English Language Learning in Thailand: Policy, Practice, and Pedagogy Teaching Approaches & Methodologies

Main Article Content

Ashin Vimala

Abstract

English language learning in Thailand has gained increasing importance as the country seeks to participate more fully in the global economy and regional organizations such as ASEAN. Despite policy reforms and curriculum changes, challenges persist in classroom practice, teacher preparation, and learner outcomes. This article reviews the evolution of English language policy in Thailand, examines current teaching practices and pedagogical approaches, discusses persistent barriers, and offers recommendations for enhancing English proficiency among Thai learners. The analysis draws on recent research and theoretical frameworks to highlight the interplay between policy intentions, classroom realities, and socio-cultural factors influencing English education in Thailand.

Article Details

How to Cite
Ashin Vimala. (2025). English Language Learning in Thailand: Policy, Practice, and Pedagogy Teaching Approaches & Methodologies. Journal of Asian Language Teaching and Learning, 6(2). retrieved from https://so10.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jote/article/view/2986
Section
Articles

References

References

Baker, W. (2015). Culture and identity through English as a lingua franca: Rethinking concepts and goals in intercultural communication. De Gruyter Mouton.

Crystal, D. (2012). English as a global language (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.

Dörnyei, Z. (2009). The L2 motivational self system. In Z. Dörnyei & E. Ushioda (Eds.), Motivation, language identity and the L2 self (pp. 9–42). Multilingual Matters.

Dörnyei, Z., & Ushioda, E. (2021). Motivation and second language acquisition (3rd ed.). Routledge.

Education First. (2023). EF English Proficiency Index. https://www.ef.com/wwen/epi/

Gardner, R. C. (1985). Social psychology and second language learning: The role of attitudes and motivation. Edward Arnold.

Gardner, R. C. (2010). Motivation and second language acquisition: The socio-educational model. Peter Lang.

Kaplan, R. B., & Baldauf, R. B., Jr. (1997). Language planning from practice to theory. Multilingual Matters.

Khamkhien, A. (2010). Teaching English speaking and English speaking tests in the Thai context: A reflection from Thai perspective. English Language Teaching, 3(1), 184–190. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v3n1p184

Kirkpatrick, A. (2010). English as a lingua franca in ASEAN: A multilingual model. Hong Kong University Press.

Krashen, S. D. (1985). The input hypothesis: Issues and implications. Longman.

Lamb, M. (2012). A self system perspective on young adolescents' motivation to learn English in urban and rural settings. Language Learning, 62(4), 997–1023.

Littlewood, W. (2004). The task-based approach: Some questions and suggestions. ELT Journal, 58(4), 319–326. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/58.4.319

Noom-ura, S. (2013). English-teaching problems in Thailand and Thai teachers’ professional development needs. English Language Teaching, 6(11), 139–147. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v6n11p139

Piaget, J. (1973). To understand is to invent: The future of education. Grossman.

Richards, J. C. (2015). Key issues in language teaching. Cambridge University Press.

Trang, T. T. T., Baldauf, R. B., Jr., & Moni, K. (2013). Investigating the motivation of Vietnamese university students to learn English. TESOL Quarterly, 47(1), 113–142. https://doi.org/10.1002/tesq.53

Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes (M. Cole, V. John-Steiner, S. Scribner, & E. Souberman, Eds. & Trans.). Harvard University Press.

Wongsothorn, A., Hiranburana, K., & Chinnawongs, S. (2018). English language teaching in Thailand today. In H. Coleman (Ed.), Language and development: Asia-Pacific perspectives (pp. 144–157). British Council.