Thailand, therefore, needs to train a breed of business people to cope with this opportunity such as the ablity to speak Chinese, a thorough knowledge of all investment issues, policy and relevant laws, in addition to being able to meet the cultural demands of China's consumers.
Of particular importance here is the ability to speak Chinese. Although there are many Chinese descendants in Thailand most cannot speak Chinese adequately. This results from their parents not encouraging them to learn at home and the Thai education system not supporting the study of the Chinese language. Chinese schools in Thailand are not as popular as they were in the past as most rich Thai-Chinese children are sent abroad to study in Western schools. In addition, Chinese schools in Thailand generally provide education up to primary level only, and universities do not include Chinese as an alternative in entrance examinations.
To address this situation, short-term and long-term plans need to be developed for Thailand's people to become involved in conducting trade with China. Examples of a short-term plan are exchanging instructors, sending Thai students to study in China, adding Chinese as an alternative in university entrance examinations, providing business administrative courses in Chinese, organizing intensive courses in Chinese studies at the higher education level, and supporting research pertaining to Chinese trade and other related issues.
In the long term, information systems about China should be established and a new breed of qualified Sinologists nurtured in specific professional fields.
With China marching towards the status of a super power, Thailand needs to be in a position to fully capitalize on this for the maximum benefit of both countries. Plans needs to be drawn up now to define relations between the two regions, and, as mentioned above, the groundwork needs to be laid for a new generation of Sinologists to make sure these plans are fully implemented.
Of particular importance here is the ability to speak Chinese. Although there are many Chinese descendants in Thailand most cannot speak Chinese adequately. This results from their parents not encouraging them to learn at home and the Thai education system not supporting the study of the Chinese language. Chinese schools in Thailand are not as popular as they were in the past as most rich Thai-Chinese children are sent abroad to study in Western schools. In addition, Chinese schools in Thailand generally provide education up to primary level only, and universities do not include Chinese as an alternative in entrance examinations.
To address this situation, short-term and long-term plans need to be developed for Thailand's people to become involved in conducting trade with China. Examples of a short-term plan are exchanging instructors, sending Thai students to study in China, adding Chinese as an alternative in university entrance examinations, providing business administrative courses in Chinese, organizing intensive courses in Chinese studies at the higher education level, and supporting research pertaining to Chinese trade and other related issues.
In the long term, information systems about China should be established and a new breed of qualified Sinologists nurtured in specific professional fields.
With China marching towards the status of a super power, Thailand needs to be in a position to fully capitalize on this for the maximum benefit of both countries. Plans needs to be drawn up now to define relations between the two regions, and, as mentioned above, the groundwork needs to be laid for a new generation of Sinologists to make sure these plans are fully implemented.
All roads lead to China
Professor Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak
Executive Director, Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD)
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, http://www.ifd.or.th
Professor Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak
Executive Director, Institute of Future Studies for Development (IFD)
kriengsak@kriengsak.com, http://www.ifd.or.th
