EDITOR’S NOTE: This article proposes that communication skills training in Thailand is better when student & trainer meet face-to-face than when student & AI technology “meet” in cyberspace. Specifically, we discuss the potential problems with relying on ChatGPT for email writing and on GPT-powered language teachers.
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More and more professionals in Thailand are learning how to “prompt” online translation tools like ChatGPT or Claude. And, they are also using online language-learning applications to improve their conversation ability (there seems to be a new app every week!).
AI tools can definitely help employees of companies in Bangkok in some very specific ways. For example, ChatGPT helps them complete work-related tasks faster, such as emailing. There are obvious benefits to this.
In addition to emailing, AI can help people write reports, develop marketing ideas, post on social media, and more. But is this really a good long-term solution for employees in Thai companies who need to communicate in English? Are they improving their English communication skills by doing this, or are they perhaps hurting themselves?
Let’s look at a few of the drawbacks of relying on AI for communicating in English, especially when compared to interactive English communication skills training provided by human experts.
Accuracy Issues With AI English Translation
It is not necessarily bad for a business to allow, or even encourage, its employees to use AI translators.
At this point, almost everyone has tried ChatGPT or Claude to help them complete English-related tasks at work. This helps relieve employees’ stress by saving them time to complete their tasks, but may also help the company save dough on workshops or courses.
Yes, AI technology can be helpful for work tasks when used correctly, but the results are not always accurate. It is not unusual for employees who use AI for Thai-to-English translation to miscommunicate or cause misunderstandings with customers & coworkers.
That’s because the average user of ChatGPT is gambling a bit: They receive an output from the AI, but can they really be sure that the vocabulary or grammar or tone is appropriate for the situation? Are they sure they are sending the right kind of message before they hit send?
CONCLUSION: When it comes to translating ideas for emails, AI may improve speed, but not always effectiveness.
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Are your employees shy about speaking English at work?
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False Sense of Ability From AI Overuse
By relying on AI translations too much when creating emails or reports, people run the risk of developing a false sense of ability. They may be sending out poorly understood messages, but nobody ever tells them because of the “fearful heart,” or Kreng Jai.
In fact, Kreng Jai – as well-intentioned and kind as it is – can be a problem in other professional situations, too.
For example, in stand-up meetings. If someone is giving an update on their work which was provided by ChatGPT, and nobody has any follow-up remarks, it may be because everyone listening is on board with the update – or it could be because everyone pretended they understood or acted as if they had no objections in order to be polite.
So, people are lulled into thinking they are writing & speaking English correctly, even though they may not be. And when they become satisfied, they are less likely to put in further effort to improve.
CONCLUSION: ChatGPT is a fine tool, but if companies in Thailand want their employees to communicate more effectively, then face-to-face communication skills training is recommended.
AI English Learning at Thai Companies
The same kind of issue applies when Thai professionals are explicitly “being taught” English by an online language learning application (as opposed to merely prompting an AI for quick-fix translations).
The problem with communication skills training in Thailand when it comes from an AI training course or “chat partner” is that it involves practicing with a machine. And there are some problems with that:
- Does the AI have training expertise?
- Are the corrections given by AI accurate?
- Does an AI language teacher have its own motives?
- Does it understand the learner’s abilities & learning preferences?
- Are Thai learners comfortable talking into a microphone in an empty room?
- Does it have experience dealing with the “bad habits” unique to native-Thai speakers?
- Will speaking with a machine lead to speaking confidently with humans later?
- Are the conversations related to the learner’s professional life?
- Are the interactions with an AI authentic?
Another point about learning English from an AI is that language is not just about being told what’s right. It is about doing; it’s about participating in communication (written or spoken) where language is used to exchange ideas.
ChatGPT can tell you what’s right, but it cannot create the sort of social experience that is necessary for communicating effectively, persuasively, and empathically — all things that English training for employees must include.
CONCLUSION: The importance of human interaction in communication skills training in Thailand is not only that it creates realistic learning opportunities, it is learning itself.
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Are your employees silent during meetings, but bursting with questions afterwards?
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Face-to-Face Communication Skills Training
While the debate over whether AI language technology will replace traditional language learning is just getting started, it will likely not happen soon.
The accuracy isn’t high enough, it can give a false sense of progress, and
it lacks the human-interaction dimension. Also, the view that AI is cheaper and easily scalable overlooks the fact that communication skills training in Thailand is an investment, not a cost.
For those reasons, it is believed that live English trainers are still the better option for your employees. Good old-fashioned face-to-face communication is best.
But what is definitely not old-fashioned are the English workshops and courses provided by ECSC Thailand.
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Visit our Contact Us page to inquire about English communication skills training for employees in Bangkok. Or, schedule a discovery call with ECSC’s founder, Don Gorr.
Don Gorr
I am ECSC Thailand's Founder & Managing Director. ECSC believes that confidence is the key to effective communication, so we work with companies in Thailand to bring out the English ability in their employees.
