Changes in the Thai National Language Policy in the Education System from the Plaek Phibunsongkhram to Prayut Chan-o-cha Periods

Abstract

This research attempts to analyze the changes of language policy in education in Thailand by studying information in Thailand’s education curriculums, announcements and interviews by prime ministers from 2480-2559 B.E. – that is, from Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram to General Prayut Chan-O-Cha. The main issues are the number of languages that have been taught in schools, the number of hours of each language is allowed to be taught, and factors that cause changes to language policies in education. The results show that the Nationalist Announcement, which stated that “Thai language is Thailand’s national language”, in the government led by Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram in 2483 B.E. resulted in Thai language becoming the national and official language. This led to a situation whereby no other curriculum was needed to ensure that Thai language was used in instruction, except in cases where it was required to enforce the learning of other languages owing to social changes, such as migration, business, technology advancement and allying with other countries. This caused an increase in learning hours of English, Chinese and Japanese, as well as the establishment of schools that specifically teach those languages. Accordingly, changes in language policies in the education system have been indicators of the visions of government leaders, as well as a sign of the competition between Thai language and other languages.