In his free time, this adorable sixth grader from Phitsanulok guides Western tourists around his local market and teaches them about Thai food. His parents are fully on board with this—they are providing travelers free accommodation, with the condition that they must practice English with their son.
The boy, Panapat “Safe” Liemtrakulpanich, gained attention from Phitsanulok locals for his fluent English. Last week, he was spotted guiding around “Yasmina,” a 27-year-old Swiss tourist, introducing her to local tropical fruit.
Panapat told Phitsanulok Hot News that the Swiss woman was staying at his family’s home after connecting with them via Couchsurfing, and she was happy for him to show her around the market.
“I’m taking her to observe the Thai way of living before I go to school. I explained to her many things, and she’s okay with it,” Panapat said.
Meanwhile, Yasmina said she will be spending two months in Thailand before heading to Myanmar. She is enjoying her stay with the local family, adding that the boy was such a good guide.
Panapat’s father, Monchai, 48, said that he and his wife want their son to practice English, and they have been hosts on Couchsurfing for about one year, welcoming over 20 tourists.
During their homestays, the boy takes tourists to temples and local markets. The family noticed that his English has drastically improved from this effort.
Aside from English tutoring, the family said that this is another efficient way for Thai children to learn English.
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