Thai Ambassador to Malaysia Suchitra Hiranprueck handed the donation to the eight-member Pesila delegation led by its president Epan Propoul and its adviser Eh Lah Puai @ Vicharn.
She hoped Pesila would use the donation to encourage the Thai community in Malaysia
The 60,000 Malaysians of Thai origin living in this country formed an important cultural affiliation between the two friendly neighbouring countries and their people, she told reporters after presenting the donation.
Suchitra, however, said it was understandable the difficulties faced by the Malaysian Thais to maintain and follow all the cultural and hereditary practices observed in Thailand
She said the donations given to Pesila had the Malaysian government's blessings and hence, it should not be misconstrued as an attempt to interfere in Malaysia
Pesila vice-president Prasert Ehchai said the 115-member association had lined up several activities to enhance the members' knowledge on Thai language and culture.
He said the association also planned to celebrate "Songkran" or water festival next year among the 300 Malaysian Thais in Kuala Lumpur
Presently, "Songkran" is only celebrated at Malaysian Thai villages in Kelantan, Perak and Kedah, he said.
Prasert said Pesila also intend to participate in the Citrawarna 2000 tourism carnival in May hosted by the Culture, Arts and Tourism Ministry.
He also said two Malaysian Thais were currently studying Thai language in Thaksin University in Thailand
Upon graduation, they would teach the language to Malaysians of Thai descent in their villages, he added. – Bernama
Sumber: Utusan Malaysia; Oddsends; 24/03/2000
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