Monument_of_King_Rama_IV_at_Khon_Kaen_University.JPG (Photo : Wikipedia)
A Confucius Institute was inaugurated on Monday at the Khon Kaen University in Thailand, according to a report by Women of China.
Sun Ling, representative of the Confucius Institute Headquarters in Thailand, said during the inauguration ceremony that the establishment of the institute is proof of the Thai government's support not only for the development of the institution, but also for the teaching of Chinese culture and language in the country.
The official also said that the institute will serve as an academic center for the promotion of the Chinese heritage, including its culture and language.
Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn attended the ceremony and participated in a lecture discussing the Confucius Institute's history and development through the years.
Construction of the institute in Khon Kaen University, which has an area of 3,100 square meters, began in 2012 and was completed in Sept. 2013.
The structures in the center are inspired by both Chinese and Thai architectural themes.
The institute, which was set up with help from the Confucius Institute Headquarters and the China Southwest Universty, has more than 9,900 students as of this year.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by officials from the Thai government, China Southwest University, Confucius Institute Headquarters and the Chinese Embassy in Thailand.
