In 2025, Thailand’s language landscape has radically changed. While there was a surge in interest in Russian between 2011–2015 due to tourism and cultural programs, today it no longer ranks in the top 5 priority foreign languages.
According to the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), the number of schools teaching Russian has dropped from 47 in 2015 to just 12 in 2025. Reasons include reduced tourist flow, geopolitical shifts, and declining youth interest.
Which Languages Are Trending Now?
New leaders:
- English: main foreign language; since 2024, mandatory spoken format with native speakers;
- Chinese (Mandarin): taught in over 800 schools — 60% growth in 5 years;
- Arabic: expanding in southern provinces and for Muslim students;
- Japanese and Korean: popular among youth due to K-pop and anime;
- Technical English: IT, AI, medicine — focus on professional use.
What Happened to the 'Russian Language' Program?
Yes, between 2011–2015, Russia implemented the Federal Targeted Program 'Russian Language'. Over 500 books were donated to Chulalongkorn and Thammasat Universities, as well as schools in Pattaya, Bangkok, and Phuket.
However, after 2015, support from the Russian Federation largely ceased. Today:
- Library collections are outdated and not updated;
- Teaching continues without methodological support from abroad;
- Russian cultural centers in Thailand are non-operational;
- Russian is only available in private schools and clubs.
How Has Tourism Changed?
According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT):
- 2018: 1.014 million tourists from Russia;
- 2023: 187,000;
- 2024: 192,000;
- 2025 forecast: under 200,000.
This is below 2008 levels and does not create economic incentive for language infrastructure development.
Outlook 2025–2030
Expected:
- Growth in bilingual and trilingual schools (English + Chinese + Thai);
- Introduction of AI language tutors;
- Development of virtual classrooms with native speakers via VR;
- Global recognition of Thailand’s language education system as one of Southeast Asia’s most adaptive.
"Language is not just communication. It’s access to the future," said Education Minister Phattarapong Chatpantharak. "We no longer teach for the past. We teach for where the world will be tomorrow."
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