Trends in English language teaching research among Thai scholars: a bibliometric study of Thai researchers' Scopus-indexed publications from 2010 to 2024

This study aimed to investigate prevalent research topics, methodologies, contexts, and publication outlets utilized by researchers in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT) in Thailand from 2010 - 2024. A bibliographic analysis was employed, with Microsoft Excel 2019 and VOSviewer 1.6.19 serving as research instruments. The dataset was retrieved from both Thai and international journals in the SCOPUS database, focusing specifically on the main keyword, which is ELT and its synonyms. The results revealed that the most frequently explored keywords by scholars in the field of ELT in Thailand were "English for Specific Purposes (ESP)," "English as a Foreign Language (EFL)," "English Language Teaching (ELT)," "Global Englishes," and "Perceptions." The most commonly employed research methodologies were qualitative, mixed methods, and quantitative, respectively. The most prevalent context was higher education, followed by secondary education and primary education. The top three publication outlets were LEARN Journal, rEFLections, and 3L: Language, Linguistics, Literature. Additionally, the top-performing institutions in terms of SCOPUS-indexed publications in ELT research were Thammasat University, Prince of Songkla University, and Chulalongkorn University, with Thammasat University leading the productivity ranking. These findings provide valuable insights into the prevalent themes, methodologies, contexts, and publication outlets within the ELT research landscape in Thailand, offering essential information for educators, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the ELT community.