2. English Language Teaching in Thailand
To meet the demands of global economics, the Thai government has launched new initiatives in all domains of the
educational system, including curriculum development, materials, and teaching and learning facilities, throughout the
history of ELT in Thailand (Wongsothorn et al., 2003). To begin with, in 1895, English language was assigned to be
studied as an optional subject taught in secondary schools. The major change occurred in 1909 when English was
assigned to be studied in primary schools. Later in 1921, English became a compulsory subject for students beyond
Grade 4. Aksornkul (1980) pointed out that the objectives of this change were twofold: to produce modern thinkers for
the country, and to provide students with sufficient knowledge of English to be able to function in classroom.