ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Dominic Spilotro]

This article was an exciting find, discussing how Wong Amat Beach in Pattaya underwent a significant beach cleanup operation after fishermen reported significant loads of trash piling up on the beach, posing potential risks to any beach goer. The result was a massive beach cleanup led by Pattaya’s local natural resource and environmental office. This cleanup was amplified by the community impact as more than 500 people showed up to overhaul the beach, making it safer for locals and tourists wanting to spend time in Pattaya while utilizing a communal aspect to do so.

This is of incredible importance to me and I was happy to find the article reporting on a recent cleanup this very month. I have experience doing weekly cleanups in the galapagos islands, where we found trash dragged from all major continents in the pacific wash up on the shores by currents with no fault to the locals who do their best to keep their homes clean. Another position I had as a naturalist in Florida showcased the impact of ocean trash washing up even in heavily protected nature preserves. If my upcoming position brought me on a coastline, I was hoping to plan a class and in turn community based cleanup while also teaching students the significance of what lies right off the coast.

[Dominic Spilotro]

Hello Juliette,

I really enjoyed the concept of the article you picked, focusing on spousal relationships across cultures. I found it fitting how even your closest significant other who should know most about you will still not be able to fully respect the others’ cultural beliefs. As we begin this journey into Thailand, the article acknowledges the significance of respecting local culture en route to gaining respect within your newfound community.

[Ethan Frewin]

Related Article: https://en.eef.or.th/2025/05/09/breaking-barriers-thailands-nationwide-commitment/

The article “Breaking Barriers: Thailand’s Nationwide Commitment to Flexible, Job‑Ready Education” describes Thailand’s new “Thailand Zero Drop-out” initiative. This initiative aims to reduce the number of out-of-school children. Integration of national data systems in schools revealed nearly 1 million out-of school children, who had previously been unaccounted for. The ‘Thailand Zero Drop-out’ initiative boasts 3 important goals: reshape Thailand’s education system to be more flexible, future-focused, and job aligned, reduce the number of drop-outs by 10% every year, and increase average schooling years from 9 to 12.
This initiative appears to be working, too. According to this article, between 2023 and 2024, 300,000 children had been reintegrated into school, and drop-out numbers had dropped from 1 million to 800,000. While reintegration is important, Dr. Kraiyos Patrawart, the Managing Director of the EEF (Equitable Education Fund), says the initiative is ‘focused on both correction and prevention’.
The article also highlights the importance of reintegration and reduced future drop-outs in the wider economic growth of Thailand. The initiative recognises that a key part of becoming a “high-income country’ is to grow a skilled and educated labour force. The initiative’s third goal, specifically, of increasing average school years from 9 to 12, is expected to ‘break the cycle of intergenerational poverty’ and boost Thailand from a middle to high-income country.
As someone coming into the teaching force in Thailand, it is incredibly important that I recognise the roll I have in this process. I may come into contact with students who are reintegrating or at-risk students who need diverse learning environments to encourage continued schooling. As a teacher and an educator of the next generation, it is my responsibility to work towards the goals of ‘Thailand Zero Drop-out’.

[Anna Kelly]

https://www.nationthailand.com/life/food/40051585

The article “More than Pad Thai – What are Thailand’s Regional Food Cultures?” discusses the variety of food that can be experienced across Thailand. Pad Thai is often the first thing people think of, or say they love when they talk about Thai cuisine. However, Thai food is so much more than this, and there’s a story behind the food in every region. Food in Northern Thailand has a strong focus on earthy, aromatic flavours – think rice stews and flavourful broths. Here, food is often served family style – this is my favourite way to eat. Sharing a meal means you get to share an experience with others – it often brings connection and better yet, you get to try a little bit of everything. Then there’s central Thailand – dishes here are about the perfect harmony between sweet, sour, salty and spicy – home to many of the classics like Pad Thai and Green Curry. Further South, things start to get much spicier. Southern Thai food has much more seafood, and the hot, coconut-based curries that emerge from Malaysia.

Finally, there’s the Isaan region – North East Thailand. I am going to be located in Buri Ram, which is a part of the Isaan region. This area is known for its green papaya salad, fermented flavours, sticky rice, and my personal favourite – Larb – its a minced meat dish full of flavour, and something I make back home in New Zealand. As a massive foodie myself, I cannot wait to travel and experience Thailand through my tastebuds. Food is such a powerful way to discover a country’s rich culture, and Thailand is no different. I challenge you to explore outside your comfort zone when it comes to food in Thailand and let your senses experience the country too!

[Ethan Frewin]

Hi Anna,
This is a great brief summary of some of the amazing tastes and flavours Thailand has to offer. It’s clear to see that this is something you are passionate about! I couldn’t agree more when you talk about discovering a culture through its food, especially in Thailand, where sharing food with others is such an important part of life. I think we must be open to not only trying new foods, but also new experiences that we will encounter along this journey, teaching in Thailand.

[Anna Kelly]

Hi Ethan,
I definitely agree that as teachers, we will have an important role in ensuring that Thai children are motivated and inspired to attend school. This was a really interesting read, especially since it lands closely with the work we will be doing as teachers. Drop out rates like these are a bit scary to think of, so we need to make sure we try our best to be flexible and adaptive with our teaching styles to meet diverse learning needs. It is certainly great to hear the success of the initiative so far, but I am sure that there is so much more to be done. I am sure we will learn some valuable skills in the TESOL course that we can utilise in the classroom that will help work towards this future goal of Thailand’s.

[Imani Thomas]

https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40055460
In the article titled ” Why foreigners Rallied against BBC over: Thailand, the Dark Side of Paradise” The article discusses the outrage and displeasure following the documentary released on BBC. The documentary is supposed to showcase and criticize Thai nightlife and sex tourism. The general consensus towards the documentary was that many Thais and Foreigners felt like the documentary was disingenuous and handled poorly when the host, Zara Dermott, lacked professional journalistic experience. The article goes on by further describing other reasons why the documentary is receiving so much backlash, such as BBC’s racial, regional, and political prejudice towards specifically Asian countries as well as discussing British Colonialism and its impact towards other countries. Foreigners discuss their own experiences in Thailand and how many of them feel incredibly safe unlike how they might have felt in their home countries. The article concluded by stating that there isn’t any problem with wanting to discuss the truth or highlight issues, but only if you do so truthfully and without bias. I believe this article relates to not only me, but many of us coming into Thailand as it is important to be mindful of your own cultural beliefs and biases and how it might affect how you might interact with Thai people. I feel as though being able to understand your biases, and to look at other cultures objectively and respectfully, while also speaking about the truth of every matter is important, especially as future teachers in the making.

[Imani Thomas]

Hey Dominic,
I just wanted to say that this article was a really interesting pick and also really good news! Thailand is really big on being safe to the planet and earth, even down to having donation and energy safe transportation options to be gentle on our planet. It’s so amazing to hear that so many people came out to help clean up the beach and also that you have plans of eventually taking your own class to a similar venture! I think that’s a very beautiful idea and I hope that you are able to do so in the future!

[Mbali Nkomo]

https://www.cnn.com/travel/thailand-vacations-rich-famous-smiling-albino

The article above showcases how an expat from Canada named Daniel Fraser embarked on a journey to start his own travel company based on his love for Thailand which instilled in him to showcase the other parts of the country and exempting the common city experiences such as Bankgok, Phuket and Chiang Mai but changing the narrative and ensuring potential travellers explore other unique parts of Thailand such as Laos and Kong Lo in making a whole experience for future travellers.

The article shares a similar sentiment to my individual experience as it enlightens that there is so much to experience in Thailand and also highlights a greater understanding to be intentional in learning the language and the way of living in this country. There is a part where he shares his experience in being an expat where he underwent the phase of cultural adjustment or adaptation phase which is what a lot of us naturally would undergo when in a different environment; in this regard I share the same sentiment with Daniel. In conclusion, the article describes the expectation, the experience and the guidance in navigating a successful living experience in Thailand as an expat.

[Mbali Nkomo]

Hey Imani Thomas

That’s quite an important take; I strongly concur that as people we tend to overlook sensitivity in certain issues rather and to also add to your thought, not every bad circumstance or opinion is rather bad but it can become a teachable moment for an individual or society.

[Mbali Nkomo]

My name is Mbali I am 25 years old and originally from South Africa.

I consider myself a positive person, someone who values respect, cherishes family, loves food and has a deep passion for travel.
I recently made the decision to come to Thailand because I am eager to experience a new way life and fully immerse myself in the culture. I believe this journey will be a powerful opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery.

I know there will be challenges, the biggest ones being homesickness however I plan to stay connected with my loved ones, allow myself to process those emotions and hopefully build a supportive circle of friends here in Thailand.
I am also keen In learning the Thai language and embracing every moment as a learning experience. More than anything, I want this chapter to be one that shapes me in a meaningful way.

[Blu Parker]

Article: Country Focus: Thailand (Visiting Thailand)

This article highlights some safety and health hazards that individuals traveling to Thailand should be aware of. Advice is given to travelers about pre-travel tips such as recommended vaccines and medicines you should bring. Bringing up the rise in Dengue rates worldwide and emphasizing that while most infections are mild, severe ones are still present. In addition, Zika Malaria, and Japanese Encephalitis are both spread in the same way, through mosquitoes. While you may not need all of the prevention methods for each diseased, they offer advice to look at where you’re staying in Thailand, along with current health advice, to determine the best route for you (however over-preparing is never a bad thing).
In addition to diseases, the article touches on the journey over. As the flight can be very long, depending on where you’re coming from, it is important to walk around as much as possible, avoid wearing tight clothing, regularly move your ankles, and drink plenty of fluids during, before, and after your flight. All of these steps will help to decrease your risk of venous thromboembolism while traveling in a compact space for several hours. Additionally, while traveling, personal safety is something to be constantly aware of. Those tight spaces can increase the flow of disease so make sure to wash hands and cough into your arm or a napkin of sorts.
Finally, the article wraps up by reminding travelers of risks present even after travel. If exposed to Zika or Rabies, it’s important to seek medical care when you return home along with in Thailand. Even if you have no symptoms, they still recommend receiving a Zika consult as it’s not uncommon for it to start off unnoticed.
This article relates to me personally as when preparing for this trip, I received certain vaccines and medications to take based on the areas I’ll be living. In addition, this article opened my eyes to venous thromboembolism during the flight. I wasn’t sure what it was but through further research I decided to take their advice seriously. I made an effort to get up and move and when I couldn’t, I was able to keep my joints mobile by moving them side to side or up and down. It also just generally made me more comfortable throughout my 15 hour flight!

[Blu Parker]

I think that this is a great article! As an incoming Thai teacher it is very cool and important to see how much the government cares about their education system. Coming from the United States, where the our education system is sadly falling apart, I am so happy to see I’ll have the opportunity to teach under a Government who wants their children to succeed. I also didn’t realize that there were nearly 20 million students in this education system! And considering the fact that this review was written 2 years ago, I can only imagine how many are present now. I am also curious to see if the Government’s Education Policy has changed at all in the past 2 years, but that’s something I’ll have to research on my own!

[Grace Chan]

https://www.nationthailand.com/life/art-culture/40039110

This article touches upon the historical influences and patterns on traditional Thai clothing. In the Sukhothi period which spanned between the 13th and 15th centuries, the style, quality, and social status of the wearer differentiated their attire. With the general population wearing shorter loincloths and elites wearing long loincloths or ankle length cloths, Thai fashion was just beginning to emerge. During the early Rattanakosin period, Thai clothing mainly followed the traditions of the Sukhothi, Ayutthaya, and Thonburi periods. These clothing styles included the general population wearing loinclothes, pleated cloths, and women often loosely draping cloth for their chests. Although, as the mid 19th century approached, Western influence began to reshape Thai fashion. Significant changes occurred after the Bowring Treaty with England and other Western nations in 1855. This opened the kingdom to international trade and diplomacy. Royal decrees slowly started to require more Westernized attire such as shirts for civil servants and changes in traditional hairstyles. Under the reigns of King Rama V to Rama VII, Western fashion had become deeply incorporated into court dressings that combined Western styles with traditional Thai aesthetics. This reflected the cultural shift towards modernization for Thailand.

After the 1932 revolution, the Thai government encouraged ‘more civilized’ Western-style dress. Over time, Western attire consisting of pants for men and skirts for women, became a norm alongside traditional fabrics like patterned and purple cloth. In the modern age of Thai fashion, there is a balance of heritage and global innovation. Thai fashion contributes significantly to exports, facing competition due to fast fashion, microtrends, and e-commerce. Thailand strives to stay ahead of the saturated fashion industry with its traditional craftsmanship, sustainable products, and its own e-commerce expansion. Thai fashion continues to act as a reflection of national identity and a driver of global influence. Part of my reasoning to move to Thailand was because of the immense history this country holds and the traditional clothing that comes with it. Fashion has always been a huge passion of mine and I find the history behind Thai clothing to be incredibly informative on how the growing country and Western influences shaped what Thai clothing is today. There is also a huge influence from religion, specifically Buddhism, that I would love to learn more about in a society that is mainly Buddhist. As someone living in Thailand, it is important to inform yourself on the culture associated with clothing to immerse yourself in the community and remain respectful to all social or religious norms.

[Grace Chan]

Hi Blu, I really enjoyed reading your analysis of this informative article. It points out critical information for anyone traveling to Thailand from another country as different diseases are present. Sometimes small things like moving around on a long flight can seem unimportant but I like that you highlighted it and related it to your flight experience! Moving to Thailand offers a valuable learning experience about potential risks and the ways travelers can mitigate them.

[Author]

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