1-12-2023 (BANGKOK) Thailand has been placed in the 8th position, classified as “very low” proficiency, among ASEAN countries and 101st globally in the English Proficiency Index 2023. The index, compiled by EF, a renowned English teaching institute with a global presence, is based on test results from 2.2 million adults in 113 countries and regions.
According to the index, Thailand falls behind not only Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia but also Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Cambodia in terms of English-speaking capabilities. Thailand achieved a score of 416, placing it in the 101st spot globally.
EF categorizes English proficiency into five levels: very high, high, moderate, low, and very low. In the ASEAN region, eight countries participated in the test, excluding Brunei, Laos, and Timor-Leste.
Singapore secured the top spot in ASEAN and second place globally, with a score of 631, indicating “very high” proficiency. The Philippines ranked second in ASEAN and 20th worldwide, scoring 578, denoting “high” proficiency. Malaysia claimed the third position in ASEAN and 25th globally, achieving a score of 568, also indicating “high” proficiency.
Vietnam, with a score of 505 and a classification of “moderate” proficiency, secured the fourth position in ASEAN and 58th worldwide. Indonesia followed as the fifth in ASEAN and 79th globally, scoring 473 and falling under the “low” proficiency category. Myanmar was ranked sixth in ASEAN and 90th worldwide, scoring 450 and also classified as “low” proficiency.
Cambodia attained the seventh position in ASEAN and 98th globally, with a score of 421, indicating “very low” proficiency. Lastly, Thailand placed eighth in ASEAN and 101st worldwide, scoring 416 and falling under the “very low” proficiency category.
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