The Devawongse Varopakarn Institute of Foreign Affairs (DVIFA), in cooperation with the Japan Foundation (JF) in Bangkok, has been organizing Japanese courses since 2017. This year, 2023, the 20-hour, onsite MARUGOTO (A1) introductory level Japanese course has just been successfully launched. The course runs from 10 June - 26 August 2023 with participants from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (6 diplomats and 8 support staff) and government officials from the Ministry of Education (2 participants).

               The weekly, two-hour, sessions aim to develop the participants’ basic Japanese communication skills for use in everyday life and to enhance the participants’ knowledge and appreciation of Japanese culture. The main course book, the Marugoto A1, will be utilized and covers many topics including greetings and introductions, dining out, hobbies and holiday activities. In addition, the participants will learn about the traditional cultural festival of Japan, namely the “Tanabata Festival”, and will have hands-on experience of writing their wishes, which is the traditional custom of the festival.