Why learn the Thai language?

The ability to speak Thai will allow you to communicate with the Thai people (Thailand currently has a population of over 60 million), about 14 percent of whom are ethnic Chinese. Thai is the national language of the Kingdom of Thailand. It is the largest and best known member of the Tai language family. There are a large number of speakers of Tai languages and dialects in South Western China, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Thai is a tonal language like Chinese. There are five tones in Standard Thai.

Thai at The University of Hong Kong was established in 1997 with the support of the Royal Thai Consulate in Hong Kong. The University of Hong Kong is the only university in the territory where students can minor in Thai.

Students gain first-hand experience of the Thai language as well as of Thai culture through our courses and through occasional trips to Thai temples, markets, and festivals. We also strongly encourage our students to travel to Thailand during the course of their studies and participate in summer language courses at our partner institutions.

Special Events

This year, Thailand is celebrating the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King on 5 December 2007. Already the world's longest reigning monarch, His Majesty the King is highly revered throughout Thailand and recognized worldwide for his immense contributions to poverty alleviation, environmental preservation and agricultural development. In keeping with years of tradition, a number of major festivals and events have been held throughout 2007 to commemorate His Majesty’s 80th birthday.

In 2006, Thailand celebrated the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Accession to the Throne. The most important events were held in June 2006. The reigning monarchs from 29 countries were invited to join the Thai celebrations and many accepted the invitation, including Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, the King and Queen of Sweden, the King of Jordan, and Prince Andrew of the United Kingdom. The Royal Barge Procession was held on Monday, 12 June and was followed by a gala dinner for the Royal guests and ambassadors on 13 June.