ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Lily Wiley]

Related Article: https://www.asianstudies.org/buddhism-in-decline-media-narratives-in-thailand/#:~:text=In%20this%20formulation%2C%20forces%20of,Thai%20society%20followed%20Buddhist%20morality.

“Buddhism in Decline: Media Narratives in Thailand”

The article titled “Chequebook Buddhism: Threat to Buddhism in Thailand?” by Delphine Thouvenot and Thanaporn Promyamyai discusses the media’s portrayal of Buddhism in Thailand and its alleged decline. The media frequently constructs Buddhism in Thailand as existing in a state of collapse due to badly behaved clergy, corruption scandals, and the embrace of commercialism among some temples. Major media outlets, both foreign and Thai, contribute to shaping the public’s perception of Thai Buddhism, often emphasizing the dichotomy between crass secular modernity and pure, pristine Buddhism. The media narrative, while compelling, is criticized for being misleading and harmful, as it oversimplifies the complexities of Buddhism’s interaction with modernity and overlooks alternative viewpoints from within the Buddhist community.
The article highlights that not all Buddhists share the perspective of a decline in Buddhism. Monks at Buddhist universities in Chiang Mai offer nuanced explanations for the problems in Thai Buddhism and emphasize that Buddhism itself is not in decline; instead, some practitioners may lose sight of the teachings. They recognize the media’s influence on public perception but assert that focusing on the inappropriate behaviour of a few monks does not represent the entire Thai Buddhist community. The student monks also discuss problems with the abuse of power among high-ranking monastic seniors but do not see modernity as the root cause of these issues. Instead, they believe that teaching others to become better Buddhists is crucial for Buddhism’s progress in Thai society.
In conclusion, the article sheds light on the media’s portrayal of Buddhism in Thailand, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of the challenges the religion faces, rather than a simplistic narrative of decline. The viewpoints of monks at Chiang Mai’s Buddhist universities provide a different perspective, offering cautious hope about the state of Buddhism in Thailand and an acknowledgement of the coexistence of Buddhism with modernity.

[Grace Cobb]

This article opens by reflecting on a comment which notes that Western foreigners coming to teach would be resorted to taking on unskilled work in their home countries if the Thai education system was reformed. Interestingly, the writer uncovers why he is right, by discussing the unethical nature of importing Westerners with little or no teaching qualifications/experience to teach Thai children English because their parents demand they are taught by a native English speaker. Highlighting that Thai schools ‘get around’ the higher pay demanded by these teachers by hiring lots of non-native English speaking foreigners who they can pay less, and the minimum native English speaking foreigners to appease the parents, he shows that the bias towards white Western English teachers in Thailand enables the exploitation of other teachers.

Moreover, the white foreign teachers are often not providing a high quality education, as they are not hired for their actual teaching skills, which is a by-product of the fact thatThai schools are focused on education as a business and not providing legitimate knowledge. Concluding by agreeing with the initial statement, he argues that reforming the Thai education system would put ‘egocentric’ Western individuals without real teaching skills out of a job. I think this article is quite critical of the import of foreign teachers, and makes valid points about how it enables exploitation, and is counter-productive for fostering real knowledge in school. This is definitely an interesting article to consider as a foreign teacher about to embark on a trip to Thailand, as it contextualises many of the issues around the practice of teaching in the country.

[Grace Cobb]

Hi Kate,
This is a really interesting article, and I like how you considered your own background when thinking about the access which Thai children have to learning resources. I definitely agree that it’s important to consider the different ways of allowing children to learn at their own pace in the classroom, especially with a language barrier. I think it’s interesting to think about how technology might help with this, although with many schools lacking funding it can be difficult to provide all children with the accessibility to learning that they need. I agree that there is no time to waste when upgrading Thai children’s learning quality, and it is something I will consider when planning my own lessons for children in Thailand!
Grace

[Lily Wiley]

Hey Olivia.
You’ve done a great job exploring the effects of climate change on the country and it’s concerning to see the threats posed by extreme weather, especially to Bangkok and the agriculture sector.
Thailand’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30-40% by November 2022 are impressive and show their commitment to a sustainable future. I agree with you on the importance of public transport, and I think it’s fantastic that they are aiming for a low-emission overhaul.
Your tips for keeping energy consumption down during our time in Thailand are helpful. I’ll definitely keep those in mind whilst I’m there.

[Ruby Kohli]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/03/taps-run-dry-on-thai-island-as-tourism-boom-worsens-water-shortage-koh-samui
“Taps run dry on Thai island as tourism boom worsens water shortage”

This article highlights the vast and varied consequences of tourism on Thai landscapes. While the article, on one hand, acknowledges that increased levels of tourism have led to the rapid development of the area, including the creation of many holiday resorts and spas, it stresses that this has come at the expense of local inhabitants and businesses facing up to weeks without running water. In this case, the deputy mayor of popular tourist island Ko Samui has urged everyone to take precautions in order to prevent the situation from becoming disastrous. This includes redirecting tourism profits to instead help provide water for the community.

Unfortunately, it seems that the combination of poor planning, the El Ninõ weather phenomenon, and the monopoly that the tourist resorts hold over water supplies, has led to significant disruption throughout Ko Samui. Local businesses, mostly spas and restaurants, have been seriously affected, while local people struggle to maintain hygiene standards. This highlights the significant effects and strain that tourists and those visiting the island have on Thai resources.
Overall, this article provides an insightful and prevalent perspective of the Thai people, and stresses that tourists should be aware of their significant impact on the environments that they are visiting.

[Ruby Kohli]

Hi Lily,

This is such an interesting article. I agree, the perspective of monks from Chiang Mai’s Buddhist universities is indeed an optimistic approach to the situation, which could often be overlooked. Of course, the media has a very compelling way of shaping perspectives, so it is very easy to get caught up in the narrative that both native and Thai outlets propose. As with most controversies that surround religion and religious institutions, the necessity for nuance should never be undermined. Unsurprisingly, it is the inappropriate behaviours of a select (powerful and influential) few that shape this perspective, despite clearly not representing the modern Buddhism belief system as a whole.

[Olivia Bedford]

The article covers same sex marriage equality in Thailand, through an interview with Thitaporn Kamchai, referencing Pita Limjaroenrat as the leader of the Move Forward party, who has promised that his coalition party will pass the Marriage Equality Bill. This is particularly meaningful to me, not as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, but as someone who studies Sociology at university. I have experienced the effects – albeit second hand – of those affected by marriage inequality, and the sensationalism surrounding same sex marriage.

The Bangkok Pride Parade took place in 2023, something which I found surprising considering the legality status of same sex marriage. The article details the specific inequalities faced by same sex couples, due to the lack of legal status: if a partner falls ill there is no grounds to authorise surgery, for example. Thitaporn notes that public views of same sex couples will change once same sex marriage is legalised, and that it will be easier to exist in public spaces without fear of judgement. However, it is specified that adoption rights are excluded from the Marriage Equality Bill, and same sex couples will still not be able to adopt.

Furthermore, the article notices the potential for tourism should World Pride come to Thailand – there exists hope that Thailand will become the first Asian country to host World Pride in 2028.

How the Marriage Equality Law will change Thailand

[Olivia Bedford]

I think this is a very interesting article, and you’ve summed it up brilliantly and concisely! I am intrigued to read this, particularly considering the history of dictatorship here – it’s fascinating to understand more about the voting behaviours of young people – and 200,000 new voters having registered is wonderful news!

[Aditi Kashyap]

The article discusses Thailand’s education system, its history, challenges, and efforts for improvement. While Thailand values education and invests significantly in the sector, the educational system is not functioning as well as desired. It ranks poorly in international education surveys, and years of reform have had little overall impact, making it expensive and inefficient.
The government is making efforts to address these problems, using its special administrative powers to implement changes. Initiatives are being undertaken to improve the system, including reducing school hours, focusing on core subjects, and re-evaluating the evaluation system. However, despite significant funding, the results are not commensurate with the investment.
The article suggests that Thailand needs to focus more on quality rather than quantity and calls for more cooperation with international bodies and adopting internationally recognized educational standards. Private sector involvement is seen as vital in the development of education, particularly in vocational education, which is considered essential for job growth. As someone qualifying for the TESOL course in Thailand, I resonate with the significance of the need for education to bridge the gap between the desired standard and the current state of the system.
Research and development in universities are also gaining importance, with the government encouraging R&D through various policies and partnerships with the private sector.
Overall, the article emphasizes the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the education system to improve its efficiency, quality, and international competitiveness.
Article used: https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/reports/thailand/2016-report/economy/improving-the-system-government-action-is-moving-to-improve-standards-and-reorganise-the-sector

[Aditi Kashyap]

Hi Kate,
I agree with the article in terms of he fact that you do not necessarily need the latest technology or devices to implement the changes that are necessary in education systems. I believe that the standard set by the west in terms if the incorporation of technology into education is a good standard to aspire to reach, but should not be implemented in a way that is burdening or overwhelming to the current systems in place. This is as it would require a large amount of funding and training that may be unnatural to the learning curve. Change is slow and gradual.

[Aleyna Odabas]

https://www.evaneos.com/thailand/holidays/essential-information/5436-religion-in-thailand/
This article addresses the importance of religion and belief in Thailand as well as the respect it deserves from others travelling to and from the country. It breaks down the country’s religious groups, with Christians making up a minuscule one percent of the population. The majority of residents in Thailand follow Buddhism, and the enticing Buddhist temples prove to be one of the country’s greatest attractions. However, it is important to maintain a level of respect for these temples, and the Buddhist monks that the Thai people consider so highly. Whilst there is a considerable amount of tolerance amongst people, the symbol of Buddha is incredibly sacred to them and integral to their culture. As well as this, the people of Thailand are superstitious and follow certain traditions that enhance their beliefs.
As a tourist visiting Thailand for the first time, I believe it is crucial to be aware of these practices and cultures in order to blend into Thai society in a respectful manner. Part of the beauty of travelling to a new place is discovering a completely different way of life than what you are used to, but in order to enjoy the experience to its fullest potential you must also learn how to treat these newfound perspectives correctly.

[Aleyna Odabas]

A really clever idea to write about an article regarding the education system, what a way to better your knowledge before embarking on your own teaching journey! I found your consistent use of statistics really useful as it helped put the points you were making into perspective. I also like that this does not pose the Thai education system in a negative or a positive light, but rather explains its quality in a factual manner.

[Amy Louise]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2510389/first-time-voters-eager-for-their-say

Educational systems are different across the world. As a teacher in England we regularly use interactive learning equipment with iPads for instance more commonly used in a class room than not. Even more so since COVID. Much like the Uk, it’s seems that more funding would not necessarily be required only that some of these items were free.

I personally had access to a wide variety of electronics and interactive equipment at school and this allowed me to learn at my pace, which benefited me greatly as I have Dyslexia. However, as observed whilst teaching myself not everyone benefits from this learning style. This has made me reflect greatly on how I can use a variety of styles whilst over coming a language barrier.

Amy B

[Ana Moyano]

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29628191
Lese majeste is a law that forbids anyone from insulting the monarchy. It was created in 1908 but after the military coup in 2014 it was increasingly enforced.
It is one of the strictest laws in the world and Thailand has been called out for it but they have said it is essential to protect the monarchy. Anyone who does insult the monarchy can face up to 15 years in prison.
There is no definition of the law, making it very broad and complaints can be filed by anyone. You could be charged for stepping on money or liking a post on social media.
The monarch in Thailand is considered a god like figure, especially Bhumibol who died in 2016, he was very liked and popular but his son isn’t as popular.
The UN says this law stifles critical speech but Thailand is not ready to change it.
This is particularly important to me because I should be careful when mentioning the monarchy, making sure I do not make any negative comments. I should also make sure I do not mention the monarchy around Thai people so that I don’t put them in an uncomfortable position.

[Hafeez Merali]

Hi Aleyna!
It was smart of you to look into cultural and religious practices! Definitely a good idea to be aware of these things so as not to offend anyone. Especially considering the dual role these temples have as both places of worship but also popular tourist attractions. Thanks for your summary, I’m excited to explore and learn more about these different practices in person!

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