Let the world hear what Thai sounds like
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When I read The Nation's headline "PM to give speeches at UN meetings" I said to myself, "Uh-oh, someone is going to throw a tantrum, clamouring for Yingluck to deliver speeches in English.
He’s going scream that speaking Thai at the UN is disgraceful and every country will snub Thailand for that.”
According to its website, the UN’s official languages are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. A delegate can speak in any of these and be interpreted simultaneously into the other official languages. But a delegate can also make a statement in a non-official language if he provides either an interpretation or a written text in one of the official languages.
I think it is a great opportunity for PM Yingluck to show the world what the Thai language sounds like. It is dull enough that Thai delegates exhibit conformity by wearing Western business suits and ties at the UN. At least make us proud of our culture and heritage by giving speeches in Thai.
Somsak Pola
Samut Prakarn
