Thailand’s English Teaching Management: Fail or Success

Abstract

English is one of the top 3 languages used by people in daily communication. In various continents around the world, some countries use it as official language, some countries also use as local language. In Thailand, Thai people do not used English in daily communication but we study English at school for 12 years. Even though Thai students have been studied English for 12 years, they falls in English proficiency index: What’s wrong with Thai education system? According to the EF English Proficiency Index 2019, prepared by Swiss-based Education First, Thailand scored 47.62, which is regarded as very low proficiency. Last year, Thailand scored 48.54 and was placed 64^th out of 88 countries and, in 2017, was 53^rd out of 80 countries, with a score of 49.7. The latest ranking has placed Thailand the third lowest among countries in Southeast Asia for English proficiency, behind Vietnam and Indonesia, which were ranked 52^nd and 61^st respectively. Myanmar and Cambodia were classified in the very low proficiency group, ranking the 86^th and 94^th places respectively. Among ASEAN countries, Singapore came top with the highest level of English proficiency and was 5^th in the world among non-native English speaking countries with a score of 66.82, followed by the Philippines and Malaysia, which were placed in the high English proficiency group. An executive summary of the EF English Proficiency Index 2019 report noted that both Thailand and Cambodia, which rely on tourism as a major income earner, may be negatively impacted by their low English proficiency, as tourists switch to other destinations due to the language barrier. The index was based on assessments of English tests taken by 2.3 million people conducted by Education First, an international education company offering study abroad, language learning, cultural exchange and academic programs around the world.

Conclusion in English language teaching and learning in Thailand, there is a great need for further development. The Thai education system is based on self-determination. Each person who has the duty and authority to manage education, alternately, should conduct a thorough examination. Details of what should  be maintained and what should be improved and also should be done with regard to side effects and related components. Do not change as you wish the authority. The operation is to target a desired addition, teachers should encourage the students aware that English is important for the future. However the first impression is very important. The teachers should encourage the students to have a positive attitude toward learning.