Thailand 85% prepared for AC

BANGKOK, December 17 (TNA) - Thailand is now 85 per cent prepared for the formation of the ASEAN Community (AC) by the end of 2015, but more teachings on the languages of other ASEAN member states are considered an advantage. Busadee Santipitaks, Deputy Director-General of the Department of ASEAN Affairs, under the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks at a seminar on Thailand's preparation for the ASEAN Community, organized by Thammasat University in Bangkok, on Wednesday, in which representatives of public and private agencies participated, including those from Thai News Agency (TNA). Busadee pointed out that there are now a small number of Thai people and teachers who can speak the languages of other ASEAN neighboring countries; so, there should be more curricula on ASEAN languages introduced in the country, together with more English language courses. Busadee also said although there has not been a battle in ASEAN for a long time, existing disputes in the South China Sea and North Korea's nuclear weapon possession should be monitored and their impacts on ASEAN be assessed. The senior official suggested that Thailand, as a coordinator between China and ASEAN, help find ways to relieve regional conflicts and promote cooperation between both sides. Meanwhile, Thammasat University Rector Somkid Lertpaithoon revealed that his university plans to exchange students and share knowledge with top three universities in other ASEAN member states. (TNA)