King Prajadhipok’s Institute (KPI), the Thai-Chinese Cultural Relationship Council (TCCRC) and Beijing Chinese Language and Culture College (BLCC) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Thai-Sino cooperation in Chinese language training for state personnel.
The signing ceremony was held at the King Prajadhipok Museum on Lan Luang Road in Bangkok. The MoU was signed by KPI secretary-general Vitavas Chaipakpoom, TCCRC president Pinit Jarusombat and BLCC rector Wang Zhimin.
Mr Zhimin said this was the second memorandum extending academic cooperation to promote the study of Chinese language, culture, research, and academic exchange in a bid to boost Chinese language skills among Thai state officials and strengthen bilateral relations.
The Chinese language training programme for state officials is backed by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and the Chinese embassy in Thailand.
Mr Zhimin said that, since 2019, 217 participants have taken part in the programme.
Mr Pinit said that the Chinese government also provides scholarships to encourage Thai officials to study at Peking University. He said the programme benefits many Thai state officials, particularly those from the Royal Thai Police, Immigration Bureau, the Education Ministry, Thai customs, and local administrative organisations, who help manage Chinese investors and tourists in the country.