Should I learn Thai or Vietnamese?

Question

I have to learn a Southeast Asian language, either Thai or Vietnamese. There seems to be more Vietnamese people in my area (the US) and around the world in general, and the language has a simpler writing system. Thai however looks and sounds more beautiful to me (that is of course subjective), and the country is more developed than Vietnam. Difficulty isn't really an issue for me, I'm a translator already. I'm more interested in usefulness and perks of knowing either language I may not be aware of (rich literary tradition, openness of people to foreigners learning the language etc). So with the question of difficulty aside, which would you recommend and why? Which do you think is more useful to learn? Funner to learn? Thanks!!

Answer 1

Haven't you ever wondered what those Vietnamese hair/nail workers were saying?  Learn their language and surprise them.  No, shock them!

Answer 2

Well i think you should learn Thai.... I say this because im cambodian and as u probably kno thai and cambodia are right next to each other and both countries share some words and i personally just think it would be more intrestin!!