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July 29 is recognized as National Thai Language Day, a date set aside to honor the significance of the Thai language as a national heritage that preserves Thai wisdom and culture through the ages. This year, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University, has taken the Thai language to the international stage by establishing the Thai Language and Culture Center in Leeds, United Kingdom. This initiative is a collaboration between Khon Kaen University, the University of Leeds, and Wat Buddharam Leeds, creating a tangible platform for learning Thai language and culture abroad.
The faculty has long offered Thai language programs for international learners, with more than 200 students from countries such as Japan, China, and France enrolling each academic year. This demonstrates the continued global interest in the Thai language and its potential as a tool for fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Beyond language acquisition, the program embraces the diversity of today’s cultural landscape. Assoc. Prof. Orathai stated, “We live in an era of linguistic and cultural diversity. Our teaching approach prioritizes Standard Thai while incorporating new expressions that reflect the evolving nature of language. The goal is to ensure learners can use Thai effectively in real-life situations while maintaining proper language levels appropriate to different social contexts.”
The center also serves as a platform for KKU students to undertake cooperative education placements in the UK, providing opportunities to teach Thai in authentic settings and engage in cultural exchange with international peers. Faculty members from the University of Leeds will contribute to the center’s activities, fostering a deep intercultural learning environment.
Looking ahead, Khon Kaen University plans to expand similar centers to other countries with large Thai communities, such as Germany and Denmark. If this pilot program proves successful, it will pave the way for a more comprehensive global system of Thai language education.
On this National Thai Language Day, Khon Kaen University proudly reaffirms its commitment to promoting the Thai language—not only as the foundation of Thai identity but also as a form of Soft Power that strengthens cultural understanding and international friendships for a sustainable future.
News: Raviporn Saisaengtong
Source: https://www.kku.ac.th/en/238924/
Compiled by Prowsaeng Siripanuwat, International Relations Officer
Poster : พราวแสง ภูสิงหา [Ms. Prowsaeng Poosinghar] | 31 กรกฎาคม 68
