This qualitative research aimed to identify cross-cultural communication processes and the Thai language usage of international students at Thai universities. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data from 32 international students selected by snowball sampling, and descriptive analysis was used to determine the outcome. The study identified 5 factors contributing to a better communication process and Thai language usage for international students as both message senders and receivers. They are communication skills, attitudes, knowledge, social systems, and culture. The international students with a positive attitude toward Thai people and culture generally were found to master the Thai language faster and to understand Thai culture better. The study also found that casual or informal conversations with Thai acquaintances or friends facilitated understanding of the nature of Thai people and Thai society. Having face to face conversations or conversations on social media were found to be the best communication platforms for fostering cultural understanding between Thai people and international students.