A welcome addition to the Thai language teaching field.--Prawet Jantharat, professor of Thai language, SAIS-Johns Hopkins University, and language training supervisor, U.S. Foreign Service Institute Thai Language and Culture for Beginners is developed with specific learners in mind--young college students of Thai. The author provides both standard learning tools such as grammar notes, vocabulary, translations, phonetic transcription, and relevant cultural aspects such as notes, expressions, proverbs, and songs. Included are essential survival and functional topics. The language used is an excellent model for standard Thai. The semi-authentic dialogs are appropriate for those starting out in a formal learning setting. Combined with an instructor's dynamic teaching skills, the book is almost an assurance of the students' success.--Nanna Jonsson, associate professor of Thai, U.S. Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center