I've been living in Thailand for 7 years and still finding the spoken language difficult to learn, has anyone got any tips and advice?

Hi James

I guess you're living in Pha-ngan island in the south. I may be wrong. There should be at least two factors to help your progress of spoken Thai.

1. Have you got any Thai close friends/girlfriend/wife whom you can often talk to, exchange an information with and are happy to help you with language obstacles whenever it's needed?

2. Your own personality. Most Thais are friendly and eagerly want to learn and speak English. Exchange with them. And you, farang, are supposed to be as friendly as they are. The word "friendly" here apllies in Thai society. There may be something same and different between the two cultures' notion of "friendliness". Of course, many Thais are less friendly at the present time. But there must be others with real Buddhist's minds who are always kind, sympathetic with fellow humanity. Find out one and tell him/her what you want.

The last tip I don't want to include in the list , but if you really, really want to achieve your goal, is to hire one of an English Thai teacher in school. As a former English myself, I think he/she is more than happy to practise some English with you and teaches you spoken Thai in return. Find out one young teacher in your area. This is up to your own decision I now have in my mind. Good luck.