Does having a nice smile make someone a good dentist?

Of course not! A dentist needs to have the right education and qualifications. In the same way, being able to speak a language doesn’t automatically qualify you to teach it. Not all native speakers can be good language teachers. Now, meet SEAL’s highly trained and experienced team that can help you meet your language goals.

Sunan Piamchonthan

Thai language

Sunan is the owner and head teacher of the SEAL Language School. Sunan is a graduate of Chiang Rai Rajabhat University with a degree in Education and English. Upon graduation, Sunan passed the examination to be a government teacher, and returned to his hometown in Mae Hong Son to teach at a government school. After teaching for the government, Sunan returned to Chiang Rai five years ago to focus on teaching Thai to foreigners. Sunan also has experience in translating, having been selected by Hillsong United to translate their songs from English to Thai. With his background in music, Sunan is a stickler about tones and proper pronunciation, which benefits his students. He desires for his students to be able to speak, read, and write in Thai as well as enjoy living life in Thailand. Sunan is also well versed in Thai history and culture and integrates them into his language teaching to enhance his students’ learning experience.

Julie Smude

English Language

Julie serves SEAL’s English program as a consultant and advisor. Julie has nearly 20 years of experience teaching English in Thailand and training English teachers from all over the world. Julie is a graduate of Bemidji State University and has a Cert IV TESOL (with honors) from the University of the Nations Hawaii as well as Diploma of TESOL from SEA English Academy, an English language and TESOL-certification school she founded. Julie is also the founder and president of Deeper Still Ministries International, a foundation focused on discipling young people. Julie has provided invaluable input into SEAL’s English language curriculum, teacher training and program development. Julie is now retired and resides in Chiang Rai. She enjoys spending time with her lovely grandchildren as much as distance allows.