MON AND THAI LANGUAGES CLASS OPEN AT THE BORDER

 (Kaowao: September 1, 2005)

Three Pagodas Pass – The opening ceremony for Mon and Thai language evening classes were held here for the first time yesterday evening, a Mon language teacher told a Kaowao reporter today. 

“We will teach Mon and Thai languages voluntarily starting between 6:30 and 8:30 daily (Burmese local time).”  Over 200 students are registered to attend the classes, said the teacher.

The classes, which are arranged by the township Mon Culture and Literature Committee and the youth organization, are separated into four sections. ‘We received permission from the township authority and the local commander to open them,’ the teacher said.

Most of the students are teenagers who are interested in learning both their own language and Thai.  The classes are sponsored with the aim of preserving the Mon language and of encouraging people to attend, the teacher said.

The organizers are also planning to include English language classes, as well, the teachers said.  The New Mon State Party liaison officer also attended the opening class and delivered a speech.