ศาลาชุมนุม

[Glenn Slayden]

One of this website's users sent me the following instructions for enabling Thai input (typing) on your Apple iPhone.

I don't have an iPhone and haven't tried it so these instructions are at your own risk. I disclaim any responsibility for any problems or damage caused by this "as-is" information.

Step 1: "Jailbreak" the iPhone. This is well documented on many sites such as http://www.iphonehacks.com/2008/03/youtube-fix.html
Step 2: Ensure you have the Installer app on your home screen. This should have been done as part of step 1.
Step 3: Go to the Installer app, click on sources, edit and add http://i.freemyiphone.com (It took me a while to find this site).
Step 4: On the install page of the Installer app, scroll down to FreeMyIPhone.com (Thai) and install the Thai system fonts. Reboot the iPhone and test in the browser.
Step 5: On the install page of the Installer app, scroll down to FreeMyIPhone.com (Thai) and install the Mobile Enhancer.
Step 6: On the install page of the Installer app, scroll down to FreeMyIPhone.com (Thai) and install the FMiP (Thai) Keyboard.
Step 7: Go to Settings- > General -> International -> Keyboards and turn the Russian keyboard on. That's right, Russian. (It took me a while to figure this out too.)
Step 8: When you are typing, click the Globe icon in the lower left to switch your keyboard. Magically, it's Thai!

[heavycrag]

Hello, this is Nate who wrote the instructions.

Just a clarification, step 1 should say Jailbreak [ok, I fixed the steps--thanks--G.S.], not unlock. In the iPhone world "jailbreak" refers to enabling third-party applications, while "unlock" refers to enabling different cellular carriers. Some people do both, but if you already own an iPhone and you're not interested in switching cellular carriers then jailbreak is all you need to do.

Also, another source to add is

http://www.smart-mobile.com/beta

That one has a Thai-English and English-Thai dictionary that can be installed (along with weDict--available from the standard repository) and used when you don't have internet access! I'm loving all of it and I hope I can use such tools to learn and practice Thai.

Good luck,
Nate

[Mike Goodtime]

I also do not have an iphone, but I may buy one if it is actually possible to work with Thai script on the iphone. Can anyone confirm the above instructions work on an iphone?

I would like to read Thai websites, and send and receive Thai instant messages via MSNMessenger or "regular" texting to phone numbers via the iphone.

Thank!

[heavycrag]

Just wanted to update this topic. The iPhone 2.0 firmware includes the Thai font by default. (Yeah!)

To get the Thai keyboard you still have to jailbreak your iPhone. Note: The Thai keyboard files for 2.x firmware are different than the keyboard files for 1.x firmware. Use the installer sources I mentioned before.

Good luck!
เน็ท Nate

[heavycrag]

By the way, text messages that contain Thai letters are transmitted just fine via AT&T in the USA to another iPhone. Obviously a different phone that doesn't have a Thai font will not be able to display the letters. Your mileage may vary with different carriers too.

[heavycrag]

Here we go:

http://www.smart-mobile.com/wp-blog/archives/116

It took me a while to find it again. :-)

[pantamit]

heavycrag

your link for getting thai fonts on firmware 2.0 looks really insteresting but i could not get the files because im not the member. And its quite complicated and hard to register there. So is there any way you can help so we can retrieve the files on that site?

thanks!

[KatieH48]

Just super info - I was able to preprogram my boyfriend's xmas gift (new IPhone) with English-Thai - it was a big hit! Voip Girl

[heavycrag]

Great news everyone! The iPhone 3.0 firmware that will be released on June 17, 2009 will include the Thai keyboard by default! FINALLY!



So after June 17th, upgrade using iTunes and then go into your keyboard settings to turn the Thai keyboard on!

[sanuksanaan]

Hello

I have just returned from Thailand where I was able to use my unlocked I Phone with True Mobile Network. It works great and now True has an I Phone App called ThaiDict. It is available in the Itunes app store (at least in the US store). It works great in both directions and is free. I think you must have the latest Iphone or Itouch with the latest software.

Sanuksanaan