Why learn Thai?

Thailand is a fascinating country. The stereotypical images of it as an earthly paradise for holidaymakers and as a seedy den of vice where drugs and prostitution are rife both have elements of truth to them but they are just the surface. Underneath, there is an enormous wealth of ancient culture - and a repressive political régime that jars with the country's name (thai means freedom).

If you want to get beyond the usual tourist routes and attitudes, to dig deeper into Thai life and culture, not to be considered just another farang, you need to speak the language.

The Thai language is very different from English, of course, and it is bound to be more difficult for a Westerner to learn than a European language would be. However, once you get over the initial strangeness of having no point of reference, Thai is not so terribly hard.


Recommended Reading

If you are interested in learning Thai, have a look at the Thai language books we recommend to accompany any course you take or for maintaining/improving your Thai by yourself.

If you are interested in the life and culture of Thailand, have a look at our recommendations for books about or set in Thailand. These books are in English, a range of fiction and non-fiction that we have enjoyed and hope you will too.

If you are planning a trip to Thailand, don't go without your Lonely Planet Guide to Thailand.


Some Quick Facts About Thailand

Language:
Thai

Capital city:
Bangkok

Regions:
Thailand is divided into 76 provinces:
Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Buriram, Chachoengsao, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chanthaburi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Chon Buri, Chumphon, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Kanchanaburi, Khon Kaen, Krabi, Krung Thep Mahanakhon (Bangkok), Lampang, Lamphun, Loei, Lop Buri, Mae Hong Son, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nan, Narathiwat, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Pattani, Phangnga, Phatthalung, Phayao, Phetchabun, Phetchaburi, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Phrae, Phuket, Prachin Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Roi Et, Sa Kaeo, Sakon Nakhon, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Sara Buri, Satun, Sing Buri, Sisaket, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Surin, Tak, Trang, Trat, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Uthai Thani, Uttaradit, Yala, Yasothon

Population:
64,631,595 (July 2006 est.)

Currency:
Baht

Religion:
Buddhist

Government:
Monarchy (King Bhumibol Adulyadej). Bicameral parliamentary system.

Internet domain:

.th

Country calling code:
+66


If you are interested in learning more about Thailand, you might also like to look at the following websites:

Thailand Guidebook

Discovery Thailand



   

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