ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Josie Law]

I really enjoyed reading your analysis of Thailand’s Lese Majeste rule and how strictly it is enforced. This is something that I think many of us will find quite strange coming to Thailand for the first time, especially as we are so not used to having to talk respectfully about our monarchy. It seems there is no end of jokes about the British royal family, and many people are outspoken about their opposition to having a monarchy. I myself have often openly discussed the British monarchy in a less than favourable way. Lok’s story is quite shocking, I’m sure many of us would have been kicked out of school if that was the rule here. I agree with your point that this is something that we should remember to be culturally sensitive about whilst in Thailand.

[Halima Mahmood]

https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/thailand-democracy-protests-gender-equality/
Article: How young women are leading Thailand’s protests against the patriarchy
The main focus of this article is how women in Thailand are faced with inequality and discrimination daily – from the wage gap to period poverty and rape culture. With only 14% of seats held by women in Thai Parliament, there isn’t much say for women and their rights hence the resort to protesting. Menstruation remains a controversial subject and is considered taboo to speak about. Decisions regarding women’s bodies and lives belong to women only. The patriarchy should have no control over decisions regarding women’s reproductive health or bodies. This article refers to the way men view this as an inconvenience. This is completely unfair as women experience period poverty as a result of the high price of menstrual products like tampons which are taxed at a 7% value-added tax. Menstrual products are a basic right and not a luxury.
Other issues explored throughout the article include ‘male supremacy.’ This is the concept of women being inferior and of lower status than men. This is a problem which has been on the rise since the 2014 coup. Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is head of the national committee of gender equality, has confidently said that women having equal rights would destroy Thai society. This is very ironic considering this is the man whose responsibility is to ensure equal rights amongst genders. Harmful stereotypes are shared influencing younger boys who grow to believe that a woman’s power is only in the home.

As a young woman, it was disappointing to find that issues like period poverty are still present with nothing being done by the government to change things. During sixth form I was part of a group of students who raised concerns about menstrual products not being available for female students for free. Speaking up about this actually resulted in free products in all female toilets in the sixth form building. I hope this changes in the future and women in Thailand succeed in dismantling the patriarchy through their fight for gender equality. It is a right, not a luxury.

[Halima Mahmood]

Hi Josie,
This is a great summary if the article and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I am actually shocked by the ratio of male to female monks with there only being 270! I think it’s important that you’ve shed light on important issues like sexism and gender inequality (two topics which I actually covered in my article summary too!). These are recurring themes when it comes to women and their rights in Thailand. I think it is unfair that women are not taken seriously and the way being outspoken is seen as a negative thing. I agree with your concluding points completely and think it’s important to ask these questions. I also hope to learn more about Buddhism whilst in Thailand! 🙂

[Halima Mahmood]

https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/thailand-democracy-protests-gender-equality/
Article: How young women are leading Thailand’s protests against the patriarchy
The main focus of this article is how women in Thailand are faced with inequality and discrimination daily – from the wage gap to period poverty and rape culture. With only 14% of seats held by women in Thai Parliament, there isn’t much say for women and their rights hence the resort to protesting. Menstruation remains a controversial subject and is considered taboo to speak about. Decisions regarding women’s bodies and lives belong to women only. The patriarchy should have no control over decisions regarding women’s reproductive health or bodies. This article refers to the way men view this as an inconvenience. This is completely unfair as women experience period poverty as a result of the high price of menstrual products like tampons which are taxed at a 7% value-added tax. Menstrual products are a basic right and not a luxury.
Other issues explored throughout the article include ‘male supremacy.’ This is the concept of women being inferior and of lower status than men. This is a problem which has been on the rise since the 2014 coup. Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is head of the national committee of gender equality, has confidently said that women having equal rights would destroy Thai society. This is very ironic considering this is the man whose responsibility is to ensure equal rights amongst genders. Harmful stereotypes are shared influencing younger boys who grow to believe that a woman’s power is only in the home.
As a young woman, it was disappointing to find that issues like period poverty are still present with nothing being done by the government to change things. During sixth form I was part of a group of students who raised concerns about menstrual products not being available for female students for free. Speaking up about this actually resulted in free products in all female toilets in the sixth form building. I hope this changes in the future and women in Thailand succeed in dismantling the patriarchy through their fight for gender equality. It is a right, not a luxury.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by Halima Mahmood.

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[Ethan Howarth]

Your article summary was very informative and accurately portrayed the existing restrictions and biases that women who wish to become Bhikkunis have to seek ordination in other countries, as Thailand does not officially recognize female monks or novices. This discrepancy in numbers between male and female monks, with only 270 female monks compared to 250,000 male monks in Thailand, reflects the deeply entrenched gender inequalities within the religion. It is encouraging to see that prominent Buddhist leaders, including the 14th Dalai Lama, support the idea of full ordination for women. This signifies that there is a growing recognition of the need for gender equality within Buddhism and a desire to challenge the existing norms and discriminatory practices.

[Joseph McGuinn]

The following article, State hospitals in search of more doctors, was published by the Bankok Post on July 3 2023, and can be found at https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2604105/state-hospitals-in-search-of-more-doctors.

This article portrays the current trend in public health in Thailand. Namely, the article focuses on the shortage of doctors in the public health sector. To contextualise this shortage on an international front, the ratio of doctors per 10,000 people is approximately three-fold higher in the UK. Nonetheless, a more localised comparison shows Japan and South Korea to boast a ratio which is two-fold higher than the struggling Thai Public health sector. This alone can deter prospective travellers from making the journey to Thailand in fear of insufficient care due to the shortage of doctors. Otherwise, travellers living in Thailand can be encouraged to pay more to source private healthcare to be treated sooner, which can pose as a financial strain on tourists. Nevertheless, the NHS in the UK, for example, has been subject to an unprecedented shortage of quality and availability of treatment which suggests the gulf in quality and availability of healthcare between the West and Thailand care may not be as significant in the current climate of international healthcare crises. Therefore, the impact the depleted workforce may have on prospective tourists is likely to be not as significant if there was not a shortage of doctors in the West also.

What is more, over 400 doctors in Thailand resign from state-owned hospitals per year. A myriad of factors has and continue to lead to, this common decision being made. Namely, doctors in the public sector earn 50,000 baht on average, which is only around half of the earnings for those in the private sector. The article demonstrated the excessive working hours in state-owned hospitals to not be rewarded; those working in private hospitals can work only 40 hour weeks which can be measured to be around 80 hours less than a potential working week in the state-owned hospitals. This has huge implications on not only the work prospects of those in the health sector but also highlights the unfair and deplorable treatment of staff in employment within Thailand. This injustice and harsh treatment of critical members of the workforce can discourage tourists from settling in the country to live and work through lack of trust in equal and sufficient working conditions and pay.

Overall, the article depicts stark disparity in doctors per 10,000 people between Thailand and other countries within Asia and abroad. Indeed, the reality of the depleting, weak public health sector in Thailand has huge implications on tourists living in the country, or for those considering visiting. Moreover, tourists are not only discouraged exclusively to utilise the public health sector’s services, but the connotations of the harsh working circumstances nonetheless paint a picture of injustice and inequity among workers in Thailand. Namely, the manner in which the government has treated doctors can deter visitors from visiting or settling in the country through lack of trust in the integrity of not only the NHSO but the government as a whole.

[Konrad Ostrowski]

This was a very informative article analysis, highlighting the shortage of doctors in the public health sector in Thailand. I found the comparison with the NHS in Britain particularly interesting as we seem to be in something of a crisis with our health system with nurses striking for better pay and conditions while waiting lists are at an all-time high. The fact that Thailand seems to be facing an even more stark problem within its public health service is undoubtedly a concern for somebody about to move there.

[Konrad Ostrowski]

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/01/just-four-pupils-left-how-the-sea-rose-up-on-a-thai-village

Article title – ‘Just four pupils left: how the sea rose up on a Thai village’

This article explains how a coastal village in Thailand, Ban Khun Samut Chin, has suffered the worst shoreline retreat in the country and focuses on the consequences for the local community, particularly the school there. Estimates quoted in the article suggest between 1.1km and 2km of the village have been completely submerged by the sea since the 1950s. This has resulted in the Khun Samut school being relocated twice, along with families who have repeatedly moved their homes closer to the mainland. Furthermore, the population has consistently decreased in this time as many people have left the village altogether in search of more secure employment and housing. The school, which is elevated on concrete stilts, now has just four students remaining.
The article highlights the global problem of rising sea levels caused by the climate crisis, stating that oceans have risen by 4.62mm a year over the last decade. The coastal erosion in Ban Khun Samut Chin has been exacerbated by the drastic reduction of mangroves, a natural defence against strong waves, in order to build shrimp farms. Groundwater extraction and the development of dams on the Chao Phraya River have also contributed to this growing emergency in the Bay of Bangkok. However, it is not just a problem for this one village. 11 million Thais (17% of the population) live in coastal areas, making Thailand a particularly vulnerable nation.
The villagers have used donations and worked with academics from Chulalongkorn University to build protective structures such as bamboo fencing and concrete poles. They have also planted 47 acres of mangrove over the past two decades. Wisanu Kengsamat, the village chief, has called for government support to protect the village but is yet to receive it.
The climate crisis is something that impacts the entire global population. However, some areas of the world are feeling the effects more immediately and more drastically than others. Clearly, some coastal regions of Thailand are at risk of being completely submerged in the coming decades. As someone travelling to Thailand, it is important to be aware of the issues facing local communities and understand how people are adapting to the changing environment.

[Salah Guerguer]

The article I have chosen (https://www.ft.com/content/f280de11-48c7-4526-aa92-ad1e1b7b6ed1) discusses the resilience of the Thai baht, which has held its value against the US dollar better than any other emerging world currency and most developed world currencies since the Asian financial crisis in 1998. While Thailand faced a severe economic downturn during the crisis, it has managed to become an anchor of stability and a lesson to other emerging economies.

Thailand adopted financially conservative measures after the crisis, with the government implementing economic orthodox practices and avoiding excessive behaviors that can scare off investors and devalue currencies. This included managing the government deficit and implementing cautious monetary policies. As a result, Thailand’s inflation rate has remained low, averaging just over 2 percent since 1998.

The article also highlights the shift in Thailand’s economic landscape, with the country moving from current account deficits to surpluses. It has focused on developing its strengths in tourism and manufacturing, attracting foreign investment and increasing trade. The manufacturing base has expanded into new areas such as electric vehicle parts, while the tourism sector has more than doubled as a share of GDP, becoming a significant source of foreign exchange.

As someone travelling to Thailand, this could be of significant importance as it provides insights into the country’s economic stability where understanding the economic situation of a Thailand can give me a broader perspective on various aspects of your travel experience. For instance, The article emphasises the significant contribution of the tourism sector to Thailand’s economy, with tourism accounting for a substantial share of GDP. This suggests that Thailand is well-equipped to cater to tourists, and I can expect a wide range of services and amenities designed to enhance my travel experience and make my transition into a completely new culture a smooth one.

[Salah Guerguer]

Hi Angel,
I found your article very interesting and your analysis was clear and easy to follow. The fact that Thailand has a patriarchal family culture where respect and honour are given to the more older family members, I can see why the lack of support can result in such tragic events mentioned in the article amongst teens, as the Thai culture as a whole does not recognise mental health issues as an area which does require medical support, but rather seen as being ‘weak’. External factors, including family pressures to do well as a major cause of mental health problems amongst teens made me realise that this is a common theme around the South East Asian region after working on similar projects on cultures around the region during group projects at my time at university. Reading this article also made me realise the importance of understanding students behaviours during class to address if there is a potential issue and then to act acordingly. Thanks 🙂

[Mia Hodgens]

article link: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/01/just-four-pupils-left-how-the-sea-rose-up-on-a-thai-village
‘Just four pupils left: how the sea rose up on a Thai village’
The article discusses the plight of Ban Khun Samut Chin, a coastal village in Thailand’s Samut Prakan province, which has been gradually submerged by the sea. Due to coastal erosion, the village has experienced significant shoreline retreat, resulting in the loss of homes and a declining population. The reduction of mangroves, which act as a natural defense against waves and storm surges, exacerbates the problem. Additionally, groundwater extraction and dam construction on the Chao Phraya River have contributed to the erosion issue. The article highlights the impact on the local community, particularly the younger generation who must travel outside the village for education and often do not return due to limited opportunities.
As someone traveling to Thailand for 7 weeks, this article showcases the vulnerability of coastal areas and the threat posed by rising sea levels. It emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation, such as the preservation of mangroves, in mitigating coastal erosion. The challenges faced by Ban Khun Samut Chin serve as a reminder of the urgent need for sustainable practices and government support in protecting vulnerable communities. Furthermore, the article highlights the potential for tourism to provide economic opportunities for the village, as visitors can experience the local culture and contribute to the livelihoods of the residents. Overall, this article underscores the interconnectedness of environmental issues, local communities, and the broader context of climate change.

[Mia Hodgens]

Hi Salah,
Your summary is very interesting! It talks about how the Thai baht has remained strong against the US dollar and other currencies since the Asian financial crisis. Thailand’s smart financial measures and focus on tourism and manufacturing have contributed to its economic stability. As a traveler, this is good news because it means Thailand can provide a great experience with excellent services and amenities. The tourism sector plays a big role, so you can expect a smooth transition and enjoy your time exploring the country.

[Anh Lam]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/26/thailands-missing-monkeys-why-did-hundreds-of-rhesus-macaques-vanish-from-a-temple
This article explores the reasoning behind the reduced sightings of the Rhesus Macaques monkeys, specifically in the North-eastern region of Thailand. The Tham Pha Mak Ho temple has been known to be home to these monkeys for decades. Attracting tourists to these temples and the monkeys can be fed by both tourists and monks. However, local people have noticed less and less monkeys inhabiting the temple.
There has been speculation behind the decreasing monkey population with the changing seasons, COVID pandemic and trafficking being considered. The trafficking of monkeys has been a growing concern since the COVID pandemic. Shortages of supply of monkeys to laboratories in the US, due to disrupted export, has meant that traffickers have sought to exploit this. In 2022, habitat loss as well as “unprecedented levels” of hunting and trapping resulted in the status of long-tailed macaques being changed from vulnerable to endangered for the first time by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
To combat the trafficking of these monkeys CCTV has been installed to deter poachers and local people can spot people acting suspiciously. Tougher action against the illegal trade of monkeys has also been implemented in the US which removes the requirement for drugs to be tested on animals before human trials – a massive breakthrough against animal-testing.

As a traveller and tourist in Thailand, I believe it is important to be aware of the wildlife and native species to the region. The rhesus macaques monkeys in Thailand are crucial in maintaining the ecosystem but also play a significant role for the local community and visitors of the temple. I feel that it is important to acknowledge this problem and be an active contributor to fight against the illegal poaching and deterioration of the rhesus macaques population.

[Anh Lam]

Hi Mia,
I think you have chosen a really interesting article and I enjoyed reading your summary. I agree wholly with your view on environmental conservation and prompting action in protecting the vulnerable communities living in the coastal regions of Thailand. I think it is important, as a visitor to the country, to be aware of these ongoing problems and be mindful of the environment and communities around us. Your summary highlighted the importance of tourism in potentially providing economic opportunities to local people and how this can contribute to their livelihoods.

[Ashley Forde]

How Thai “feminist” law students are challenging the patriarchy and cultural norms

The article highlights the efforts of the Thammasat Law School Feminist Club in Thailand, led by law students, to combat gender inequality and empower women. The club was formed after a Clubhouse discussion on sexual harassment, and it has since expanded its movement through a Facebook page and aims to collaborate with other faculties and universities. The article explores various aspects of patriarchal oppression in Thai society, including gender roles, clothing stigmatization, safety concerns, and language. The club members express frustration with societal expectations placed on women and call for a change in attitudes and behaviors.

As a young woman from the UK traveling to Thailand to teach, this article sheds light on the challenges faced by women in Thai society. It provides insight into gender-related issues and encourages support for movements promoting gender equality and empowerment. Understanding these dynamics can inform my interactions, help me navigate the local culture sensitively, and empower me to contribute positively to the advancement of gender equality during your teaching experience in Thailand.

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