Abstract
This study investigated the factors affecting Thai taxi drivers’ English competence. Altogether, 342 taxi drivers answered questionnaires and performed tasks that measured their English language competency; aiming to find out what the factors are that affect their English competency. The taxi drivers were all Thais sampled from three zones in the Bangkok metropolis. The instruments included the test and the questionnaires. The data collection was carried out during January to May 2016. The structural equation model, based on relevant theories and research findings, was constructed to explain the factors affecting their English language competence. The exogenous factors were their educational background and previous English language training, attitudes towards non-Thai passengers, motivation, and their independent language learning behavior. The results showed that the model was supported by the empirical evidence. The model was fitted with the Chi-square of 53.821, CFI of 0.996, NFI of 0.972, GFI of 0.977, and RMSEA of 0.022. The majority of Thai taxi drivers’ English language competence was at the low level (Mean = 2.50). It was also found that their educational background and English language training significantly affected their English competence directly and indirectly.
Highlights
Previous research reported that many Thai taxi drivers had difficulties expressing themselves and understanding the English spoken by the foreign visitors, leading to their inability to take those passengers to their destinations and complaints as well as dissatisfaction from the passengers (Salathong, 2011; Thadphoothon, 2014; TripAdvisor, 2016)
Relevant theories were reviewed and the model was tested against the empirical data through confirmatory factory analysis (CFA) as well as the exploratory factor analysis (EFA)
The majority of the taxi drivers were between 28-67 years old (95.81%)
Summary
Previous research reported that many Thai taxi drivers had difficulties expressing themselves and understanding the English spoken by the foreign visitors, leading to their inability to take those passengers to their destinations and complaints as well as dissatisfaction from the passengers (Salathong, 2011; Thadphoothon, 2014; TripAdvisor, 2016). This situation contributes to their perceived service quality, affecting Thailand’s image as one of the world’s top tourist destinations and its plan to move the country out of the middle-income trap (The Government Public Relation Department, 2016). Little research has been done to look closely into their lives, plights, challenges, and opportunities
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