desi

The voting is done via Facebook (I couldn't find anywhere else to register a vote). A pain, I know. I refuse to join anything to vote or leave comments on a site, but I already belong to FB so no problem.

The only alternative I can think of is to ask someone to vote for you.

David, there's a whole lot of information online about how to use LingQ with languages such and Chinese (similar concept to Thai). Start at Steve's YouTube channel here: Learn Chinese online with LingQ: #1

It's now to 122 votes.

I know better to complain direct to Chefsxp. The last time I did they deleted my account.

It's Friday. So I went up to Chefsxp.com to get an idea of what I could order for dinner tonight. In find they have a new design (groan). I can't get the site to work. Ideas?

I selected my area at it came back with ...

• Delivery for this zone/provice is not currently available

So I selected "Bangkok, all" and it came back with ...

• Delivery for this zone/provice is not currently available

We've been working on a High Frequency Vocab List (the download is in that post). A Thai teacher is going through it yet again to catch any mistakes. We'll edit the list even further as we work through the series (no list is perfect).

What's always stumped me about these frequency lists is how limited they are without phrases showing usage, so Hugh is doing just that. He picks a subject, selects a range of vocab from the list, and gives explanations and practicals. Audio is added in the followup posts. Here's the series so far.

I voted as well!

Btw ... I'm looking for a way to put a survey on my site (one that allows opinions, not just boxes to click). That might be the easiest way to handle such a large list.

I'd love to hear your opinion on the apps you do use. I have favourites but I do know that my opinions will change as I'm working through the list. Especially if others chip in.

When new apps come on the market I check them out briefly and sometimes I make the wrong assumptions. For instance, I disliked the design of High Tech Thai so I walked away. A friend extolled at length about its virtues and now I'm hooked.

There are sure to be many more apps like that so I'm hoping with this series I'll be able to share just which ones are worth spending money on. But with such a huge list, I'll need help (with outside opinions especially).

I just wanted to give everyone a heads up on a new series about iOS apps for learning Thai.

There are now a great deal of apps on the market for learning Thai but only a handful in each section are worth purchasing. I'll share my opinions in the reviews but I'd like to hear what others have to say as well.

Anyway, do stop by if you have something to add.

The two books I mentioned previously are being given away in a draw: FREE DRAW: James Higbies’ Essential Thai and Thai Reference Grammar

What I want to know: When will this Higbies Ref Grammar book be offered as an e-book. It is high time his publisher joined the rest of the modern publishers and offered an E-BOOK. There are many advantages to buy this text as an EBOOK.

If anyone knows either the AUTHOR or the PUBLISHER, please ask when this Ref Grammar will be offered as an EBOOK, an update us here.

Thanks.

Do you know if the author will be signing his copy on site?

From Jim: "Orchid Press is working on it, and the Orchid Press Catalogue is online and some of its books have been made into e-books already".

Over lunch, Jim signed the books for me to give away in the draw. The winner didn't meet him.

The two books I mentioned previously are being given away in a draw: FREE DRAW: James Higbies’ Essential Thai and Thai Reference Grammar

"my idea is to keep discussion to minimum and just keep the sentences coming"

TV already has Sentence Builder. With all the comments and disagreements, it's confusing. One way to manage it on a forum is to have two separate sections. One for open discussion, the other (locked) for the top picks (linking to the discussion).

I like the way they always repeat what was learnt in the previous lesson. But with any of this I think practice is key.

If the Pimsleur method is how you learn, with Gradint you can take an existing audio course and create your own version. I haven't done it yet (soon....) Or you can record your Thai lessons and plop them in.

Thank, desi, for this.

I have just looked at it and I will use it. Hopefully, also, this additional posting of this information will be of benefit to other Thai learners.

If you buy their full version you can add your own cards. Handy for going over what you are learning in class.

Ok I already downloaded the pimsleur series on my phone so will complete those and then start on the book.

The Pimsleur Method is excellent but Pimsleur Thai falls short. You'll quickly get phrases dripping off your tongue (it's quite amazing) but you'll have to relearn a few things.

Two of my favourite study books are Thai Reference Grammar and Essential Thai (both by James Higbie).

Most Thai language books can be bought from DCO (they ship from within Thailand or outside).

Here's Thai Reference Grammar

After being off the market for years, Essential Thai has been revamped.

BYKI is the best I've found (there are a few mistakes, not many). Here's their free download: http://www.byki.com/fls/free-thai-software-download.html

They also have a section generated by members: http://www.byki.com/category/Thai/a/

Mainly the reading and writing part, for sure an online course would be perfect, thats why I asked if anyone has any experience with the 'Learn Thai fast' [or was it quick?] that has or had an add on this forum.

Reading and writing are mostly self-study. The best books (in my opinion anyway) are: Introduction to Thai Reading and Everyday Thai for Beginners. To learn how to write Thai realistically (not grade school Thai) get Reading Thai is Fun. Btw - DCO books (in the links) delivers anywhere in Thailand - no need to order from amazon or go through the hassle of tracking them down on bookstores.

Discussions on the 'Learn Thai Quickly' course can be found all over the Thai language forum. I have an old version. Vincent put a lot of work into the program and if you stick with it you will learn how to read Thai. It will also increase your vocabulary.

Learn Thai Podcast (advertised as 'Learn to Speak Thai Fast') will also teach you to read Thai as well as increase your vocab immensely. They have an enormous amount of videos covering many subjects.

When you get to the point where you need your Thai writing critiqued, Thai Skype teachers are the way to go. There are many decent online teachers available at various prices (just google). Learning via Skype is great because 1) you can record the conversations automatically and 2) you don't have to deal with traffic, the heat, etc.

Good luck.

I haven't been able to find Yerba Mate in Thailand.

iherb.com has reasonable shipping to Thailand (but not to the UK - I learned the hard way... customs was a killer)

Six boxes of Yerba Mate (150 tea bags) will only cost you US$6 for postage.

"My understanding is that it is no longer possible for American citizens to have additional pages added to their passports."

Extra visa pages: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/extra_visa_pages.html

Procedure to obtain extra visa pages

• Complete an application form, DS-4085. Complete and print your online application.
  
• Make an appointment
  
• Submit the application to the American Citizen Services section between 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  
• Pay the required fee. The fee for additional visa pages is $82.
  
• Allow one hour for this service. We can do this while you wait.
  

"So, what online company do you use to get your vitamins?"

iHerb.com... very reasonable prices to Thailand.

Are there any landscape photographers out there?

I have the Canon Kiss and the 7D. My lens collection concentrates on close - medium range.

I'd like to venture into landscape but I don't know which lens to buy.

The price range would be around US$300+

Any advice would be welcomed - I'm a total newbie at landscape but Thailand is dragging me into it.

Ditto what the others suggested on the tourist visa.

Moving to a new country is a big investment, so might as well invest a bit of time before you come.

If you've never been here before, start reading up on the city. My favourite books for those coming into BKK are:

Bangkok Found

Very Thai

Bangkok Guide

If you are gregarious, before you arrive make connections with the women's groups in Bangkok. If you are into history and culture, then consider joining the Bangkok Museum bunch as they learn about the city and surroundings. The Siam Society will also keep you busy. BNOW has a few activities listed that might catch your interest. There's also an ebook written for expat women in Thailand. I'm not sure if Amy is still updating it but the information is very good.

I couldn't imagine living with my son and his wife but I don't know what your arrangements will be. If it were me, I'd find a full service condo for the trip.

Once here, start jotting down phone numbers of the taxi drivers who speak reasonable English. You won't have enough time to learn Thai so might as well avail yourself of the best tour guides in the city. A good taxi driver can also help you find that illusive something or somewhere that could take months to locate in this huge city. Don't pay by metre, pay by lots of time. I have a four hour agreement and an all day out of Bangkok one too. We even go for overnighters (again, a different pay scale).

If you are into getting around the city on your own, then start studying the maps for busses, Sky trains, and underground. This can be done before arrival.

There is bound to be a bit of culture shock coming into a new country but keeping busy has always been the answer for me. Not too busy, but enough so I feel like I'm a part of my new home and not so much of an outsider.

Some love it here, some hate it. I have a love / hate relationship with Bangkok. The city has a special excitement to it and I know if I leave I'll miss it terribly. I do not work here and found that retirement is hard work! I'm enjoying myself though. I bought a camera and I spend some of my time researching parts of the city. It's going to take me years to make a dent in what's here.

Good luck on whatever you chose to do in the city! And I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.