ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Adam Ali]

I find it concerning that the young voters need to turn to social media, which is famous for both bias and misinformation to get information about the people running for office. However it’s always good news when the younger generation takes an interest in politics and voting, hopefully, this will lead to an improvement in the political system and more transparency from it’s government

[Caitlin Walsh]

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-pm-hopeful-pita-says-willing-slow-pace-partys-reform-agenda-2023-07-18/

‘Thai PM hopeful vows no retreat from party’s reform agenda’
This article focuses on the current political climate within Thailand, particularly regarding the Move Forward Party (MFP) and its leader, Pita Limjaroenrat. The MFP is a young party, founded only in 2014, and have gained traction amongst the younger generation for their calls for drastic social reforms. The article in question specifically focuses on the Party’s call to reform the Lese-majeste or article 112, the law/policy in place which deems it illegal for people to insult, defame or threaten the Thai monarchy. The current penalty for breaking article 112 could be a prison sentence of up to 15 years. The military have a significant role in punishing those found to speak out against the monarchy and have been found to use this power to intervene in politics and influence policy. Pita Limjaroenrat has centred his campaign around reducing and limiting the military’s power to intervene in the political sphere and reforming article 112. Naturally, this has caused significant tension amongst the senate with many opposing the Party’s proposed actions, however, the MFP retain their position for drastic reform.
As someone coming to Thailand for 2 months, this article interests me on its focus on the monarchy – coming from the UK it is very much commonplace that people insult or disrespect the monarchy. The freedom of speech that exists in the West almost encourages people to challenge those in power which is completely different from the situation in Thailand. After spending a few weeks here already, I have come to wonder if the people genuinely support/respect the monarchy and think the King can do no wrong, or if they are simply just not allowed to voice how they truly feel. I was swaying towards the former as from what I have encountered, Thai people enjoy speaking of their royal family and praising them to people from different parts of the world. However, this article has highlighted that there is a significant number of people, particularly those of similar age to myself, who do not support the lack of free speech and are taking action to change it.
It is particularly exciting to be in Thailand on the cusp of change and reform – the younger generation are rebelling from the hierarchical structure of society which has for so long deemed them voiceless, and it is even more exciting to be teaching at a time like this where the younger people are growing more empowered.

[Caitlin Walsh]

This comment strongly reflects the issue of stray dogs across Thailand, for which there are around 8.5 million stray and abandoned dogs across the country which is a awfully shocking number. I agree that education is central to improving the care for animals across the country and a change in thinking and ideology is required in order to improve the position of animals. Buddhist ways of thinking oppose the sterilisation of dogs which the lack of, is the main contributor to the rising number of strays. Through education, people can be exposed to the benefits of sterilisation for dogs and other animals, the main one being prevention from types of cancer which is much more of a benefit for the animal.

[Scarlett Travers]

Article link: https://i-d.vice.com/en/article/4axmgm/thailand-pop-music-artists

“Meet the young artists of Thailand’s pop, rock, rap and hip-hop music scenes.”

For those interested in music from all parts of the world, this article is a fascinating look into young T-pop artists who are “disrupting Thailand’s conservative society” in the music industry. Pop music with a Western influence was first introduced in 1939 by Suntaraphorn, a popular music band. In the 1990s, hip-hop was first introduced in Thailand by artists such as Joey Boy. Both artists faced criticism for releasing new sounds different from the Thai cultural norm. The author explains that social media has played a massive role in helping young artists create new music without relying on mainstream media. With influences from every corner of the world and across Thailand, the Thai music scene is becoming something truly unique and diverse, reflecting modern Thai life.

Thailand’s conservative society has created an opportunity for Thai artists to rebel and get creative. SILVY, known for being an icon in the LGBTQIA+ community challenges Thai beauty standards in her music and encourages young women to wear what they want in music videos and in public. There are also artists such as Youngohm and VKL who are drawing from their own past and culture. Youngohm’s album “Bangkok Legacy” is inspired by his childhood in Bangkok and going to a public school with children from the working-class neighbourhoods. VKL who is from the Isaan region in north-east Thailand is using his local dialect and traditional instruments in his songs.

As someone soon to be travelling to and living in Thailand, I have found that music helps me to better understand a different culture. I hope that during my time in Thailand I can learn through various platforms such as music and understand the past and present of Thai culture. I also hope to learn more about music from Thai students in the classroom. This article has given me some great recommendations for new music – I recommend YOUNGGOHM for hip-hop/R&B fans and SILVY for pop music fans, her music talks of body positivity, empowerment and self-love. Enjoy!

[Scarlett Travers]

Great overview of Muay Thai Remi! I have also been fascinated by Thailand’s national sport and hope to see a live Muay Thai match once in Thailand. I thought it was really interesting how in Thailand’s history, Muay Thai was popular with the poorer/lower class communities and also for high class and royalty because of the idea that good warriors made brave leaders and rulers of the kingdom. I agree that Muay Thai offers a unique cultural experience and a chance to learn more about the history of Thailand. Great choice of article!

[Clerinda Ruby De Guzman]

Hello Kholofelo. First of all, your full name is very unique and I like it. Thank you for choosing this article. I was searching for this kind of information since I decided to move to Thailand and hopefully get a job. I am moving here in Thailand to teach like yourself. The article gave information on the Thai Education System which is very helpful to people like us who is moving to Thailand to teach. Thank you and good luck!

[Clerinda Ruby De Guzman]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/2584496/teacher-left-to-run-school-alone-finally-gets-some-help
TITLE: Teacher left to run school alone finally gets some help
WRITER: PENCHAN CHAROENSUTHIPAN

The article is about Krit Chomphra, 34, teacher in Ban Nong Heang School in Phanom Sarakham an understaffed school. Mr. Krit is the only teacher at a micro-school of 20 students and he is the janitor, cleaner, cook and administrator. According to Mr. Krit, under current regulations only a school with at least 60 students can have a director. He said the Educational Service Area Office in the province has been informed of the staff shortage and they will hire assistant temporarily. Everyday he teaches 20 students from Prathom 1-6. He also prepares lunch for the students. Mr. Krit said that he is proud on his career and he does all he can to ensure the students get the best possible education.

With all the hurdles Mr. Krit encounter on a daily basis the parents of the students are ready to help. Parents appreciated the dedication and love Mr. Krit gives to the children. One of the parent pledged to prepare lunch for the students, one cutting the grass and cleaning, some brought donated items such as school supplies, food items, and drinking water. I am greatly touched by Mr. Krit’s perseverance. I think that he is dedicated and very passionate in what he does. I can relate to his passion.

[Abigail Bailey]

Article: https://blogs.worldbank.org/eastasiapacific/providing-better-education-children-thailand-s-small-schools
Titled Providing better education for children in Thailand’s small schools
This article discusses the academic disparities between rural and urban schools in Thailand, and highlights how children deserve a fair chance in life regardless of socioeconomic status or wealth. The claims are that student’s studying science in rural area are behind urban students ‘by more than a year of schooling’, with even wider gaps in reading proficiency. These are drawn from the Program of International Assessment’s measure of science, mathematics and reading skills, which validify the academic disparity between the schools. With rural school students having less English language and literacy skills, they are not receiving equal opportunity.
This article is arguably as much about social disparity as it is academic. It describes the pattern of inexperienced language teachers utilising rural schools as a gateway to teaching at urban centres, therefore teaching more temporarily and less effectively.
The inference is that this in turn has negative effects on the economy, as the development of children has a significant effect on their abilities in work force, and thus equipping children with greater language and analytical skills would be greatly beneficial. Even more importantly, avoiding the rural-urban gap in education quality for children. The method proposed in the article is the ’20-year Strategic Education Plan’, whereby the Education Ministry plan to reduce the disparities in academic strengths. This is by consolidating smaller, less opportune schools with the larger urban schools.

It’s very interesting to read as someone about to embark on volunteering teaching English in a rural school, as highlights the value of bridging the rural-urban gap by giving focus to the areas that are deserving of receiving greater education quality. Whilst the article suggests consolidation of schools, I believe delivering English teachers to rural schools can be extremely beneficial. Afterall, teachers are described as those who ‘devoted their lives to serving and educating children’ emphasising their importance. Delivering more English language teachers to rural schools allows the rural Thai children to feel noticed, to develop English language skills hands-on, without having to re-purpose the school that is integral to their village/community, and therefore the children can gain the necessary support to have better developed skills that in turn help back the economy.

[Abigail Bailey]

This is interesting and I read a similar article about distance learning for Englisg Language by using TV’s in the classrooms in a Thai school. It’s important to acknowledge the beneficial opportunities of using technology in the classroom. However in Thailand, school teachers are very respected and important, so it’s the balance of hands-on teaching, and getting to slowly introduce teaching styles and technologies that have helped us have successful educations in the UK.

[Rachel Fraser]

Article: Yet another Thai minor charged with royal defamation
https://www.ucanews.com/news/yet-another-thai-minor-charged-with-royal-defamation/94792

The article discusses the case of Noppasin ‘Sainam’ Treelayapewat, a 16-year-old Thai male charged with defamation of the royal family for participating in a light-hearted fashion show during a pro-democracy protest in Bangkok. Throughout the show, young participants appeared to mock Princess Sirivannavari, a daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, by imitating her fashion style. Sainam wore a black crop top to seemingly mock the king, who had been photographed wearing a similar outfit. He also had a message written on his back criticising the king. Another participant in the show, a 23-year-old transgender activist, was also charged with Lese-Majeste for allegedly imitating the queen by wearing a traditional pink dress.

If convicted under Article 112 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits criticism or mockery of the royal family, both youngsters could face up to 15 years in prison. The article mentions that at least 154 predominantly young Thais have been charged with royal defamation since 2020 (written Nov 2021), with some facing multiple charges. Among those charged have been several children, leading human rights activists to condemn the authorities’ actions, stating it violates the rights of children to express their opinions peacefully. The pro-democracy youth-led protests in Thailand have been demanding democratic reforms and limits on the influence of the monarchy, which has prompted authorities to prosecute protesters and student leaders on various charges, including royal defamation and sedition.

Overall, the article provides an insight to the attitudes of young people who are increasingly participating in pro-democracy movements, and the severe legal repercussions they are facing as a result. The themes discussed in the article relate to me as someone travelling around Thailand because it offers an interesting glimpse into the conflict between the country’s demands for political reforms and the authorities’ efforts to protect the monarchy’s image and control. It also provides me with a better understanding of how seriously the Lese-Majeste law is taken – I will of course use the information from this article as a guide to be respectful as a tourist in Thailand.

[Rachel Fraser]

Hi Niam, I found your article really interesting as I know very little about Thai universities (more so about schools!). I find it exciting to know that there are student exchange programmes with universities in Mexico, and I assume other countries too – I think it’s a great way to people to learn more about Thai culture beyond just going on holiday there. I am also intrigued, although not entirely surprised by the fact that Ana said the students and teachers were “almost like friends”. I am sure these strong relationships would lead to great classroom atmospheres and provide a positive environment for learning – I wish we had this more in the UK!

[Emily Matthews]

I read the article ‘Thailand is no the LGBTQ Paradise we Think it is’ by Nikki Natividad. In the article Natividad explains how the Thai government have been advertising Thailand as a queer friendly country in the hopes of increasing tourism. In reality LBGTQ individuals, especially trans people, experience discrimination everyday in Thailand when accessing education and healthcare, buying or renting property, and, seeking legal protection and employment. As a queer non-binary person, I believed Thailand to be completely safe, especially following the recent large pride march in Bangkok. It seemingly evident that the country’s desire to appear LGBTQ friendly has therefore succeeded.
Two examples of how the government is restricting LGBTQ individuals are the lack of gender recognition laws and the civil partnership bill. The lack of gender recognition laws means that trans individuals cannot change their gender officially. This can be especially dangerous for these individuals’ as it can out them as trans when it may not be safe to do so. It also denies the trans experience which can be extremely distressing for people who identify this way. The Civil Partnership Bill was passed by the Thai cabinet in 2022. While this is a step in the right direction, same sex couples in Thailand still don’t have the same rights as their hetero counterparts. Same sex couples are not entitled to personal income tax deductions and government pensions for example. Many have accused the government of pink-washing, that is, attempting to appear LGBTQ friendly without making any real change. This news would deter me as someone who is queer and especially someone gender non-conforming to live in Thailand long-term for fear of not being able to live as free a life as is possible in the UK.

[Emily Matthews]

I found reading this article really interesting. I agree with your comment about more people belonging to several places and having to integrate their identities. I think this is becoming even more true with the popularisation of being a digital nomad and living abroad. I also think that in the coming year there will be more and more environmental migrants because of the climate crisis which will lead more people to live abroad.

[Darren Frazer]

Reply to Clerinda Ruby De Guzman

This article is very interesting. Its hard to believe that one person can run an entire school by themselves. Even with only 20 students is requires a tremendous amount of work and determination. Mr. Krit clearly cares very deeply about the children and what’s to make sure they get a good education as well as cooking their meals and cleaning up after them. I know if I had a teacher like this, I probably would have paid more attention when I was at school. After reading this report it makes me want to visit their school and help out where I can, even just to shake the hands of this amazing person.

[Gavin Ranahan]

Article:

https://thethaiger.com/guides/education/how-chinas-private-tutoring-regulations-are-affecting-online-teachers

The article begins by stating ‘Online teachers in Thailand, and elsewhere, are struggling to grapple with China’s changes to its private tutoring regulations.’ It then goes into detail on the Chinese government’s decision to bring in regulations to prevent overseas teachers from conducting any online training in China. Many online tutoring companies were left with little notice and were forced to massively downsize their businesses. This had a massive impact on tens of thousands of people who had come to rely on teaching Chinese students as their main source of income.

The article then goes on to explain that this is just one element of the government’s crackdown on education. They are banning the use of foreign textbooks in schools unless they adhere to national policies. In a country where there is enormous pressure on parents and their children to succeed in exams, they claim to be attempting to lessen their mental and financial stress. Regulations around homework and private tutoring companies have also been brought in by the government.

While this article focuses on China, it is clear to see that will have an impact on English teachers in Thailand. Chiang Mai for example was known to support many digital nomads who made a living predominantly by teaching Chinese students online. As China was once by far the largest and most lucrative source of online teaching, its demise has already had knock-on effects here in the English teaching community in Thailand. During their introduction, two of my TEFL instructors in Thailand described themselves as being ‘once an online teacher’. Now with the Chinese market disintegrating, they had to return to more hands-on teaching methods. There is still an online teaching market but it is significantly smaller and is generally less gainful. EFL teachers in Thailand, nowadays, are more likely to get a job in a school and then supplement their income with some online work.

This is a developing situation with one teacher in Thailand explaining to me that there are loopholes and that underground companies in China are still finding ways still employ people in Thailand and throughout the world. I for one hope that the Chinese government loosens its restrictions, as online teaching provides EFL teachers with great flexibility and peace of mind while living and traveling in Thailand. Given the Chinese government’s increasing inward-looking position on the global stage, I won’t be holding my breath.

[Author]

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