As a professional interpreter, this really made me laugh! Thai is not one of my languages, but we do have a Thai "Ba". My 13 year old son has the tones down MUCH better than I do. On our last trip to thailand everyone seemed to understand him but when I would ask how much something costs I would just get a blank stare.....until my son would ask the same thing and get an immediate response.

Good luck with whatever method you choose!