A somewhat similar situation exists in the relationship of Thai and Lao. The laos understand spoken Thai and hear Thai constantly on radio and television. Educated Laos can also read written Thai. However, Thais do not readily understand spoken lao nor do they read the written variety. Lao is a low pretige language so far as Thais are concerned; in contrast, Thai has high preatige in Laos. Thais, therefore, are unwilling to expend effort to understand lao, whereas Laos are willing to make the extra effort to undersrand Thai.