Thailand lagging behind in English

[PaullyW]

Agree that Thais should learn English from young as well, otherwise very uncompetitive. English as a international language is too important.

Interestingly, Japan was the second most prosperous economy in the world for many years, enjoying great wealth and international esteem.

The education system in Japan has a similarly dismal approach to English language teaching and learning, and there are many points of similarity in achievement. Of course the Japanese have a completely different level of discipline and commitment in other aspects of life, economics and technical expertise, which explain the prosperity, but English speaking language skills are not a priority there.

Yingluck has been lampooned on this website for her lack of English speaking skills on the world stage. But when did you ever hear Shinzo Abe or any of his predecessors utter one word of English in public speaking? He always uses an official interpreter, and always delivers speeches in any country in Japanese. Obama is happy to use the earphones for his convenience.

The marked difference is that Yingluck does not seem to smart in any language. In addition, she has a terrible command of English. But, as with most Thais, her nature is to prioritize style over substance. Speaking English and making no sense rather than speaking Thai and making maybe a little sense.

As for your comparison to Japan, you are correct that it's not very relevant. For one, Japan began its prospering several decades ago when the world was certainly not as linked as it is now. That was before the Internet and 'globalization'. You mentioned the Japanese discipline which is accurate. Japan has a literary history, cultural codes of honor that most seem to strive for, history of pushing themselves to be better even long before their first interactions with foreigners in modern history. Japan is really nothing like Thailand, at all. There is no such thing as 'maibenrai' in Japanese. Thais base the foundations of their entire culture on 'maipenrai' and the fact that it's OK to be lazy and a low achiever.

Also, Japan didn't build it's economy on the back of mostly western sex and other tourism... However Thailand did, so for that reason and many others, it would probably benefit Thais immensely to be able to understand and speak English. Thais need all the help they can get to compete.

Your reference to building the economy on the back of the sex trade is pathetic, insulting and patently incorrect. It reveals a little something about yourself however. Firstly you are probably a whore hound, and secondly, you have nurtured a distorted view of Thailand by living in your microcosm of paid sex and depravity, No offence.

I don't pay for sex. Well, not right away, usually.

I would love to be a whole hound, if only it were 15 years younger maybe.

[sustento]

English is easy... that's part of the reason it has been adopted as the "international" language... like it or not. It has no genders, and is easy to read.

Of course it is

http://www.thepoke.co.uk/2011/12/23/english-pronunciation/

Thank you for the homework, this article strengthens my point.

What are you smoking? Can I have some too?