English as the ASEAN lingua franca in Thai Higher Education

Abstract

               This article discusses the impact of English as the ASEAN lingua franca on teachers and students in Thai higher education due to the upcoming unification of ASEAN by 2015.  The mobility programs for students and academic staff will lead to linguistic and cultural diversity in the university landscape in Thailand.  Since English has been adopted as the working language of ASEAN, it raises questions regarding the extent to which it will have an impact on teachers and students in Thai universities.  This article strives for raising our awareness of English as a lingua franca that can promote positive attitudes among ASEAN members.  Consequently, it is advisable to conduct more research that can inform authorities guided for the appropriate English language policy and ELT pedagogies to enable Thai university teachers and students to adjust, accommodate, and prepare themselves to engage in this foreseeable future of ASEAN community in 2015.