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Asian Institute of Research, Journal Publication, Journal Academics, Education Journal, Asian Institute
Asian Institute of Research, Journal Publication, Journal Academics, Education Journal, Asian Institute

Education Quarterly Reviews

ISSN 2621-5799

asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
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Published: 13 June 2023

Voices of Tourism-Related Personnel Regarding Their Problems and English Language Needs: A Case Study of the Tourism Industry in Phang Nga, Thailand

Ladawan Jantawong, Kanyakorn Sermsook, Rattaneekorn Nakplad

Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Thailand

asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
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doi

10.31014/aior.1993.06.02.749

Pages: 199-211

Keywords: English Language Need, English Problems, Tourism-Related Personnel, Tourism Industry

Abstract

English is widely used in Thailand's tourism industry by tourism-related personnel for communication, negotiation, and transactions with foreign tourists. This study aimed to examine the problems and needs relating to improving English language skills among 150 tourism-related personnel in Phang Nga province and the communication problems experienced by 50 foreign tourists. The researchers employed questionnaires and interviews to collect the data and analyzed the collected data using percentages, means, standard deviations, and content analysis. The findings indicated moderate English-language problems among tourism-related personnel in Phang Nga (Mean = 3.39, S.D. = 1.04) and confirmed by foreign tourists (Mean = 3.40.S.D. = 0.68). The most problematic area was writing skills (Mean = 3.57, S.D. = 1.18), followed by reading skills (Mean= 3.42, S.D. = 1.04). However, it was also observed that tourism-related personnel in Phang Nga province needed to enhance their listening skills (Mean = 3.60, S.D. = 1.09), followed by speaking skills (Mean = 3.53, S.D. =1.08). The majority of personnel (83.3%) expressed a desire to attend English training. The study suggests developing an English training program tailored to the specific needs of tourism-related personnel to enhance their English proficiency for effective communication at work.

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