A massive change in attitude is needed first

I found the letter very interesting and I admire her optimism in believing that English could ever be used as everyday language in Thailand.

So, where are all these quality teachers who will make this happen? My wife’s 12-year-old daughter recently moved to a school in Bangkok, and even after two years of taking English lessons, she could not even say “hello”.  I was told that she is just shy. 

Compared to other languages, basic English is not that difficult to learn. 

Use of articles: What articles? If you learn to use the word “the” and “a”, you have done it. Unlike in German, these words fit all occasions. As far as learning to use the past tense is concerned, I would be quite happy if my stepdaughter could even say, “yesterday I go to school”. At least she could make herself understood. It wouldn’t take long for her to get used to the past tense. 

There is indeed a massive attitude problem among both teachers and students. My stepdaughter thinks she has to learn English for my sake and asked her mum why I can’t learn Thai. The teachers – at least those up country – regard English as something they are forced to do. They would much rather spend time on lengthy semi-military morning parades then on teaching useful subjects, including much needed social skills. 

Horst Bullinger

Bangkok