Thai for Beginners  

Thaicouses.com comments:
Part one of Becker's three-part, comprehensive, modern, and accessible course that covers it all right from page 1: reading, conversation, swriting (including important practice forming letters). Tapes are available (see below); don't forget to order them also. One of the most popular items here, highly recommended.

Colloquial Thai  

Thaicouses.com comments:
I haven't read this one yet, but it looks like a fun and complete course, with sections on grammar, vocabulary, dialog, culture, etc. It looks like the sections on reading and writing are token—it's too bad that Thai script is not included alongside all of the transliterated words, especially since the important tone marks are omitted in the transliteration once a word has been intially introduced. I have also received some reports of typographical errors and inconsistencies.

A.U.A. Language Center Thai Course: Book 1  

Thaicouses.com comments:
This series is used as the textbook by many formal Thai language courses. There are three books to the program, and writing can be studied optionally, right from the start. One disadvantage is that there are no photographs, and the material is quite dated, dry, and uninspired. But this is a serious and comprehensive course, with many cassette tapes also available (although apparently not through Amazon). A.U.A. (American University Alumni) has a formidable language learning presence at their library and school on Rajdamri Road in Bangkok. Recommended.

Thai Phrase Handbook: What You See Is What You Say   BUY!

Thaicouses.com comments:
Although the title calls this a "phrase handbook," it is really much more, a lengthy and comprehensive study course.

Easy Thai: An Introduction to the Thai Language, With Exercises and Answer Key  

Thaicouses.com comments:
Since the cover of this book is military camouflouge and the flap touts Thailand as "favorite rest & relaxation place for thousands of GIs," it was obviously intended for soldiers deployed for the Vietnam era. Despite the title, Thai is not easy with this book—there is too much focus on vocabulary and the Thai alphabet, with little information on grammar. Not recommended for beginners.

Conversational Thai in 7 Days (Language in 7 Days Series)  

Thaicouses.com comments:
Covers basic conversations. Does not include any Thai script. Audio version available (see below).