Language ideologies and English education policies in Thailand

Abstract Driven by the need to understand ideological discourses surrounding English education in Thailand, this research examines language ideologies underlying English education policies. Utilizing a qualitative research analysis with a diachronic lens, we uncovered language ideologies embedded in four historical eras of English education in Thailand. In the first era (1824–1926), the ideologies of westernization and the hierarchy of language were manifested as the goal of English education was to become westernized. After a significant political shift in the second era (1932–1999), the ideologies of modernization and native‐speakerism became key in education policies to prevent colonialism. During various educational reforms (1999–2020), the ideologies of globalization, regionalization, and native speakerism began to shape English education policies in the third era. In the fourth era (2021–2024), globalization stands out as the leading influence driving current policies. The findings highlight the driving forces underlying English education policy in Thailand.