Chiang Mai hosts a large population of immigrant workers from Myanmar, the majority of them Shan (Thai Yai). Learning is essential to establishing their new lives and social networks in Thailand. Most of them have had only elementary education in Burma. They have to learn to speak, read, and write Thai. Many also take advantage of educational facilities available in Thailand to study English, other languages, computer science, and vocational courses. Some aspire to higher education; others put their new-found learning to use in Burma, or to improve their work status in Thailand.
The writer stresses the importance of non-institutional learning, eg practicing Thai with neighbours and at work; learning new skills at work; learning about Thai culture from personal interactions and the media – TV, radio, journals.
Publication date : February 2018
Price : 300 Baht / 10 US$
Published through Chiang Mai University Press
- THEME
- Ethnic Politics | Regional Integration