Thai script looks unfamiliar at first, and its five tones can be hard to tell apart. thaidee helps with the hardest first step: learning to read the letters, hear the tones and recognise your first words. Calmly, a little at a time, with everything explained in English.

Who it's for

For English speakers starting Thai from zero. You don't need to know any Thai beforehand. Reading and tones use a Latin transcription in the Paiboon style, with tone marks above the vowel, similar to most English textbooks and dictionaries.

What's inside

• The alphabet, with writing. All 72 letters: how each one reads, which tone it gives and how it's written, with tracing right on the screen. Thai digits ๐–๙are here too: you'll see them in prices for locals and on bus numbers.
• A dictionary of 4365+ words. By topic, with a syllable breakdown, transcription and meaning. You can add your own words too: their reading is worked out automatically, though some need a correction.
• Words built from words. Thai builds its vocabulary from ready-made parts: รถไฟ is a “fire vehicle”, that is, a train. For 1639words you can see what they're made of, which makes them easier to remember.
• Grammar in 39 topics. How to put words together into a phrase: word order, time markers, questions and negation. With worked examples and audio.
• Audio in two voices. Letters and words are recorded in advance, and once downloaded, the audio works without internet.
• Practice. Spaced review of letters and words, listening practice and a tone drill. Cards you remember less well come up more often.
• Offline and on your phone.You can add the website to your home screen and review downloaded material without a connection. For iPhone there's an app on the App Store, also in English.

Who is Kai

The first time you open thaidee, Kai asks your name and uses it from then on. Your name, like the rest of your progress, is stored on your device. If you sign in, it's saved on the server for syncing.

How learning works

• Latin transcription with tone marks. You can choose how long vowels are written to match your textbook.
• Four letter styles: three “with loops” (มีหัว) for books and handwriting, and one “loopless” (ไม่มีหัว) as seen on signs.
• Your progress, day streaks and weak spots are in the Progress section.

Free and private

thaidee is free, with no ads. You don't need to register: you can start learning on the first screen. Without signing in, your progress stays on your device; signing in saves it to your account and syncs it. Learners' data is not sold, and the privacy page explains what is stored where. The project is made by one person in the evenings. If you find it useful, you can buy the author a coffee.