Efficient English Services, which launched the Wall Street Institute in Thailand four years ago, yesterday inaugurated a new school in the Siam Centre area, in Siam Tower. Another one is scheduled to open in Pin Klao this year.

Timothy Daniels, chairman and CEO of the 35-year-old US franchisor of the Wall Street Institute (WSI), said yesterday that eight countries in Asia would generate $100 million in sales, up 40 per cent from last year.

Efficient English Services, which launched WSI in Thailand four years ago, has become one of the major contributors.

Michel Le Quellec, director of the local master franchisee, said his company's four schools would welcome 12,000 students this year, mainly aged 28-35, while teaching other adult students at their companies.

It will open two schools in Bangkok this year - one yesterday in the Siam Centre area at Siam Tower and the other in Pin Klao.

In nearby countries, Efficient English Services opened one school in Indonesia early this year and will open another soon. It also took over the WSI franchise in Hong Kong, with six branches.

Next year it will open schools in Central City Bang Na and Chiang Mai and penetrate Malaysia and Vietnam. Each school costs from $500,000 to $1 million to open, depending on location and size.

WSI International still sees tremendous opportunities for English institutes and expects to expand this year by 35 branches to a total of 380. It operates in 35 countries.

Le Quellec said business in Thailand was still good in spite of the economic and political uncertainties, because more young people realise the importance of English communication for career development.

About 120,000 adults nationwide are estimated to be interested in studying English, of which some 80,000 are in the capital, he added.

Nitida Asawanipont

The Nation