Thai students nationwide taught basic Chinese

BANGKOK, July 3 (TNA) - Thai students at dozens of schools across the country now have a good opportunity to take a six-week Chinese speaking course, thanks to Minzu University of China, which has sent some 200 graduate and undergraduate students to teach basic Chinese lessons to the Thai students. Initiated by Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinnawatra following her official visit to China in April 2012, such the mission, starting from July 3, is aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations between Thailand and China and preparing Thai students for the formation of a Single Community, by 2015, of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in which Thailand is a key member country and China is a major dialogue partner of the 10-nation bloc. During the six-week working mission, the 200 Chinese students, who are on their annual school holidays, play their role as assistant teachers to teach Thai students 120 basic Chinese Sentences at 65 government-run primary schools, as well as several other private and vocational schools and non-formal institutes across Thailand. (TNA)