Wait—there’s no Thai on Duolingo?!
If you’ve tried searching for a Thai course on Duolingo and came up empty, you’re not alone.
It’s surprising, especially since Duolingo supports other tonal and script-based languages like Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese—even fictional ones like Klingon.
Despite Thai being spoken by over 70 million people and growing in global influence, it’s still unavailable—and likely won’t be anytime soon.
That’s because, back in 2021, Duolingo announced it would no longer add new languages anytime soon.
Instead, the company has shifted its focus to improving existing courses with the help of professional linguists, aiming to align all content with CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) standards.
So, if you’re serious about learning Thai, the good news is there’s a better alternative: Ling.
In this guide, we’ll explain why Thai deserves a spot on Duolingo, why it’s missing, and why Ling is your best option to learn Thai in 2025.
Table Of Contents
Why Thai Deserves A Spot On Duolingo
Thailand isn’t just a popular vacation spot—it’s a rising cultural powerhouse.
According to World Population Review, Thailand ranks as the 8th most visited country in the world with over 39.8 million visitors in 2024, ahead of Japan, Germany, and the UK—all of which have their official languages available on Duolingo.
So why isn’t Thai one of them—especially now, with a surge in learners driven by its rising global relevance?
Thai’s Global Importance
- 71 million speakers globally (27 million native + 44 million second-language speakers).
- The official language of Thailand, used in government, education, and everyday life.
- Also understood by ethnic Thai communities and neighboring populations in Laos, northern Malaysia, and Cambodia—thanks to both historical ties and growing exposure to Thai media.
- Increasingly essential for expats, retirees, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads in Thailand.
- Tourism, entertainment, and soft power growth are turning Thai into the next big language trend.
The Rise Of The T-Wave (Thai Soft Power)
Thailand is undergoing a cultural renaissance. From hit films and dramas to chart-topping music and digital content—especially in the BL genre—Thai creators are gaining global recognition.
Backing this momentum, the Thai government has established the National Soft Power Strategy Committee and committed ฿5.1 billion (US$140 million) to boost cultural industries and train 20 million people in creative sectors by 2027.
This initiative, known as the “One Family, One Soft Power” (OFOS) program, aims to generate an estimated ฿4 trillion economic value, create millions of jobs, and elevate household incomes nationwide.
This rising ‘Thai Wave’ mirrors the success of Korea’s Hallyu—and we all saw how that sparked a surge in Korean learners on Duolingo.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, now is the perfect time to start learning Thai.
Is Thai A Hard Language To Learn?
Thai is often labeled as challenging—but it’s absolutely manageable with the right tools.
Unique Features of Thai:
- Tonal language (like Mandarin and Vietnamese)
- Brahmic-inspired abugida script with 44 consonants and 32 vowels
- Analytic language (no conjugation, yay!)
- Cultural expressions woven into the language (like polite particles and royal vocabulary)
Beginner-Friendly Aspects:
- No verb conjugations or inflections
- No plural forms or articles
- Sentence structure is consistent and logical
- Spoken Thai is more flexible than written Thai
Thai can be complex—but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
The key? Using a learning app that supports learning script, tones, and grammar, like Ling.
Why Is Thai Missing From Duolingo?
Duolingo discontinued its Incubator Program (where volunteers could help build courses) in 2021.
Since then, they’ve focused on improving existing courses, with fewer new languages being added—especially complex ones like Thai.
That said, here are some more concrete reasons that may explain Thai’s continued absence:
- Lack of linguist staffing for underrepresented or complex languages
- No existing script-learning module for Thai
- Resource constraints due to the prioritization of CEFR-aligned languages
- Thai is structurally different from languages currently offered, making development slower
Duolingo has yet to officially commit to adding Thai. So if you’re waiting—it might be a long one.
Duolingo Vs. Ling: Which One Supports Thai?
| Feature | Duolingo | Ling |
|---|---|---|
| Thai Course Availability | ❌ Not available — Duolingo does not offer a Thai course for English speakers. | ✅ Available — Ling offers a dedicated Thai course designed for English speakers. |
| Teaching Method | Implicit statistical learning for users unconsciously absorbs patterns through repeated exposure; adaptive learning that tailors lesson difficulty based on performance; spaced repetition to reinforce vocabulary and grammar. | Emphasizes real-life, scenario-based learning, offering structured lessons focusing on grammar concepts, vocabulary, and cultural aspects, making it ideal for learners interested in mastering Asian languages like Thai. |
| Writing System Support | ❌ Available in other character-based languages like Japanese, Korean, and Chinese — includes stroke order and reading practice. But Thai is not supported. | ✅ Fully supports the Thai writing system, including finger-tracing for learning Thai script and character recognition. |
| Pronunciation Practice | ❌ Not available for Thai. Some other languages offer speaking practice and pronunciation correction using voice recognition technology. | ✅ Offers native speaker audio for each word/phrase and voice recognition technology to help learners perfect their pronunciation in Thai. |
| Grammar & Cultural Notes | ❌ Minimal grammar explanations in most courses; limited cultural context. | ✅ Includes in-depth Grammar Notes for each lesson and Culture Notes that immerse learners in Thai traditions, etiquette, and real-life situations. |
| Interactive Features | ✅ Offers gamification (XP, streaks), Duolingo Max (AI-powered feedback and explanations), video call-based Roleplay, and “Adventures” — story-based learning in select languages (not Thai). | ✅ Includes gamified lessons, AI-powered chatbot for Thai conversation, real-world scenarios, and adaptive feedback, making Thai learning engaging and practical. |
| Platform Availability | ✅ Web, iOS, Android | ✅ Web, iOS, Android |
| Price (might vary by region) | After the 14 (or 7 with the monthly plan) day trial: -Monthly Super Duolingo $12.99 -Yearly Super Duolingo $84.00 -Yearly Super Duolingo (Family Plan) $119.99 | After the free 7-day trial: -Ling Yearly Subscription $79.99 -Ling Half Yearly Subscription $39.99 -Ling Monthly Subscription $14.99 |
| Best For | Learners looking for gamified learning and a wide selection of languages (but not Thai), with engaging features like Max and Adventures. | Learners specifically interested in mastering Thai with comprehensive tools for pronunciation, grammar, writing, and culture immersion. |
The Best Alternative To Duolingo For Learning Thai
No Thai on Duolingo?
We’ll tell you why Ling is the #1 Duolingo alternative for anyone serious about mastering the language.
What Makes Ling The Best App For Thai?
- Gamified lessons that make learning Thai fun
- High-quality audio by Thai native speakers for real pronunciation practice
- Stroke-tracing tool to learn all 44 consonants in Thai writing
- Grammar Notes for clear explanations like politeness particles and pronouns in Thai
- Culture Notes that enrich your language journey with deeper cultural insights
- AI chatbot to practice conversations in real-life scenarios
- Voice recognition to perfect your speaking
And yes—you can try all of these for free with Ling’s 7-day trial.
Why Serious Learners Choose Ling
“This is the best app I’ve tried for Thai. The pronunciation tools and writing practice are incredibly helpful.”
— Angela H., London
“Not many apps offer Thai, but Ling does it so well. My teacher was impressed with how much I’d learned just by using it!”
— Jennifer V., New York
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated 4.65/5 by over 22,400 users worldwide
Whether you’re a digital nomad, expat, or T-pop fan—Ling is your passport to Thai fluency.
What You’ll Learn in Just 7 Days:
| Day | What You’ll Learn |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Thai alphabet + basic pronunciation |
| Day 2 | Greetings + simple phrases |
| Day 3 | Numbers + asking prices |
| Day 4 | Talking about your day |
| Day 5 | Thai grammar basics |
| Day 6 | Real-time conversations with AI |
| Day 7 | Hold your first Thai conversation! |
Frequently Asked Questions About No Thai On Duolingo
Why Can’t I Learn Thai On Duolingo?
Thai is unavailable on Duolingo because the platform discontinued its volunteer-powered Incubator Program in 2021 and now focuses on improving existing courses. Thai’s complex writing system and tones make it harder to develop, which may explain its exclusion.
What Is The Alternative To Duolingo For Thai?
The best alternative to Duolingo for learning Thai is the Ling app, which offers gamified lessons, native speaker audio, grammar explanations, and culture notes—all designed specifically for Thai learners.
Why Is It So Hard To Learn Thai?
Thai is considered difficult due to its tonal nature, unique script, and complex grammar rules. However, it’s also logical and consistent, and with the right tools—like the Ling app—it becomes much more approachable.
Is Ling Good For Learning Thai?
Yes, the Ling app is highly rated for learning Thai. It offers interactive, real-life scenarios, writing practice, pronunciation feedback, and culture notes, making it a comprehensive and user-friendly tool for Thai learners at all levels.
Is It Worth Learning The Thai Language?
Absolutely! With over 70 million speakers, growing global influence through Thai pop culture, and Thailand ranking as one of the world’s top tourist destinations, learning Thai opens up rich cultural, travel, and career opportunities.
Start Learning Thai With Ling (7-Day Free Trial)
No Thai on Duolingo?
Why wait when you can learn Thai language today?
Join over 2 million global users who’ve already downloaded the app and love it—a high 4.6/5 rating on the App Store.
Enjoy a 7-day free trial with no upfront charges and the freedom to cancel anytime.
Download the Ling app on the App Store or Google Play now!
4 Responses
Great article! I’ve been looking for alternatives to learn Thai, so I really appreciate the recommendations. I’ll definitely give Ling a try. Thanks for sharing!
I appreciate this article! It’s frustrating that Duolingo doesn’t offer Thai, but it’s great to see alternatives highlighted. I’m excited to check out the app mentioned and hope it provides a solid learning experience. Any tips on specific features that stand out?
Great alternative suggestions! It’s disappointing that Thai isn’t available on Duolingo, but I appreciate you highlighting other resources. I’m excited to check out Ling App and see how it compares. Thanks for the insights!
I appreciate your insights! It’s disappointing that Duolingo doesn’t offer Thai, but I’m excited to try out Ling. The features you mentioned seem perfect for immersive learning. Can’t wait to get started and see how it compares!