Radio show to teach taxi drivers English

Well, there you are! I was starting to get worried that you might have gotten lost and wandered off the face of the Earth or something. Anyway you are here now so fill your mug and tease your palate with a delicious no-fat virtual treat. Y'know, Bangkok (my favourite city!) has about 10,000 taxi drivers and finally, after all these years, someone has decided that they should perhaps learn to speak some English...

The Labour Ministry, FM 91 and Sukhothaithammathirat Open University will launch an English-learning pogramme for taxi drivers to better prepare them for the Asean Economic Community. 

Nakhon Silpa-archa, head of the ministry's Skill Development Department, said the radio program will be broadcast on traffic-and-safety station three times daily. Sukhothaithammathirat instructors will teach the lessons.

Taxi drivers and other listeners will be taught how to use simple sentences to communicate with foreign tourists, such travel routes, tourist spots, fares and others items.Mr Nakhon said the programme is slated to begin in August and last three months.

Sukhothaithammathirat Open University is also drawing up an English-training programme for taxi drivers at Suvarnabhumi airport.  The Skill Development Department will ask for space from the airport for the class.

The training programme will be held on different periods for taxi drivers to attend at their convenience.

Mr Nakhon said the Skill Development Department aims to develop English skill for taxi drivers in preparing for the entry into the AEC, to provide better services for foreign tourists, boost their income and promote the country's tourism.

Bangkok? What about right here at home, eh? We need the same English training for many of our taxi drivers!

See ya, eh!

Bob

PS: Seems people liked my funny coffee sign yesterday. Glad to hear it! Here's another for you...