| Most people would think that there's no need to learn | | | | speak and read in the Thai language. Then you will |
| the Thai language when you are going for a Phuket | | | | understand more about the Thai language as seen in |
| vacation or when you are going to for a shopping | | | | the eyes of the nationally renowned Thai writers and |
| spree in Thailand. But there are even more beautiful | | | | literary geniuses such as former Prime Minister Kukrit |
| and less known places in Thailand that will enchant any | | | | Pramoj whose works are considered as the best in |
| traveler the most. You can go to Pattaya and Hat Yai | | | | modern Thai literature and Sunthon Phu and his 19th |
| where you can have a taste of authentic Thai culture | | | | century works. You would be able to understand why |
| and the world-renowned Thai hospitality and warmth. | | | | he is considered a poetic genius in all Thai communities. |
| Even when the Thai people won't expect foreign | | | | Since the Thai language is a tonal language many |
| speakers to learn the Thai language unless they are | | | | would think that it is difficult to learn it. The truth is that it |
| married or engaged to any Thai or have Thai descent, | | | | is less complicated than the sing-song Mandarin and |
| they would love to converse with people using their | | | | other Chinese dialects; there are also about 25% of |
| native language. Some of those who have traveled in | | | | French and English words that are borrowed, same as |
| the place for shopping for which it is now known said | | | | some Japanese words. When you are planning to |
| that it helps a lot to end up with good bargains when | | | | learn the language of Laos you are three-fourths of |
| you do the haggling using their native tongue. | | | | knowing it entirely as it is almost mutually intelligible to |
| But Thailand is not only known for plastic surgery, | | | | the Thai language. Besides that the Thai people are |
| great night life, and great shopping. The country is also | | | | highly tolerant of foreign speakers of their language as |
| rich in heritage and culture. You can take a peek at its | | | | they are good in understanding the language through |
| revered Buddhist temples and be reminded that | | | | context. |
| Thailand is one of the most devoutly Buddhist countries | | | | There's a great means for you to learn the language |
| in the whole world. Theravada Buddhism is the major | | | | even more easily through Pimsleur's language learning |
| religion in the country and is spoken by about 94.7% of | | | | audio which you can listen to on your iPod anytime and |
| all Thai people living in the country. Only 0.7% of the | | | | anywhere you want, even while you are jogging, stuck |
| population belongs to the other religions. | | | | in traffic, or cleaning the house. You can get a copy of |
| If you are serious about learning not only the rich | | | | it in The Talking Bookstore. |
| culture but the colorful Thai literature, you can learn to | | | | |