ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Aryn Francis]

Youth and Thai Beauty Standards

https://minimore.com/b/xDkir/1

I chose to review an article that highlights Thai beauty standards and how those are portrayed in their culture and society.
I was interested to find that many young Thai people get plastic surgery and do skin lightening treatments. These products and procedures permanently damage/affect your skin and body so I am surprised to find that many young people engage in this. Many youth that were interviewed from this article stated that Thai media often portrays skinny, v shaped nose, light and clear skinned people for advertising and in social media. This media portrayal drives many young people to engage in the surgeries and use the beauty treatments to fit into the societal beauty standards. One individual that was interviewed stated that since she adheres to these beauty standards she has the opportunity to make money as an influencer. However, overwhelmingly, these beauty standards are quite impossible to fit into and keep up with leaving many Thai youth feeling insecure. The author suggests that the beauty standards should be more diverse to allow more people to feel confident in their appearances.
This article is important for me because societal beauty standards are something to always be aware of when traveling to a new place. It is fascinating to see the different views of what is ‘pretty’ or will allow you to fit in. Skin lightening is not a big thing in The United States, where I am from, so being aware that it is something in many beauty products there is essential when buying skincare. Additionally, it is critical to be aware of what’s trending and what their culture deems important in the current days.

[Olivia Polzer]

Hi Kholofelo!
I really enjoyed reading your summary and reflection on the Thai education system. You did a great job highlighting how structured and inclusive it is, and I agree that understanding the administrative and policy framework is especially valuable for someone preparing to teach in Thailand. I also found it interesting that you compared it to the South African system—it shows how education can serve similar goals across different cultures while being shaped by local needs and values. Knowing that Thailand has such a well-organized system with clear policy priorities makes it easier to appreciate how much effort goes into creating a supportive learning environment. I think using this information as a guide for your teaching will help you adapt more smoothly and understand the expectations within Thai schools.

[Olivia Polzer]

Article:https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/JSBA/article/view/276495

The article discusses how Thai society places strong emphasis on mutual goodwill, harmony, and the idea of the “common good.” It explains that Thai people tend to value social relationships over individual achievements, and that maintaining peace and avoiding conflict is seen as a sign of respect for others. According to the article, this mindset is deeply rooted in Buddhist principles, particularly the belief that kindness and empathy help reduce suffering for everyone. The author describes how these values shape daily behavior — from speaking softly and showing respect to elders, to offering help without expecting anything in return. The piece also mentions that when every person acts with integrity and compassion, society functions smoothly.
As someone who will soon be living in Thailand, I find this article both inspiring and relevant. I think it is very important to be considerate of others, and I am glad to experience a culture that values mutual respect and collective well-being. Reading about the Thai approach to social harmony makes me more mindful of how I interact with people here—whether that means being patient, speaking politely, or simply noticing how my actions affect others. It reminds me that small gestures of thoughtfulness can contribute to a greater sense of community. I admire how deeply this mindset is woven into Thai culture, and I look forward to learning from it as I experience life here.

[Olivia Polzer]

Hi Justin,
I am a biology teacher, and I found your article selection very interesting- especially how it highlights the urgent effects of climate change on coastal countries like Thailand. Bleaching coral reefs is irreversible, and should emphasize how important action is. Thon’s work on heat resistant coral location and sea grass carbon capture strategies demonstrate how scientists are trying to discover innovative ways to protect ecosystems. I also liked the connection between environmental changes and public health concerns, which shows that climate change has a direct impact on people as well as nature.

[Emma Hadacek]

https://www.nationthailand.com/life/food/40055367
When we think about spices like nutmeg, black pepper, or cinnamon, we may also think about the rich dishes that were born as a result of the 14th-century spice trade. However, what most people don’t know is that some of the world’s most important spices and herbs were traded much later, during the 17th-century global trade period. The article “A Spicy Secret of Thai Cuisine Evolution” explores how the flavor profile of Thai food dramatically shifted only 400 years ago when the Thai chile, originally from Mexico, was introduced to Thailand – transforming the nation’s culinary identity and turning dishes that were once relatively mild and salt-dependent into the bold, fiery creations we know and love today.

As I began to travel and learn more about food in other cultures, I discovered a profound love for intense flavors and spice. While my taste buds have changed over the years and my tolerance for heat has fluctuated, my love for food and trying new flavors has never dulled. Moving to Thailand, I couldn’t be more excited to see how spice is interpreted across different regions, to ask questions about the local cooking styles and techniques, and to understand what makes each dish so unique and flavorful. As the article says, “It’s a reminder that Thai cuisine, like any living tradition, evolves over time, adapting new ingredients and techniques while preserving its cultural essence.”

[Emma Hadacek]

Hi Sophie, I absolutely love that you wrote about street artists and where to find their art throughout Bangkok. Art and creative expression is such an important part of every culture and while it’s valued at different levels across the world, it has a special place in my heart as well. Expanding on your comment, understanding the history and meaning of the art is crucial to understanding the artist. Some of the most talented artists may not have the means nor the resources to attend high-profile ateliers or receive the opportunity to exhibit in metropolitan galleries, so exposing these street artists brings diversity and perspective to the art world. I look forward to exploring what the street artists and small artists of Thailand have to offer!

[Tita Kontodiakos]

Article: https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2646085/making-education-keep-up-with-change

The article I chose to write about discusses the challenges facing the educational system in today’s current society. It has been found that students struggle applying knowledge learned in the classroom to real world applications. Essentially, students are struggling connecting what is learned in the classroom and applying the information in the real world. Based on the article, it appears as if content learned in the classroom is based on memorization of material. If students can memorize what is learned and apply it to assessments, they will pass. One of the main obstacles the educational system faces in the scrutiny of a failing education system is the curriculum has not changed in 22 years. Whether these constraints are due to financial reasons, or political issues, the result is that of which the education system is not adapting to the newest methods of instruction/curriculum/content in order to develop student understanding.

This article was very intriguing as I am an educator in the United States, and I sense there are several similarities and differences of the educational system in Thailand. For example, students all around struggle with higher order thinking. It is very difficult to teach that skill as information is so easily accessible these days via phones, the internet, and AI. Students, and frankly, humans in general, lack the ability to think as we have a very simple method of “googling” for information. In addition, updated and relevant curriculum appears to be difficult to obtain in the educational setting, especially if government funded. I get it, curriculum can be expensive to purchase for a school district, however, if our goal is to focus on improving education, should funds matter? Just an observation. I think I will face the same struggles when teaching in Thailand, however, I am excited to teach in a new country with different values and expectations.

[Kirsty Marr]

Thai villagers have moved four times to escape rising sea levels – life on the climate change frontline.
Published: October 23 2025.
Source: https://theconversation.com/thai-villagers-have-moved-four-times-to-escape-rising-sea-levels-life-on-the-climate-change-frontline-267278

Climate Change is an issue that is experienced not only by western countries, but globally. The ‘Paris Agreement’ and ‘Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’ provides and outlines policies that countries are required to adhere to and fund, to support their people in relation to Climate Change matters. However, the villagers living in the rural area of Khun Samut Chin, a mere 31 miles from the megacity of Bangkok, feel as though their government has abandoned them. The coastal village is known for its fishing industry, yet the coastline is reducing by approximately three to five metres each year, thus reducing the villager’s ability to provide.
It is recognised that the damage the coastal erosion is causing is due to “human-driven factors”, in addition to climate change. The reason many villagers feel failed by the Thai government is because many other initiatives, such as flood control measures in cities and introducing farming space, has overshadowed the need for financial aid. It is noted that government money is often spent on upscaling cities and creating industrial centres, as opposed to supporting local communities. The lack of support has forced local people to move elsewhere for work, with many young villagers moving to Bangkok to work in construction.
While the young workforce takes on large cities, the older generations of villagers continue to fight for their home. Their solution has been to create a Homestay Programme, where they invite tourists to stay at local homes for a fee, and they can experience an authentic Thai village. The payment is split between the host family and the community fund, where they use this to buy erosion mitigation equipment, such as bamboo for a flood prevention wall. The tourists are also invited to help plant mangroves and buy locally. The Village Leader is aware that this alone won’t save their village, however he explains that it enables them to continue to progress.
When moving to Thailand and becoming accustomed to Thai culture and communities, I believe it is important to understand how local communities feel towards westerners moving to their country. Although there is nothing I can do to change the government’s spending priorities, I should demonstrate understanding to the fact that the countries’ money is being spent on larger cities, which then attracts more western people, and again, takes away from funding vital local community projects.

[Stephanie Korbakes]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/3123437/closing-the-burden-gap
Title: Closing the ‘burden gap’

This article discusses the challenges of supporting a rapidly aging population in Thailand, specifically the number of centenarians which has risen to over 45,000. Advances in healthcare and nutrition have attributed to the extended lifespans, but more specifically, traditional family-based support systems which used to sustain the older generation are slowly eroding due to smaller families and shifting social structures. Researchers are worried this shift could leave future elderly populations isolated and financially insecure. They are now calling this a “burden gap” where fewer working-age individuals must support more elderly dependents, increasing emotional, financial, and systemic strain. The article calls for reimagining retirement, promoting lifelong self-reliance, and developing policies that encourage active aging, flexible employment, and community-based systems.
As an educator, this article is important because I can bring specific skills to my classroom to ensure that I help students grow into self-sufficient, empathetic, and healthy individuals. I can integrate lessons into health, well-being, and community engagement, fostering values of self-reliance and lifelong learning which mirrors the article’s call for “active aging.” By incorporating this into day to day activities, it could help students think critically about social issues and caring for others which hopefully ensures that future generations are both capable and compassionate participates in an evolving world.

[Stephanie Korbakes]

Hi Tita,

I enjoyed reading your post. I completely agree with you that most individuals have difficulty thinking on their own. Technology now a days has shifted peoples thought process and people have become so reliant on the internet and getting a quick answer for any question they may have. As an educator myself, I have noticed how students always look for a quick answer even if it is the wrong answer. In my classroom, I require the students to use a textbook, but I have noticed that students will just Google for the answer instead of reading the paragraph and coming to a conclusion of what the answer may be.
I am excited to try and help the students here in Thailand think outside of the box and I look forward to seeing their growth.

[Stephanie Korbakes]

Hi Tita,

I enjoyed reading your post. I completely agree with you that most individuals have difficulty thinking on their own. Technology now a days has shifted peoples thought process and people have become so reliant on the internet and getting a quick answer for any question they may have. As an educator myself, I have noticed how students always look for a quick answer even if it is the wrong answer. In my classroom, I require the students to use a textbook, but I have noticed that students will just Google for the answer instead of reading the paragraph and coming to a conclusion of what the answer may be.
I am excited to try and help the students here in Thailand think outside of the box and I look forward to seeing their growth.

[Tita Kontodiakos]

Hi Olivia,

I enjoyed reading your response in regards to cultural norms in Thailand. As you stated, it is extremely relevant on how to conduct ourselves, especially in public, as respect is a top priority here in Asia. I have noticed during my short time here how respectful people are, and how there is another layer of respect towards the elders. It is a beautiful sight to see as our world needs more kindness and respect!

[Cheyenne Bruce]

You made a really strong point about how media representation shapes beauty standards and influences young people’s choices. I agree that it’s important to recognize how these ideals can impact self-esteem and identity, especially in a culture where lighter skin and specific facial features are heavily promoted. It’s interesting how globalization plays a role as well.
I also like how you tied this to cultural awareness while traveling. Understanding local beauty norms helps avoid unintentional judgments and gives a deeper appreciation of how societal values are formed.

[Jack Aiolos]

Classroom AI to reverse student decline
Academic standards seem to be on the decline as stated by Thailand’s government and implementing AI into the classroom will help raise this. The world is changing at a fast pace digitally and Thailand does not want to be left behind by using AI in more than 700 pilot schools and over 60,000 students taking part in this. Using this could help reduce the workload of the teacher. The AI learning tool has been implemented in class as early as kindergarten. As said by Bangkok’s deputy governor Sanon Wangsrangboon “The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has been transforming digitally for more than 3 years.

He not only talks about using AI in schools to help raise the performance level of the students but to also teach them responsible technology use. There has already been a noticeable improvement in student engagement with them arriving early and staying late to continue lessons. Hiring native English teachers could be costly for a lot of schools and students have improved their fluency by 10%, language accuracy by 14%, and pronunciation by 12% within 2 months. This article relates to me becoming a teacher in Thailand, I’ll have to prepare to possibly us AI tools to help teach in class and prepare lessons. I would guess that using AI in class could be presented as a good or negative impact for teachers’ job wise.

[Cheyenne Bruce]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3126570/construction-workers-arrest-nigerian-drug-traffickers-in-bangkoks-nana.

Police in Bangkok went undercover as construction workers in the Nana area and arrested several Nigerian men and a Thai suspect for drug trafficking. The suspects were known for hiding cocaine in their mouths and selling it to tourists. Police found small amounts of drugs and are still checking for more. Locals and tourists were happy to see police cleaning up the area, since the dealers were known to bother visitors.

This shows that Thai police are actively working to keep tourist areas like Nana safer. It’s a reminder to stay aware, avoid buying or accepting anything from strangers, and feel reassured that authorities are taking steps to protect tourists from scams and drug activity. It’s good news if you’re planning to explore nightlife or busy spots in Bangkok.

[Author]

Posts