Journal of Higher Education Research

In the context of growing cultural exchanges between China and Thailand, this paper examines the impact of Sino-Thai cultural differences on Thai students’ Chinese language learning and proposes targeted teaching strategies. It outlines key cultural distinctions between the two countries — such as values, customs, and educational traditions — and highlights their influence on Thai learners' study habits and cognitive styles. These cultural gaps often lead to challenges in comprehension and differences in thinking patterns, which may hinder learning outcomes. To address these issues, the paper recommends three main strategies: incorporating Thai cultural elements into Chinese language instruction, fostering intercultural communication competence, and applying flexible, student-centered teaching methods. These approaches aim to enhance Thai students’ engagement, adaptability, and overall effectiveness in learning Chinese. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural understanding in today’s globalized world. By aligning teaching practices with students’ cultural backgrounds, educators can improve the quality of Chinese language education and strengthen cultural ties between China and Thailand.