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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: 590 THB ($17.99) from 1,990 THB.
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EXCELLENT Based on 59 reviews Posted on anne loeweTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I tried to self-pace learn Thai for a while already, but the regular online class with Kru Ball really made the difference! Kru Ball is patient, friendly and consistent. The class was never boring and I always felt safe to make mistakes or ask questions! Thank you Kru Ball and Thank you Banana Thai! Really recommend for all who want to start their Thai language journey in a safe a welcoming environment.Posted on Jeanne PhuahTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best part about this course is the flashcard way of remembering vocab and doing the quizzlets. I can go through several times and then go back to the question and answer booklet available online, too, to practice translation. Kru Smuk also writes on the slides as she teaches and so I can catch much of what she is saying and jot down notes.Posted on Michelle TanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The learning materials are clear and easy to understand, which made it much easier to follow along and build confidence step by step. The lessons are also very engaging - especially the interactive games, which are not only fun but also help reinforce what I've learned in a natural way. Kru Oil is very very committed to helping me improve and always take the time to explain things thoroughly. Overall, it's an enjoyable and supportive environment for learning Thai, and I would definitely recommend it to others.Posted on David FunnellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was looking for an online Thai course that had a structured curriculum. Banana Thai has this. I have been doing 1 on 1 online lessons and have nearly completed module 2. My Thai has definitely improved over tha last 6 months. Happy to recommend!Posted on Mathias PersoonsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great course, quick feedback and overall good experience to learn Thai!Posted on Lee BamberTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I tried learning Thai online with ThaiPod101 but did not get very far, nothing seemed to sink in and the sentences were long and complex. I then tried learning in a classroom, but there were 14 people on the course and if the teacher asked a question I had to listen to 14 people give an answer in bad Thai accents. So, i decided I should try private classes to speed up my learning. I wanted a native thai speaker and a structured program with good materials. The Banana Thai materials are excellent , they are the best I have seen so far and my teacher is excellent, she can easily answer all those niggling questions I had.Posted on M BTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve loved my lessons with Banana Thai! The staff are professional, kind, and very knowledgeable. My Thai language study has gone smoothly & has helped me to have conversations with my Thai friends. I’m very grateful!Posted on Kiku CTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best one can find for Thai!! And they’re so accessible. By the end of spoken intensive 1, I visited Chiangmai and successfully negotiated local prices, local parking, ordered food. Checked for when a parking lot would close, bargained, convinced some people I’m half Thai (with really bad Thai) etc etc. so the curriculum definitely works. I do wish they forced a little more rigor in grammar and accent as I’m quite lazy, but it’s already much better than many other language schools (I definitely couldnt do the above after just 6 months of French). I’ll be continuing!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 Althea PerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a hard time learning Thai from any course until I found Banana Thai. They are very expensive even when they go on 50% discount, they inflate the price first before they discount it so you think you get 50% but really just around 20-30% off, which is still expensive but it has been the clearest and most organized self-paced thai course I have ever taken. Other cheaper courses aren't organized enough. I bought almost all of their courses already. The courses also provide quizlet and wordwall for reviewing and quizes. I personally use anki for reviewing and spaced repetition so I manually create my own decks from their courses. However, the intensive course provides textbook grammar that is not what is being used in spoken thai. A lot of words are dropped in spoken thai. I want to learn spoken thai, not textbook grammar but it is also good to know the fundamentals. It would be great if Kru Smuk would also have a spoken thai version, not just grammar. She sometimes mentions that irl, tenses are dropped. They revamped the reading thai script course. I expected to get upgraded for free but after talking to CS, I get a discount to get reading thai vol 1 & 2 for around $100. massive discount but not free upgrade since I bought the whole bundle a couple of months ago already. So sad. But great that they keep improving. BananaThai is not perfect but it is the one I like the most right now.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 to get local tips and exclusive lessons by email. What you’ll receive:
✅ Week 1: Discover Peace & Harmony in Thai Life
✅ Week 2: What to Do & Avoid in Thailand
✅ Week 3: Build Your First Thai Sentences
✅ Week 4: Learn 60 Must-Know Thai Verbs
Perfect for expats, travelers & curious learners.
You’ll also get a preview of our Thailand Starter Guide e-book!
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.