I am Thai and lived in Thailand for over two decades but my Thai proficiency isn't reflective of that. Largely due to my negligence, believing that majority of my adult life will be spent overseas.

This belief was naïve and the pandemic really sealed the case. Neglecting my native language was not wise. I am a local in Thailand, but a foreigner elsewhere (except Japan). Being a foreigner means that governments don't prioritize helping you. If anything happens, like a global pandemic, it's best to be a local. Not to mention job opportunities, VISAs, etc. The pandemic brought me back to my home country and I am not leaving anytime soon. Next step: Get a new grad job.

In search for a job, I had a screening interview at a design studio based in Thailand. Although the company had foreign employees and were considered international, the reality was that majority of their clients were Thai companies, where client teams preferred to communicate in Thai. To my surprise, half the interview were conducted in Thai to gauge my proficiency.

"To put it shortly, it was embarrassing."

I didn't like the possibility of being denied of an opportunity because I am not fluent enough in my native language. So here is my plan.

‍
Here is the plan:
Nothing comprehensive. Keeping it simple enough to continue. For the next while,  I will handwrite song lyrics!