Is Thai about? Am in Thailand at the moment, but totally bewildered by the language barrier. It seems worse now than on any of my previous visits. I tried to order a taxi in Ko Yao Noi ( little long island ) with at least four people, all to no avail. Restaurants were easy, as most menus were in dual language mode, but at my local beach bar, not one member of staff had any language apart from Thai, despite about 80% of their custom being tourists. i speak a few words ok Thai, but not enough to make myself understood in most situations. As a tourist, I would not be expected to be conversant enough in the language to be easily understood. I assume, living permanently in the country, you have learnt enough to make life tolerable.