The development of non-formal English language education in Thailand : a case study of English conversation schools

Abstract

This thesis attempts to trace the development of the industry of private English conversation schools in Thailand from 1960 onwards and relate it to Thailand’s re-embrace of the global economy. The demand for English proficiency is closely connected to the status of English as the true global language. Whenever a country’s policies lean towards opening up to world trade, investments and communication, the need to master English arises. This phenomenon already occurred in Thailand in the middle of the 19th century following the ground breaking Bowing treaty with Britain which was signed by King Mongkut in 1855. This treaty opened up Thailand to international trade and investment. Opening-up triggered the need to master English, the need was addressed directly by the Royal court and Thailand’s “first" English teacher, Anna Leonowens, later became the subject of books and movies. After a long period, starting in the 1930s, of inward looking economic policies, Thailand again changed course in the mid 1980s. Exports and international trade were now encouraged instead of import substitution. The period saw soaring numbers for exports, direct foreign investments and tourist arrivals. Predictably, the need to enhance English proficiency came up again. This time, however, the need was addressed not by the court but by the educational system. As the mostly government run formal educational sector failed to adjust, it was left to the private sector to meet the challenge. Particularly, a small industry of mostly family run English conversation schools has undergone radical transformations. This thesis examines in detail how the industry was transformed and how the changes that occurred in it reflect the new surge in demand for English proficiency.