Learning a new language is an exciting journey that can lead to encounters with interesting cultures, rewarding experiences, and deep connections. The digital environment offers a wide range of possibilities for learning the nuances of Thai, each of which claims to be an efficient way to become linguistically proficient.
In this post, we explore the six best Thai online courses available to learners. With this research, we hope to make it easier for you to find the best Thai course, so you can start learning today!
Quick Summary:
Best For
App
Ling
- All in one learning experience
- Choose form 60+ languages
- AI Chatbot to practice conversation
Rosetta Stone
- Immersive learning approach
- Speech recognition technology
- Progress tracking and reporting
Pimsleur
- Audio-only lessons
- Immediate speaking practice
- Feedback from native speakers
Best Thai Courses Overview
Here are six highly regarded online courses to learn Thai online not only for improving conversational skills but also for the Thai script, Thai tones, but also for professional Thai.
1. Ling
Ling offers an interactive and engaging platform for learning Thai, with a focus on vocabulary, interactive lessons, and speech recognition technology. I found that its user-friendly approach makes it suitable for beginners and those looking to enhance their Thai language skills.
This platform has truly gained a lot of credibility in focusing on languages that are uncommon to find free videos or completely free resources. Like me, if you are someone who has been on the hunt to improve your listening skills in Thai or need to focus on Thai consonants, Ling is your go-to app.
It has a holistic approach to learning Thai in a gamified form – which is surprisingly not childish and very entertaining for adults like me. It’s new and trending, it covers key and deep information on language learning, it’s in context, and genuinely stands out as the best Thai online course.
Stand Out Features
- Gamified language learning
- Lessons for complete beginners
- Thai course covers all aspects of language in-depth
Pricing
- Monthly: $14.99
- 6 Months: $39.99
- Yearly: $79.99 (7-day free trial available)
- Lifetime: $149.99
2. Learn Thai Podcast
Learn Thai Podcast (LTP) offers the oldest and most comprehensive Thai language online course. One unique feature in LTP’s Thai online course is that it is properly translated with the correct word order, word for word as it is spoken in Thai, rather than giving a sentence in English that has the same meaning. LTP offers 5 modules with 800+ video lessons that cover everything from basics, beginner & grammar lessons, followed by intermediate, reading & writing as well as 100’s of review and practice lessons.
Established in 2006 and taught by a Thai & foreigner who has been living in Thailand for 19 years, LTP has thousands of satisfied students. LTP is the one source with learning material that helps people to completely learn the Thai language from simple greetings all the way to reading & writing Thai or even understanding formal Thai. Just one course that gives you all the knowledge and tools to learn to speak, write, read and understand Thai fast and efficiently. Given its low price point this course is a real steal for the value you get in return.
Stand Out Features
- Oldest and most comprehensive Thai language course
- Over 800 lessons in video and written format
- Often said to be easiest and most effective course to learn Thai online
Pricing
- Lifetime subscription: $99.00
3. Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone provides comprehensive language courses, including Thai, using an immersive approach that emphasizes speaking and listening. The program includes interactive exercises and live tutoring sessions for personalized learning.
Though an expensive platform, it genuinely and solely focuses on learning Thai right from the beginning with little or no Thai translations. The Thai course is designed to immerse you completely so that you begin to speak Thai quite early – and without a choice! That is what I experienced!
The audio lessons are impressive, and with the availability of live lessons, it stands as one of the best Thai online courses to be on the lookout for. From speaking high-speed Thai to practicing writing, your needs will surely be met here for a good price!
Stand Out Features
- Immersive learning approach.
- Speech recognition technology.
- Progress tracking and reporting.
Pricing
- 3 Months: 15.99/month
- 12-month subscription: $13.99/ month
- Lifetime subscription: $399.00
4. Pimsleur
Pimsleur offers audio-based Thai language courses that focus on spoken language and pronunciation. The program uses repetition and conversation practice to help learners build their speaking skills.
What I found amazing is that it has excellent audio drills to learn Thai which helps in learning pronunciation, Thai tones, and tone rules that are just so challenging! The vocabulary collection is good, with a good focus on useful terms that people tend to easily forget, even as a beginner.
The podcast-style lessons, although slightly pricey, are a good way to learn Thai accurately to start basic sentences to complex conversational Thai. You can try for a free account for the first 7 days before making a decision! For more details, you can read this in-depth Pimsleur review on the Ling blog.
Stand Out Features
- Immediate speaking practice
- Audio-only lessons
- Feedback from native speakers
Pricing
- Subscription: $14.95/month
- 1 level (30 Lessons):$150
5. iTalki
While not a traditional course, iTalki connects learners like me with qualified Thai language tutors for personalized one-on-one lessons. Students can choose tutors based on their preferences and learning goals, making it a flexible and effective option.
And I think that language learning is made easy on this platform with so many native speakers to assist you on this learning curve. iTalki is not a completely free resource as you must sign up and pay for a trial lesson as well. For those looking for the classroom setting, face-to-face live learning experience, iTalki is your best Thai online course.
Starting with words and phrases, your tutor will take you through every area and even practice writing in Thai so that you feel ready for what is ahead. It also has the advantage of scheduling classes across time zones so that your Thai lessons truly work out on availability which can get tricky when learning online.
The personalized experience helps you to share your needs. Whether it is reading Thai or tackling challenging Thai words, your tutor has your back, just like mine had!
Stand Out Features
- Personalized lessons taught by Thai people
- Language and cultural exchange
- Lesson notes available
Pricing
- Starting price: $4.00/hour
- Prices vary depending on the tutor’s qualifications and experience.
6. ThaiPod101
ThaiPod101 is a great option for those who prefer audio and video for learning, like me. The platform gathers a wide variety of lessons, including audio and video content, interactive exercises, and cultural insights, catering to learners of all levels. The Premium Plus plan offers 1-on-1 lessons with a personal Thai teacher. The teachers from ThaiPod101 provide individual feedback, corrections, and answers to any questions via private messenger.
Stand Out Features
- Short audio & video lessons
- Effective study tools to learn in a short period of time
- Personalized guidance from a teacher
Pricing
- Free with basic and limited features.
- Basic monthly plan: $4.00
- Premium monthly plan: $10.00
- Premium plus monthly plan: $23.00
7. Glossika Thai
Glossika’s Thai course uses the Mass Sentence Method to simplify learning. This language-learning app immerses users in a wide range of sentences in Thai, allowing them to absorb grammar and vocabulary in genuine, real-life contexts.
It is important to note that Glossika’s Thai course is intended for learners with some foundational knowledge of Thai. If you’re starting from scratch with Thai like me, you may find it helpful to begin your language-learning journey with another app before transitioning to Glossika.
Stand Out Features
- Sentence-based method
- Spaced repetition
- Adaptive learning
Pricing
- 7-day Free trial available.
- Basic subscription (access to 1 language): $16.99/month (Monthly plan) and $13.33/ month (Annual- plan).
- Pro subscription (unlimited access to 60+ languages): $30.99/month Monthly plan, and $25.00/ month(Annual- plan).
Why Learn Thai?
Thai language proficiency is crucial for a number of reasons. First of all, it provides a path into Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry, allowing for a deeper comprehension of customs, traditions, and everyday life. Meaningful relationships and respect for the nation’s legacy are fostered through this cultural enrichment.
Thai language instruction also has real-world commercial implications. Knowing the language well will help you take advantage of business prospects as Thailand remains a significant player in the global economy. In addition to being useful, studying Thai helps people grow personally and professionally by improving their cognitive powers, problem-solving techniques, and capacity to adapt to different cultures.
In the end, it creates opportunities for fruitful cross-cultural exchanges, promotes global awareness, and enables people to interact with Thai media, literature, and society in more profound and genuine ways.
Master Thai: Your Best Thai Online Course With Ling!
To study Thai, whether it is for absolute beginners or advanced learners, the Ling app is an excellent choice! The lessons focus on building a solid foundation as they are created by native speakers educators. Focus on Thai pronunciation, basic Thai, speaking practice, or listening comprehension, and get the results that you have always been looking for.
There are free lessons and free Thai courses to try out and see if this is for you! Learn Thai at your own pace with different words and phrases with help to pronounce words correctly. The app has numerous foreign languages easily at your reach to help make your language-learning experience an excellent one!
Download Ling today to start learning Thai online for your iOS or Android devices.
