Putting the Bangkok bubble aside. do you think that the speed the Thai education system is moving is too fast? In 2010 there were 250 schools nationwide in the EP program. In 2011 it doubled to 500 and they estimate it will double again next year. The Thais are running around the country, awarding their schools this stamp of ‘World Class School’. Which world do they mean? There are putting students into English-taught science, mathematics, computer lessons amongst other topics. Having worked at a few different, world class schools, as just an English teacher, the levels of actual English speaking and more important, understanding what they are saying, isn’t the best in the Asean group of countries. After speaking to many foreign teachers of science, maths etc, they always say the same thing, it’s a joke.

Yes, of course, schools should teach those subjects and pupils need to learn them. But put yourself in a Thai lesson on the same subjects, if your basic Thai is anything like mine. It would blow your mind. There is a reason for their speedy propulsion into these subjects. In 2015 the Asean is coming together as one, similar to our Europe. God help them!. And Thailand is so far behind most of the other member countries, in terms of education and levels of English. They have been given no choice, but to step it up. And in the great traditional way of life here, If it looks ok, it is ok.

Mr. Russell Park