“My Vietnam Story” Contest Promotes Vietnamese Language and Culture in Thailand

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This marks the second time the contest has been held in Thailand. Compared to its first edition two years ago, the number of participating universities has increased, and the contest entries have become more diverse, reflecting a wide range of Vietnamese destinations, experiences, and cultural facets.

This year’s final round took place in an enthusiastic atmosphere, bringing together students from various universities in Thailand who are studying the Vietnamese language and exploring Vietnamese culture. The contest is part of a series of cultural activities marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand.

Ambassador Pham Viet Hung poses with representatives of the organizing committee, the judging panel, and the award-winning students. (Photo: Pham Hai/VNA)

Speaking at the opening of the final round, Hoang Diem Hanh, Counselor of the Embassy of Vietnam in Thailand, congratulated the finalists and affirmed that, with their youthfulness, creativity, emotional expression, and especially their passion for exploring Vietnamese culture, the contestants had produced outstanding entries. These included presentations on the dan bau (monochord zither), the song “Bac Bling,” chess, bun cha, coffee, as well as familiar phrases such as “Xin chào mọi người” in each clip and the polite particle “ạ” at the end of sentences. She described the contest as an emotional journey composed of many fascinating pieces about Vietnam.

At the final round, 17 performances from seven universities were presented, featuring Vietnamese-language speeches in one of two formats: sharing personal stories and experiences related to Vietnam in Vietnamese, or delivering artistic performances such as singing, poetry recitation in Vietnamese, and playing traditional Vietnamese musical instruments.

The entries demonstrated serious investment from contestants in both language proficiency and presentation. Many stories, told in Vietnamese, revolved around the country, its people, cuisine, music, and real-life experiences in Vietnam. In addition to the speaking component, artistic performances further highlighted the appeal of Vietnamese culture in an international academic exchange environment.

In his closing remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung congratulated the prize winners and shared his surprise and delight at how contestants brought to the competition works rich in cultural color, from emotional singing performances and the distinctive sound of the dan bau to stories about cuisine and experiences exploring Vietnam’s tourism. All these elements, he noted, contributed to painting a vivid, relatable, and inspiring portrait of Vietnam.

The First Prize was awarded to Ratthanun Petchagungim and Alisara Chueaphet from Thammasat University for their entry “Internship Activities in Ho Chi Minh City.” Two Second Prizes went to Thanawat Muongon from Srinakharinwirot University and Pongpisut Pengsuk from Chulalongkorn University. Three Third Prizes were awarded to Pachara Lertwijitjarat from Naresuan University, and to Patiphan Kheinsaior and Phatcharaphon Surarangsikun, both from Srinakharinwirot University.

The increasingly active participation of Thai students reflects the growing influence of the Vietnamese language and the rising interest in Vietnamese culture in Thailand. The contest not only provides a platform for Vietnamese language learners but also helps connect the younger generations of the two countries, strengthening the social foundation for Vietnam-Thailand friendship and cooperation.

As Vietnam and Thailand move toward the milestone of 50 years of diplomatic relations, cultural and linguistic exchange programs such as “My Vietnam Story” continue to demonstrate the important role of people-to-people exchanges in fostering mutual understanding, trust, and closer ties between the two nations.

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