Guides to learning Thai
Straight answers to the questions every learner asks, written in Chiang Mai by people who learn and use Thai every day. No fluff, no upsell.
- Updated 8 Oct 2026 How does Thai writing work? How the Thai script works: consonants, vowels written around them, no spaces, tone marks, Thai numerals, and the loopless fonts you'll see on real signs. Read the guide
- Updated 8 Oct 2026 How to learn Thai: a realistic plan A realistic plan to learn Thai for free: what to learn first, how to crack tones and the script, a daily routine and the best free resources, by goal. Read the guide
- Updated 8 Oct 2026 Is Thai on Duolingo? Duolingo has no Thai course for English speakers (checked October 2026). Here's why, plus the best Duolingo-style ways to learn Thai, compared honestly. Read the guide
- Updated 8 Oct 2026 The 100 most common Thai words The 100 most common Thai words, ranked by real frequency in the Thai National Corpus, with romanization, audio, short examples and tips to learn them fast. Read the guide
- Updated 8 Oct 2026 The Thai language: what every learner should know The Thai language explained: where it comes from, who speaks it, its dialects, script and five tones, how the grammar works, how hard it is and where to start. Read the guide
- Updated 8 Oct 2026 What do krap and ka mean in Thai? When to say ครับ (krap) or ค่ะ/คะ (ka), why Thais add them, when to drop them and the mistakes learners make. Hear the difference and practise free. Read the guide
- Updated 8 Oct 2026 What is the best app to learn Thai? The best apps to learn Thai in 2026, compared on tones, script, audio, speaking practice and price. Honest picks for free learners, readers and travellers. Read the guide
- Updated 8 Oct 2026 What language is spoken in Thailand? Thailand's national language is Thai, but millions also speak Isan, Northern and Southern Thai. How they differ, how much English is spoken and where to start. Read the guide
More free ways to learn
- Phrasebook Basic Thai phrases The phrases you will actually use, with audio for men and women.
- Songs Learn Thai with songs Famous Thai songs explained line by line, with the official videos.
- Culture Thai culture Customs, festivals and values, with the Thai words that go with them.
- Tools Free Thai tools A Thai keyboard and your name in Thai script.
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