Nationality: Thai
Native language: Thai
Location: Sukhumvit, Bangkok, Thailand
Birthday: February 3rd, 1994
Education: Mahidol University (Thai major/ English minor)
Phrapathom Witthayalai School (Science-Math program)
Work Experience:
Private Thai tutor, PickupThai
Freelance Thai instructor
Thai language instructor, Sumaa Language and Culture Institute
Web content author, MRM (McCann Worldgroup)
Years of Thai Teaching Experience: 2016-Present
Foreign Language Abilities: English (Fluent), Korean (Beginner)
Hobbies: Running, driving, watching Formula 1

Tell me about yourself.

Hi! I’m Yelly, which means ‘jelly’ in English. My grandmother gave me this name because our family sells snacks, and she loves eating jelly. In secondary school, I chose the Science-Math program, but I wasn’t as strong in those subjects as I was in languages, so I eventually decided to study Thai in college. Ironically, when I was younger, I failed Thai in primary school and never imagined I’d end up majoring in it at university. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after graduation until I discovered a course on teaching Thai to foreigners, which really intrigued me. My curiosity about how foreigners learn to speak my language inspired me to give it a try, and I’ve loved it ever since, choosing it as my career.

What has helped you develop into an experienced Thai teacher?

After graduation, I thought the knowledge I gained from university would be enough, but I quickly realized it wasn’t. I struggled to teach my first student, a general manager of a well-known company in Thailand, simply because I didn’t know where to start and was too nervous. So, I decided to work at a Thai language school to gain more knowledge and experience. There, I observed senior teachers, learning their teaching techniques and how they managed their classes.

Over time, I built up my confidence and was eventually entrusted to teach at several embassies around Bangkok, including the U.S., Korean, Australian, British, and French embassies, as well as employees from companies like Mercedes-Benz, Prudential, The World Bank, and many others. Until now, I’ve been teaching Thai to foreigners from all different backgrounds for nearly 10 years.

Do you teach students of all levels?

Yes, I’ve developed a flexible teaching approach that adapts to students’ different learning styles. I also tailor my lessons to match their goals and interests. For beginners, I usually focus on essential vocabulary, speaking, and listening to build a strong foundation. For intermediate and advanced learners, I help refine sentence structures, expand vocabulary, and engage in real-world discussions on topics like news, politics, and business. Regardless of the level, I am committed to providing the right support for every student, helping them gain confidence and fluency in Thai.

What’s your teaching style and philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is simple: I believe learning Thai should be fun, practical, and natural. I don’t want my students to just memorize words; I want them to use Thai confidently in real-life situations. So I don’t just teach the language but also how Thai people really speak in different contexts. I also like breaking things down in a systematic and clear way, whether it’s tones, sentence structures, or tricky words, to make sure my students understand why things work the way they do. 

I treat my students as friends and strive to create a relaxed and natural learning environment rather than a rigid or overly formal one. I believe that when students feel comfortable, they learn more effectively and enjoy the process. Sometimes, I also incorporate fun, interactive activities, like games, into my lessons.

Most importantly, I focus on building confidence, ensuring my students absorb Thai naturally while feeling supported and encouraged. From my own experience as an English learner, I know that speaking a foreign language isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about having the confidence to use it.

Do you think it’s difficult for English speakers to learn Thai?

Thai can be challenging for English speakers, but with the right approach and practice, it is definitely learnable. One of the biggest challenges is pronunciation, especially the tones, as many English speakers aren’t used to them. It may take some time to adjust. Another difficulty is the Thai script, which is different from the Latin alphabet. However, Thai grammar is simpler than English because we don’t have verb conjugations, plurals, or complex tenses, making sentence structures more straightforward. Once students become familiar with basic patterns, forming sentences becomes much easier.

Personally, I believe the hardest part of learning Thai, or any other language, isn’t the language itself, but the commitment to keep learning. Thai may have its challenges, but the real struggle is staying consistent, practicing regularly, and pushing through moments of frustration. That’s why I always tell my students that progress comes from showing up and putting in the effort, not from being perfect. I even failed at Thai before becoming a Thai teacher! So trust me, mistakes are nothing to fear—they’re part of the process. The key is to stay confident, keep practicing, and enjoy the journey.

What’s your advice for Thai learners?

If you’re starting to learn Thai, my biggest piece of advice is—don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They’re a natural part of learning. Thai may seem tricky at first, but the more you practice, the easier it gets. The key is to start speaking as soon as possible and not overthink every sentence. Immerse yourself as much as you can—listen to Thai music, watch Thai dramas, and most importantly, speak with native speakers whenever you have the chance. Even if you only know a few words, use them! The more exposure you get, the more confident you’ll become.

Also, be patient with yourself. Learning Thai is a journey, not a race. Even just a little practice every day makes a big difference. And most importantly—enjoy the process! Learning a language isn’t just about studying—it’s about connecting with people, understanding a new culture, and having fun along the way!

What’s your favorite thing about being a Thai teacher?

I love seeing progress. The most rewarding moments are when students come back after a lesson and share their experiences using Thai in real life. Whether it’s successfully booking a massage, explaining their nail preferences to a manicurist, having a conversation with a Thai colleague, or simply understanding what people around them are saying, these moments remind me why I love teaching. Watching their confidence grow with each lesson fills me with pride as a teacher.

Want to learn Thai with khru Yelly Surangkanang?