Proposing ChatGPT as a Transformative Tool for Enhancing ESL Speaking and Listening Skills: Bridging Research Gaps in Thai Education

The development of speaking and listening skills remains a significant challenge in English as a Second Language (ESL) education, particularly in non-native English-speaking contexts such as Thailand. Traditional tools and methods often fail to provide personalized, real-time conversational practice, leaving gaps in learners’ communicative competence. This paper explores ChatGPT, a conversational AI, as a potential solution to these challenges. By conducting a comprehensive review of existing tools and identifying research gaps, this study proposes a conceptual framework for integrating ChatGPT into ESL education, particularly for Thai students at Chiang Rai Rajabhat University (CRRU). This framework highlights how ChatGPT’s interactive capabilities can address cultural and linguistic barriers, enhance learner engagement, and provide scalable solutions for improving speaking and listening skills. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research and practical implications for educators.