This Guide includes everything you need to settle into a happy and care-free life in Thailand – Thai language basics, cultural tips, daily survival tips, and more.
Hi, I am Kru Smuk (Teacher Smuk). I am the founder and head teacher of BananaThai. I am a proud Thai, and I would love to be your local buddy and introduce you to the authentic Thailand. Join my course and my community with more than 100,000+ students.
See you in the guide!




If you’re planning to move, live, or travel long-term in Thailand, this guide is designed for you.
10 Chapters with 40 mini lessons of Thai language, culture, and everyday tips. Complete in 14 days!
This course includes various tools to help you learn in an engaging way.
You can download the PDF Guidebook
Learn basic Thai video lessons.
🤔 Test your understanding with mini quiz at the end of each chapter
<<Click to See Guidebook>>
Why should you learn Thai? This chapter explores the benefits of learning the language, from practical daily communication to building deep relationships.
Then you will also learn the overview of how Thai language works and all important rules you must know to set the right expectation before jumping into the language lessons.
You’ll get an overview of Thai language features—like tones, structure, and high-context nature—and learn what “Thainess” really means through values like harmony, hospitality, and respect. Then you will also learn the big No-nos or things you should avoid doing in Thailand.
Besides, you will learn the polite ending words that are commonly used when speaking politely.
Discover how Thais actually greet each other, including when to Wai and how to receive a Wai. You’ll practice introducing yourself in Thai and learn common questions like “kun maa jàak bprà-têet à-rai” (Where are you from?)
You’ll also learn to interpret polite behavior in Thai society, helping you make a great first impression.
In this chapter, you’ll learn to count from 0–100, use classifiers (ลักษณนาม), and ask “How much?” or “How many?” in different ways.
This includes both formal phrases like “raa-kaa tâo-rài” (how much is it?) and casual expressions like “gìi-bàat.”
You’ll also explore how Thai people talk about prices in daily life, as well as tips for bargaining like a local.
Hungry? Here, you’ll learn essential food and drink vocabulary and how to ask prices at local stalls.
You’ll explore real-world pricing for popular Thai snacks, and pick up fun facts about Thai eating culture—like the love of sauces, eating with spoon and fork, and drinks with ice.
Learn how to order food and drinks at a restaurant, talk about what you like to eat, and understand the typical structure of a Thai meal (rice + side dishes). We offer local dining tips, like raising your hand for service and asking for an English Menu.
You’ll also explore non-spicy dishes and how to eat plant-based in Thailand.
Explore the Thai concept of time and parts of the day. Learn to ask and tell time in Thai and understand how traditional instruments like drums and gongs were used to signal time.
This chapter also introduces the cultural idea of “Thai Time” and how to deal with such a different mindset.
Master useful shopping vocabulary for clothes and accessories, and learn how to ask “This one or that one?” You’ll also review colors in Thai and polite ways to bargain.
Tips include what to say during negotiations and how to handle pricing with a Thai smile and respect.
Traveling through Thailand becomes easier in this chapter. Learn vocabulary for places and directions, how to speak to taxi or tuk-tuk drivers, and common routes in Bangkok.
You’ll also explore public and regional transportation options outside of Bangkok, including buses, trains, vans, and flights—with real travel tips and estimated fares.
Wrap up your journey by learning how to engage in friendly small talk. Practice sentence structures using verbs common verbs.
You’ll explore 30 essential Thai phrases and local expressions for daily chats.
This chapter also includes advice on dating culture, workplace relationships, Thai hobbies, and tips for making real Thai friends. It’s your final push to continue learning in the next-level courses!
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Launch Price: 1,990 THB ($59)
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EXCELLENT Based on 43 reviews Posted on Rami AhmedTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. “I’m really enjoying this course — the materials are great, and the teacher’s style is fantastic. I’m excited to continue my Thai language journey with banana Thai!”Posted on Mark BurnesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kru Tuttu is a delightful young lady and an excellent teacher. She is perfectly literate in English - her speech and writing are as easy to understand as if she grew up in an English speaking country. As opposed to most of many many Thai friends in America who are oftem difficult to understand, Tuttu is at all times clear and concise in English - aka "paa-saa an-grit." I travel a lot and always learn basic phrases in the language spoken wherever I am headed, usually with an App and Google Translate - Thai is far and away the most difficult language I have yet to learn, (and I suspect that will be the case with most English speakers). That's where Bowie and her team at Banana Thai come in. They have an excellent program set up, and, again, Tuttu has been greatly helpful in advancing my ability to speak and understand Thai. I highly recommend Banana Thai - the price in very reasonable and the learning is made as easy as it can be.Posted on Ernst EnnemoserTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After a long search for an online Thai course for beginners, I finally found BananaThai and I am thrilled. Kru Smug conveys her enthusiasm for the language and teaches in a friendly and competent manner. You always want to keep learning and find out what comes next. I will definitely recommend BananaThai to others.Posted on Steven MilneTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kru Smuk is a superb teacher. Online course content is well-structured, easy to follow and of a very high quality. Exercises on vocabulary and grammar are supported by individual feedback to aid student learning. Kru Smuk's excellent communication skills, friendly manner and enthusiasm make learning Thai an enjoyable experience. I strongly recommend Banana Thai.Posted on Enzo CyberTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This class is excellent for learning Thai grammar! The lessons are well-structured, and the explanations are clear. Smuk does a fantastic job teaching, providing helpful examples that make concepts easy to understand. I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn Thai in English. Plus, you can pause and ask questions anytime, which really helps clarify any doubts. If you're serious about learning Thai, don’t hesitate to join!Posted on Margaret LeeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have completed 2 Thai language classes, Read & Write and Intensive Thai Level 1, with Banana Thai. As a beginner, I am lucky to have Kru Look Kaew as my teacher as she is very patient and always look for ways to help us to understand more about Thai language. Thanks Banana Thai and Kru Look Kaew!Posted on Globe TrotterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I just completed the Thai intensive course volume 1 with Banana Thai. It was a 24 hours of study spread over 16 classes in a group setting of 5 students with Kru Praiya (Look Gaaew). I really enjoyed the 8 week course and highly recommend it to anyone who’s a beginner. The teacher was very friendly and really took the time to explain everything. The study materials were easy to understand and they upload a lot of online self study quiz materials and class recordings, in case you want to go over it later or missed the class for any reason. I’ll definitely do the volume 2 with them too. Thank you Banana Thai team, Kru Praiya and all my classmates who made it so fun.Posted on Richard TanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have traveled to Thailand many times over the years. If you're reading this, you too, have fallen in love with the beauty of the Thai people, culture, and food, and now want to learn to read and speak Thai fluently to fully enjoy everything about this wonderful country. After plenty of research for the best resource to learn Thai, I easily chose BananaThai. I'm sure you have seen the lovely Kru Smuk on the YouTube videos. That same charm and charisma show in her courses as well. I purchased the Ultimate Guide to Thai Reading, as well as the first two Intensive courses. The information is so well organized and streamlined that I learned to read Thai in less than two weeks. Others have done it even faster, but I'm thorough in my studies. Compare that to people on YouTube showing how to learn Thai for free by using many different resources. It takes months for them to just learn the Thai alphabet, never-mind reading, because they have to create their own structure on how to study. With BananaThai courses, the information is broken down into perfect bite size lessons that are engaging, funny, entertaining, and logical. With each passing lesson, everything just makes perfect sense, and your confidence grows immensely. It feels so effortless to watch and learn as Kru Smuk teaches everything at the perfect pace with the most pleasant voice. Her smile and personality make learning Thai so enjoyable and fun. If you want to know what I chose to learn first, I decided to learn how to read Thai first (Ultimate Guide to Reading Thai) before learning the conversational material in the Intensive courses. Don't worry, you will learn plenty of vocabulary when going through the reading course. I can certainly promise you this. When I learned to read, and then began the other materials, learning became infinitely easier and faster! You can read the Thai script and transliteration so the vocabulary and information are so easy to learn! I highly recommend learning with BananaThai. The fun courses, charming teacher, perfect structure and organization make BananaThai the best investment in yourself to truly enjoy our beloved Thailand.Posted on Duria DurianovnaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Banana Thai is by far the best Thai learning program that is available on the market today! Kru Smuk is an incredible teacher, takes pride and joy in her work, very easy to study and very modern! I am proud to be your student! Highly recommended, very well organized classes and you will be able to speak Thai!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Sign up for our demo to download an e-book preview and start learning. We will send you access instantly to your inbox as well as useful tips to start your journey in Thailand.
Once you purchased the guide, you will be able to access the online lessons, videos, content and download the guidebook instantly from the online platform.
Access 27/4 on your demand.
You will have access to the program materials including video lessons and the downloadable guidebook for a lifetime.
The book will be downloadable, while the videos will be uploaded on our learning platform where you can access with your student account.
Absolutely! The “Welcome to Thailand Guide” is designed for complete beginners, focusing on simple, practical phrases and cultural tips.
You don’t need any prior language experience, as this course provides just what you need to get around and connect with locals.
This course provides a basic understanding of how Thai works and equips you with essential words and phrases for effective communication in everyday situations.
If you’re looking to build more comprehensive conversation skills, this course serves as an excellent starting point and prepares you well for a more in-depth foundation course, Intensive Thai Series.
There are 10 topics in total with pocket video lessons and some written articles (both in the book and on the learning platform).
The course is flexible and self-paced. Each topic is short and focused, so you can complete it as quickly as you like or take your time.
Many students finish in a week, but it’s also ideal for spreading out over a few weeks. Plus, you can come back and review it anytime.
This course is compact and completed with practical knowledge in different formats.
You’ll receive a PDF guide with essential phrases, video lessons for the language tips and mini-quizzes at the end of each chapter. These resources cover just what you need to navigate daily interactions and common situations in Thailand.
Yes, that’s the goal!
We’ve focused on essential words, phrases, and tips that make interactions like ordering food, asking prices, and greeting people much easier—giving you the basics to get by confidently.

Get a first look at the new Basic Thai Reading Course with free lessons from Chapter 1.
💛 Early Bird Price: 7,900 THB (from 12,200 THB)
🎟️ Limited to 25 students only
🗓️ Vol.1 releases 15 Dec 2025
🗓️ Vol.2 releases 31 Jan 2026
Start learning today and secure your spot before the offer ends.