. A feel for it . May 27, 2025 .

I first visited Thailand in January of 2018 as a tourist. I went to the touristy places like everyone else (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, etc…) and it was fine navigating the gibberish written on restaurant menus, signs/banners, directions and asking for things generally by pointing and repeating basic english words several times – for the most part. However, it became apparent after the 3rd, 4th, 5th time in this country that without understanding the language, there’s a big gap in “feeling” the place. I’ve listed 3 reasons why I’m also learning the C programming language this year and points #2 and #3 are the same reason that I’m learning Thai. However, I would also like to add one more reason.

It is certainly feasible, especially nowadays with internet in our pockets – instantly translating any words using text, voice or speech into our own mother tongue, to not only travel but also live in Thailand. I would assume that it is probably very similar in most non-english speaking countries to get by without understanding the native language at all. If the country is tourist-friendly, then it is even easier. But if one is interested in thoroughly understanding the country, which is its people, it’s impossible without understanding the language. To learn a language is not simply the process of translating words, not only because certain words cannot be translated, but because the context in which the words are spoken changes the meaning of those words. As my visa is currently valid for the next 5 years, it is certainly a possibility that I spend the next 5 years of my life in this country. It would make for a far more interesting experience if I could understand, at least generally, the culture beyond what the average tourist experiences.

One of my goal this year is to learn thai to the point where I can have a basic fluid conversation with someone. Somewhere between the tutorial regurgitating “My name is / how are you / where are you from” and full-fledge philosophical discussions. I will document my progress here.