Thai for Beginners: Your First 30 Days (Week-by-Week Roadmap)
Learn Thai for beginners with our week-by-week 30-day roadmap. Master tones, essential phrases, and Thai script basics. Start speaking Thai today.
You’ve decided to learn Thai. Maybe you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, drawn to Thai culture, or relocating for work. The next 30 days will determine whether Thai becomes a lasting skill or another abandoned resolution.
Most beginners quit within the first month—not because Thai is impossible, but because they waste time on the wrong things: memorizing tourist phrases without understanding tones, downloading five apps that all teach the same basic vocabulary, or ignoring Thai script until it becomes an insurmountable backlog.
Thai is challenging but achievable. The U.S. Foreign Service Institute classifies it as a Category IV language, requiring approximately 1,100 class hours for professional working proficiency. Basic conversational ability comes much faster—and it starts with these first 30 days.
By day 30, you’ll be able to introduce yourself, order food, count to 100, and recognize Thai script. This guide provides a week-by-week roadmap with realistic expectations and daily goals.
For the complete path from absolute beginner to upper-intermediate, see our Thai Learning Roadmap.
Before Day 1: Set Your Foundation
Understand What You’re Getting Into
The good news: Thai grammar is simpler than most European languages. No conjugation, no gendered nouns, no verb tenses that change form. Subject-Verb-Object order, like English.
The challenges: Thai has 5 tones that change word meaning—not just inflection—plus 44 consonants and 32 vowel forms. Thai script doesn’t use spaces between words.
The tones follow logical rules, and patterns emerge faster than expected with consistent practice.
Choose Your Tools
You don’t need much to start:
- A quality Thai-specific app with native speaker audio and tone training (not a generic flashcard app where you’re guessing at pronunciation)
- Audio resources with native speakers (not synthetic voices—Thai tones require hearing the real thing)
- A notebook for Thai script practice
- Optional: A language exchange partner or tutor for conversation practice
The critical requirement: whatever app you use must integrate tone practice into vocabulary learning, not treat it as a separate skill. If you learn a word’s meaning without learning its tone, you’re building muscle memory you’ll have to unlearn later.
Jam Kham was built specifically for this problem—every vocabulary card includes tone training, native speaker audio at natural and slow speeds, and the syllable breakdown that shows exactly why each word has its particular tone. But whatever tool you choose, make sure it treats tones as fundamental, not optional.
Set Realistic Time Expectations
| Commitment | Daily Time | Expected Progress |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 15 minutes | Slow but steady foundation |
| Optimal | 30-45 minutes | Strong month-one results |
| Intensive | 60+ minutes | Fast progress, higher burnout risk |
Break your time roughly as: 40% vocabulary/phrases, 30% listening, 30% tone/pronunciation practice.
For more on learning approaches, see our guide on the best way to learn Thai and how long it takes to learn Thai.
Week 1: Sounds, Tones, and Survival Phrases
Goals for Week 1:
- Understand Thai’s 5 tones
- Learn 30-40 essential words/phrases
- Recognize the rhythm of Thai speech
Days 1-2: The Tone System
Thai has 5 tones. The same syllable with different tones becomes completely different words.
| Tone | Shape | Sound | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid | → flat | Relaxed, neutral pitch | มา(maa) |
| Low | ↓ flat | Bottom of your range, held flat | ม่า(màa) |
| Falling | ↘ down | Starts high, drops sharply | ม้า(máa) |
| High | ↗ up | Top of range, slight rise | ค้า(kháa) |
| Rising | ⤴ curve | Starts low, curves up | หมา(mǎa) |
The classic example: หมา(mǎa) (rising tone) versus ม้า(máa) (falling tone). Different consonant combinations, different pitch contour, different animal.
Practice tip: Listen to native speaker audio 10+ times before attempting to repeat. Your ear needs to distinguish tones before your mouth can produce them.
For a deep dive, see our guide to master the 5 Thai tones.
Days 3-4: Essential Greetings
Start with phrases you’ll use constantly:
| Thai | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| สวัสดี(sà-wàt-dii) | sà-wàt-dii | Hello / Goodbye |
| ขอบคุณ(khàwp-khun) | khàwp-khun | Thank you |
| ขอโทษ(khǎw-thôot) | khǎw-thôot | Excuse me / Sorry |
| ใช่(châi) | châi | Yes |
| ไม่(mâi) | mâi | No / Not |
Every phrase needs a polite particle at the end:
- Male speakers: ครับ(khráp)
- Female speakers: ค่ะ(khâ)
So “thank you” becomes ขอบคุณครับ(khàwp-khun khráp) or ขอบคุณค่ะ(khàwp-khun khâ).
Days 5-7: Numbers 1-10 and Basic Questions
Numbers unlock shopping, bargaining, and understanding prices:
| Number | Thai | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | หนึ่ง | nùeng |
| 2 | สอง | sǎwng |
| 3 | สาม | sǎam |
| 4 | สี่ | sìi |
| 5 | ห้า | hâa |
| 6 | หก | hòk |
| 7 | เจ็ด | jèt |
| 8 | แปด | bpàet |
| 9 | เก้า | gâo |
| 10 | สิบ | sìp |
Essential question words:
- เท่าไหร่(thâo-rài) — How much?
- อะไร(à-rai) — What?
- ที่ไหน(thîi-nǎi) — Where?
For the complete number system, see our Thai Numbers Guide.
Week 1 Milestone Checklist
- Beginning to notice tone differences between words
- Can say “hello,” “thank you,” and “sorry” with polite particles
- Can count from 1-10
- Can ask “how much?” at a market
At this point, you might wonder: “Am I actually getting the tones right?” This is the most dangerous moment for beginners. Without immediate feedback, it’s easy to convince yourself your pronunciation is close enough—then spend months reinforcing incorrect patterns.
If you’re practicing with an app, make sure it’s actually testing your tone recognition, not just showing you the answer. Recognition without testing doesn’t build the neural pathways you need for production.
For more essential vocabulary, visit our Essential Thai Phrases guide.
Week 2: Expanding Phrases and Introduction to Script
Goals for Week 2:
- Learn 50-60 more words (total: ~100)
- Begin recognizing Thai consonants
- Form simple sentences
Days 8-10: Restaurant and Food Vocabulary
Food vocabulary gets immediate use:
| Thai | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ขอ...หน่อย(khǎw...nòi) | khǎw…nòi | Can I have… please |
| เช็คบิล(chék-bin) | chék-bin | Check please |
| อร่อย(à-ròi) | à-ròi | Delicious |
| ไม่เผ็ด(mâi-phèt) | mâi-phèt | Not spicy |
| เผ็ดนิดหน่อย(phèt-nít-nòi) | phèt-nít-nòi | A little spicy |
| น้ำ(náam) | náam | Water |
| ข้าว(khâao) | khâao | Rice |
| กาแฟ(gaa-fae) | gaa-fae | Coffee |
Practice sentence patterns:
- ขอกาแฟหน่อยครับ/ค่ะ(khǎw gaa-fae nòi khráp/khâ) — Can I have coffee please
- อร่อยมาก(à-ròi mâak) — Very delicious
Days 11-12: Introduction to Thai Script
Start with high-frequency consonants:
| Letter | Name | Sound | Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| ก | gor gài | g (as in “go”) | Mid |
| ข | khǎw khài | kh (aspirated) | High |
| ค | khaw khwaai | kh (aspirated) | Low |
| ม | maw máa | m (as in “mother”) | Low |
| น | naw nǔu | n (as in “no”) | Low |
Why learn script when romanization exists?
- Romanization systems are inconsistent — at least 5 different systems exist
- Script reveals tone rules — consonant classes determine tones
- Unlocks independent learning — read signs, menus, messages
- Shows respect for the language — Thais appreciate the effort
For the complete system, see our Thai Script Guide.
Days 13-14: Getting Around
Transportation phrases for taxis and directions:
| Thai | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ไป...(bpai...) | bpai… | Go to… |
| ตรงไป(dtrong-bpai) | dtrong-bpai | Go straight |
| เลี้ยวซ้าย(líao-sáai) | líao-sáai | Turn left |
| เลี้ยวขวา(líao-khwǎa) | líao-khwǎa | Turn right |
| จอดตรงนี้(jàwt-dtrong-níi) | jàwt-dtrong-níi | Stop here |
| ใช้มิเตอร์(chái-mí-dtêr) | chái-mí-dtêr | Use the meter |
Week 2 Milestone Checklist
- Can order food at a restaurant
- Can ask for the bill
- Can recognize 5+ Thai consonants
- Can tell a taxi driver basic directions
- Vocabulary: ~100 words
Week 3: Consolidation and Self-Introduction
Goals for Week 3:
- Solidify vocabulary from weeks 1-2
- Learn to introduce yourself fully
- Continue script recognition
Days 15-17: Self-Introduction
The self-introduction formula:
Full template:
สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ ผม/ฉันชื่อ [name] มาจากประเทศ [country] ยินดีที่ได้รู้จัก(sà-wàt-dii khráp/khâ phǒm/chǎn chûue [name] maa-jàak bprà-thêet [country] yin-dii thîi dâi rúu-jàk)Breakdown:
| Component | Thai | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| My name is… | ผมชื่อ / ฉันชื่อ | phǒm-chûue / chǎn-chûue | My name is (male/female) |
| I come from… | มาจากประเทศ… | maa-jàak bprà-thêet… | I come from… |
| Nice to meet you | ยินดีที่ได้รู้จัก | yin-dii thîi dâi rúu-jàk | Nice to meet you |
Common country names:
| Country | Thai | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| America | อเมริกา | à-meh-rí-gaa |
| England | อังกฤษ | ang-grìt |
| Australia | ออสเตรเลีย | àwt-sà-tray-lia |
Days 18-19: Time and Days
Basic time expressions:
| Thai | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| วันนี้(wan-níi) | wan-níi | Today |
| พรุ่งนี้(phrûng-níi) | phrûng-níi | Tomorrow |
| เมื่อวาน(mûea-waan) | mûea-waan | Yesterday |
| กี่โมง(gìi-mohng) | gìi-mohng | What time? |
Days of the week:
| Day | Thai | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | วันจันทร์ | wan-jan |
| Tuesday | วันอังคาร | wan-ang-khaan |
| Wednesday | วันพุธ | wan-phút |
| Thursday | วันพฤหัสบดี | wan-phá-rúe-hàt |
| Friday | วันศุกร์ | wan-sùk |
| Saturday | วันเสาร์ | wan-sǎo |
| Sunday | วันอาทิตย์ | wan-aa-thít |
Days 20-21: Review and Consolidation
Activities for consolidation:
- Review all vocabulary from weeks 1-2
- Practice self-introduction aloud (record yourself)
- Watch 15 minutes of Thai media (even without understanding)
- Try a simple Thai conversation (with tutor or app)
For more on pacing vocabulary acquisition, see how many Thai words to learn per day and why spaced repetition works.
Week 3 Milestone Checklist
- Can introduce yourself in Thai
- Can say where you’re from
- Can ask and tell the day of the week
- Review accuracy: 80%+ on previous vocabulary
- Total vocabulary: ~130 words
Week 4: Real-World Application
Goals for Week 4:
- Use Thai in real or simulated situations
- Expand script recognition
- Build listening comprehension
Days 22-24: Shopping and Bargaining
Market phrases for negotiating:
| Thai | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| แพงเกินไป(phaeng-gern-bpai) | phaeng-gern-bpai | Too expensive |
| ลดราคาได้ไหม(lót-raa-khaa-dâi-mǎi) | lót-raa-khaa-dâi-mǎi | Can you lower the price? |
| เอา(ao) | ao | I’ll take it |
| ดูก่อน(duu-gàwn) | duu-gàwn | Just looking |
| ใบนี้เท่าไหร่(bai-níi-thâo-rài) | bai-níi-thâo-rài | How much is this one? |
Number combinations for prices:
| Number | Thai | Romanization |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | ยี่สิบ | yîi-sìp |
| 50 | ห้าสิบ | hâa-sìp |
| 100 | หนึ่งร้อย | nùeng-ráwy |
| 500 | ห้าร้อย | hâa-ráwy |
Days 25-26: Emergency and Help Phrases
Critical phrases to know:
| Thai | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ช่วยด้วย(chûay-dûay) | chûay-dûay | Help! |
| ไม่เข้าใจ(mâi-khâo-jai) | mâi-khâo-jai | I don’t understand |
| พูดไทยไม่ได้(phûut-thai-mâi-dâi) | phûut-thai-mâi-dâi | I can’t speak Thai |
| พูดช้าๆหน่อย(phûut-cháa-cháa-nòi) | phûut-cháa-cháa-nòi | Please speak slowly |
| โรงพยาบาล(rohng-phá-yaa-baan) | rohng-phá-yaa-baan | Hospital |
| ตำรวจ(dtam-rùat) | dtam-rùat | Police |
Days 27-28: Listening Practice
Build passive comprehension through exposure:
- Thai YouTube channels for beginners
- Thai dramas with subtitles (Netflix, Viki)
- ThaiPod101 audio lessons
- Thai music — try following along with lyrics
Goal: Even catching 10% of words is progress. You’re training your ear to parse Thai speech patterns.
Days 29-30: Assessment and Next Steps
Self-assessment questions:
- Can you introduce yourself without notes?
- Can you order food and ask for the bill?
- Can you ask “how much” and understand 2-digit responses?
- Can you recognize 15+ Thai consonants?
- Can you give basic directions to a taxi driver?
If you answered yes to most of these, you’ve built a solid foundation.
Week 4 Milestone Checklist
- Attempted a real Thai conversation (tutor, language exchange, or travel)
- Can handle basic shopping interactions
- Know emergency phrases
- Total vocabulary: ~180 words
- Can recognize 15+ Thai consonants
What You’ve Achieved in 30 Days
By day 30, a consistent learner can:
Communication:
- Greet people politely with correct gendered particles
- Introduce yourself (name, country)
- Order food and customize spice levels
- Ask prices and understand responses up to 999 baht
- Give basic directions to drivers
- Handle simple shopping interactions
- Ask for help in emergencies
Foundation:
- Distinguish Thai’s 5 tones by ear (50-60% accuracy is normal at this stage)
- Recognize 15-20 Thai consonants
- Understand basic sentence structure (Subject-Verb-Object)
- Know when to use khrap/kha
Vocabulary:
- Active vocabulary: 150-200 words
- Passive vocabulary: 300-400 words (words you recognize)
What comes next:
- Months 2-3: Complete Thai script mastery
- Months 3-6: Reach basic conversational ability (A2)
- Months 6-12: Independent communication (B1)
See the Thai Learning Roadmap for the complete path from beginner to upper-intermediate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I learn Thai in 30 days?
You can build a functional foundation in 30 days—enough to handle tourist situations and basic conversations. True conversational ability takes 6-12 months of consistent study. The first month is about building habits and laying foundations, not achieving fluency.
Should I learn Thai script or just use romanization?
Learn script early. Romanization systems are inconsistent (there are at least 5 different systems), and they hide tone rules built into Thai script. While you can survive with romanization for the first 30 days, script mastery accelerates long-term progress dramatically. Start recognizing consonants in week 2.
See our Thai Script Guide for the systematic approach.
How many words should I learn per day?
5-10 new words daily is sustainable for beginners. More than 15 creates review backlogs that lead to burnout. Quality matters more than quantity—ensure you know each word’s meaning, pronunciation, and tone before moving on.
Is Thai really that difficult?
Thai is a Category IV language for English speakers (FSI rating), requiring approximately 1,100 class hours for professional working proficiency. The challenges are tones and script, not grammar—Thai grammar is simpler than most European languages with no conjugation or gendered nouns. With consistent daily practice, basic conversation is achievable in 6-12 months.
What if I get the tones wrong?
Context helps enormously. Thai speakers are accustomed to hearing imperfect tones from foreigners and will usually understand from context. However, learning tones correctly from the start is much easier than fixing fossilized errors later. Don’t stress perfection, but don’t ignore tones either.
For tone practice, see our Thai Tones Guide.
Your First 30 Days Start Now
The path from สวัสดี(sà-wàt-dii) to real conversation is shorter than most people assume. But the window for building correct habits is narrow—tones practiced wrong for a month become tones you’ll spend six months correcting.
If this roadmap resonated, you have two options:
Option 1: Go it alone. Bookmark this page, find audio resources, and start practicing. The information here is enough to build a solid foundation if you’re disciplined about daily practice and rigorous about tone accuracy.
Option 2: Use a system built for exactly this journey. Jam Kham’s Early Access program follows this same 30-day structure with:
- Tone training integrated into every vocabulary card (not as a separate “tone course” you’ll skip)
- Native speaker audio at both natural and slow speeds
- Spaced repetition calibrated for Thai’s learning curve—you’ll never review a word you haven’t actually forgotten
- Syllable breakdowns showing consonant classes, so tone rules stop being mysterious
The Early Access is free while we’re in beta. No credit card, no commitment—try it for a week and see if it fits how you learn.
Either way: show up daily, prioritize tones from day one, and notice your progress when you order your first meal in Thai.
Ready for the next stage? Continue with our Thai Learning Roadmap or explore our free learning guides.