Is it just me or if in a sentence I use the word? Errr as an indication of confirmation Thai people almost always pick me up on it and say you cannot say that its impolite.

Though every single Thai person I have ever know for a reasonable period (thats quite a few) has always used this expression.

They don't seem to realize they're doing it , but always do with me.

Maybe its my crap accent making them listen so hard

Percy, it's just one of those words farang can't use. My mrs says it all the time to her friends but if i say it, she gives me the same response as you get. I've given up trying to understand the reason why

for me,it seem impolite as well. However, we use oftenly with very closed friends(for agree with something they said) or some boring persons(for get them stop talking). It's up to how to pronouce and what is the speaker's mood.

However, it's not a word that a nice guy should say to a woman(in my oppinion)