How do I create a new thread?

[TrevorEllis]

I am using VBA to ftp from within an access database. While the ftp process in happening my form is locked. To reassure the user that the application has not frozen I want to display an animated GIF. (I am using an ocx to display the GIf as access does not inherently support this type of image). However the gif is also halted whilst ftp process occurs. I wish to start a new thread to display the image just before ftp begins and to terminate that thread when ftp has finished. I understand that this is possible in VB but I can't find any examples.
It would be acceptable if I was able to call the "connection status" api to display data transfer, but I can't find how to do this either!