The role of English in the linguistic landscape of the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Mo Chit): A linguistic landscape study

Abstract

Transport terminals are more than places for catching buses—they are spaces where languages meet real passengers. In Thailand, where people from different regions and countries pass through every day, signage plays an important role in helping everyone find their way. This study looks at how English is used on signs at Bangkok Bus Terminal (Mo Chit), a major hub for both Thai passengers and migrant workers. Using Ben-Rafael’s (2006) framework, the research analyzed 290 signs collected through fieldwork in May 2024. The results showed that while bilingual signs dominated (183 signs, 63.10%), the terminal also displayed monolingual signs (99 signs, 34.14%) and a small number of trilingual signs (1 sign, 0.34%). Most bilingual signage combines Thai and English, with government signs offering more balanced language presentation than those made by private companies. While English helps with basic communication, it often appears in smaller fonts and with inconsistent quality—especially in bottom-up signage. Interestingly, Chinese was not found, and only a few signs used Burmese or Lao, despite the large number of regional travelers. These patterns suggest that while English is visible, it’s not always accessible. The study highlights how language on signs reflects broader issues of inclusion, mobility, and policy, especially in spaces meant to serve the public.