Thailand’s Education Ministry has announced it plans to recruit 10,000 native English-speaking teachers to improve Thai students’ proficiency in the language as soon as the situation is safe to do so.
Speaking at a meeting held by the International Schools Association of Thailand on Friday, Education Minister Nataphol Teepsuwan said he has asked the embassies of several English-speaking countries to find teachers.
Teachers who can teach English and other subjects in the language to Thai students. Above all as part of government-to-government cooperation programs.
“A large number of native English-speaking teachers are necessary as we are working on upgrading the education system. One of the countries we are talking to is Canada which sends many teachers to Japan,” Mr Nataphol said.
He said there are 7,000 native English-speaking teachers in Thai schools, but this is not enough.
Adding another 10,000 native English-speaking teachers is required. He said the cabinet has earmarked funds for their recruitment.
“Ideally, this should have started already, but due to the pandemic it’s been delayed. As soon as the situation is safe and secure enough, we will invite foreign teachers here,” he said.
The problem with English teachers in Thailand is they can’t speak English
It was not mentioned where these teachers might come from.
Thailand has faced criticism in the past for hiring English teachers from other Asian countries, such as the Philippines, though no mention was made of this issue by Daily News.
They said that the education minister felt that if the foreign teachers he hires teach the Thais to be better English teachers, then by three years time he won’t need so many foreigners to teach in Thai schools.
