Bangkok Post: The world windows to Thailand

The Education Ministry will launch an "English Speaking Year 2012" programme to promote English speaking by Thai students and others in preparing for the establishment of the Asean Community in 2015, Education Minister Worawat Ua-apinyakul said.

Mr Worawat said when Thailand becomes a part of the Asean Community the English language will be very important for communication.

Therefore, the Education Ministry will launch the "English Speaking Year 2012" programme in schools under its jurisdiction.

One day of each week will be designated as the day for teachers and students to conduct activities using English for communication. The activities may include an English corner and guide training for students.

Mr Worawat said the ministry wants students to dare to speak English without worrying too much about grammar.

He said Sasithara Pichaichannarong, the permanent secretary for education, had been assigned to work with the Basic Education Commission, Vocational Education Commission, and Private Education Promotion Commission to lay down a concrete plan for implementation of the programme.

Ms Sasithara said the programme will be officially launched on Dec 26 at schools which are ready and will continue to be expanded to more schools until the majority of the Thai people can communicate in English.

The ministry will also train teachers all over the country, to improve their English skills for both teaching and communication.

Representatives of foreign embassies, foreign organisations, English teaching institutes such as the AUA and British Council, and international schools will be invited to help train the teachers, she said.