Learning Thai from Post Today archive | Bangkok Post: learning

Learning Thai from Post Today

Here are all the columns we have done since we began in late August 2012.

Learning Thai with Post Today (Archive)

Columns by Archarn Sunee Khaenyuk

Here are all the columns we have done since we began in late August 2012.

Learning Thai: David Beckham's farewell (May 26)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/351873/david-beckham-farewell

We can't let David Beckham's farewell football match go unnoticed. Here are some details many English-language stories left out – the boots he wore, for example.

Learning Thai: Royal Ploughing Ceremony (May 16, 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/350319/learning-thai-from-post-today

Save this column because next year's story is likely to be very similar. Much of the vocabulary will be the same for sure.

Learning Thai: PM's speech in Mongolia (May 5, 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/348392/learning-thai-pm-speech-in-mongolia

The Prime Minister says her speech in Mongolia shouldn't be considered controversial since it was merely an exchange of experiences with the international community.

Learning Thai: Legal team visits PM (25 April, 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/346957/learning-thai-from-post-today

The legal team handling Thailand's Preah Vihear case at the International Court of Justice may work as equals, but not in the eyes of Thai photographers.

Learning Thai: Death of the Iron Lady (12 April, 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/345136/learning-thai-death-of-the-iron-lady

The death of a former world leader like Great Britain's Margaret Thatcher always generates expressions of sadness from current world leaders. Here are some examples in both Thai and English.

Learning Thai: Parliament at work  (4 April, 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/343954/learning-thai-from-post-today-parliament-at-work

Parliament exists to make laws, some of which can be quite controversial. Here is one example.

Learning Thai: A substitute PM?  (31 March, 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/343232/learning-thai-a-substitute-pm

There has been much talk in the news that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra might be replaced by a substitute. How does PM Yingluck herself feel about this?

Learning Thai: The general speaks his mind (24 March 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/342047/learning-thai-the-general-speaks-his-mind

General Prayuth Chan-ocha had some harsh words to say to those willing to consider reforming the Thai monarchy. Let's look at an excerpt in both Thai and English.

I don’t speak Thai  -- But I try! (14 March 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-together/340446/i-don-t-speak-thai-but-i-try

Maggie Rosenberg, a native of Brooklyn, New York says she can’t speak Thai, but she certainly can sing Thai. Her delightful music video is making her many friends here in Thailand and we’ll use it for our “Learning Thai” lesson today.

Credit card crime (09 March 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/339860/learning-thai-with-post-today

One foreign gang seemed to think Thailand would be a good place to earn some big money with fake credit cards. They were wrong.

Reading handwritten text (23 Feb 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-together/333366/learning-thai-with-post-today-archive

For most learners, reading handwriting is much harder than reading printed text, so here is a bit of practice before we get to the news story itself.

Pope announces resignation (16 Feb 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/336104/learn-thai-pope-announces-resignation

We read this story in English when the announcement was first made. Here is a Thai-language version.

PM's Chinese New Year greeting (09 Feb 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/335109/learn-thai-pm-chinese-new-year-greeting

Here's a very short story in Thai and English for the Chinese New Year.

‘Kamnan Poh’ (03 Feb 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/334037/learning-thai-kamnan-poh

The arrest of Kamnan Poh was the story of the week – in both English and Thai.

More than hot (23 Jan 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/332177/learn-thai-more-than-hot

It has been so hot in Sydney Australia that we need new ways to describe it. How about ร้อนตับแลบ, "so hot your liver sticks out"?

Royalty in the news (19 Jan 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/331597/learning-thai-royalty-in-the-news

In Thai, speaking about royalty requires special vocabulary known as rachasap (ราชาศัพท์). As this story illustrates, this is true even when speaking about royalty from another country.

PaperTabs  (13 Jan 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/331068/paper-thin-unbreakable-tablet

The tablet of the future may be no thicker than a piece of paper, bendable and, best of all, unbreakable.

Nua Mek 2  (10 Jan 2013)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/330150/learning-thai-nua-mek-2

We've been reading about the cancellation of Nua Mek 2 in English, but, of course, there has been much more coverage in the Thai-language media.

A billion for 'Gangnam Style'  (25 Dec 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/327837/learning-thai-a-billion-for-gangnam-style

Today we deal with a very big number: one billion – or to be exact, 1,004,480,502.

The day the world ends วันสิ้นโลก   (23 Dec 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/327580/learn-thai-the-day-the-world-ends

The December 21 "end of the world" was covered just as heavily in the Thai media as was in the international media. Here is an example from Post Today.

Invisible cloak (17 Dec 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/326456/learning-thai-invisible-cloak

Now we know where Harry Potter's invisible cloak came from. Well, not really, but it's the same idea, except science, not magic was involved.

His Majesty's speech to the Nation  (10 Dec 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/325435/learning-thai-his-majesty-speech-to-the-nation

For Thais throughout the country last Wednesday, watching His Majesty the King slowly, but determinedly, addressing the nation, must have been an emotional experience. Here is that speech again, together with the text in both Thai and English.

No more mobs, Seh Ai says  (26 Nov 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/323124/learn-thai-no-more-mobs-seh-ai-says

Gen Boonlert says he is finished with "mobs" (more likely to be called large political protests in the English sense) and explains his reasons for ending the Pitak Siam rally.

"Attracting guests" (25 Nov 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/322982/learn-thai-inviting-guests

This story contains Seh Ai's famous remark that the governnment's tough measures to control his rally would actually help "invite (attract) guests" to his rally. He was wrong, but his statement is still interesting to read for both learners of Thai and English.

Obama asks for monk's blessing (22 Nov 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/322555/learn-thai-obama-asks-for-monk-blessing

We've read about President Obama's visit to Wat Pho in English. Now it's time for some reading practice on the same subject in Thai.

The Chalerm-Somjit quarrel  (17 Nov 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/321726/learning-thai-the-chalerm-somjit-quarrel

Spoken Thai can be even more challenging than written Thai. Here's an example that most learners would find very difficult except for the transcript/translation we have provided.

Omnishambles. It's a Eurogeddon.  (15 Nov 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/321406/learning-thai-omnimshambles-it-a-eurogeddon

Quick. What does "omnishambles" mean or "Eurogeddon"? A Post Today writer thought Thai readers would like to know as much as international readers.

Victory speech  (12 Nov 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/320691/learn-thai-victory-speech

We followed the US president election English. Now let's get a small taste of how it was described in Thai.

Thais reveal their choice for US president  (09 Nov 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/320377/thais-reveal-their-choice-for-us-president

American voters have now declared their choice for president, but who would Thais have chosen if they had the chance? A Suan Dusit conducted just before the election gives the answer.

New cabinet follow-up (05 Nov 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/319608/learn-thai-new-cabinet-follow-up

Here is a follow-up story on the Yingluck 3 cabinet. You are likely to see a very similar story some time in the future, probably within a year or so.

King endorses Yingluck 3 (02 Nov 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/319131/learn-thai-king-endorses-yingluck-3

Cabinet changes are a regular part of Thai politics and all require endorsement from His Majesty the King. Here is an introduction to a story on the most recent cabinet reshuffle.

Cars by the million (31 Oct 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/318920/learn-thai-cars-by-the-million

Today, Archarn Sunee turns her attention to the business section of Post Today

3G auction criticised  (25 Oct 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/318184/learn-thai-3g-auction-criticised

You've read about the 3G auction in English; here is a Thai version. It's not easy, but well worth a try.

Sihanouk’s return  (20 Oct 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/317746/sihanouk-s-return

Here’s a follow-up story on the death of former King Sihanouk. Once again the Thai is extremely respectful, following the tradition of using special language for royalty.

Sihanouk dies (17 Oct 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/317307/learn-thai-sihanouk-dies

Since this is a story about royalty you will find the Thai to be far more elaborate than the English.

Sandbag meeting, a Thai version  (15 Oct 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/316973/learn-thai-sandbag-meeting-a-thai-version

We've already covered the "sandbag meeting" in English. Here's an excerpt from a Thai version of the same story.

Chalerm has his say  (12 Oct 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/316679/learn-thai-chalerm-has-his-say

Thai politics would be a lot less colourful without Chalerm Yubamrung. He always has something to say even if it angers people. Here's an example.

Senate debate  (10 Oct 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/316318/learn-thai-senate-debate

If you read about the Thai parliament, you are going to see a special set of vocabulary. Here's a short story excerpt which contains several of the most useful words.

Politics in the news (07 Oct 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/315851/learn-thai-politics-in-the-news

Like it or hate it, Thai politics is a regular part of local news coverage. Here's a short example.

Tennis in the news (05 Oct 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/315615/learn-thai-tennis-in-the-news

Today, Acharn Sunee turns to tennis and a whole new set of vocabulary.

Another video clip makes news (30 Sep 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/314648/learn-thai-another-video-clip-makes-news

YouTube video clips are becoming a major news source here in Thailand as they are in other parts of the world. Here's an example that will likely lead to a court case.

YouTube clip makes news again (27 Sep 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/314334/learn-thai-youtube-clip-makes-news-again

A YouTube clip featuring the mother of the Police doctor arrested in a multiple murder case has caught the interest of both the Thai- and English-language media.

Don Mueang ready for business  (25 Sep 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/313938/learning-thai-don-mueang-ready-for-business

Archarn Sunee gives us a short introduction to the language used to describe air travel.

Getting to know Trang 2  (23 Sep 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-together/313628/learning-thai-getting-to-know-trang-2

Once again, Acharn Sunee has done both a central Thai and a southern Thai version – and, of course, there is an English version as well.

Talking about political unrest  (20 Sep 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/313239/learning-thai-talking-about-political-unrest

People are talking about the Truth for Reconciliation Commission's final report. Here's a start towards helping you enter the conversation.

The flood season  (18 Sep 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/312919/learn-thai-the-flood-season

Today's story contains Thai/English vocabulary you are guaranteed to see again before the flood season finishes, probably more than once.

Actress death mystery  (16 Sep 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/312628/actress-death-mystery

Take a mysterious death, a wealthy and famous actress of the past and suspicious relatives and you have a front-page story. That happened last week. Here is the opening a Post Today story on the subject.

Getting to know Trang 1: ของหรอยเมืองตรัง  (14 Sep 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-together/312336/getting-to-know-trang-1

Roast pork or moo yang, a Trang speciality, is the subject of today's Thai/English lesson. Since this is a very southern story, once again Ajaan Sunee Khaenyuk is doing two versions, one in the central dialect and one in phasaa pak tai.

Abbreviation headaches: น.1, สวป., ผบช.น., พล.ต.ท., กก... (08 Sep 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/311477/learning-thai-abbreviation-headaches-1

Local Thai-language news stories are often full of abbreviations, making life difficult for learners of the language. This is especially true of crime stories like this one.

Phuut Thai, laew laeng Tai  (06 Sep 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/311200/phuut-thai-laew-laeng-tai

Today we'll go one step beyond what we normally do, giving you a chance to listen to both a central Thai version of the story and a version using the southern Thai dialect. And, of course, we'll include an English version.

Big-name signing for BEC Tero Sasana  (05 Sep 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/310968/big-name-signing-for-bec-tero-sasana

Let's try a sports-related story for a change.

"Practice bullets"  (01 Sep 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/310311/learning-thai-practice-bullets

We read the Bangkok Post English version of this story earlier in the week, now let's try an excerpt from the Post Today Thai version.

“Under control”  (28 Aug 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/309730/learning-thai-under-control

Any good political leader currently in power will assure the public that the situation is under control. Here’s an example.

Nicknames  (26 Aug 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/309434/learning-thai-nicknames

When you read Post Today or other Thai language newspapers you will quickly notice they often refer to Thai celebrities by their nicknames.

Donkey wifi  (25 Aug 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/309249/learn-thai-donkey-wifi

Here's another story from Post Today for learners of Thai – or for Thai learners of English.

Call for world to brace for expensive food  (24 Aug 2012)

http://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/learning-from-news/309056/call-for-world-to-brace-for-expensive-food

We now have thousands of readers using stories from the Bangkok Post each day to learn English, but our sister newspaper Post Today can be just as useful for those of you who are learning Thai. Here is an example.