Thanks = expression of gratitude

• kneel and give thanks to God.
• A: Shall I help you with the luggage?
  B: No, thanks.
• ‘No, thank you’ OR ‘No, thanks’ – used to decline an offer.
  (Note that here ‘No’ is essential)

Thank you is used for acceptance and may mean ‘yes, please‘.

• A: Shall I lend you my umbrella?
  B: Oh, thank you.
• Thank you for giving me a chance to explain the situation.

Thanks to = As a result of; owing to; due to.

• The case went poorly thanks to the lawyer’s incompetence.
• Thanks to the microwave oven, we always have a hot breakfast.
• Thanks to the timely intervention of the fishermen, a major disaster was averted.
• We were able to reach there in time thanks to your help.