"Common consensus - absolutely. There's nothing better to learn a language". The trouble is that the original poster is not living in Thailand. More important is the fact that very few farangs have any serious Thai language skills even though they have lived here for many years. Also, many seem to be proud that they understand no Thai whatsoever and have no intention of learning it. So, while your statement is generally accepted, it is not true as far as Thailand is concerned. Another major factor is that I don't think I have ever met a Thai person who genuinely wanted me to learn the language. So, if you want to learn French, live in France for while and the French will help you. This is not the case in Thailand.