student to Thai history. It takes a brief look at Thai history in the Sukothai, Ayuttaya, Thonburi, and Bangkok periods. It looks at events, personalities, e.g. Kings, important cities, and wars that shaped the social and economic history of Thailand through the years.

Thai Folk Tales

This module introduces the student to Thai folk tales. These folk tales are used to teach moral lessons and how to think. Adults often use them to teach children.

Thai Social Customs

This module introduces the student to the social customs of Thai society. It also introduces important days on the Thai calendar and special festivals like Thai New Year (Songkhran) and the Festival of Lights (Loy Khathong).

Thai Proverbs

This module introduces the student to Thai proverbs. Thai literature and conversation is full of proverbs and idoms. They are an important teaching tool in Thai culture. Students learn many of the most popular Thai proverbs.

Medical Terms

This module introduces the student to specialized terminology used by people in the medical fields. Students learn vocabulary to describe symptoms of sickness, body parts, visit the doctor. It is especially helpful for doctors or nurses who wish to work in Thailand.

Thai Buddhism

This module introduces the student to Buddhist teachings, beliefs, and practices in Thailand. It introduces the student to important days on the Buddhist calendar. It also introduces important ceremonies in Thai people’s lives that are influenced by Buddhism, e.g. weddings, funerals, and ordination into the monk hood. Students learn specialized religious vocabulary. This module includes visits to temples.

Bible

This module introduces the student to the specialized vocabulary of the Bible.

Household Management

This module introduces the student to vocabulary and basic conversations needed to teach someone how to manage a household and do various types of work around the house. It teaches vocabulary for tools and utensils used in the kitchen, items used to clean the house, and items used to care for babies. Students learn about nutrition and ediquette. There are optional lessons about things such as decorate food displays—these depend on student interest. This module is ideal for anyone who needs to communicate with a household maid on a regular basis.

Tourism

This module introduces the student to tourism in Thailand. It presents the different regions of the country, the important provinces in each regions, and the important places to visit in those provinces.

If a student is planning to work or live in Thailand for a long time, the following 4 courses are highly recommended to improve understanding of Thai people and culture: Social Problems, Thai Customs & Culture, Thai Buddhism, and Thai Proverbs.

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