A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI), the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council (TCCRC), and the Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College (BLCC). The agreement, centred on Thai-Sino cooperation, aims to provide Chinese language training for Thai state personnel.
The signing ceremony took place at the King Prajadhipok Museum on Lan Luang Road in Bangkok. The MoU was endorsed by Vitavas Chaipakpoom, the secretary-general of KPI, Pinit Jarusombat, the president of TCCRC, and Wang Zhimin, the rector of BLCC.
Wang highlighted that this is the second memorandum to bolster academic cooperation. The aim is to promote the study of the Chinese language and culture, encourage research, and facilitate academic exchange. The ultimate goal is to enhance Chinese language proficiency among Thai state officials and fortify bilateral relations.
The Chinese language training programme for Thai state officials enjoys the support of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and the Chinese embassy in Thailand. Wang disclosed that since its inception in 2019, the programme has had 217 participants.
Pinit disclosed that the Chinese government offers scholarships to incentivise Thai officials to study at Peking University, reported Bangkok Post.
The programme has proved beneficial for many Thai state officials. It is particularly favoured by those from the Royal Thai Police, the Immigration Bureau, the Education Ministry, Thai customs, and local administrative organisations. These officials are instrumental in managing Chinese investors and tourists in Thailand.
In related news, Pattaya‘s hospitality sector is witnessing a notable influx of Chinese visitors, a development credited to the newly introduced Thai-China free visa policy.
This detail was shared by Boonkerd Suksrikan, Vice President of the Eastern Thai Hotels Association. Boonkerd noted a significant increase in hotel reservations made by Chinese tourists, particularly those planning to stay until April, which is when Thailand’s globally renowned Songkran water festival takes place.
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