The Application of Promoting Policy in English Language Teaching Using “Think Thai Use English Grammar” to Implement in Thailand

Abstract

            This research aimed to 1) study the history and development of the implementation of the "Think Thai, Use English Principles" English Language Learning Policy in Thailand; and 2) examine the status and problems of implementing the "Think Thai, Use English Principles" English Language Learning Policy in higher education in Thailand. This qualitative research examined the theoretical concepts and theories related to the research, including: innovative theoretical concepts, theoretical concepts, Thai practices, and related research. The research also included published documents and textbooks. The results were synthesized using in-depth interviews with five educational personnel. The study concluded that Thai students' English language skills were at a moderate level. Overall, their reading, listening, and speaking skills showed good development, but their writing skills were at a minimal level.

            The results revealed that:

1. The history and development of the implementation of the English language learning promotion policy using the innovative concept of "Think Thai, Use English Principles" in Thailand. It is found that during the reigns of King Rama I, II, and III, the implementation of the English language learning promotion policy using the innovative concept of diplomacy and trade under treaties with the United States and England had an impact on the economy. Knowledge was gained from treating smallpox. English was a tool for international trade, but no Thais could speak English, and interpreters had to use multiple languages in negotiations. During the reign of King Rama IV, he encouraged royal families, nobles, and palace officials to learn English to develop and prosper the country. Later, during the reign of King Rama V, he became the first Asian monarch to visit Europe and speak English fluently without the use of an interpreter. He established the Ministry of Education, but faced financial and personnel problems. Later, during the reigns of King Rama VI and VII, he reformed the Thai education system, establishing universities, enacting the first National Education Act, and developing the core curriculum for basic education to improve Thailand's higher education system to be on par with Western nations. Thais must adapt to the rapidly changing global economic and political structures.
2. The status of the problem of enforcing the English language policy, learning English with the innovative concept of "Think Thai, Use English Principles" at the higher education level in Thailand. It was found that in enforcing the English language policy at the higher education level in Thailand in 2024, Thailand was at a very low level, ranking 97th out of 111 countries in 2022. And the TOEFL iBT test results of Thai students were lower than Singapore, Malaysia, and Myanmar. The reason why Thai students have slow English language development, despite English being an important official language used in work and as a tool for economic communication in the community. Therefore, it affects the perception both domestically and internationally of English language proficiency in Thailand. It can be applied in the development of curriculum, examinations, assessments, and skills development for English teachers and other fields.