“Classrooms in Thailand put too much emphasis on grammar,” said Ms.Sarah Wilon, an English teacher who has taught in Thai schools for more than 10 years.
“They focus on studying for test rather than being able to converse and use English in real-life situations.”
“Many students struggle forming sentences on their own,” said Mr Krittapot Jiravat, a private English tutor. “All they want to do is study for exams and tests, because they think they don’t have any other purposes beyond that.”
“Many professionals have to study after work when they realise that English is important in their career,” he said.
“Once the single market is launched, the job market will become more competitive,” Mr Treenuch said. “People with higher skills in English will be at advantage.”
Workers with stronger English skills typically earn 30 to 50 per cent more pay than those with weaker proficiency, according to the Harvard Business Review.
Advanced English skills allow job seekers to apply for better jobs and raise their living standards.
“We are already seeing an influx of skilled workers from countries like the Philippines, who are replacing Thais in jobs that require English-speaking employees,” Mr Treenuch said.
Staff positions at the Regent Phuket Cape Panwa, where 95 per cent of hotel guests are foreigners, are open to all nationalities, according to manager Witchuda Mas-o-sot.
“The ability to communicate in English is the most important skill to have,” Ms Witchuda said.
An unemployed recent hotel management graduate expressed concerns that his difficulty in finding a job will become even more apparent once the integrated ASEAN market is open. Others, like Ms Boblyn the Filipino intern, will benefit.
“I speak English more fluently than Thais do,” she said. “That is my competitive advantage.” BANGKOK POST