Thailand is a large country and if anyone thinks the majority of the population can speak Thai, then they have never been outside of Bangkok or the tourist areas.
In places like Isaan, about 5% of the people can speak enough English to give you a simple answer to a simple question and the same is true for the 3 most southern provinces of Thailand.
Go to resorts such as Hua Hin, the receptionist will speak English and the rest of the working hotel staff, none
When I say speak English, I am talking about being able to hold a simple conversation, answer questions in English, give directions, etc.
Any one that answers that the majority of the Thai population can speak English, prove it? You won't find one statistic to back up your claim that the majority of Thai's can speak English because it is not true.
As Bob said, people can say hello, where you from, what's your name? Because this is all memorized but give them a