English Programme in Thai Schools
The provision of an English programme is also a new phenomenon in Thai
education as a result of the new National Education Act which encourages the
involvement of the community and stakeholders in providing education. It is
regarded as one means to help students acquire English by providing more
English exposure to the learners. However, it is only regarded as an option.
In the English programme in primary schools, English, Mathematics,
Science and Physical Education can be conducted in English. At the secondary
level, all subjects except Thai and Social Science as part of Thai law, culture
and tradition can be conducted in Thai. Also, for schools which are not ready to
offer a full-scale English programme, they can offer a mini English programme
where 50% of the time is allocated for courses instructed in English. At present,
there are 75 government schools offering English programmes. In addition to
the flourishing of English programme in government schools, the number of
private bilingual schools are mushrooming at all levels. The curricula in the
bilingual schools follow that of the Ministry of Education but the instruction is
English Language Teaching and Education in Thailand: A Decade of Change 199
done in both English and Thai. There are special classes taught in English by
foreign teachers. So far, there are 121 bilingual private schools, from
kindergarten to secondary school level (Ministry of Education)