2007-08-23 Don't be Confused by the Title

Yes a useful and small sized tall pocket book published in Singapore and aimed at UK and USA markets, but also distributed in Japan, brimming with useful modern-ish expressions but don't let the title confuse you. It's cheap so you won't waste money even if you do but if you are an American and your brain lights to the 'Making Out' phrase which means something entirely different to you then be warned there's only one chapter of 11 (no 10) which is really about those 'in the clinch' moments.

OK, it's suitably androgyne for all preferences in that section, but it's pretty tame stock phrase stuff so if you are expecting a micro karma-sutra phrase book or the 'hot stuff' current words for all that, look elsewhere. The rest of the book is packed with simple and sensible normal stock phrases a little less of the 'tourist track' - 'where is the station' than most phrase books and generally useful in person to person chat. A lot is personal everyday useful material,with the chapters cutely headed up with simple phrases , 'let's go' 'eat and drink' ' did you see' etc. Learn these on top of regular grammar.

If you are a single guy and looking for that 'instant guide to BG (bar girl) negotiations and what do they mean translator, this isn't it as it doesnt cover those moments or that scene but it would be ok for regular dating though you are unlikely to get that unless you speak thai well and live or work there. It really just isn't that 'street smart' or up to date to be classed as a guide to 'modern thai that they don't want falang to know' as intimated elsewhere.. it doesnt have that newness about the language at all. No real secrets in this book but many useful basic stock phrases and everyday expressions.

In many IT software install folders there is usually a file called 'Unwise' which bears the doom alert label and is for 'emergency use only'. The name and purpose lend themselves well to Chapter 8 headed 'Mind Your Mouth' which essentially contains the instructions on how to make grievous / swearing insults in thai. Though to their credit the writers have laced the section with basic ' don't try this on holiday' warnings and indicated the consequences of using them 'might annoy' I feel this section in the hands of the unwary and less travelled could land many an unseasoned traveller and non or minimal thai speaker in serious hot water.

Use the worst phrases incautiously in Thailand and you are likely to find yourself receiving a serious hospital level beating from the person you shouted them at and every other thai male within curiousity distance even if they didnt hear it. There's absolutely no one-on-one out there if you are a foreigner and get into a fight, ever. Best to say 'mai pen rai' (sorry no problem, it's nothing, don't worry about it' etc.. and walk away.

My serious advice is that once you get past the schoolboy humour you do not attempt to learn most of the Chapter 8 phrases let alone use them. I'd personally advise NOT taking this book into Thailand unless you cut one or two pages in Chap 8 out, (Maybe it sells there I don't know) or at least never showing that Chapter to any Thais you know if you want your stay and your image to be untarnished. But, As they say in the Land of Smiles ' up to you '

Otherwise a useful book for starter level thai learning