ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Ebehitale Okojie]

Hi William,
I found it intriguing how your article emphasized the importance of understanding traffic rules and driving habits in Thailand. The concept of Thai drivers focusing only on what’s in front of them and relying on the driver behind for safety was fascinating. This insight into their mentality gave me a deeper understanding of Thai culture and the advice on making predictable moves on the road and staying visible to other drivers, even as a pedestrian, will be valuable for navigating cities. Reading your thoughts on the article expanded my perspective and reminded me to adapt to different approaches to daily activities and also provided valuable insights into Thai driving practices and their cultural significance.

[Ebehitale Okojie]

https://southeastasiabackpacker.com/muay-thai-history/ – link to the article

The article provides an overview of the origins and development of Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport and ancient cultural martial art. It highlights the significance of Muay Thai’s history and its integral role in Thai culture for over 600 years. Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, originated as a close-combat sport during the Siamese period. Unlike other martial arts, Muay Thai utilizes the whole body as a weapon, earning it the nickname “the art of eight limbs” due to the use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins. The article explains that Muay Thai’s exact origins are not well-documented due to the loss of historical writings during the looting of Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam. However, it is believed that Muay Thai was initially employed by Thai warriors, including the Siamese army, to defend against neighbouring tribes.

Over time, Muay Thai evolved and was taught not only to soldiers but also to the Siamese royalty. The article mentions how the sport transitioned from a combat method to a sport during the reign of King Prachao Sua (1697-1709). King Rama V further promoted Muay Thai and organized tournaments, selecting the winners as personal bodyguards. In the late 19th century, Muay Thai gained popularity as a competitive sport, and its global exposure increased during the First World War when Thai fighters showcased their skills in Europe, particularly in France. During the 20th century, Muay Thai underwent further transformations, including the establishment of dedicated stadiums, the introduction of stricter rules, and the adoption of a ring format with timed rounds. Additionally, the article briefly mentions some of the superstitions associated with Muay Thai, such as the use of amulets, potions, tattoos, and rituals to ward off evil spirits and enhance fighters’ performance.

Muay Thai is a widely practised sport in Thailand, and it holds a special place in the hearts of the Thai people. By familiarizing myself with the history and origins of Muay Thai, I can more easily establish a common ground with locals, fostering connections and facilitating integration into the community.

[Henry Ip]

Article: Pita Limjaroenrat: Thailand’s reformist leader fails to become PM

Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-66172289

This article describes the ongoing political situation of electing a new Thai Prime Minister. This revolves around the new prominent figure of Pita Limjaroenat, a 42 year old Harvard graduate who is running on a progressive and republican (anti-monarch) position in the Thai election. His standing comes as a threat to the existing political rule, defined by conservative and pro-monarch values. This election has garnered widespread attention across the world, as it comes after years of social resistance, largely spearheaded by youths, against the existing government. The youths advocate for a change to the current political system in terms of abolishing the monarchy, and through this make Thailand a legitimate democracy. Regarding Limjaroenrat’s election, he has gained a lower house majority, but failed to gain enough votes from parliament (members all appointed by the previous conservative government). Therefore, Limjaroenrat’s ability to become Thailand’s next prime minster is in jeopardy.

This is relevant to me when visiting Thailand, because the political views of Limjaroenrat’s campaign and those of youth, are synonymous with mine and the trend of the global newer generation. For example in the UK, there is much political discussion about the legitimacy of having a monarch in a functional democracy, as members of the British monarch were never elected by the people. Nonetheless, arguments about the hoards of money that the British monarch possesses, and how it can be used to address the deepening socioeconomic inequality in the UK. I would not be surprised if similar arguments are made against the legitimacy of the Thai monarch. Understanding the current state of affairs in Thai politics is important for me to be conscious that although I am visiting a really amazing country (visited 10 times in the past!), I have to be careful when it comes to expressing my opinion regarding the monarchy. As the article lays out, the controversial royal defamation laws are still in place, and hundreds of dissidents have already been jailed.

[Elizabeth Turay]

Article: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-asia-shifts-from-rote-learning-to-21st-century-skills/2015/03
Title: Asia Shifts From Rote Learning to 21st Century Skills

The topic of this article revolves around the increasing importance of competencies – also known as 21st-century skills in education systems across the Asia Pacific region, including Thailand. These competencies encompass a range of skills, values, and attitudes that contribute to overall development, such as collaboration, self-discipline, and respect for the environment. In Thailand, these competencies have been incorporated into the core curriculum of education and are taught through various collaborative projects involving schools, parents, and communities. This integration has yielded results within the education system, particularly in enhancing interpersonal skills and promoting collaboration among different stakeholders.
For individuals travelling to or residing in Thailand, this emphasis on competencies highlights the country’s dedication to providing a comprehensive education that surpasses conventional academic learning. It signifies that Thai education strives to cultivate skills and attitudes that hold significance and value in the century. Consequently, this commitment can directly influence interactions with locals, engagement with institutions, and involvement in community initiatives. By recognising and appreciating the significance placed on competencies in Thailand, one can gain valuable insights into the educational landscape – as well as the broader social and cultural context of the country.

[Elizabeth Turay]

Hi Ebehitale,
I completely agree with your summary on the significance of the article summary about Muay Thai. It’s crucial to understand the cultural aspects of Muay Thai to appreciate its value and connect with the local Thai community.
Muay Thai goes beyond being a sport; it holds a place in Thai identity and heritage. Exploring its origins and evolution allows us to develop a respect for its importance. This knowledge can serve as a starting point for conversations and help us establish connections with locals who share a passion for Muay Thai. It demonstrates our interest in Thai culture and traditions, which can greatly enhance our experiences in Thailand. By engaging in discussions about Muay Thai with locals, this provides an opportunity to gain insights into their perspectives, experiences and values. This mutual exchange of knowledge promotes understanding and acceptance, fostering a sense of unity. By acknowledging the significance of Muay Thai in the Thai society, we show interest in the country and its people – ultimately creating a sense of belonging and community.

[Henry Ip]

Hey Luca, the article you chose is quite interesting and relevant to me, as I do a Psychology degree with a big part related to education. I find the content of your chosen article very similar to the problems faced with education in the UK. For example, you talk about the lack of resources in rural schools, which echoes similar issues in the UK regarding how private schools have access to better resources than state schools. Similarly, this has led to predictable educational attainment inequalities which you have brought up from the article. Furthermore, you talk about how there is a teacher shortage in Thailand, and how this worsens the quality of education because of the wide teacher to student ratio. This also reminded me of the situation of hiring teachers in the UK, described as “trying to catch a unicorn” in many cases. The content of this article is definitely important to know, to understand the educational landscape of the place we are going to be placed in.

[Natalie Joseph]

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9212222/

The article linked above discussed how the pandemic impacted many people in Thailand. The closure of schools due to the pandemic affected the world of children, families and communities. Many students had to leave their education behind because of the financial (constraints). According to the article, 99% of students that were affected were from low and middle low income countries.

Schools are supposed to be a safety net for students and families. Many students rely on the meals that they receive at school. It is a place for them to feel safe and receive a good education. Unfortunately there was a 2 month delay of school reopening. School was deferred from May to July in 2020. Over 13 million students and families were affected. Parents lost working times because they had to stay home to watch their children. While others couldn’t keep their businesses running consistently.

The closure of schools impacted the teachers as well. There was an increase in their workload. They had to change their teaching patterns and their role as teachers shifted. Some teachers delivered food while others became social workers. They would visit each house to follow up with family and at times provide counseling.

Over 15,000 small sized school and 6000 childcare centers in remote areas of Thailand use distance learning television. The rest of Thailand had to adjust to the unfamiliar form of education. Only 21% of households had computers. Many improverished families were unable to access distance learning tools such as laptops, computers, wi-fi routers internet or even television. There was also a lack of digital literacy skills which made it difficult for the students and their families to feel and be successful during this time.

In conclusion the pandemic changed the lives of students, families, teachers and the community. It will take time for everyone to adjusted but it’s important for everyone to work together. I relate to the article in several ways. I understand how difficult it was for teachers, students and families to adjust to a new way of teaching and learning during the pandemic. I know that traveling to Thailand and working in a new environment is not going to be easy. I will be sure to keep in mind the lasting affects that the pandemic has left on the students and their families.

[Natalie Joseph]

Hello Ebehitale,

This article resonates with me because I love sports and would love to explore the history of Muay Thai and how it has developed over the years. The fact that Muay Thai was used by Thai warriors for combat and is now a national sport is quite fascinating. I wonder what restrictions were set into place. in order for it to become a national sport and not a “weapon.” I am elated to learn more about Muay Thai when I travel to Thailand from the locals and to hopefully experience it myself. Engaging in Muay Thai will help me get a better perspective on its value and importance to the society. It will allow me to understand its traditions and feel connected.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by Natalie Joseph.

[Davina Budesha]

This article discusses how Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei is playing a role in driving Thailand’s education sector towards the digital era. The company has been actively collaborating with local partners to implement digital solutions and technologies in Thai schools and universities, aiming to enhance education quality and accessibility. The company has established partnerships with leading Thai universities to develop programs that focus on cultivating digital skills among students. These initiatives include the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) courses and the provision of networking equipment to create smart campuses.

Huawei’s efforts have resulted in positive outcomes for the education sector in Thailand. The company has helped to bridge the digital divide by providing equipment and infrastructure to schools in remote areas, enabling students to access online educational resources. Moreover, Huawei has also organized training programs for teachers, equipping them with the necessary skills to leverage digital tools and platforms effectively. This has facilitated interactive and engaging teaching methods, improving student learning experiences.

The article does not directly address the impact on travellers in Thailand. However, the digital advancements in the country’s education sector driven by Huawei’s initiatives could indirectly benefit tourists in terms of enhanced connectivity, better access to digital resources and technological integration

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2612807/huawei-drives-thailands-education-sector-into-digital-era

[Davina Budesha]

Hi Mansoon, hope you are well, great to read your article analysis :), I agree – the digitalization of the healthcare industry in Thailand is indeed crucial for improving patient care and addressing the challenges faced in the sector. By enhancing operational efficiency and implementing technologies like AI, the healthcare system can become more patient-centered and offer better services.

[Gloria Arellano]

“Why Strict but Inconsistent Gun Laws Did Not Keep Thailand Safe”

This article was published in response to a mass-shooting event that occurred at a daycare center in northeast Thailand on October 6, 2022. It begins with a few details of the attacker, including that he was an ex-police officer who was fired on drug charges a few months prior, and that he used a 9mm pistol and knife to carry out the attack. These weapons were easily and legally obtained during his time in law enforcement, and were used to successfully murder 37 people, including himself and mostly children, on that fateful Thursday afternoon. The article goes on to reference another mass-shooting event that occurred in February 2020, committed by a disgruntled soldier that resulted in the death of 29 people at a local shopping mall and army base.
Although considered rare in the country, gun violence events resulting in such high death tolls like these are often carried out by those trained to kill; ex-military or former police officers turned “destroyer machines” when removed from duty. These individuals have a cheap and abundant access to firearms, and can easily make a profit by selling caches of these weapons on the black market to other civilians, especially by extorting or threatening them with arrests. Thai citizens have a much more difficult time accessing and purchasing firearms legally compared to those in America for example, where gun violence is rampant and anticipated. Most of the headline shootings in the U.S. are perpetrated by minors or other individuals with access to heavy-duty assault weapons such as an AR-15 and similar types, leading to many unnecessary and avoidable tragedies. Additionally, Americans have to face similar problems of corruption among law and security forces as seen in Thailand, making it notorious for some of the highest rates of gun-related deaths in the world today (U.S. News & World Report, 2023).
Born and raised in the USA, I have personally been afflicted by the number of mass-shootings occurring across the country, including the “Las Vegas Massacre” which took the life of my cousin-in-law, and almost ended my cousin’s life as well in October 2017. Especially as a former student and educator, I have become normalized to the possibility of an active shooter through numerous drills and constant, real-life reminders. Myself and the vast majority of my peers have become numb to such events, and it’s clear that our country, as well as Thailand, still have a lot of improvement to make in current gun reform policy, and governance of our armed forces.

[Gloria Arellano]

Responding to Eleny H.’s post (pg.15):

Hi Eleny, thanks for your summary and insight, the article you chose touches on a very important topic– mental health, that should be discussed ubiquitously. In my own post (pg.17), regarding gun violence in America and Thailand, I failed to talk about the obvious correlation between gun-related deaths and poor mental health/lack of services (it’s a conversation I can go on forever about). In countries with significantly lower rates of gun-violence (i.e. Japan), we usually see stricter gun reform policies, including requiring a mental health screening before being able to purchase a weapon. These are simple changes that can make a country safer, and should be enforced by law everywhere. It’s important to note that mental health, like physical health, should constantly be monitored by every individual who has the ability to form thoughts, feelings, emotions, etc. It’s even more important that those individuals have the know-how and access to treating their mental health when it begins to decline or deteriorate. By creating a “safe space” in the classroom as teachers, I also believe that we can create a great, positive change for both older and younger generations of students that may be struggling in this regard.

[Heinrich Van Wyk]

https://www.asiahighlights.com/thailand/why-thailand-is-so-popular

What is Thailand famous for? Thailand is famous for a variety of things, stunning beaches and famous dive sites, elephants, Thai cuisine and street food, rich history and culture, fantastic festivals, just to name a few. Thailand is one of the most visited nations on the planet, seeing more than 35 million travelers annually. I feel that traveling to Thailand is something everyone should put on their bucket list. Thailand is known for its amazing rural locations that cater extremely well for tourists. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to stay or a rural adventure, you can easily find accommodation and tours. Thailand is a beautiful tropical getaway all year-round, and you’re sure to have a great time whenever you visit.

Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and historically known as Siam, is a country in Southeast Asia on the Indochinese Peninsula. The culture of Thailand is a unique blend of various influences that have evolved over time. The warm and welcoming locals are perhaps the main reason why Thailand is called the Land of Smiles. Most of the locals are friendly and welcoming, so you will always see a lot of smiling faces around. With epic tropical beauty, ancient temples, amazing food and vibrant nightlife, Thailand truly has a charm to it that attracts people from across the globe. The country never disappoints!

[Heinrich Van Wyk]

Very Informative, It was interesting reading about “Thailand’s tuk-tuk’s go green”. I think it would be good for Thailand’s community to move in the direction of electrical tuk-tuk’s. This will be beneficial not only for the country’s economy, but also for the people’s health. It might not have a big effect on pollution, but it’s a start!

[Adam Ali]

Article read:
https://www.crisisgroup.org/asia/south-east-asia/thailand/b176-southern-thailands-stop-start-peace-dialogue

This article is the march update of the current political tension between the Thai government and the 4 most southern provinces of the country. This conflict is due to the lack of divide between the reigning religion, which is Buddhism, and the education system. Many of the southern provinces have a larger ratio of non-Buddhist citizens and they wish to have an education system without the added religion interjected, or in some cases wish a different religion was taught instead, namely Islam. This has caused the southern provinces to attempt to separate into their own country where they can have an education system of their own without Buddhism. These separatists, known as the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), have been engaging in peace talks with the Thai government to resolve things, but have as of recently put a hold to them till May 14th, which is the election in Thailand. They are waiting until the elections are over to then hold negotiations with the elected prime minister, whomever it may be. This makes South Thailand more dangerous than normal as tensions run high, meaning it should probably be avoided until things are resolved. As a visitor to Thailand, it would probably be wise to avoid going to these provinces or near their boarders for the time being because of that. When planning trips or vacations, it’d be best to focus different locations than those 4.

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