BANGKOK, July 26 (TNA) – Thailand celebrates Thai
Language Day with activities to promote conservation and proper use of the Thai
language.
The Ministry of Culture held the Thai Language Day event on
Friday at Thailand Cultural Center. 
Minister of Culture Itthiphol Kunplome said the event was to
celebrate the language which had been a national identity over the past 730
years.
He said all Thais must follow the guidance given by the late
King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s to deepen the understanding of the Thai language and
to cherish the national heritage.
The Minister also presented awards to 31 individuals for
their contribution to the Thai language promotion and excellent use of the
formal and local dialects.
Not only native Thai people who have won the awards, among
the 31 awardees are five foreigners.
One of them is an American man living in Phrae province,
Allen Long, who has mastered Thailand’s northern dialect
Another award recipient is Australian singer and actor
Christopher Chaafe who has appeared in many Thai singing contests.(TNA)
