Choosing to learn Thai in Bangkok might be one of the best decisions you ever make as an expat here.
While English is spoken reasonably widely in the capital, linguistic ability is generally low and you’ll find yourself restricted to shallow conversations and exchanges if you never learn Thai.
For your best chance of navigating Thailand like a local and making friends, enrolling in a Bangkok Thai language school should be high on your agenda.
It’s definitely a tricky language to master but if you choose a good teacher, you can at least expect a fun education in the meantime.
Here are our top picks for Bangkok language schools.
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Where to Learn Thai in Bangkok
If there’s one thing we could recommend before choosing a Thai language school, it’s to do your research.
Work out whether you’d prefer to have private or group lessons, whether you prefer rote learning or conversation and how often you’ll be prepared to take classes.
Word of mouth is a great way to judge the quality of a school or teacher, but don’t forget to test them out by yourself too — most Bangkok language schools will offer a trial lesson for you to experience the class without committing upfront to an entire term.
Language Express
Located at the front of Mahathun Plaza next to BTS Phloenchit exit 2, Language Express is run by professional Thai teachers in an international environment.
All classes are taught in small groups to ensure you receive individual attention and immediate feedback, and you’re always encouraged to learn at your own pace. The teachers operate with the method of Present, Practice and Produce.
- They present the language
- You practice the language
- You’re given a game or activity to produce the language yourself
If you need to revise a lesson, you simply arrange it through the online booking system to enable you to sit the class again.
The great thing about choosing Language Express is that you can study anytime and have lessons as often as you like. If you can already speak a little Thai, you can skip the most basic lessons and try an advanced class to see what level you’re at. Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll receive a certificate of achievement.
They’re also open 7 days a week, which makes it easy to fit lessons into your work and social schedules.
Baan Aksorn
Baan Aksorn (via Facebook)
Baan Aksorn is considered to be one of the premier Bangkok language schools and have classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced Thai language learners.
They offer expertise in all areas of language learning including speaking, writing, reading and listening to enable you to use fluent language in your everyday life. They’re also committed to advancing and teaching about traditional Thai culture too.
Baan Aksorn is located near BTS Phrom Phong in a traditional Thai house, and classes are taught by teachers with advanced degrees.
You will be matched with the most appropriate teaching level to ensure the best results and all lessons will be tailored to suit your needs and ability. If you’d prefer not to learn alone, there are also group courses available for up to 6 students per class.
Jentana Thai Language
With over 25 years’ experience in teaching students from all walks of life, Jentana & Associates is a leading Bangkok Thai language school. Situated on Sukhumvit Soi 31, near BTS Asok, the center offers basic, advanced basic, intermediate and advanced language speaking and reading courses.
The team always match a teacher to the personality and time commitments of the pupil.
With a team of over 20 teachers, Jentana Thai Language is able to offer lessons 7 days a week. The pace of each lesson is tailored to your ability and the emphasis is always placed on mastering Thai language tones at all stages of learning.
You’re also encouraged to complete some private study to get the most out of each course you undertake.
Thai Language Hut
Monk blessing at Thai Language Hut (via Facebook)
Offering a range of courses to help you learn Thai in Bangkok and online, Thai Language Hut is focused on delivering high-quality private training.
The courses are broken down into two sections and include beginner, intermediate and advanced with tourist training Core Thai Language and text-style Specialized Thai Language. However, the team can also create a bespoke course to suit your needs and ability.
Thai Language Hut’s nearest BTS station is Phrom Phong or you can also opt for private lessons at a location of your choice in Bangkok. Alternatively, you can have the freedom and flexibility of learning Thai online before you actually make the move to Thailand — great for anyone wanting to get a head start on their Thai.
They assure us that the standard of online training is the same as it is at their school, and they can make a personalized program for you to study online too.
Duke Language School
Whether you want to learn enough Thai to survive in Thailand or speak the language fluently, Duke Language School promise to help you pick up the lingo quickly.
Courses range from survival, conversational and fluency, as well as reading and writing and you can even get a free trial before committing to paying for lessons. Classes are described as engaging and fun and are available at different times of the day.
Intensive morning and afternoon lessons are for anyone looking to learn Thai every day. Their night and weekend courses are suitable for students looking for a more flexible schedule.
Duke Language School also offer private lessons to help you learn Thai faster and with the undivided attention from a teacher. The school is just 5 minutes away from Nana BTS.
Everyday Thai Language School
Another great school where you can learn Thai is the Everyday Thai Language School which is conveniently located near BTS Chong Nonsi.
You have the option to study as a group or have private one-on-one lessons, all taught by experienced Thai teachers. Group classes are for 3 to 8 students to ensure the effective development of your communication skills.
Courses range from intensive speak and read, evening Thai language for beginners and intensive speak everyday Thai.
If you don’t have the time to have lessons at the school, you can arrange to have classes online via Skype.
Either way, the curriculum has been designed to meet the needs of foreigners living in Bangkok — ideal for expats.
AAA Thai Language School
Via Facebook
With teachers that have experience in teaching Thai to foreigners for more than 30 years, the AAA Thai Language School can sure teach you a thing or two.
The school organizes classes into three types, starting from basic speaking Thai right through to reading, writing and advanced courses.
You also have the choice of choosing between private lessons and group classes, that typically have somewhere between 4 to 10 students.
The AAA Thai Language School is only a 1 to 2-minute walk from BTS Phaya Thai Station exit 4 or you can get there direct from Suvarnabhumi airport by the airport rail link.
When you reach the advanced stages of learning, you can select courses that interest you most, such as Thai idioms, Thai for business and Thai folk tales.
It’s also worth noting that this Bangkok Thai language school was approved by the Ministry of Education in 2004.
Now you know our favourite schools to learn Thai in Bangkok!
Which Bangkok language schools would you add to the list?
