Hello, I am new to Thaivisa and posting topics. I'm retiring to Chaing Mai at the end of 2010 and want to master some Thai prior to arriving. I have see several cd/dvd packages advertised and wondered if anyone could recommend one, from experience

Thanks

Sam

Perth WA

Hello.

From my experience, I can recommend you "Thai for Beginners" by Benjawan Poomsan Becker with the attached CDs.

Had a great time in Chiang Mai last February.

Don't get Rosetta Stone, it's not very useful in everyday situations and is very expensive. Also don't <b>buy</b> any of the FSI course (from places like Langocity). It's available free online, so it might be worth a try if you can handle a course that's over 40 years old with a very strong American accent from the English speaker.

I'm halfway through Pimsleur's Thai and I've learnt to count, tell the time, get directions, say where I'm from, say that I can speak/understand Thai but not very well, ask how much I have to pay, and order beer and wine (among other things). It doesn't teach you all that much, I'm told that once you finish you only have a vocabulary of about 300 words, but it's OK for some of the basics.

I have Rosetta Stone - which I bought while still living in the US a few years ago.

In the beginning I found it "over my head" - but now - I have "rediscovered" - since I can read Thai. I find it useful to "reinforce language patterns" and increase useful vocabulary.

Rosetta Stone is essentially based on "total immersion" - there are no explanations (at least not in my version). The 105 pages of the book are all in Thai script. I find the "subject matter" outdated and boring. However - there is a systematic logical progression which helps to improve your understanding.

Unlike the "School" I went to previously - which is also essentially based on "total immersion" - but whose material was haphazardly put together, difficult to follow, no logical progression and much useless vocabulary.

If I recall correctly - I paid approx. US$200 for Rosetta Stone. I will probably give it away in the next few months - when it has outlived its usefullness - for me.

I would not recommend Rosetta Stone for a "beginner" without first being able to read Thai script (not necessarily with understanding).

Edited January 4, 201016 yr by Parvis

I would also recommend "Thai for Beginners" by Benjawan Poomsan Becker. Make sure you get a copy with the attached CD.

She also has a CD which focuses only on pronunciation.

I liked the Pimsleur CDs also but they don't take you much further than the basic level.

Learning thai? oh wish u luck!