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 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).
The teachers should to find ways to develop their students’ proficiency. teachers cannot focus only on methodology or materials, but the training of the language teachers is the most important thing. Teachers in Thailand need to develop their English proficiency with their teaching approaches. In Thailand, although there are more English language teachers, they are to be found only in Bangkok or the big provinces. The development of English language teachers is still the main aim of the Ministry of Education. Lacking qualified English language teachers was regarded as the main obstacle to develop the teaching of English. It is a severe problem especially when communicative language teaching is mainly used. This situation also occurs in Vietnam and Cambodia where the training of English language teachers is concurrent with the introduction of new methodology for effective teaching.