BANGKOK, Oct. 6(Xinhuanet)-- Thai Education Ministry has planned to introduce Mandarin classes to high schools across the country to promote learning of the language.

The strategy to promote Mandarin and improve its teaching will soon be submitted to the head of the Education Ministry for approval, Khunying Kasama na Ayutthaya, permanent secretary for education, was quoted by The Nation newspaper as saying Thursday.

Under the proposal, each educational district will be required to have at least one high school with a Mandarin class by 2007. By 2008, all high schools across the kingdom are required to offer classes in Mandarin.

If approved, the move will be carried out from the next academic year, she said, adding that the government will assist schools in seeking Mandarin teachers and getting teaching materials during the first three years.

In December, a Mandarin Teaching fair will be held on which experts from China will give advice on how to provide Mandarin classes. Representatives from big companies will also elaborate onthe importance of mastering Mandarin to future economy. Enditem