Before the current calendar, Thailand used lunar calendar (Thai: ปฏิทินจันทรคติ /bpà-dtì-tin jan-tá-rá ká-dtì/) which is a calendar that is based on cycles of the lunar phase. Until year 1889 in the reign of King rama V, Thailand formally announced to use the solar calendar (Thai : ปฏิทินสุริยคติ bpà-dtì-tin sù-rí-yá ká-dtì/) in which the years are counted in the Buddhist Era … [Read more...] about Thai Calendar
VIDEO: A Collection of Fun Thai Slang
To speak like a Thai, knowing some fun Thai slang not only makes you enjoy the conversation but it might also impress local people you are talking to as well. Here is a collection of fun Thai slang videos I created. Hope you learn something new and find it enjoyable. (You can click the name of each video to read full dialogue of the lesson and see further explanation) 1. … [Read more...] about VIDEO: A Collection of Fun Thai Slang
One Day in Bangkok : 10 Things to Do and See
Bangkok is a fascinating city. There are lots of activities and attractions for everyone including interesting sites and delicious street food available in every corner - more than you could ever imagine. If you know someone who lives in Bangkok, you might already know that most of us often go to hang out in shopping malls and I assume that is because the weather in Bangkok … [Read more...] about One Day in Bangkok : 10 Things to Do and See
Top 4 of Thailand’s Best Unspoilt Islands
Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world and it brings millions of people to Thailand each year (over 15 million tourists in year 2014). It might be difficult if you want to to get away from the crowds, but you can still find quiet, unspoilt beaches on which to relax and enjoy the nature. :) Here are my Top 4 of Thailand's Best Unspoilt Islands: 1. Koh Lipe, … [Read more...] about Top 4 of Thailand’s Best Unspoilt Islands
Koh Ngai: Another Paradise in Thailand
In my recent long weekend trip, I was happy to discover another paradise (after I visited Surin Island and Lipe island). Thailand has some of the best beaches in the world but the more famous it is, the more visitors there are. Once in a while I like to take myself away from the crowds and my busy schedule to be in a peaceful surroundings, a place with clear and pristine … [Read more...] about Koh Ngai: Another Paradise in Thailand
VIDEO: Road Trip
This lesson is for students who want to practice listening skills, so there is no subtitle. I will make another video separately with subtitle and explanation for the useful phrases. See below the dialogue of the story: Mod: Mai, yak gin nŏm à, wáe see-wên súe kà-nŏm duâi ná ไหม อยากไปกินหนมอ่ะ แวะเซเว่นซื้อขนมด้วยนะ (Mai, I want to eat some snack. Please stop by … [Read more...] about VIDEO: Road Trip
VIDEO PLAYLIST: Thai Lessons by Mod&Pear
Since May 2013, I welcomed Pear to join my team. We have been happily working together and become best friends. Pear is giving Thai lessons to students around the globe both online via Skype and in-person in Hua Hin, the beach town in upper part of Southern Thailand. Here is the playlist of video lessons we made together. If you are interested to have private Thai … [Read more...] about VIDEO PLAYLIST: Thai Lessons by Mod&Pear
VIDEO: Songkran Festival
Songkran (Thai: สงกรานต์) is a traditional Thai New Year festival where people enjoy themselves by throwing water at each other. In Sanskrit, the word Songkran means ‘to pass’ or ‘move into’ and indicates the passing of the sun, moon and other planets into a new zodiac orbit. Songkran is celebrated on April 13th every year. If you are in Thailand, you would find yourself … [Read more...] about VIDEO: Songkran Festival
VIDEO: Useful Phrases to Show You Care
Songkran long holiday has officially started today and many Thai people are traveling to celebrate the Thai New Year and see their families. Songkran is also the period when road accidents are occurring at the highest rate and this period between 9th – 15th April is referred by the police as the ‘Seven Dangerous Days’ of the New Year. Most accidents are caused by drunk driving … [Read more...] about VIDEO: Useful Phrases to Show You Care
VIDEO: How to Forbid & Give Warning
Songkran or Thai New Year is coming in a couple days. Besides all the major fun that is about to go on with the water fight, there are also some tips that have been given to the festival participants for their safety. We are going to talk about useful words that are used to make a command NOT to do something. :) 1. ห้าม hâam (forbid, prohibit) Pattern 1: " Someone … [Read more...] about VIDEO: How to Forbid & Give Warning
VIDEO: Say Them Right, Thai Long Vowels
To speak Thai clearly and make local people understood, it is not only getting the tones right it is also pronouncing the vowels correctly. There are in total 32 vowels in Thai language, 14 of them are long vowels and 18 are short vowels Similar to pronouncing Thai tones, when the vowel changes the meaning changes too. So you should make sure you are saying a word … [Read more...] about VIDEO: Say Them Right, Thai Long Vowels
21 Interesting Facts About Thailand
Thailand’s name in the Thai language is Prathet Thai (ประเทศไทย), which means “Land of the Free". Thailand was actually called Siam throughout history; the name changed to Thailand in 1939. Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonised by a European nation. Thailand’s national language is called Thai, which many scholars believe is a form of … [Read more...] about 21 Interesting Facts About Thailand
Makha Bucha Day
Makha Bucha Day (วันมาฆบูชา) is a Buddhist holiday, which takes place annually on the night of the full moon during the third lunar month of the year. “Makha” is the Pali word for the third Lunar month, while “bucha” means to honor or to venerate. Since Makha Bucha is based on the lunar calendar, the date varies from year to year. This year Makha Bucha day is on 22 … [Read more...] about Makha Bucha Day
VIDEO: Eat Like A Thai 101
Understanding how Thai people eat provides a greater understanding of the food and people. Here are a few tips on how to eat like the Thais do. In the West, food is brought out in a certain order: Appetiser, Main Dish, and Dessert. In Thailand, there are really only two courses in a Thai meal: The food and the dessert. When I travel it also makes me think of the … [Read more...] about VIDEO: Eat Like A Thai 101
Chinese New Year in Thailand
Every year, many people in Thailand with Chinese ancestors which are called คนไทยเชื้อสายจีน /kon tai chúea-săai jiin/ (about 14% of the population of Thailand), celebrate the Chinese New Year which in Thai is called วันตรุษจีน (wan dtrùt jiin) with elaborate ceremonies. This year which is the Year of the Monkey (ปีวอก /bpii wâwk/) according to Chinese zodiac, Chinese New … [Read more...] about Chinese New Year in Thailand
10 Gifts You Shouldn’t Give to Your Loved One
Thai people are grown up with superstitious beliefs and taboos. Some are still believed to be true, and some are now used to tease friends. Giving a gift is a nice gesture but some items have negative meaning especially to your relationship. Here are 10 presents some Thai people might consider bringing bad luck; 1. Shoes รองเท้า /rawng - táao/ If you buy shoes for your … [Read more...] about 10 Gifts You Shouldn’t Give to Your Loved One
The Lake of Red Water Lilies – One of the World’s Strangest Lakes
Imagine rowing your boat through a sea of floating lotus flowers that expand as far as the eye can see. Dreamy? Yes, but also completely possible if you visit to one of the world's strangest lakes (according to CNN) in Northeastern Thailand (Isan, Esan). The Sea of Red Lotuses, or the Lake of Red Water Lilies or what local people call “Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake … [Read more...] about The Lake of Red Water Lilies – One of the World’s Strangest Lakes
VIDEO: 10 Most Popular Thai Slang of the Year!
[1] ฟิน /fin/ This word is derived from English word ‘finale’, in English this means the last part of an event, and it is usually ‘the best part’ and epic, right? So Thai people use ‘ฟิน FIN’ for describing a feeling that is ‘GREAT’ , or feeling awesome! [2] อิน in is also derived from English word ‘inner’ but Thai people use it as VERB means ‘feel emotional by … [Read more...] about VIDEO: 10 Most Popular Thai Slang of the Year!
Constitution Day
December 10th marks the Constitution Day, in Thai is "wan rat-ta-tam-ma-noon" (วันรัฐธรรมนูญ) which is held annually to commermorate the advent of the regime of Constitutional Monarchy in Thailand At the start of the 1930s, Thailand (then called '*สยาม Siam') was suffering economically from the effects of the great depression. The king at the time was Rama VII was seen by … [Read more...] about Constitution Day
VIDEOS: Thai for Tourists
These 12 basic Thai lessons cover common situations you might encounter as a tourist. Take some time to learn them and I am sure it will help your travel more enjoyable as you will have fun talking to Thai people or even make a new local friend. :) (Click the topic of the lesson to see more details) PLAYLIST: 1. VIDEO: When and How to Wai Properly 2. VIDEO: … [Read more...] about VIDEOS: Thai for Tourists
