Niklas and the Storm

A short, engaging Thai story designed to help you make the leap from studying the Thai writing system to actually reading Thai.

Niklas and the Storm is a Level 2 (L2) title in the Start Reading Thai series. It is intended for learners who already know the basics of Thai script — including consonants, vowels and tone markers — and are ready to build confidence reading longer sentences and more varied natural Thai. The story is presented entirely in Thai script, without transliteration, so you can practise recognising words and patterns directly on the page.

The story follows Niklas, a young Swede enjoying his new life in Phuket with his flatmates, Ton and Ben. After the cold, dark winters back home, Thailand’s sunshine seems perfect. When warnings of an approaching storm begin to interrupt everyday life, Niklas isn’t particularly worried. But as the wind strengthens, the lights go out and floodwater rises outside, he discovers a different side of island life — and the comfort of having friends beside him.

Along the way, you’ll encounter practical vocabulary connected with weather, sharing a home, shopping for supplies, preparing for emergencies and expressing feelings. The accompanying vocabulary section also introduces useful expressions and words with trickier spellings, helping you recognise familiar spoken Thai on the page.

The book includes three Language Deep Dives which explore useful vocabulary, grammar and spelling patterns from the story. Each section uses examples, pronunciation guides and English translations to make these features easier to understand.

Inside you’ll find:

• A complete Level 2 story in Thai script
• Chapter-by-chapter vocabulary lists with English meanings and pronunciation guides
• Practical everyday Thai vocabulary and expressions
• Three Language Deep Dives
• Reading tips designed specifically for learners making the transition to reading real Thai

Level: L2 — Intermediate

Best suited to learners who are already familiar with the Thai writing system and have some experience reading connected Thai text, but want to develop greater fluency, expand their vocabulary and become more confident reading natural Thai independently.