Why You Should Learn Thai?

Are you looking to learn a new language and explore some fascinating cultures? Can you do both? Yes, that’s Thai.

Thailand is home to elephants, temples, and popular cities like Bangkok and Pattaya—offering a balanced mix of modern and cultural spaces and substantial job opportunities.

If incredible Thailand isn’t enough to push you over the edge, I’ve got other positive reasons you should learn Thai today.

But are all those reasons enough for you to know you want to learn the language? Let’s discover ten reasons to learn Thai!

First, let’s learn more about Thailand’s languages and an overview of Thai.

Language of Thailand

According to research by Ethnologue, Thailand is home to 71 languages, including 62 officially recognized domestic languages.

All these belong to Austronesian, Hmong-Mien, Mon-Khmer, Thai, and Sino-Tibetan language families.

In short, Thailand has dozens of languages from different groups.

However, most languages are not entirely separate; they are regional dialects and creoles.

Many are mutually intelligible to a large extent, especially those who belong to the same language family.

This means speakers of different dialects can communicate with little to no difficulty.

Most Thais are bilingual, and many are proficient in three or four languages, primarily local ones.

About the Thai language

Thai, also called Central Thai or Siamese, is the standard language of Thailand.

It belongs to the Tai subgroup of the Kra–Dai language family. It is similar to Lao, the primary language of Laos, and Isan (Northeastern Thai).

The first written evidence of the Thai language dates back to 1283. Its official language is very similar to its original form. Many Thai words derive from Sanskrit, Pali, and Old Khmer.

Standard Thai originates from the Bangkok metropolitan region and central Thailand.

Thai has four broad regional dialects, including several subdialects. The most common groups are the northern, southern, northeastern, and central dialects.

Central or Bangkok Thai is the most widely used, taught in most schools, and used in most television broadcasts and newspapers. 

These local varieties differ in tone and in how one speaks. And that’s why some learners find it a tricky language.

The difference in the writing is not significant. There are, of course, some words spoken in a particular geographical area based on familiarity and social context.

10 Outstanding Reasons to Learn Thai

Some reasons mentioned below apply to any foreign language (like career opportunities involving languages and personal growth).

Others are unique to Thailand, such as cultural awareness and better access to the country.

Here are the top 10 reasons to learn Thai.

1. Connect over 60 million speakers

Nearly 70 million people speak Thai as a native or second language, Thailand’s only official language. Roughly 88% of the country’s population speaks this language.

There are global Thai communities. For example, there is a sizeable number of Thai speakers in Laos, the USA, South Korea, China, Myanmar, etc. This is an excellent reason to learn Thai.

Most Thai people don’t speak English or other foreign languages, particularly outside the big cities. Without Thai, you will have limited opportunities to interact with people and to understand different aspects of the country.

If you learn Thai, it can open Thailand up to you in new ways. You can expand your network and participate in more genuine interactions. Plus, you will improve your knowledge of the country, culture, and people.

2. A less-taught language can make you unique

Spanish, French, German, Chinese, and Japanese are some of the world’s most widely studied second languages.

As a result, most educational institutions teach these languages, so you are more likely to encounter learners who know them.

On the other hand, Thai is a distinctive language that is not widely studied, with very few people learning it. So you will speak a language that makes you stand out in the crowd!

From travel and movies to cultural insights and new job openings, less popular languages can open access to a new world.

You may not need it now, but the future is always uncertain and full of possibilities.

The Thai language is not widely studied. And with a less spoken lingo like Thai up your sleeves, you will be ready when the opportunity comes your way—and indeed, it will. It’s only a matter of time.

3. Make your traveling more enjoyable

Thailand’s geographic location is impressive, with every part of the country offering unique features worth visiting.

Enchanting landscapes, fascinating culture, magnificent beaches, and incredible food—it’s no wonder thousands of visitors flock to Thailand yearly to explore.

Also, a trip to Thailand is inexpensive. You can visit beautiful places on a budget-friendly budget.

You don’t need to be fluent in Thai, and you can get by without knowing it if you live in major cities and tourist areas.

But what if you’re an adventurous traveler who wants to experience Thailand’s rural, less touristy areas? Perhaps you’ll be there longer than a vacation.

In that case, you’ll find that learning a little of the language will benefit you in every aspect of your everyday life. Even a little Thai can make your stay more comfortable, engaging, and delightful.

You will not get lost while roaming around various places.

Since Thailand is not an English-speaking country, all signage, bus and public transport instructions, menu cards, and more are in Thai.

This has become difficult for foreigners.

Imagine getting lost while exploring a new place you noted down before landing in the country, and now that you are there, you can’t find it.

All of this was possible because you could speak Thai and eventually read, and so could the signboards.

4. Understand Thai people & the culture

Languages and cultures are usually closely connected.

It implies that the better you understand the Thai language, its nuances, expressions, idioms, or vocabulary, the better you will know its culture.

Learning Thai is a gateway to better understanding the Thai people and essential aspects of their culture, customs, and traditions.

And honestly, people love it when somebody attempts to learn their language. They are always supportive. It also provides an easy way to make connections. Not only that, but it will also earn you significant respect.

Imagine learning their mother tongue and understanding their culture better – all the perks together.

Getting acquainted with this tongue will get you accustomed to the colloquialisms. For example, how do you say “Hello,” “Brother,” and “Sister” naturally?

Books often teach you words that are not really used in everyday life, so natives are the best way to learn those. It’s always better to spend time with people to better understand the culture and language.

But before heading to the country, learn something. First, study basic phrases and day-to-day vocabulary.

Start with what motivates you: travel, connect with people, and learn about their culture.

Thai people will unquestionably appreciate and acknowledge your passion and effort when you speak Thai, even if you speak English.

5. Find a job in Thailand

Thailand is growing in the technical field. Thus, IT & even English teaching jobs are available in the country.

For such jobs, as Thailand is one of the most fantastic places to live in Asia, language is essential if you plan to stay there for a long time. It is also an incredible place to retire if you know Thai.

Many people come to Thailand to find work. But getting employment here is challenging if you don’t know the local language, unless you teach English.

But if you want to find other jobs, learn at least a little Thai. Also, it will go down well with prospective companies. Then, your chances of getting hired by your competitors could be more significant.

6. Improve career options

Language speakers, especially high-demand language speakers, are always in demand. These professions and professionals never sit idle.

Industries such as travel and tourism, education, content creation, marketing, customer service, IT, and many others consistently have vacancies for these roles.

If we consider only India, the country alone has over 100,000 language experts, including Thai, who are required across various fields.

You can work in BPOs, MNCs, export houses, travel companies, digital marketing agencies, and educational institutions. 

The list is infinite: from a translator, interpreter, and tour guide assisting Thai travelers to a content writer, an international sales and marketing specialist, and a teacher.

7. Good for the brain

Be it any language, whether famous or less widespread, learning a new tongue is always a joy for your brain—an exercise, to be exact. Studying them plays with your brain—well, positively.

Several studies have shown that bilinguals are more productive, better at multitasking, have stronger memories, and are better at solving problems.

It helps you learn faster, think more efficiently, and make better decisions.

It also causes you to let your guard down for some time, especially when you speak with a foreigner in their language.

The Thai language also enhances cognitive skills and makes the brain flexible. It empowers the brain’s natural strength to focus.

These are just some of the advantages of learning Thai.

8. The Thai language is beautiful and expressive

Thai is one of the world’s most beautiful languages. Its phrases and sounds are so melodic that you’ll enjoy practicing them.

Thai letters look mysterious yet smooth and aesthetically pleasing. 

It is a tonal language, meaning your tone can change the word’s meaning, vowels, and consonants. You must study how to pronounce the words and learn their proper tone; otherwise, locals won’t understand them.

While this makes this language difficult, its tonality is also magnificent. It is music to the ear and soul.

Take a glimpse at ชชมพู – Chom-poo (Pink), ใจ – Jai (when we talk about mind or heart), สบายๆ – S̄bāy s̄bāy (I’m feeling good), คิดถึง – Khit Thueng Khun (I miss you), and สวย – Suay (beautiful).t

And the list of beautiful words and phrases is unlimited! What’s not to like? 

9. It’s not as difficult as you think

Thai isn’t an easy language. Studying might take some time, but it’s not the most complex language in the world.

According to FSI’s studies, Thai is classified as category III in language difficulty. It is challenging but not as complex as East Asian languages. It takes about 2200 hours (1:1 for class hours and self-study) to achieve an advanced level.

Learning Thai might be tough at first. First, study a new script. Second, learn unfamiliar sounds and learn about tones.

Like Chinese and Vietnamese, Thai is a tonal and analytical language in which word meaning varies by tone.

There are various dialects across the country, with such variation that speakers from one area may have difficulty understanding others.

Reading Thai is pretty straightforward once you understand the script and the sounds the characters make.

Like other languages, Thai has a few exceptions in which the same letter can make many distinct sounds. So it would help if you took the time to memorize the rules.

You will find it not that hard once you get over the initial hurdle.

It uses the same S-V-O (subject-verb-object) word order as English. For example, in English, you say, “I eat food.” Well, in Thai, also the same order ผมกินอาหาร (“pom (I) gin (eat) ahan (food)”).

There are no tenses or conjugations. You always say กิน (gin, to eat). However, in English, “eat” changes to “ate” (e.g., “I ate food”). So it changes to “eats” (as in “he eats food”), but in Thai it is always “gin.”

10. Bargain like the locals and save money

Now, traveling can be fascinating, but it comes with responsibilities, such as managing finances, handling expensive items, carrying bags, and more.

Many shops selling clothing and souvenirs from those places are excellent and generally affordable. If you learn Thai, you will become a better bargainer.

As a newcomer to the country, you cannot know the actual prices and buy anything on a tight budget.

Relax; many foreigners travel — especially in Asia.

These scammers, as we call them, are shopkeepers. Despite that, some of them scam foreigners.

They offer to sell expensive things, assuming you don’t know the actual (fair) prices. They will think of you as a foreigner living in the country.

Speaking in their language and making them feel you are a pro-bargainer will prevent this problem. You can also protect yourself from these scammers through language.

Speaking in Thai with them will save you some money.

Conclusion — Should You Learn Thai?

If you plan to live in Thailand or take vacations there, it is beneficial to learn Thai. The benefits far surpass the drawbacks.

If you’ve decided to study Thai, start with introductory things like the alphabet and greetings. Then, you can move ahead to speech, grammar, and different aspects of the language.

Consider enrolling in a Thai class, or start with the online resources.

Today, many websites, top-rated language apps, online teachers, YouTube channels, and Podcasts are available to help you study. Please pick the option that suits you best.

You can also get the hang of watching a few dramas and movies. Eventually, you will learn the basic words, which will help you while studying.

Your journey to Thailand will be smooth and enhance your personal and professional life.

Do you plan to learn Thai?

I’d love to know your purposes. Share your views in the comments below.