Readiness in English Business Writing for Communication in Trade Finance Operations: A Case Study of Thai Banking Internationalization

Abstract

As globalization reshapes the financial landscape, English proficiency, particularly in business writing, has become a critical competency for banking professionals involved in international trade finance. This study investigated the readiness of Thai banking employees to use English for written communication within the context of corporate internationalization, using the Trade Finance Operations Department of a top-five Thai commercial bank as a case study. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrated quantitative data from surveys and competency tests with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that while employees exhibit moderate proficiency in reading and technical vocabulary, significant challenges persist in grammar, sentence composition, and the use of financial terminology in English email correspondence. These challenges were amplified by organizational changes following the bank’s merger with a multinational financial group with extensive global operations, which shifted internal communication practices from Thai to English. The study identified key skill gaps and provided evidence-based recommendations for enhancing workplace communication effectiveness. Ultimately, the research emphasized the strategic role of English writing in facilitating global competitiveness and operational efficiency in trade finance. It called for targeted training programs that address not only linguistic accuracy but also intercultural and contextual communication competencies essential in today’s global banking environment.