Thai Entrepreneurs’ Needs for English Language Learning Materials for the Raft Service Business in Kanchanaburi Province

Abstract

This research article presents the entrepreneurs’ needs for English language learning materials for their raft service businesses in Kanchanaburi province. This study draws on focus group interviews with 30 entrepreneurs who attended a two-day workshop that offered them an opportunity to use sample materials regarding English use in restaurant and
accommodation contexts.There were two main findings concerning the entrepreneurs’ needs as follows: First, the materials should cover more topics. They should provide content about tourist attractions, directions, places of interest, and transportation, and appropriate language for such functions as giving directions and describing tourist attractions. Second, the materials should provide written texts in both English and Thai. English language text should be transcribed using Thai letters and the English words should have Thai glosses. In addition, the materials should be recorded on a CD because the entrepreneurs believed this would be useful
in helping them to improve their listening and pronunciation skills.