Traveling in unfamiliar territory can be a challenge, let alone how to try and speak with locals in languages you don’t understand, but it’s possible. We chat with David Long, a longtime resident in Thailand who runs the Thai Language Department at the AUA in Bangkok, as well as Real Life Bangkok, about how to best approach speaking and interacting with locals while traveling. He shares some pretty interesting ideas about non-verbal communication and offers some very handy tips to help make your visit to SE Asia as rich as possible. Have a listen!
Hi, I’ve been living here in Thailand for over 8 years now, the last 7 in Phuket. I’m married to a Thai and also have a 5 year old daughter who was born in Phuket. Can I speak Thai? Shamefully no. My wife always speaks English, my business is geared towards Westerners and my daughter goes to an English International school. What hope for me to speak Thai!! I wish one day 🙂
Good on you for continuing to try! Give Real Life Bangkok a shot!