EDITOR’s NOTE: This article is written for Human Resources, Training, and L&D leaders in Thailand interested in how their employees can learn English and become confident speakers.
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KEY INFORMATION:
- ECSC Thailand is dedicated to improving the proficiency of English in Thailand.
- Our interactive workshops, courses, and executive coaching focus on vocabulary and speaking practice.
- These services are “English Plus,” meaning they provide communication skills plus soft skills development.
- It’s all about Activating the English in Your Employees which allows them to Speak English Confidently at work.
- You can learn more about our English Plus services here; and pricing information here.
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In Thailand, English classes are traditionally academic and grammar-heavy. Students spend hours memorizing rules, frameworks, and formulas like:
S + have/has + been + V-ing + for/since…
This looks more like a mathematical equation than a living language. It appeals to the logical, “left-brain” side of learning – but it doesn’t always lead to confident communication.
The result? Despite years of study, many Thai professionals struggle to use English naturally in real conversations.
Why does this approach fall short compared to other countries?
If we look at the data, Thailand consistently ranks low in English proficiency (101st in the 2023 EF English Proficiency Index). Meanwhile, countries like Germany and Denmark rank much higher.
There are two main reasons:
- Environment – Europeans encounter English daily in media, pop culture, and business. Thais often do not.
- Language distance – German and Danish are structurally closer to English, while Thai is very different, making grammar memorization even harder.
In other words, Thai learners face both fewer opportunities to practice and a steeper learning curve.
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Should English be taught more like an art?
The “art” of English is about creativity, intuition, and expression. While grammar formulas appeal to the scientific side of the brain, communication thrives on using language in real contexts – like telling stories, sharing ideas, and making connections.
That’s why focusing only on grammar rules can feel frustrating and demotivating. Students need more than structure; they need usable language.
So, would it not make sense to try a new approach to learning English in Thailand? One that does immerse students in real English and minimize teaching grammar?
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What’s the alternative?
At ECSC Thailand, we take a different path. Instead of drilling grammar formulas like the one at the beginning of this article, we use The Lexical Approach – a proven methodology that emphasizes learning ans saying vocabulary in meaningful “chunks.”
We call these chunks “multi-words“: phrases, expressions, idioms, and word pairs. They come ready-made with grammar built in, so learners don’t need to stop and calculate before speaking.
As we like to say: “Grammar is the free add-on that comes with vocabulary.”
How does this help Thai professionals?
- Practical fluency – Students can use expressions immediately in real workplace situations.
- Confidence – No more second-guessing grammar before speaking.
- Relevance – Vocabulary is chosen for business, meetings, presentations, and client communication.
- Engagement – Learning language through multi-word training is more interactive and fun.
So… science or art?
The truth is this: Learning English is both science and art. It needs the logical structure of science and the expressive freedom of art.
But in Thailand, the teaching has leaned too far toward science – grammar rules, formulas, and tests. ECSC helps restore the balance by giving learners the vocabulary, expressions, and confidence they need to actually use English in real life.
That’s why our clients don’t just “study” English. They communicate English.
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Further Reading:
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Visit our Contact Us page to inquire about English communication skills training for professionals in Thailand. Or, schedule a discovery call with our Founder, Don Gorr.
