English Medium Instruction (EMI) in Thai Higher Education

Abstract

Numerous English medium instruction (EMI) programmes are currently offered in Thai universities but face a number of challenges centred on the preparedness of lecturers, students, and institutions, and the historical relationship of Thais and Thailand with English that has shaped the current status of the language as both a necessity for global participation and a source of corruption of Thai identity and values. To illustrate how the adoption of EMI in Thai higher education has been progressing, this chapter uses the example of Khon Kaen University, a public research university and hub of education in the Northeast of Thailand, as a typical example of introduction and development of EMI and of the significant issues experienced in Thailand. The Thai experience thus far indicates that successful internationalisation of education (teaching and learning) in higher education (HE) via use of EMI needs to be carefully considered. Various ideological and structural issues must be addressed if the desired policy outcomes of graduates with the competence and skills for further study or employment in the region or wider international markets, and of building international recognition of university programmes, are to be achieved without compromising educational outcomes.