National Thai Language Day, its awards underline importance of Thai language

BANGKOK, July 26 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam presided over an event to mark the National Thai Language Day and presented numerous awards to honor parties promoting Thai language. The awards went to Thai-language gurus, Thai and foreign people with excellent use of Thai language, those with outstanding use of Thai dialects, individuals and organizations contributing to Thai language, young people with excellent Thai speech, reading and writing, excellent singers of Thai boat songs and singers with outstanding use of Thai language. On the same occasion, Mr Wissanu also presented honorary certificates to the embassies of 13 countries that produced video clips to promote Thai language. Mr Wissanu said the National Thai Language Day had been initiated to honor the late King Rama IX who had been a Thai-language expert and discussed issues related to Thai language. The government declared July 29 the National Thai Language Day. The deputy prime minister said the event he chaired was organized not only to honor parties promoting Thai language but also to encourage young Thai people to be aware of Thai cultural heritage and be proud of it. Chumpol Thongtan who obtained an award for excellent use of a Thai dialect said Thai dialects not only served speeches but also presented valuable cultures, lifestyles, wisdom and history. (TNA)