TU connects Thai-Laos relations through reading

VIENTIANE, Dec 7 (TNA) -- Thailand's leading university, Thammasat University (TU) joined forces with the National University of Laos (NUOL) to organise a book expo to encourage the love of reading among the people of Lao PDR. TU's Rector Somkit Lertpaithoon, together with Thammasat University Bookstore executive board chairman, Surapol Niti-kraipoj co-presided over the opening of the 5th Academic Seminar and Book Fair, which have been jointly organised by the TU Book Centre and NUOL at NUOL in Vientiane of Lao PDR. Mr Somkit said the event is aimed to continue the relationship and education cooperation network between the member states of ASEAN, particularly Lao PDR. He said the university has seen that the TU Book Centre has the potential to give support to education services, it has then decided to launched the seminar and book fair, which has been well received by the Laos side in helping to promote the academic and learning atmosphere among students, professors, education personnel and the general public of Lao. Meanwhile, Mr Surapol said since the event has been organised in 2011 up until last year, it has been well received by both Laos education sector and people. He added that the most popular types of books among Laotians are medical, scientific and language-related, all of which reflected the public's interests and visions on health issues, medical technology, as well as their open mindedness and readiness for the ASEAN formation set for year's end. He noted that the people of Lao also like to read books for relaxation, just like Thai people, these include literature and books on tourism. The 5th Academic Seminar and Book Fair is scheduled to be held on December 7-11. (TNA)