Chinese language could benefit Thais
Chinese immigrants have assimilated so homogeneously into Thai society in the last century that the third- and fourth-generation Chinese descendants, mostly in their twenties to forties, can hardly speak any Chinese.
To enhance the Thai-Chinese economic tide further, the government should consider imposing Chinese as a third language alternative in schools for all students. Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s visionary leader, spoke recently about his determination to learn and master the Chinese language, saying that he has spent his whole life trying to master the language as he did not learn it when he was young. In Lee’s view, to learn Chinese is not just about the emotional and cultural connection, but a pragmatic consideration too. With our Chinese roots as an advantage, Thai businessman can further explore more opportunities with mainland China if we can communicate properly in Chinese with our counterparts in China, just like the Singaporeans who have already done so for more than a decade.
Yingwai Suchaovanich
Bangkok
