A Web-Based Course for Foreigners Interested in
Thailand, or to use her former name --Siam-- is situated in Southeast Asia. The land belongs to the Thais, an ancient race proud of their great history and continued independence.
Thailand has a long history stretching back more than 700 years. The historical evidence states that Thai people founded Sukhothai, their first capital, around 1257 A.D. (1800 B.E.), with King Sri Indrathit as the first monarch. His son, King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, is recognized as a genius, not least because, in 1283 A.D. (1826 B.E.), he invented the first Thai alphabet, a system which, with a few minor modifications, has been in use ever since.
Although Thailand has never been counted among the worlds great powers, she is widely recognized as being a fertile and prosperous country, rich in religious and cultural traditions. The people are proud of being Thai and revere their beloved king as the ruler of the country.
Thailand is governed by a constitutional monarchy with His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej as Head of the country. The population of Thailand is approximately 62.4 millions, the majority of whom are Buddhist. The official national language, spoken by almost 100 per cent of the population, is Thai. All Thai people realize the value of the Thai language and appreciate its distinctly melodious qualities. And it is precisely because of its unique and melodious qualities that the Thai people will continue to treasure and preserve their rich linguistic heritage, passing it on to succeeding generations. Thai is the official language
Often referred to as "the Land of Smiles," Thailand is full of historical treasures -- a reflection of her Asian heritage. The matrix of Thai culture is a contemporary blend of religion, politics, economics, ways of life, legal traditions and artistic expression. This distinctive social tapestry can be discovered through the unique language of Thailand, both in her literature and in the voices of her people.
In 1283, King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, the third king of the Sukhothai period, created the first Thai alphabet, basing it on Mon and Khmer scripts, and in 1292 employed the new script in his celebrated stone inscription at Sukhothai. Thus, it stands as a symbol of the nations emergence and independence. Equally important, it also represents the dawn of the Thai language, and consequently of education, in this country.
In the spirit of public service, as well as the conservation of Thai Art and Culture, therefore, and in honour of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great, after whom the initial university was named, it has been decided to combine the expertise of the universitys Thai language staff with its long-standing expertise in distance learning to provide a specially designed course for foreigners interested in learning Thai.
An on-line Thai course, initiated by the Former President Rangsan Saengsook, free of charge, for foreigners interested in learning Thai worldwide via www.ram.edu, has already enjoyed phenomenal success, attracting more than 50,000 subscribers each year.
******************
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make Studying Thai as Smooth as Silk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/RamkhamHaeng University -- Faculty of Business Administration_files/i_copyright.gif){kind=small}