Top Thai language speakers honoured
The Nation 2011-07-07
US ambassador to Thailand, Kristie Kenney's command of the Thai language has received both official recognition and praise. This year, the Culture Ministry has named her as one of two foreigners with outstanding proficiency in Thai.
The ambassador, who began her duties in Thailand in January, will be invited to receive a plaque of honour in a ceremony on July 29, the National Thai-Language Day.
The other honoured foreigner is Dr Esther Wakeman.
Culture Ministry permanent-secretary Somchai Sianglai yesterday revealed the list of people to receive the awards for their great command of Thai.
Mahachulalongkornrajavidayalaya University's rector Phra Dharma Kosajarn is among 13 people regarded as Thai-language gurus.
Songwriter Nitipong Hornak, actress Sinjai Plengpanich, singer Su Boonliang, TV host Sanya Kunakorn, and writer Prapassorn Sevikul are on the list of 15 outstanding Thai-language users for the year.
Outstanding users of Thai dialect this year are Phra Ratchaprasittikhun, Dr Chantas Thongchuay and singer Pongthep Kradonchamnan.
Fine Arts Department deputy director-general Karun Suttipoon said Ban Rao Ja Mernderm marked Prapas Chonsalanon as the best songwriter judged on his outstanding use of Thai.
"The best male singer is Uten Prommin for his Likhit Rak Buangbon while best female singer is Thanaporn Wakprayoon or Pan Thanaporn for her Khor Pai Hai Theung Dao," he said.
With his Sanya Korn Norn song, Srangsan Ruangsri or Noo Meter of R Siam is named the best male look-tung singer. Tuenjai or Fon Thanasunthorn has claimed the best female look-tung singer award for her Klua song. The singers were honoured for their clear and correct pronunciation of Thai words.
The Culture Ministry in collaboration with Thailand Post will create stamps to mark the National Thai-Language Day.
"They will feature 44 Thai characters. Each stamp in this collection will cost Bt100", Somchai said, and will be sold at all post offices from July 29.