Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [99]
Thai Boxing
Training in moo·ay tai (also spelt muay thai) for foreigners has increased in popularity in the past five years and many camps all over the country are tailoring their programs for English-speaking fighters. The following camps provide instruction in English and accept men and women. Food and accommodation can often be provided for an extra charge. The website www.muaythai.com contains loads of information on training camps.
Fairtex Muay Thai (off Map; 0 2755 3329; www.muaythaifairtex.com; 99/5 Mu 3, Soi Buthamanuson, Th Thaeparak, Bangpli, Samut Prakan; tuition per day 1100B) A popular, long-running camp south of Bangkok.
Muay Thai Institute (Map; 0 2992 0096; www.muaythai-institute.net; Rangsit Stadium, 336/932 Th Prachatipat, Pathum Thani; tuition for 1st level 6400B) Associated with the respected World Muay Thai Council, the institute offers a fundamental course (consisting of three levels of expertise), which can be completed in 120 days, as well as courses for instructors, referees and judges. If you’re interested, make an appointment to visit the facility, which is north of Bangkok, and watch the teachers and students at work.
Sor. Vorapin Gym (Map; 0 2282 3551; www.thaiboxings.com; 13 Trok Krasab, Th Chakraphong; tuition per day/month 500/9000B) Specialises in training foreign students of both genders; the gym is sweating distance from Th Khao San and more serious training is held at a gym outside the city.
Thai Language
AAA Thai Language Center (Map; 0 2655 5629; www.aaathai.com; 6th fl, 29 Vanissa Bldg, Th Chitlom; Skytrain Chitlom) Opened by a group of experienced Thai language teachers from other schools, good-value AAA Thai has a loyal following.
American University Alumni Language Centre (AUA; Map; 0 2252 8170; www.auathai.com; 179 Th Ratchadamri; tuition per hr 102B; Skytrain Ratchadamri) Run by the American University Alumni and one of the largest English-language teaching institutes in the world. There are 10 levels consisting of 200 hours’ worth of class time that can be completed within a sliding timescale. The teaching method is based on the natural language acquisition of children, first focusing on listening and comprehension, and then advancing to speaking and reading.
Chulalongkorn University Intensive Thai Program (Map; 0 2218 4640; www.inter.chula.ac.th; Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Th Phayathai; Skytrain Siam) Offers three different levels (basic, intermediate and advanced) of Thai-language coursework with each level lasting five weeks (100 hours of study). Contact the department for tuition, enrolment and accommodation queries.
Pro Language (Map; 0 2250 0072; www.prolanguage.co.th; 10th fl, Times Square Bldg, 246 Th Sukhumvit; Skytrain Asoke) A favourite of expat professionals. Pro Language starts with the basics and increases in difficulty to the advanced level, which involves studying examples of Thai literature. Classes are thematically designed: asking questions, giving opinions, business Thai, and the like.
Siri Pattana Thai Language School (Map; 0 2677 3150; siri_pattanathai@hotmail.com; Bangkok Insurance Bldg, 13 Th Sathon Tai; tuition from 7500B) Located in front of the YWCA building, offers Thai-language courses that cover 30 hours broken into one- or two-hour classes per day, as well as preparation for the or hòk (teaching proficiency exam).
Union Language School (Map; 0 2214 6033; www.unionlanguageschool.com; 7th fl, 328 CCT Office Bldg, Th Phayathai; tuition from 7200B; Skytrain Ratchathewi) Generally recognised as having the best and most rigorous courses (many missionaries study here). Union employs a balance of structure- and communication-oriented methodologies in 80-hour, four-week modules.
Thai Massage
Thai Traditional Medical Services Society (Map; 0