Yes that's it Stoney.

I don't quite get it? 

Is it offensive to Thais to know a few things about their country? 

Speak some Thai? 

But it's ok for them to know and explain your home country? 

It's a bit of a defence mechanism I think.

I believe that most Thai people given the complexity of the language being tonal and all that are taken aback when foreigners know how to speak the language.

I'm by no means fluent but can hold conversations in many day to day situations.

Upon finding out that you can speak the language they usually ask automatically how long you've been in the Kingdom.

Obviously in tourist areas it's beneficial if your customer doesn't speak Thai,it's easy to inflate prices and to converse about your potential customer,this is the norm in many tourist hot spots the world over.

I don't think they are offended by it,mostly surprised.

I mean there are areas in Thailand where people have never seen a westerner apart from on television,so to see one who can speak your language may be unnerving.

When I go to tourist areas I always continue to converse in Thai even when many of those you are dealing with speak English,I suppose I use it as a defence mechanism in a way as to say I'm not fresh off the plane and know the score.

Also like most places in the world when you can speak to the locals I believe you are respected more.

  The ONLY PEOPLE I have ever heard use this term are BARGIRLS, they effin despise it.

  Another equally derogatry term is farang ruu mot, farang knows everything.

The ONLY people who have ever told me straight to my face that they HATE me speaking Thai are BARGIRLS.

"You, first time Thailand?" asks Nung, eyeing up the slightly blue-skinned farang with the bright red face in the bar.

"Yes, just arrived today."

Jackpot.

"No, been here thirty seven times."

Nung's face drops - effin farang ruu mot.

Mai dee.  
 

Love you too, Buhi. 

You make my life worth living. 

Plenty