Understanding the Top 5 Challenges Thai Learners Face in IELTS Speaking

In today’s world, where English has become a vital global language for both education and career advancement, the ability to speak fluently and confidently is a major goal for many Thai learners. However, despite years of classroom instruction and continuous tutoring, a large number of Thai students still find speaking to be the most difficult skill, especially in high-stakes situations like the IELTS Speaking test. Speaking requires more than just knowledge of grammar and vocabulary; it demands confidence, fluency, and the ability to think and communicate naturally in real time.

This challenge does not stem from a lack of English knowledge but rather from a gap in consistent speaking practice in real-life situations. Many students are taught to memorize rather than communicate, and they often lack the confidence to speak without a script.

This article takes a closer look at five major challenges Thai learners face in the IELTS Speaking test and offers structured, practical solutions that focus on targeted and sustainable development.

This is a common behavior among Thai students, even those with a solid foundation in English. Translating mentally from Thai to English while speaking not only slows down the response and disrupts fluency but also increases the risk of mistranslations, incorrect word usage, or forgetting sentence structure mid-sentence. These issues can directly affect the score, particularly in the "fluency and coherence" criterion, which is a key component of the IELTS Speaking assessment.

To address this issue, learners should train themselves to think in English directly. Effective techniques include shadowing, telling short stories in English without translating, and practicing timed responses to simulate test conditions. These methods help retrain the brain to process language more naturally.

This psychological barrier significantly affects the speaking performance of many Thai learners. Despite having sufficient vocabulary and grammar knowledge, fear of making mistakes often leads students to speak less, give overly short answers, or avoid responding altogether during interactive conversations. It is important to note that IELTS examiners do not deduct marks for having an accent, as long as communication is clear and understandable. The test welcomes a wide range of global accents.

Regular speaking practice in a safe and supportive environment is a highly effective way to reduce anxiety around the IELTS Speaking test. Learners are encouraged to shift their mindset. Perfection is not the goal; clear, confident, and natural communication is. This can be achieved through conversations with friends or instructors who provide constructive feedback, as well as through self-practice by recording and reviewing their own speech.

Using overly simple vocabulary can make speech sound flat and unengaging, and it does not reflect the speaker’s true language ability. Many students rely on words such as “good,” “nice,” “very,” and “a lot” without exploring more precise or academic alternatives. This habit often results in a lower score in the “lexical resource” category, which measures range and appropriateness in vocabulary use.

To build a stronger vocabulary foundation, students should begin by organizing words by topic. Common IELTS topics include education, technology, health, and the environment. Learning synonyms, antonyms, and collocations in a systematic way and applying them in practice is essential. Start with simple sentences and gradually build into full, detailed responses.

Providing short responses without elaboration makes it difficult for examiners to evaluate a student’s full language ability. This is especially problematic in Parts 2 and 3 of the IELTS Speaking test, which require analytical and extended responses. Students who reply with “Yes” or “I think so” and stop there miss the opportunity to demonstrate a higher level of language use, and their answers often lack depth and coherence.

To improve in this area, students are advised to follow the P-E-E structure (Point – Example – Explanation) when answering questions. Begin with a clear opinion, support it with a personal experience or relevant example, and finish with an explanation of its meaning or impact. This helps create a well-rounded and engaging response.

Although it may seem like a minor issue, the lack of real-life English speaking opportunities can greatly affect both fluency and confidence. Many Thai students study English mainly through textbooks, worksheets, or test preparation materials, with limited chances to use English in spontaneous conversation. As a result, when they are asked to speak about unfamiliar topics or answer unexpected questions, they may hesitate, freeze, or struggle to respond clearly.

To address this, students should create regular opportunities to speak English in daily life. This might include setting a goal to speak on a specific topic for 10 to 15 minutes each day, joining online speaking clubs, finding a speaking partner with similar goals, or practicing in front of a mirror and recording their responses to IELTS-style questions for review.

Improving your IELTS Speaking skills is not just about talent or a strong language background. It requires self-awareness, clear goals, and a serious commitment to practice. With the right strategy and consistent training, many Thai learners can significantly enhance their speaking performance.

If you're planning to take the IELTS and want to build real confidence in Speaking, book your test with IDP today. You'll receive a free Mock Speaking Test with a Native Speaker, along with targeted feedback to sharpen your technique and boost your readiness before test day.