Pimsleur Thai Delivers, October 22, 2001

This set of language tapes is a good introduction to Thai. For those familiar with Pimsleur-method tapes, the format and execution are identical to lessons from other languages. I have previously used the German I set with some success, and I am pleased with the Pimsleur Thai. The method of teaching and learning is very effective, given in approximately 30-minute lessons. You begin learning simple phrases, repeating after the speakers, and answering questions. This is much better than some tapes I have tried to use, which begin with (impossible-to-learn) recitations of the Thai alphabet and such. Using the Pimsleur, you gradually develop a conversational ability. My only complaint regarding the product is that it is too short, and a complete Thai I course (30 lessons) is not available. The Compact edition is too short to develop any more than a very basic level of conversational ability. On a positive note, my wife is Thai and she reports that the accents are good (native Thai speakers). That is the second best thing about Pimsleur Audio tapes (for any language) - you develop great pronunciation by repeating after native speakers. The best thing about the tapes is that the format is conducive to learning the language well.

A Great start, but Pimsleur needs to make a longer course., January 19, 2004

This was a great introduction to the Thai language. Pimsleur is the best if you hate sitting at a desk to learn a new language. There is no text involved. You simply listen and repeat what you hear. It is perfect if you, like me, have a long comute in your car every day. Pop in a tape, and get educated in a period that you would usually be wasting. The only problem is that there are only the first few lessons here. Pimsleur definitely needs to make this one of their comprehensive courses where you get at least 40 lessons. You're not going to be able to say much with the limited amount of material here. Even so, Pimsleur is still the master at teaching languages.

Still the Best, March 21, 2004

I have found Thai to be an extraordinarily difficult language to learn and have tried quite a few of the beginning courses. This one was the first to actually give me a working knowledge of the language on an elementary level. It has proved useful as a stepping stone to other courses which had various drawbacks for the beginner but are more comprehensible with this as a backdrop. I agree with the oft repeated criticism that this course isn't long enough, but it is so much better than anything else out there for what it does offer that I would recommend starting with nothing else.

Find something else., February 12, 2004
Reviewer: A reader
This program has no further Pimsluer Thai learning programs beyond this. This is the only program for Thai that Pimsleur offers. Consequently, when you decide to learn more, you can not use this as a stepping stone to intermediate language level. You will have to go to another language program and start as a beginner. You will have wasted not only your money, but your time as well. You will regret buying this

Too short, but probably the best!, December 2, 2003

I hope they can have 90 lessons (just like the Chinese, Japanese, French programme) for Thai, I like this learning method very well. Learning a tonal language can never be easier! You really have to listen and listen until you get used to the tones, so here's the way.