Artificial intelligence is quietly changing the way Thais communicate online and in classrooms. A study by the Max Planck Institute for Human Development shows that English speakers are increasingly using AI-inspired phrases—“GPT words”—in daily speech and writing. The shift over the past 18 months blurs the line between human and machine language and raises questions for language, culture, and education in Thailand.
For Thai audiences, the trend matters because English remains a key tool for business, higher education, and international tourism. As Thai students and professionals interact with AI-driven platforms for study and work, understanding these linguistic shifts helps harness ai effectively while preserving Thai communicative values.
The study analyzed millions of texts—from emails to academic papers—and compared language use before and after ChatGPT’s global release. Researchers tracked how often certain words appeared in hundreds of thousands of YouTube videos and podcast episodes. Common “GPT words” now show up in everyday speech, including delve, realm, meticulous, underscore, comprehend, and bolster, terms that were less common not long ago.
Researchers describe a cultural feedback loop: AI systems, seen as sources of knowledge and authority, influence human language. A senior researcher from the Max Planck Institute notes that people copy what seems knowledgeable, accelerating AI-driven language adoption. In short, AI’s prominence nudges human speech toward its patterns.
The implications for Thailand are significant. English remains the primary foreign language in Thai schools and a gateway to higher education, business, and global tourism—areas increasingly touched by AI. Many learners use ChatGPT and similar tools for writing practice or conversation, suggesting AI-generated phrasing could seep into coursework and casual exchanges among Thai youth. This could raise standards for clarity and sophistication, but it may also risk homogenising expression and introducing jargon that doesn’t fit every context.
Opinions among experts vary. Some linguists view AI-driven language change as natural and beneficial, akin to how media and global trends have historically shaped local speech. A senior lecturer from a Bangkok university’s linguistics department says language is always evolving, and AI is the latest influence. He adds that educational policies must keep communication meaningful, relatable, and contextually appropriate.
Others worry about over-reliance on AI templates for writing or presentations. An English curriculum coordinator from a public secondary school notes that tools can boost confidence and vocabulary exposure, but they must not erode authentic voice or critical thinking. Thailand’s Ministry of Education is revising digital literacy curricula to address both opportunities and risks of AI-assisted language learning.
Beyond the classroom, the trend aligns with Thailand’s push for digital readiness. The pandemic accelerated online learning and remote work, increasing use of virtual assistants and translation tools. Thai digital culture often absorbs new slang from global media, including AI. The current wave is subtler but potentially more deeply embedded, affecting how Thai speakers write and speak in everyday life.
Looking ahead, the study’s findings relate to current AI models such as GPT-4 and GPT-3.5-turbo. As new models roll out, language patterns may shift again. The study focuses on English, and it remains unclear how Thai will be affected, though localized AI tools could accelerate cross-linguistic influence. The work is still under peer review, and experts acknowledge other forces—globalisation, media, and pop culture—in shaping language.
Practical guidance for Thai readers is to use AI tools thoughtfully. They should complement, not replace, authentic learning and real-world communication. Teachers and students should critically compare AI-suggested phrasing with traditional sources and diversify language exposure through Thai literature and local media. In business and tourism, recognizing evolving language trends can open opportunities while maintaining a distinct Thai voice in hospitality and communication.
As AI increasingly shapes everyday language, Thai educators, students, and professionals are encouraged to act as conscious communicators. Combine technological benefits with Thai cultural wisdom to sustain global competence and cultural vibrancy.
According to research from global institutions, continuous monitoring of AI’s impact on communication is essential for national competitiveness and cultural continuity. Thai schools and parents are urged to foster balanced, mindful use of these tools.