This is usually thrown up a lot on the forums. So I'd thought I'd provide a concise summary of themajor places to study the Thai language, together with some opinions:
1.) Walen School of Thai. A major selling point for this school is a one years education visa included in the 29,000 baht price. Mixed reviews on this one, as the years visa price does include 3 month renewals of 1,900 baht. As far as the teaching goes no whiteboards are used, for the basic levels a lot of emphasis is placed on learning from the books given. They use the Calan method of teaching adapted from English to Thai. They have a lot of young teachers and for 29,000 for 180 lessons they are definitely one of the cheaper schools.
2.) Nisa. This language school in Sathorn have good reviews in terms of the teachers, materials provided and learning atmosphere. Certainly worth considering for beginners and intermediates, but no program or much material for advanced learners. Also they have well qualified teachers with lots of experience in teaching foreigners thai. 10 week course, 3 hours a day and offer small group teaching or even private tuition.
3.) Chulangkorn University. Perhaps the most expensive and intensive place to learn Thai. They really require a major commitment and do 20 day and 25 day courses for 20,000 and 25,000 which is very expensive. Their beginner and intermediate courses are excellent, but the advanced can be a bit iffy at best. Definitely well suited to people who want to learn Thai the academic way.
4.) Payap Univerisy. Based in Chaing Mai , the program consitst of 2 x 1.5 hour classes each morning. They have intensive courses designed to get your reading, writing and listening up to scratch. After about 6 months of study, your level should be sufficient enough to teach yourself. Again they dont really cater towards the really advances learners, and people perhaps wanting to take the P6 exam. On a side note Chaing Mai University also offer a years learning program, but again aimed at the academics.
5.) A.U.A They offer an interesting approach to learning in 15 level stages. Usually in the classrooms you get two teachers, with one holding up boards and the other acting. For beginners they are not ideal, as a lot will pass them buy. The teachers dont bother to make corrections for beginners try to speak, the emphasis is just on getting the learners to speak in the first place. For intermediates it's better, and can be a lot of fun. Reading and writing is not introduced until 800-1000 hours of listening has been had.
6.) Private Tutor. Although this can be a very expensive option, it's definitely advisable if you want to get your Thai up to scratch in a short space of time. Generally private tutors charge anyway between 250 and 500 baht an hour. Possibly more in certain parts of BKK and less upcountry.
