Relations between Thailand and the UK have never been stronger – just last year, the UK became the first European Country to elevate its relationship with Thailand to that of a strategic partnership. People-to-people relations, including through education, arts, culture, and languages, are a core section of our bilateral Strategic Roadmap, and are the strongest tools we have for building trust and understanding and creating opportunities for further global peace and prosperity.
Next year, 2025, is the 170th anniversary of UK-Thai relations, and our connections through education have been strong for much of that history.
More than 120 years ago His Royal Highness King Rama VI travelled to the UK to study at Oxford and Sandhurst, and Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra also progressed her career with university study in the UK. Today over 6,000 young Thai people are following in the footsteps of their illustrious forebears, their personal and professional dreams studying in the UK. Indeed, it’s testament to the long-term strength of our connections that the UK is the number one destination among English speaking countries for Thai students.
That’s not surprising: The UK has been a leader in academia for centuries. It’s home to two of the world’s top three universities (with a further 26 ranked among the global top 200) and has one of the most diverse subject offerings in the world. The UK is at the forefront of global research. Although it represents less than 1% per cent of the global population, the UK produces 14 per cent of the world’s most highly cited scientific research. Since 2007, the impact of that research has ranked the UK first among G7 countries.
The UK and Thailand have an impressive record of cooperation and collaboration in education, too. Through programmes such as the International Science Partnerships Fund, more than GBP 1.5m has been put forward for the very best British and Thai scientists and institutions to work together to address global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development. The UK is proud to be a key partner supporting the Thai Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation’s plans to develop Thailand as a global hub for higher education.
Assessment is key to a successful education system – especially as a driver of improvement and reform in education. The New Directions in Language Assessment conference brought together key stakeholders in language testing to discuss challenges and opportunities. Over the course of the conference, we heard how language education policy and assessment can have a positive impact on the learning environment, not only on social and economic progress in general, but on equity in education, and on the accessibility and quality of education for learners in a globalised and multilingual world.
Language tests open doors to opportunities – opportunities for further study, work and professional development opportunities. Tests provide a way for individuals to prove their knowledge and abilities, and gain access to life-enhancing opportunities. English language assessment opens doors to these opportunities at a global level. For countries and societies, they can provide a way to economic growth, greater engagement on the world stage and to further internationalisation at home.
That’s why we’ve been delivering the New Directions conferences for over more than a decade bringing key influencers and stakeholders from education, government and commerce together to discuss responses to challenges around language assessment. The New Directions East Asia is one of the world's leading conferences on language testing and assessment, regularly attracting the highest attendance rates anywhere. This year, we were proud to hold the conference in Thailand for the first time and look forward to returning in the not-to-distant future.
The New Directions East Asia conference focused on the critical role of language assessment policies in shaping education systems and society. A key theme was the need for alignment across curriculum, assessment and the delivery of learning programmes. This alignment was examined through the role of proficiency frameworks such as the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in language policy, with examples of successful adaptation of the CEFR in education reform across East Asia. In addition, the conference explored the implications of English as a medium of instruction (EMI) in complex multilingual settings like India, and considered assessment in environments where migrants and refugees need language as a way of integrating into new societies.
Another significant theme was the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming language learning and assessment, with a range of speakers showcasing the impact of AI, from policy decision-making to innovative classroom activities. As the need to improve learners’ speaking and writing skills in the East Asia region increases, the introduction of AI offers potential for personalisation and efficiency. Speakers discussed these exciting opportunities while acknowledging concerns about equity and access, emphasising the need for policies that ensure AI benefits are distributed fairly across different learner populations. New Directions East Asia considered learning and assessment outcomes across the region, and demonstrated how policy goals, learning systems and technology must all be aligned to the local context and local needs in order to achieve lasting beneficial impact.
As we celebrate the enduring ties between the UK and Thailand, it is clear that education and language will continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening our strategic partnership. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in education, we can unlock new opportunities for individuals and societies alike, paving the way for a shared future of prosperity, understanding, and global impact.
Danny Whitehead Country Director Thailand
Professor Barry O'Sullivan OBE Director English Language Research British Council
