What you'll learn
Start speaking Thai and discover a vibrant language and culture with our Thai language short courses online!
Whether you're planning a trip to Thailand, connecting with Thai family and friends, or simply fascinated by the language and culture, this beginner-friendly course offers a practical and supportive introduction to spoken Thai. No previous experience is required.
Thai is a tonal language, and from your very first class you'll develop the listening and pronunciation skills needed to communicate clearly and naturally. Guided by an experienced tutor, you'll learn the five tones of conversational Thai while building confidence speaking in everyday situations.
Through interactive and practical classes, you'll develop speaking and listening skills while building a foundation in Thai script, grammar, and sentence structure. You'll learn useful language you can start using straight away—from greetings and introductions to ordering food, shopping, and asking for directions—while gaining insight into Thai customs, etiquette, and everyday life.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this Thai: Beginners Level 1 course, participants will have developed practical skills and knowledge in areas such as:
- Reading and writing the Thai alphabet
- Using the five tones of conversational Thai with growing confidence
- Using basic Thai grammar and sentence structures
- Greeting people and introducing yourself
- Giving basic personal information
- Asking and responding to simple questions
- Expressing likes, dislikes, and preferences
- Using numbers, money, and making simple transactions
- Ordering food and drinks in everyday situations
- Asking for and giving simple directions
- Developing an understanding of Thai culture, customs, and etiquette
Course content
What will be covered in this Thai: Beginners Level 1 course?
During the course, participants will be guided through key concepts, techniques and approaches that typically include:
Topics
- Thai alphabet and writing system
- Tones and pronunciation
- Greetings and introductions
- Numbers and everyday vocabulary
- Time, dates, seasons, and weather
- Likes, dislikes, and preferences
- Shopping and ordering food
- Asking for and giving directions
- Thai culture and etiquette
Communication skills
- Speaking and listening through guided practice
- Building confidence in real-life communication
- Developing pronunciation and tone accuracy
Grammar
- Basic sentence structure
- Asking and answering questions
- Formal and informal language
- Consonant classes and pronunciation rules
Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.
Intended audience
Who is this Thai: Beginners Level 1 course for?
This course is ideal for complete beginners with no previous knowledge of Thai, as well as travellers, language enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Thai culture and everyday communication.
Whether you're preparing for a holiday, visiting family or friends, or simply looking to learn a fascinating tonal language, this course provides a practical and enjoyable introduction to spoken Thai.
Course venue
Online via Zoom
Zoom details will be provided with your enrolment confirmation.
Requirement: A device with a stable internet connection
Course materials
What to bring to class
- Notebook and pen
- Optional textbook (see below)
Textbook
Thai Language and Culture for Beginners 1
ISBN: 9789747512250
The textbook is recommended but not required, as your tutor will provide handouts and supporting materials throughout the course.
We recommend purchasing your textbook once your course has been confirmed (usually within three working days of the proposed start date).
Certificate of completion
Achievement Recognition
Students who attend at least 80% of the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance from Sydney Community College.
This certificate recognises your commitment to learning Thai and can support your personal or professional development.
Additional information
Thai language bundle
Continue your learning and save — enrol in two Thai language courses and receive an automatic 15% discount.
What's next?
What other Thai language classes do we offer?
After completing this course, you can continue your learning with our Thai: Beginners Level 2 course, where you’ll expand your vocabulary, strengthen your grammar, and build greater confidence using Thai in everyday situations.
Enrol in two Thai courses and save 10% using the promo code GROUP10 at checkout. Please visit our discounts page for full details.
Course testimonials
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Paul said: I really enjoyed the course. Warren is a great Tutor and the work he puts into his handouts is amazing. There are over 200 pages that make up this level 1 course. The only problem was me, in being time poor to explore all the resources and practice. However once I have revisited all the documentation and feel comfortable in speaking this Level 1 Thai Language. I will be signing up for level 2. Thank you Warren.
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Kate said: This is a great course, well run and well supported with study material. Warren is friendly, considerate and encouraging. I am amazed at how much we learnt in the space of just eight weeks. Highly recommended.
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Stephen said: The tutor used a range of different materials effectively, which allowed for reinforcement of the thai language. I found the combination of audio, video and written material complimented each other and made for a more enjoyable learning experience. The zoom format worked better than I had expected. I think the main reason for this was the small class size and the efforts of the tutor. The small class size was a definite bonus of this course and allowed the tutor to assist and assess us individually as far as practical. I also appreciate the tutor sharing much of his teaching materials with the class.
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Matthew said: The course was run very well by Warren, he is very personable and passionate about languages. The course (Thai 1A) was perfectly geared towards a beginner and was a good mix of practical speaking, general knowledge. Personally glad i took the leap and did this after putting it off for a few years as it's given me confidence to continue my studies and practice.
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Elaine Guo Lun said: The class has a good pace with great interaction between the tutor and students. I appreciate that the study materials are provided before the lesson, and I like how the tutor incorporates Thai culture into the class.
Course tutors
Warren Chaisatien
Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us
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<p>Start speaking Thai and discover a vibrant language and culture with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/learn-language/thai">Thai language short courses</a> online!</p>
...If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Thai Course: Beginners Level 1
If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Thai Course: Beginners Level 1