ความพยายามอยู่ที่ไหน ความสำเร็จอยู่ที่นั่น– Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
I have been thinking about Thai students that I have taught over the past five years and one word best describes the successful students–continuity. Learning a new language when you have limited exposure to the language can pose a challenge. Your only exposure might be the Thai restaurant in your neighborhood where the wait staff might be busy to talk to you more than taking your order.
My recommendation to learning Thai when you are not in Thailand is to keep at it. You definitely should find yourself a good teacher, find resources outside of your lesson and be disciplined. The goal to become proficiency in Thai reading and speaking is surely obtainable within one year or less, with only a lesson a week. I have seen countless students do it and so can you.