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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Amy said: I would highly recommend this class to anyone looking to start their journey in learning Thai. Having had no prior experience or exposure to learning a new language, I was quite nervous and wasn’t sure what to expect, but my tutor (Warren) was so welcoming, warm and knowledgeable, he helped ease any worries I initially had. The way each lesson is structured to include not only Thai language but also Thai culture was wonderful. Immersive, informative and most of all fun! I’m so glad I signed up and am looking forward to starting Level 2.
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Mick said: Good size class created good interaction. Tutor very competent and personable, and created right mix of fun and learning. Well-designed course and well presented.
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Catherine Elizabeth said: I enjoyed learning thai but admit, it was and is, a real challenge for me. I am certainly glad I had the opportunity, and Warren the tutor is fantastic. Each week the class would go through a general discussion of Thailand and its place in the world and history etc. To learn to speak we blended learning the language with class role plays in real life situations, eg shopping or at restaurants. The small class was always very supportive of each other, despite our different levels of ability. Warren provides lots of class notes prior to each week's class which I now use to keep improving my skills. You do require yourself to do a lot of self study to maximise your learning (particularly listening skills) and again, Warren provides the links to do that. If you want to learn thai, I can absolutely recommend this course but be prepared to do more than participate in class only. Warren the tutor is so supportive and encouraging, and every class was enjoyable and I thank him.
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Steven said: Happy with all aspects of the course. Warren made a lot of effort to tailor the course and lessons to teach us applicable and useful phrases, rather than just follow through the textbook. He also made sure to include links to other resources as a way of engaging with the materials. Links were often both entertaining and educational. There was a lot of materials that he went through on a weekly basis (definitely great value for the money). More importantly, it was structured in a way where I could revisit old materials to refresh my memory and to continue my practice outside of class. It was an intro class, but we learned quite a bit!
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Jason said: Warren was an excellent tutor. With the time allowed (10 x lessons), he presented a large amount of content. He combined lessons, with basics, cultural understanding and communications needed by a beginner or tourist. He is also funny and classes were entertaining. Highly recommended!
Course tutors
Warren Chaisatien
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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
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