david44
When learning a foreign language,learning from a native is the sina qua non
BTW; white people spell it as "sine qua non"! If you're gonna use fancy-smancy words to impress us, at least spell 'em right..

You most definitely DON'T need to learn the language from a native speaker. Very few thai nationals possess a sufficient command of engrish to explain questions most foreigners ask early on about the inz-n-outz in this language. Often times foreigners who are adept at thai can provide the reason why something is the way it is, compared to most thai teachers saying, "That's just how thai is, accept it." <- which is a lame knee-jerk thai answer usually provided because the thai doesn't know the answer themselves..

9999
our friends Brett and Rapid, who are both experts at language.
Now I wouldn't go so far as to say either of those illustrious and entrepreneurial foreigners are "experts".

They both seem to have come up with viable methods to teach thai to foreigners where the information "clicks" better with a foreign mindset. Both appear to possess the ability to speak/understand read/write thai just fine as well. But again, dunno that that makez either of them experts in the field of teachin' thai to foreignerz..

Still, what ever method best works for you is the one you need to stick with. If the way either of them present the material makes sense for you, lets you wrap your head around it easier, good for you!