Chao Phraya River and the study of Thai for Tourism for Chinese Learners

Abstract

This article’s objective is to study the importance of the Chao Phraya River as a significant medium for the study of Thai Language for Tourism among Chinese learners. The researcher has analyzed and collected data from three sources which are 1) the Thai textbook of Chinese learners, 2) the Chinese learners’ questionnaire, and 3) the fieldwork in the Chao Phraya River area. The result shows that Chao Phraya River is mentioned in Thai Fundamental Textbook III (黄进炎, & 林秀梅, 2009) for Chinese learners. This suggests that the learning about Chao Phraya River is one of the significant topics in teaching and learning Thai language in China. According to the questionnaire, Chinese learners suggest adding more content about traveling in the Chao Phraya River area. In addition, due to the fieldwork study on the Chao Phraya River, the researcher finds that both shores of Chao Phraya have several remarkable tourist attractions, which can be spotted from distance and located nearby the piers, which are Yannawa Temple, The Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), The Royal Palace, Wat Rakhang Khositaram Woramahawiharn, Wang Lang Market, ICONSIAM Department Store, and Asiatique the Riverfront. They are located near six piers, which are Sathorn Pier, ICONSIAM Pier, Wat Arun Pier, Tha Chang Pier, Wang Lang Pier, and Asiatique Pier. All these seven landmarks are important in the study of Thai Language for Tourism among Chinese learners in three aspects: historical, architectural, and social of the Thai lifestyle by the river. They help Chinese learners improve and develop Thai Tourism skills and get to know better about Thailand.