A Vietnamese language course for Thai journalists began for the first time in Bangkok on January 20, in an effort to draw more interests from the Thai media to Vietnam .

Organised by the Thai Journalists Association under the auspices of Cement Siam Group of Thailand , the 10-week course gathered 30 reporters and journalists working for newspapers, television and radio stations across the country.

Once finished, two trainees will be chosen for a fact-finding trip to Vietnam , which is also expected to give them an insight into the country’s journalism.

Vietnamese language has recently caught interests of residents in Bangkok and some other parts in Thailand .

Earlier, the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and the Thai Commission of Higher Education also opened Vietnamese language courses, which were most attended by overseas Vietnamese in Bangkok .

This one for journalists is the first of its kind.

Relations between Vietnam and Thailand are growing, especially in economics, politics, culture and social affairs.

The two countries’ two-way trade has maintained a double digit growth over the past years.

Vietnam has become Thailand ’s fourth largest trade partner while Thailand has been among top ten investors in Vietnam , with a total investment capital of over 13 billion USD.

At recent talks, the two countries’ leaders agreed to soon lift bilateral ties to a strategic partnership and enhance links in socio-culture and education through the establishment of language training centres in their countries.-VNA