Watanaporn said the country remains committed to making cultural and linguistic diversity a cornerstone of development in Thailand. “Our country is home to 72 unique ethno-lingusitic groups – a wealth of diversity that is among our national treasures,” she said. “Recognising the different linguistic and cultural backgrounds among our people, the Thai government has worked hard to protect and promote this cultural diversity.” She pointed to Thailand’s advances in this area, including Mahidol University’s Patani Malay-Thai Bi/Multilingual Education project. Mahidol University was awarded the Unesco King Sejong Prize in 2016 for its mother tongue pilot project. But for that to take place, they need to come to terms with their own prejudices and racist views.

Source: The Nation Bangkok February 24, 2018 18:00 UTC