RECONSIDERING THAILAND’S ENGLISH EDUCATION

Abstract

              The research on Reconsidering Thailand’s English Education has 3 goals: to analyze
English competencies of Thai students, to comparatively analyze Thailand’s English policy with other countries, and to analyze problems affecting Thai students’ English language learning, as well as to suggest development ways. It employs mixed research methods collecting data with a questionnaire from 78 students and in-depth interviews with 5 academic scholars. The research reveals that Thai students’ English competencies in reading, listening, and speaking are at moderate level, while the writing competency is at the lowest level. It can be said that the government has supported English learning development, but not so many practical actions, unlike other countries where they encourage more practical learning in daily life. Less practice in class, English assignment, and Thaispeaking environment are additional factors. The study suggests more corporation from society with the government as the leader in encouraging long-term English language policy focusing all 4 skills, particularly enhancing English speaking environment and promoting more English-speaking activities.