Thai EFL Learners’ Voices on Learning English Online during the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the current pandemic, the unprecedented closure of universities and schools has revived the application of fully online teaching and learning. This study aims to explore Thai EFL learners’ views on online learning implementation during the COVID-19 outbreaks. Data were collected qualitatively with 30 Thai undergraduate students majoring in business English through written reflections, and five of whom were selected purposively to participate in a semi-structured interview. Based on qualitative data analysis, the findings indicated that the student participants expressed positive attitudes towards online learning as it was seen as suitable during the current pandemic, yet they preferred learning English in face-to-face classrooms to online ones. Also, unstable internet connection, lack of interaction and teachers’ explanation, as well as potential distractions were common challenges for their online English learning. Suggestions were also provided by the participants, and pedagogical implications were discussed.