Quote Originally Posted by Shrinking Violet
The book I started out with was excellent, can't remember the name or publishing house. Author's surname was Smyth and it was published in england
Can't remember the title, either.
It came with a cassette and I also recommend it to learn reading, writing and speaking THai for beginners.

Honestly, in learning Thai I wouldn't get too serious about learning grammar or 'high', polite Thai. The way people interact everyday is different.

I had that issue when I moved to England, I probably know more English grammar than the average Brit you'd meet in t' local pub - pretty irrelevant as far as everyday spoken language is concerned.