Privacy Policy – TLT-UK Blog

1. Thai Language Tuition UK

At Thai Language Tuition UK (TLT-UK), I respect your privacy and am committed to protecting your personal information. I understand the importance of keeping your information secure and handling it responsibly.

This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, store and protect your personal information when you visit the TLT-UK website, enquire about Thai language tuition, register as a student or receive tuition and learning support. It also explains your rights regarding your personal information and how you can contact me if you have any questions or concerns about the way your information is handled.

I aim to be transparent about the information I collect, why I need it and how it is used, so that you can feel confident and informed when engaging with Thai Language Tuition UK (TLT-UK).

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully before submitting personal information or registering for tuition.

2. Who I Am and How to Contact Me

Thai Language Tuition UK (TLT-UK) is operated by Urai Khomkham.

This Privacy Policy applies to the following websites operated by Thai Language Tuition UK:

References to the TLT-UK website throughout this policy include any of the websites listed above.

I am responsible for handling your personal information in connection with TLT-UK and ensuring that it is processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, how your personal information is handled, or wish to exercise your data protection rights, you can contact me using the following details.

Business name: Thai Language Tuition UK (TLT-UK)
Business owner: Urai Khomkham
Business registration number: 2293434
Contact email: support@thailanguagetuition.com

3. Personal Information I Collect

The personal information I collect depends on how you interact with Thai Language Tuition UK and the services you use. This may include the following:

3.1 Personal and Contact Information

When you make an enquiry, request an introductory session or register for tuition, I may collect:

Your name
Date of birth
Email address
Telephone number
Other contact details you choose to provide

Your date of birth is collected for student administration purposes and is used as part of the process of creating your unique TLT-UK Student ID number. This helps me maintain accurate student records and identify individual student accounts.

3.2 Thai Language Learning Information

To understand your learning needs and provide suitable tuition, I may collect information about:

Your previous experience of learning Thai
Your current level of Thai
Your reasons and motivation for learning the language
Your personal learning goals and interests
Your preferred learning approach and any specific learning requirements you choose to share

This information helps me prepare your Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and tailor lessons to your individual needs.

3.3 Tuition and Learning Records

During your time as a TLT-UK student, I may keep records relating to your tuition, including:

Your Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
Lesson notes and learning activities
Homework assignments and completed exercises
Progress assessments and feedback
Lesson attendance and scheduling arrangements
Communications relating to your learning and tuition

These records help me monitor your progress, maintain continuity between lessons and provide appropriate learning support.

3.4 Payment and Transaction Information

I collect and retain information relating to tuition fees, registration fees, invoices and payments. This may include payment dates, amounts, transaction references and outstanding balances.

Payments can be made by bank transfer or through Stripe, our online payment provider. When you pay through Stripe, your payment details are processed by Stripe. I may receive payment confirmations and transaction information needed to manage your tuition account and financial records.

3.5 Website and Technical Information

When you visit a TLT-UK website, certain technical information may be collected automatically through the website or services used to operate it. Depending on your cookie preferences and the services in use, this may include:

Your IP address
Browser type and version
Device information
Pages visited and how you interact with the website
General website usage and diagnostic information

TLT-UK uses Google Analytics to help understand how visitors use the websites and identify ways to improve them. This may involve the collection of website usage information through cookies or similar technologies. Further information about cookies and website analytics is provided in the relevant sections of this Privacy Policy.

I aim to collect only personal information that is relevant and necessary for the operation of TLT-UK, the provision of tuition and the management of my business.

4. How I Collect Your Information

I collect personal information in several ways, depending on how you interact with Thai Language Tuition UK.

4.1 Directly from You

Most of the personal information I collect is provided directly by you. This may happen when you:

Complete an enquiry or contact form on one of the TLT-UK websites.
Contact me by email, telephone or other communication channels.
Request or arrange a free introductory session.
Complete the TLT-UK student registration form.
Provide information about your Thai language background, learning goals and interests.
Participate in lessons, complete homework or submit learning activities.
Make tuition or registration fee payments.
Contact me with questions, feedback or requests relating to your tuition.

4.2 Through Your Use of the TLT-UK Websites

When you visit any of the TLT-UK websites, certain technical and usage information may be collected automatically through cookies, Google Analytics and other website technologies, depending on your cookie preferences and the services in use.

This information helps me understand how visitors use the websites, monitor website performance and improve the overall experience.

4.3 Through Third-Party Services

Some personal information may be collected or processed through third-party services used to operate TLT-UK and provide tuition. These may include:

Stripe: When you make an online payment, Stripe processes the relevant payment information and provides transaction details or confirmation.
Google Analytics: Used to collect website usage information and help me understand visitor activity.
Online form services (Microsoft Forms and Google Forms): Used to collect information through TLT-UK forms, including student registration details, surveys, feedback forms and other questionnaires relating to tuition and learning activities. Information submitted through these forms is processed using the respective service providers.
Online learning and communication platforms: Information may be created, shared or stored through the platforms used to deliver lessons, communicate with students and provide learning materials.

I use these services only where they are relevant to the operation of TLT-UK and the services provided. I do not knowingly collect personal information from third parties for purposes unrelated to your enquiries, registration or tuition.

5. How I Use Your Personal Information

I use the personal information I collect for purposes connected with operating Thai Language Tuition UK, managing student registrations and providing Thai language tuition.

This may include using your information for the following purposes:

5.1 Managing Enquiries and Introductory Sessions

Responding to enquiries and requests for information about TLT-UK.
Arranging and managing free introductory sessions.
Understanding your previous experience, interests and reasons for learning Thai.
Providing information about tuition options, fees and enrolment arrangements.

5.2 Student Registration and Administration

Processing student registration forms.
Creating and maintaining student records.
Generating your unique TLT-UK Student ID number.
Managing enrolment details and tuition arrangements.
Keeping contact and administrative information up to date.

5.3 Providing Personalised Thai Language Tuition

Preparing your Individual Learning Plan (ILP).
Planning lessons according to your current level, learning goals and individual needs.
Preparing personalised learning materials and resources.
Recording lesson activities, homework and assessment results.
Monitoring your progress and providing appropriate feedback and learning support.

5.4 Communication and Student Support

Communicating with you about lessons, schedules and tuition arrangements.
Sharing lesson notes, homework assignments and learning resources.
Responding to questions and providing support relating to your learning.
Sending important updates about TLT-UK services, policies or arrangements.

5.5 Processing Payments and Managing Financial Records

Processing tuition fees and registration fee payments.
Issuing invoices and payment reminders where applicable.
Keeping records of payments, transactions and outstanding balances.
Managing financial administration and meeting relevant accounting obligations.

5.6 Improving TLT-UK Websites and Services

Understanding how visitors use the TLT-UK websites.
Reviewing website performance and identifying areas for improvement.
Using surveys and feedback forms to understand student experiences.
Improving tuition arrangements, learning resources and the overall student experience.

5.7 Legal, Security and Business Requirements

Maintaining appropriate business and student records.
Protecting the security of TLT-UK websites, systems and information.
Preventing and addressing misuse, fraud or security concerns.
Meeting applicable legal, regulatory and financial obligations.

I will use your personal information only where there is an appropriate reason to do so and in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

6. Legal Basis for Processing Personal Information

Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and applicable data protection legislation, I must have a valid legal reason, known as a lawful basis, for collecting and using your personal information.

Depending on the purpose, I rely on the following lawful bases:

6.1 Contractual Necessity

I process personal information where it is necessary to take steps at your request before entering into a tuition arrangement or to fulfil my obligations once you become a TLT-UK student.

This includes:

Responding to enquiries and arranging introductory sessions.
Processing student registrations and managing enrolment.
Preparing Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
Providing lessons, learning materials and ongoing tuition support.
Managing lesson schedules and communicating about tuition.
Processing tuition payments and maintaining student accounts.

6.2 Legitimate Interests

I may process personal information where it is necessary for the legitimate interests of TLT-UK, provided those interests do not override your rights and freedoms.

These interests may include:

Maintaining accurate student records and creating unique Student ID numbers.
Managing and improving the operation of TLT-UK.
Reviewing student feedback to improve tuition and learning resources.
Maintaining website security and monitoring website performance.
Managing business administration and responding to enquiries.

I will consider your privacy and ensure that any processing under this lawful basis is appropriate and proportionate.

6.3 Legal Obligations

I may need to process and retain certain personal information to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. This includes maintaining appropriate financial and transaction records for accounting and tax purposes, and responding to lawful requests from relevant authorities where required.

6.4 Consent

In certain circumstances, I may ask for your consent before collecting or using personal information for a specific purpose.

Where consent is the appropriate lawful basis, you will be given a clear explanation of what you are agreeing to. You can withdraw your consent at any time, although this will not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out before consent was withdrawn.

For non-essential cookies and similar website technologies, your consent will be requested where required by applicable cookie and privacy regulations.

The lawful basis used will depend on the purpose for which your personal information is being processed. I will not use your personal information for a new purpose that is incompatible with the original purpose without an appropriate lawful basis.

7. Learning Records and Student Progress

As part of providing personalised Thai language tuition, I maintain learning records for registered TLT-UK students. These records help me understand each student’s development, plan appropriate lessons and provide consistent learning support.

Learning records may include:

Your Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and learning objectives.
Your current Thai language level and learning needs.
Lesson notes, topics covered and activities completed.
Vocabulary, grammar and language skills being developed.
Homework assignments and completed exercises.
Listening, speaking, reading and writing activities, where applicable.
Progress assessments, feedback and recommendations for further learning.
Areas of strength and topics that may require additional practice.

I use these records to:

Monitor your progress throughout your learning journey.
Plan lessons that reflect your current abilities and learning goals.
Identify areas where further explanation, practice or support may be helpful.
Review and update your ILP as your knowledge and skills develop.
Maintain continuity between lessons, particularly when there is a break in tuition.
Provide meaningful feedback and guidance about your progress.

Learning records are maintained for educational and administrative purposes and are treated as confidential. They are not intended to be shared with other students or unrelated third parties.

You may contact me if you would like to ask about the learning information I hold about you or exercise your data protection rights in relation to these records.

Online lessons are not routinely recorded, and I do not make audio or video recordings of student lessons. Learning progress is documented through written lesson notes, exercises, assessments and other educational records.

8. Online Lessons and Communication

Thai Language Tuition UK provides private online Thai language tuition. Online lessons and student communications involve the use of digital platforms and communication services.

8.1 Online Lessons

Lessons are delivered through Microsoft Teams. When you participate in an online lesson, certain information may be processed by Microsoft as part of providing the service. This may include your name, account details, contact information and technical information relating to your use of the platform.

I use Microsoft Teams to conduct lessons and support communication between myself and students. Online lessons are not routinely recorded, and I do not make audio or video recordings of student lessons.

8.2 Communication with Students

I may communicate with you by email and through the online platforms and communication channels used by TLT-UK.

These communications may relate to:

Introductory sessions and student registration.
Lesson bookings, schedules and changes.
Learning materials, homework and lesson notes.
Questions about Thai language learning.
Progress updates and feedback.
Tuition payments and administrative matters.
Important announcements and changes to TLT-UK arrangements.

I may retain relevant communications where necessary for student administration, continuity of tuition or business record-keeping.

8.3 Sharing Learning Materials and Information

Learning materials, lesson notes, homework assignments and other educational resources may be shared electronically through the online learning platforms and communication channels used by TLT-UK.

Students are responsible for keeping their account details secure and taking reasonable care when accessing or sharing their learning resources.

8.4 Third-Party Platform Privacy

Microsoft Teams and other digital services used by TLT-UK are provided by third-party companies and are subject to their own privacy policies and data protection practices.

I encourage students to familiarise themselves with the privacy information provided by these services. TLT-UK does not control how third-party providers independently process personal information in accordance with their own terms and policies.

9. Sharing Your Personal Information

I respect your privacy and do not sell, rent or trade your personal information to third parties. However, in order to operate Thai Language Tuition UK and provide tuition services, it may be necessary to share certain personal information with trusted third-party service providers or relevant authorities.

I only share information where there is an appropriate reason and where it is necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.

9.1 Third-Party Service Providers

I use certain third-party services to support the operation of TLT-UK, deliver online lessons, manage student information and process payments. These may include:

Microsoft: Microsoft services, including Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Forms, are used for online lessons, communication and collecting information through student registration forms, surveys and feedback questionnaires.
Google: Google services, including Google Forms and Google Analytics, may be used to collect information through forms and understand how visitors use the TLT-UK websites.
Stripe: Stripe is used to process online payments and provide transaction information relating to tuition and registration fees.
Banking and payment providers: Banks and other relevant payment providers may process information when you make or receive payments by bank transfer or other payment methods.

These providers may process personal information on my behalf or for their own purposes, depending on the service they provide. Their handling of personal information is subject to their respective privacy policies and applicable data protection requirements.

9.2 Legal and Regulatory Requirements

I may disclose personal information where necessary to comply with legal obligations, respond to lawful requests or protect my legal rights. This may include sharing relevant financial or business records with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), or providing information to other relevant authorities where legally required.

9.3 Other Circumstances

I may share personal information where you have specifically requested or authorised me to do so, or where sharing is otherwise permitted or required by law.

I do not share student information with other students or unrelated third parties for purposes unrelated to the operation of TLT-UK.

Where third-party providers process personal information on my behalf, I take reasonable steps to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place to protect that information.

10. How I Store and Protect Your Information

I take the security and confidentiality of your personal information seriously. I aim to ensure that information collected through Thai Language Tuition UK is handled responsibly and protected against unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration or disclosure.

10.1 Storage of Personal Information

Personal information may be stored electronically on my computer and through the digital platforms and services used to operate TLT-UK, manage student records, deliver online lessons and communicate with students.

These may include Microsoft and Google services, together with payment and financial records maintained through relevant banking and payment providers.

I take care to keep student information organised and protected, ensuring that it is accessed and used only when necessary for the operation and administration of TLT-UK.

10.2 Protecting Your Information

I take reasonable steps to protect personal information and maintain its confidentiality. These measures include:

Taking care when handling and sharing personal information.
Limiting access to student information to authorised use for TLT-UK business purposes.
Using appropriate account security measures to protect access to digital services.
Taking care when sending emails, sharing learning materials and communicating student information.
Using reputable third-party service providers that have their own security and data protection arrangements.
Using antivirus software and appropriate security measures to help protect my computer and stored information against malware and other security threats.

10.3 Security and Confidentiality

Although I take reasonable steps to protect your personal information, no method of electronic storage or transmission over the internet can be guaranteed to be completely secure. I regularly aim to handle information responsibly and take appropriate action if I become aware of a security issue affecting personal information held by TLT-UK.

Where a personal data breach occurs, I will take appropriate steps in accordance with applicable data protection requirements, including notifying affected individuals or the relevant authorities where legally required.

11. How Long I Keep Your Information

I retain personal information only for as long as it is necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, including meeting any legal, accounting or business requirements.

Different types of information may be kept for different periods, depending on their purpose.

11.1 Enquiries and Introductory Sessions

If you contact TLT-UK but decide not to proceed with tuition, I will normally retain your personal information for up to 12 months after our last contact. This allows me to manage any follow-up communication and maintain appropriate business records. After this period, information that is no longer needed will be securely deleted, unless there is a legitimate or legal reason to retain it for longer.

11.2 Current and Former Student Records

While you are an active TLT-UK student, I retain the personal information and learning records necessary to manage your tuition and support your progress.

When your tuition ends, I will normally retain relevant student and learning records for up to two years from the date your tuition ends. This allows me to deal with follow-up enquiries, maintain continuity where appropriate and address any questions or issues relating to previous tuition.

After this period, records will be securely deleted or anonymised unless there is a legitimate or legal reason to retain them for longer.

11.3 Financial and Payment Records

Financial information, including invoices, payment records and transaction details, will be retained for the periods required by applicable tax and accounting legislation.

For Self Assessment purposes, business records will generally be kept for at least five years after the 31 January submission deadline for the relevant tax year.

11.4 Website and Technical Information

Website usage and analytics information may be retained by the relevant service providers in accordance with their own retention settings and policies.

I will review the information held through TLT-UK websites and services and take reasonable steps to ensure that personal information is not retained for longer than necessary.

11.5 Secure Deletion of Information

When personal information is no longer required, I will take reasonable steps to delete it securely or anonymise it so that it can no longer be used to identify you.

Certain information may need to be retained for longer where required by law or where necessary to establish, exercise or defend legal claims.

12. Your Data Protection Rights

Under applicable UK data protection legislation, you have certain rights regarding the personal information I hold about you.

Depending on the circumstances and the lawful basis used to process your information, these rights may include:

12.1 Right to Access

You have the right to request a copy of the personal information I hold about you and to ask for details about how it is being used.

12.2 Right to Rectification

You have the right to ask me to correct personal information that is inaccurate or incomplete.

12.3 Right to Erasure

You may request the deletion of your personal information in certain circumstances. However, I may need to retain certain information where there is a legal obligation or another valid reason to do so, such as maintaining financial records for tax purposes.

12.4 Right to Restrict Processing

You may ask me to restrict the use of your personal information in certain circumstances, for example, while the accuracy of information is being checked.

12.5 Right to Data Portability

In certain circumstances, you have the right to request your personal information in a commonly used, machine-readable format or ask for it to be transferred to another organisation where technically feasible.

12.6 Right to Object

You may object to the processing of your personal information where I rely on legitimate interests as the lawful basis. I will consider your objection and stop processing your information unless I have compelling legitimate grounds to continue or another lawful reason applies.

12.7 Right to Withdraw Consent

Where I rely on your consent to process personal information, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time. This will not affect the lawfulness of any processing carried out before your consent was withdrawn.

12.8 How to Exercise Your Rights

If you wish to exercise any of these rights or have questions about the personal information I hold about you, please contact me at:

Email: support@thailanguagetuition.com

Please provide enough information for me to understand and respond to your request. I may need to verify your identity before providing personal information or making changes to your records.

I will respond to your request within the time limits required by applicable data protection legislation. In most cases, this will be within one month of receiving your request, although extensions may be permitted for complex requests.

12.9 Right to Make a Complaint

If you are unhappy with how I have handled your personal information, I encourage you to contact me first so that I can try to resolve your concerns.

You also have the right to make a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the UK’s independent data protection regulator.

Website: https://ico.org.uk/
Telephone: 0303 123 1113

13. Cookies and Website Privacy

The TLT-UK websites use cookies and similar technologies to support website functionality, understand visitor activity and improve the online experience.

13.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember certain information and provide different functions.

Cookies may be used for purposes such as:
Supporting essential website functionality.
Remembering website preferences.
Understanding how visitors use the websites.
Analysing website performance and identifying areas for improvement.

13.2 Google Analytics

TLT-UK uses Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with its websites.

Google Analytics may collect information such as pages visited, time spent on pages, browser and device information, and general website usage activity. This information helps me understand visitor behaviour and improve the websites.

Google Analytics may use cookies and similar technologies to collect this information. Non-essential analytics cookies will only be used where the required consent has been obtained.

13.3 Cookie Consent and Preferences

Where required, visitors will be given the opportunity to accept or reject non-essential cookies and manage their cookie preferences.

You can change or withdraw your cookie consent at any time through the cookie settings available on the relevant website, where provided.

You may also manage or delete cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect how some website features function.

13.4 Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies or similar technologies may be provided by third-party services used on the TLT-UK websites.

These providers may collect information in accordance with their own privacy policies and cookie practices. Further information about third-party services is provided elsewhere in this Privacy Policy.

13.5 Further Information

For further information about cookies and how they are used, please refer to the cookie information and preferences available on the relevant TLT-UK website.

14. Third-Party Services and External Links

The TLT-UK websites may contain links to external websites, platforms or services that are not operated or controlled by Thai Language Tuition UK.

These links may be provided for your convenience, to give you access to additional information, learning resources or services that may be relevant to your Thai language learning journey.

Please be aware that once you leave a TLT-UK website and access an external website or service, this Privacy Policy no longer applies to your activity on that website or service.

External websites and services may have their own privacy policies, cookie policies and data protection practices. I do not control how these third parties collect, use or protect your personal information.

I encourage you to review the privacy policy of any external website or service before providing personal information or using its features.

Where third-party content or services are incorporated into a TLT-UK website, those providers may also process information in accordance with their own privacy policies and applicable terms.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

I may update or revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in how Thai Language Tuition UK operates, how personal information is handled, changes to the services or platforms I use, or updates to applicable data protection legislation.

Whenever this Privacy Policy is updated, the revised version will be published on the TLT-UK websites, with the updated date shown at the beginning or end of the policy.

I encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how your personal information is collected, used, stored and protected.

Where significant changes are made that materially affect how your personal information is handled, I will take appropriate steps to make you aware of those changes.

16. Contact and Privacy Enquiries

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, how Thai Language Tuition UK collects or uses your personal information, or how your information is stored and protected, please feel free to contact me.

You may also contact me if you wish to exercise your data protection rights, request access to your personal information, ask for corrections, or raise any concerns about the way your information is handled.

Contact details:

Thai Language Tuition UK (TLT-UK)
Business owner: Urai Khomkham
Email: support@thailanguagetuition.com

I will do my best to respond to your enquiry and address any concerns in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

If you remain dissatisfied with how your personal information has been handled, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

Website: https://ico.org.uk/
Telephone: 0303 123 1113