ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Faith Froehlich]

Article: “The Price of Progress: Gentrification of the Sam Yam neighborhood has led to loss of communal spaces, displacement of residents and businesses”
https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/3055767/the-price-of-progress
Modern uses of public space in Bangkok is a highly contested issue. Despite its efforts to make a commodity, like art or housing, more accessible, many projects are unarguably only available for certain economic classes. One example of the city trading greater good uses of land for more lucrative ones, are the condominiums that have replaced low-income housing for students at Chulalongkorn University. Even parks at the university that boast an expansion of green space are seen to be more concerned with private security than anything. Local communities across Thailand are working to protect the integrity of spaces from redevelopment, especially in ways that only favors a certain demographic.
Despite efforts to maintain integral locations for local communities, some businesses have fallen victim to rising rent prices. In the same process in which cultural groups are pushed out of spaces, pieces of identity and the cultural fabric are lost. Gentrification is a very impactful issue that tourists and expats like myself should be aware of in moving to another country. Especially in cases where exchange rates only exacerbate financial inequality, it is important to consider making choices that preserve local communities, rather than displacing them. And, as brought to attention by the article, gentrification happens not only across ethnic lines. I hope to be aware not only of how my own purchases and choices will influence the movement of communities, but also how I can better support the cause for accessible public resources and spaces.

[Faith Froehlich]

Being aware of free speech restrictions in Thailand is super important, especially as the younger American generation is very active in the activist pursuit. It will be an adjustment to remain impartial in my teaching and to avoid any controversial topics — especially as I really enjoy discussing such topics. But, I am excited to learn more about why Thai culture is more conservative in this area, and consider how it may even contribute positively to the culture there.

[Maili Cumming]

One of my main hesitancies with moving to Thailand was the ever-growing movement of young, western people to creating a new chapter of their life in ‘the other’, the main culprits being Southeast Asia, South Asia and Oceania due to accessible visas and significantly lower cost of living. One of the most noticeable cases being Indonesia – an influx of western immigrants has caused the cost of homes, electricity and basic necessities for Indonesians to skyrocket. And so, I wanted to do some research to see how immigration affects Thai people and their economy.

The Thai Enquirer, a digital English news outlet known for their fast turnover for political and social coverage, bring to light the Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas’ new plans to propose to the Cabinet in hopes to stimulate domestic tourism. According to journalist Parpart, the amount of Thai natives travelling within the country has fallen by 8%. Nitithanprapas’ plan consists of three main prongs: tax deductions of up to 20,000 baht pp, an existing 6 billion baht budget being dispersed into training and seminar programs ranging from the local administrative to state enterprise to ministry sectors. And finally, perhaps the most positively altering scheme is the financial support for hotel and accommodation renovations of which businesses in secondary cities can claim double deductions for renovation expenses. This will include air conditioning installations, solar panels, wastewater treatment systems, and the reduction of service tax from 10% to 5%. Being able to renovate accommodations for considerably less will massively benefit Thai’s hospitality and tourism industry, obviously the more attractive an accommodation is, the more business it is likely to get – hopefully resulting in wage increases for everyone working in hotels.

Whilst these benefits do not apply for me, I am very glad that measures have being taken to support not only Thai people who wish to travel and particularly for professional/business reasons, but also for the hospitality industry and all those involved in all the jobs that come along with running hotels.

[Maili Cumming]

The first thing I learned whilst doing the CultureRoute course was that it was evident that there is a certain expected respect towards the monarchy and government and anything that opposes that is almost shunned. Your summary was really insightful, clearer the Move Forward Party is doing the best they can against this determined and powerful government and hopefully as MFP continues to grow within the House Representatives, the more this will positively influence not only the older generation, but it will encourage the younger generation more to vote and recognise the political power they have.

[Eric Amancio]

Related Article: https://www.nationthailand.com/life/art-culture/40056846
This article goes into how Bangkok is preparing for a ‘Eco-Friendly’ Loy Krathong Festival which will be happening on the 5th of November.On October 15th Taiwut Khankaew, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration detailed plans with a focus on both being eco friendly as well as ensuring the safety of the public. This is being done by urging the use krathrongs that are made from natural and biodegradable materials as well as having a higher control over fireworks and firecrackers as well as expanding security checkpoints to screen for weapons and other illegal items.
As I will be arriving to Thailand a couple weeks before this festival and it is most definitely something I would love to see, it makes me glad to see that there is extra focus being put towards the safety. Also the measures towards making the festival more environmentally friendly is amazing to see to ensure that the rivers and water that the krathongs are placed onto stay clean. Hearing these measures only make me more excited to be there and take in the festival as much as I can.

[Isabelle Otero]

Article: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-skills-strategy-thailand_153a1fe6-en/full-report/strengthening-the-skills-of-youth-in-initial-education-in-thailand_1ae1b398.html

In the article “Strengthening the skills of youth in initial education in Thailand”, it is discussed how important it is for youth to develop strong foundational skills while in school and use those developed skills in the future when becoming part of the workforce. In Thailand, access to high-quality education is believed to be the key to their economic growth. Over the years, Thailand has made many educational reforms to make education a priority for youth including providing free basic education for 12 years, continuous investment of resources into learning, and trying to improve the teaching profession as well. However, Thailand still faces challenges in strengthening Thai youth education due to the difference in socio-economic status of the various regions. To try and solve this issue, the Thai government came out with the Equitable Education Act of 2018 which provides financial support to children and youth in need. This aimed to reduce educational inequalities and focus on supporting the disadvantaged youth across all levels of education.

As someone traveling to Thailand, I believe understanding the importance of their education system is something to prioritize. Thailand looks very highly of their education and makes sure that students receive a proper education, even if they struggle to afford it, they do their best to find a way. Especially since I am teaching, I want to ensure that the students in my class receive the educational experience they hope to achieve and that it will be a beneficial experience for both the students and me, as I hope to continue to gain more knowledge of Thai education and culture as time goes on.

[Isabelle Otero]

I am also looking forward to the Loy Krathong Festival as I will be arriving to Thailand in just a few days. I agree that this move towards ensuring safety during this event among the people who are attending, as well as looking out for the safety of the environment is great to see. Although they are making slight changes, they are still making sure that the culture aspect of the event is still there and that everyone still gets to experience the festival to its full extent safely.

[Zachary Sigall]


https://www.adventure-life.com/thailand/articles/thai-religion

This article explores the various religious expressions of Thailand. It mainly focuses on Buddhism, particularly Theravāda Buddhism which originated in Thailand, as well as Chinese Buddhism, known as Mahāyāna. In addition to Buddhism, the article briefly mentions minority religions in the region such as Christianity and Islam.
What I found most curious was the focus on Thai folk religion. A notable feature of this tradition is the creation of small shrines or “homes” for natural spirits. The article describes how these shrines are commonly seen throughout Thailand and how people often stop to pay their respects. It also mentions that Buddhist temples, called wats, can be found on almost every corner in Thailand.
Learning about this is really exciting for me. I grew up in New York City and practiced Folk Chinese Buddhism with my family, so I’m curious to see what Buddhism looks like in Southeast Asia. I find the architecture and spiritual world of Theravāda Buddhism incredibly fascinating and inspiring. I have attended many Mahāyāna Buddhist temples, but I have never been to a Theravāda-style temple.
I’m excited to explore the temples and cultures of Thailand in person.

[Zachary Sigall]

I’m repying to Gemma Hucker’s post

Thank you, Gemma, for writing about such an interesting and important topic—one that must be addressed by all of us who are about to embark on the journey of becoming teachers. What I find particularly interesting is that Thailand, as I have learned, is built upon a collectivist culture rooted in selflessness. Learning about the political divisions within such a society is very upsetting.
I truly hope that, as future educators, we can help promote a world of inclusion and acceptance. I believe the classroom can be a wonderful place to create a positive and engaging learning environment. In many ways, a classroom is like a small nation of its own, and every student is a citizen of that space. It is our role as teachers to foster harmony and unity among all students.
I think one of the most important things is to keep politics out of the classroom and focus on creating an environment where everyone gets along and enjoys learning together. Language learning can be an exciting adventure—one in which every student feels valued and knows they’ve contributed.

[Barbara Anderson]

Thailand’s Educational Crossroads: Insights from the Ipsos Education Monitor 2025 | Ipsos
According to a comprehensive 30-country survey initiated through Ipsos Education Monitor 2025, as a nation Thailand holds a relatively positive view of its education quality. Conversely, there are significant concerns regarding inequality, economic pressures on its youth and particularly lenient public stance on social media use for children.
46% of Thais view the quality of education as good, while fewer than a quarter (22%) consider it poor. The confidence is tempered, though, when compared to high-performing Asia-Pacific nations like Singapore. Furthermore, 47% of the Thai population view the economy the economy as the greatest obstacle for the young.
A final, critical finding is Thailand’s uniquely permissive approach to social media regulation. The country demonstrates the lowest public support for banning social media access for children under 14, with only 53% in favor. This is a significant contrast from the 71% global average.
The Ipsos survey found that the most significant challenge facing Thai education is unequal access, cited by 46% of respondents. This is followed by concerns over an outdated curriculum (40%), and inadequate technology use, which nearly one-third (31%) identified as a problem.
The Ipsos study provides considerable insight that will be invaluable for me as a teacher in Thailand. Understanding the current challenges, such as: educational inequality, economic pressure on youth, and the culture’s lenient public stance on social media—will better prepare me for the issues I will face as an educator in Thailand.

[Barbara Anderson]

The title “The Price of Progress” perfectly captures the core conflict. Gentrification is rarely about what’s best for the community as a whole; it’s driven by profit for the few who possess the power and capital to develop spaces, ultimately increasing the cost of living for everyone else. Your reflection on the personal responsibility of being aware of and mitigating the impact on Thai culture and communities is highly insightful.

[Nicholas Routh]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3123761/thailandbraces-for-b100bn-hit-from-dispute-withcambodia

This article that I chose from the Bangkok Post titled, “Thailand Braces for B100bn hit from dispute with Cambodia” describes the economic implications of the current territorial conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Thai businesses have lost an estimated 15 billion baht per month since the closure of the border between the two countries, according to Prime Minster Anutin Charnvirakul’s government, and losses could reach a potential 100 billion baht if the closure persists through the end of the year. This dispute has even attracted the attention of the U.S. government. The U.S. had previously imposed a 19% tariff on Thai exports earlier this year, and President Trump has now threatened to withhold trade agreements from both Thailand and Cambodia. Consequently, exports have slowed in Thailand, and economists fear that this combined with the decrease in tourism could stall economic growth for the rest of the year.
There is a clear concern for personal safety for those who live along the border, as many Thai civilians have been killed, injured and displaced. While this may not affect teachers like us directly, the situation could pose broader ramifications. Slower economic growth due to the border conflict means less tax revenue for the government, which affects the budgeting of all government expenditures, including educational funding. If school budgets are to be cut, facilities and programs will take a hit and this impacts both students and teachers. Some parents of students may also face economic hardship. They may have less money for their children’s lunches, school supplies, or extracurricular programs. Other parents may even have their kids pulled out of school to help support their family. These economic strains would then pass on to teachers, in worst cases forcing them to compensate for systemic gaps, such as having to manage ill-equipped classrooms and attempting to teach students who are hungry or tired. This may not affect every classroom, but I believe the likelihood of it affecting someone in this program is high, and that should be enough to be relevant.

[Geraldine Westerhoff]

“From Warriors to World Champions” https://muaythai.sport/history-of-muaythai/
For well over one thousand years, Thai culture and history have revolved around a style of fighting that has embellished a lifestyle of pride, artistry, courage, and control. What once was necessary for ancient battlegrounds is now a glorified worldwide phenomenon known as MuayThai.
When the kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya were prosperous, there were times when their warriors were without weapons and were forced to engage the only available options – their limbs. The practice of Pahuyuth, “fighting with many limbs”, is the foundation of MuayThai. Warriors utilized fists, shins, elbows, and knees to strike their way to glory. Over time, when Thailand was shifting to the Rattanakosin era, the need for fending off unwanted guests lessened and instead manifested the shift from battleground necessity to cultural expression and celebration. The biggest shift from survival strategy to expressive culture was during the reigns of King Rama II through King Rama IV. Competitions were introduced, fighting champions were glorified, and the desire to build strength through elegance began its journey. Rules were established, weight class divisions were constructed, silks were beautifully sewn into hand gloves, sacred rituals were instilled before fights, and MuayThai became the most popular festival excursion. Kings Chulalongkorn and Vajiravudh ensured MuayThai’s permanence in the country when King Chulalongkorn introduced boxing rings and timed rounds while King Vajiravudh carefully observed the construction of Rajadamnern Stadium right in the center of the beautiful country.
World War II ending was MuayThai’s time to travel. As the country begged the Allie forces for forgiveness, it also helped spread the most respectful and honorable style of fighting. Before long, international athletes were learning these ferocious strikes, controlled strength, and respectable ideologies while Thai masters were taking this practice wherever their feet were. The International Federation of MuayThai Associations (IMFA) was established in 1993 in order to solidify the important philosophies this sport possesses – unity, structure, and integrity. In 2021, the IOC recognized MuayThai “as a global sport and cultural treasure” (2019 IFMA). MuayThai is globally practiced, enjoyed, and yes, even feared. The Five Pillars outlining this phenomenon are Respect, Honour, Tradition, Excellence, and Fair Play. It expands far beyond the borders of Thailand in today’s international society – combining a martial art with philosophy to “(shape) character, (teach) discipline, humility, and resilience”. “It is Thailand’s gift to humanity: a living legacy of courage, artistry and the enduring human spirit” (2019 IFMA).
This article specifically caught my attention because of my increasing desire to practice the sport myself. All of my adolescent life, my parents had me in a plethora of sports, activities, and clubs. In our small suburban area, there were options for martial arts sports, but my parents were adamant I try everything else and never step foot in a fighting arena. Since graduating college and having played collegiate softball, it was thrilling being an adult and having the choices in my own exercise and lifestyle routines. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit and all of the gyms and training arenas had to close and so my escapade to begin training any style of martial arts reached a halt. Even as the world began to reopen, my focus had to be on being financially intelligent and building a future with my significant other (as I was engaged to be married at that time). Since that engagement has ended, my own wants and needs were able to be directly attended to once again. Although Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training gyms are open around where I live, I chose to focus training in strength, calisthenics, and plyometrics – all foundational mechanisms for practicing Muay Thai. When I solidified my decision to move to Thailand, the childhood desire to study a philosophical sport were reignited. The history and culture this sport encompasses is truly a proper representation of this country. I am invigorated by the opportunity to train in this sport – not just for physicality and longevity, but for mindfulness, structure, and discipline.

[Nicholas Routh]

I am writing in response to Faith’s analysis of gentrification in Bangkok. I find this topic compelling as this is an issue in many other cultures and it is something that I have experienced myself. I believe Faith is right in that it is important to curb gentrification since overdevelopment can erode the identity of local communities that have been around for generations. It is a consequence of growing economies where capital flows unequally between neighborhoods and private institutions, creating a difficult balance. While investments provide jobs and profitability for new businesses, it drives out disadvantaged families who have sustained the community for years. When I moved to New York City I found myself an inadvertent participant of this in moving into a neighborhood that I thought was rich in cultural and affordable. I didn’t realize the contribution I may have had on the changing of the community. However, what I realized after living there for seven years, and as Faith touched on, so long as you are mindful of your personal impact as an outsider and you make conscious decisions to support the existing community, you can be a factor for positive change. This includes supporting local businesses and staying engaged in local programs that keep the culture alive. Gentrification is indeed a corporate, systemic issue, but it is executed by thousands of individual decisions everyday and in recognizing that you play an active role in this system you don’t have to sit there and feel guilty about yourself, you can go out there and be a contributing member of the locality. I hope to keep this in mind as I move to Thailand.

[Aryn Francis]

Hi Kate,
I like how you related the topic of the article to your future teaching experience! I think the points in this article are very relevant especially with how much technology we use in everyday life, it’s essential that it reflects in our teaching methods. Sometimes schools tend to be set in their ways and it takes a while for classrooms to catch up to the present day. I hope you will use some of the information you found in the article in your classroom!

• This reply was modified 6 months, 3 weeks ago by Aryn Francis.

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