BANGKOK: The Education Ministry is looking to recruit 10,000 native English-speaking teachers to improve the proficiency of Thai students in the language. Minister Nataphol Teepsuwan said they were hoping to achieve this as soon as it was safe to do so.
According to the Bangkok Post, Nataphol had asked the embassies of English-speaking countries to look for teachers who could teach English and other subjects in the language to Thai students. This, he said, was part of the government-to-government cooperation programme.
"A large number of native English-speaking teachers are necessary as we are working at upgrading the education system. One of the countries we are talking to is Canada, which sends many teachers to Japan."
At present, he said, there were 7,000 foreign teachers in schools, but this was insufficient and that another 10,000 were needed.
The cabinet has earmarked funds for their recruitment.
"Ideally, this should have started, but due to the pandemic, it has been delayed. As soon as the situation is safe, we will invite foreign teachers here," Nataphol said.
The aim is to improve students' proficiency in English, boost their confidence and equip them with skills to seek knowledge, he said, adding that Thai teachers would also learn and benefit from native English speakers.
Nataphol said he had also come up with a plan to upgrade English language lessons from kindergarten to high school. However, the initial stages of the project will focus on early childhood education and vocational education.
"The best time to learn a new language is soon after birth to the age of seven. It is easier for young children to learn a second language. For vocational students, it's important to boost their English proficiency as Thailand has set a target to be an investment hub for foreign investors."
He said foreign teachers must have professional training to qualify for the job, adding that a language teaching certificate was preferred.
Apart from improving students' proficiency in the English language, Nataphol said, the ministry also planned to recruit 10,000 native Chinese-speaking teachers to teach Chinese to students.
"The cabinet has earmarked funds for this plan as well. Chinese is also one of the most important languages to learn. With China emerging as a global power, it is becoming increasingly important for our workforce to know the language."
He said he had set a target to cut the number of state schools by half to 15,000 by merging small schools with few pupils and poor standards with higher quality schools nearby.
By doing so, he said, the ministry would be able to combine personnel and resources, upgrade teaching standards and narrow the quality gap.
He said the ministry would revamp its curricula to equip students with skills for the 21st century by applying approaches used by international schools.