The problem I find is that when I totally butcher a pronunciation, Thais (and Lao) tend to teach themselves "my way" of saying the word so they can understand me, rather than correct my pronunciation so I can learn it the right way. This system works great and I think I am doing really good until I encounter the next person who has not yet taught themselves "my way" of pronouncing the word.

I find Lao a particularly dangerous language since a mere difference in a tone which I can not even detect with my own ear differentiates weather I am talking about myself in the first person or talking about my genitals.

On the subject of Thai language programs. While useful, I do not really believe one can learn Thai without a native speaker signing off on your pronunciation. Just because you said it EXACTLY like the lesson said, does not mean you said it exactly like you heard it.