jamesb

I've used many different books, tapes, etc. While they are great for learning words and phrases, the problem was that my pronunciation was a disaster and nobody could understand me. If you really want to learn Thai, find a teacher and commit to a couple of days a week. I live outside of Thailand so I meet with my teacher using Skype. The beauty of this method is that I can record the calls and then go back later and review the classes. It been very helpful in improving my pronunciation. A teacher can also increase the speed and rhythm of their speaking as your comprehension gets better which the tapes cannot do. Additionally, learning to read and write has been significantly easier with a teacher. At the end of the day you might spend a little more money but it will be worth the investment. Note - when I found my first teacher she immediately told me I was speaking "bar girl" Thai (no big surprise to me). I guess this would be fine unless you eventually want to speak Thai in a business environment and then it could be a problem.

I have been all around the gulf but I've never been to Hua Hin. Many times I take the train to Surat Thani when going to Samui or Phuket so I don't think it would be hard to spend a couple nights in Hua Hin. I'm just wondering what thoughts people have on the area. Thanks!

Wow, I stay on Soi 5 all the time and must have walked past this place a hundred times without ever noticing. I will definitely stop in next time I am in BK.

Has anyone stayed at the Bel-Aire Princess on Soi 5? Is it BG friendly and is the management friendly?