Thailand embarks on program to ensure citizens speak English

With just one hour of English classes per week in primary schools, it’s no surprise that most Thais have little to no ability to speak the language.

And yet somehow are better than nearly all Japanese.

When Japan will take such a bold step ?

@Black Sabbath

Sad to say but I think it's just a case that Thai people are better communicators with better social skills. I remember my brother and his wife saying the same thing after traveling around Asia.

Give Thais the amount of English education Japanese receive ( as bad as it is ) and I'd imagine far better results, at least in the ability to hold a conversation.

When Japan will take such a bold step ?

Don't hold your breath.

That's a great initiative. The British council has a strong presence in Thailand and has been collaborating closely with thai schools for quite some time.

Good to see the Thai gov/ ppl are willing to do even more. Other countries ( which shall remain nameless) would have pushed for a 'simplified Thai' instead!

I teach English here in Japan and agree, I wished Japan would take serious and drastic steps to improve their English program which would need much better funding and beefing up. Few in Japan take English serious enough for it to prosper. See what happens.

Maybe Japan needs to copy Thai. One hour a week in elementary school any no anguish afgdf that. The Jr and Sr HS students will love that. Just fore all gaijin English teachers.