ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Kafi Wharton-Baum]

This is a very interesting article Katie, being a primary school teacher in England I have seen both the positive and negative effects of using technology in the classroom and at home. I have found recent technology absolutely transformative in so many ways in England namely using virtual reality (VR) to explore new areas of the world or historical events and the almost constant use of iPads as mentioned to complete and upload work. However, the use of technology in English classrooms has also decreased the amount of children wanting to read for pleasure or write for pleasure. This is very sad to see as a teacher hence if the use of advanced technology was increased in Thai classrooms I believe children and young people should be emersed in stories and writing so that this is not lost.

[Jacob Lehrman]

The History Of Thai Food

Thai cuisine’s popularity is driven by its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, creating a harmonious combination of flavors. Thai dishes are known for their balance of sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy tastes, making each meal a sensory delight. The cuisine varies across different regions of Thailand, such as the north, northeast, south, and central areas. Historically, Thai cuisine featured aquatic animals, plants, and herbs as primary ingredients, with an emphasis on avoiding large quantities of meat due to Buddhist influences. Traditional cooking techniques included stewing, baking, and grilling, but Chinese migration into Southeast Asia introduced frying, stir-frying, and deep-frying methods, leading to popular dishes like pad thai and khao pad. Additionally, Thai cuisine was influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, French, and Japanese culinary traditions. Over time, the spiciness of Thai food was toned down, with an increased focus on fresh herbs like lemongrass and galangal. While traditionally eaten with the right hand on mats or carpets, Thai food is now commonly enjoyed with a fork and spoon, and chopsticks are rarely used, even for noodles.

In recent years, Thailand’s status as a tourist destination and regional economic powerhouse has significantly impacted its cuisine. The growth of fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Subway, KFC, and Pizza Hut, especially in urban and tourist areas, has influenced both tourists and locals. While some Thais may view foreign fast food as bland, its acceptance suggests potential changes in Thai cuisine in the future. The evolving culinary landscape reflects Thailand’s adaptability and its ability to incorporate diverse influences while retaining its unique character.

As an American living in Thailand with a keen interest in delving deeper into the country’s food and culture, this information provides me with valuable insights into the rich tapestry of Thai cuisine and its historical roots. Understanding the balance of flavors, regional variations, and the fusion of Eastern and Western influences will enhance my appreciation of Thai dishes. I can explore local markets and street food stalls to experience authentic flavors firsthand, while also having the opportunity to appreciate the modern influences like fast food chains that might remind me of home.

[Jacob Lehrman]

Hi Lucy,
I really enjoyed reading your article about exchange students in Thailand and thought it was very relevant to our upcoming situation. It is always interesting to learn how people welcome foreigners into their country and into their institutions. I am very excited myself to meet the Thai people i will be working with at my school and hope that they welcome me with open arms. I relate to this article specifically as well because I participated in a study abroad program when I was at university in London. I did not have to face a language barrier there, so that will definitely pose a new challenge, but it was interesting to see how the student professor relationship was different in England as compared to America. But above that I recall how welcoming everyone was and how they valued my perspective as a foreigner and I look forward to exploring this new dynamic being a teacher in Thailand!

[Emily Hoover]

The article I have chosen to analyze is “Thailand works to preserve its natural wonder” from National Geographic. Highlighting some of Thailand’s beautiful scenery and common tourist areas, the article points out the importance of sustainable tourism and the steps locals are taking to maintain the pristine ecosystems. To incorporate tourists into the sustainability movements single-use plastic is highly discouraged and the phrase “‘only their footprints and take only good memories”’ is promoted throughout the tourism sector. Islands such as Ko Mak look to communities for advice on how to begin their sustainability journey to protect their white sand beaches.

I believe that the article provides a general about tourism that locals do not want people to stop visiting their beautiful homes, but when you are a tourist make sure to be respectful. No matter where someone is visiting it is always good to be mindful that you are a visitor in someone else’s home and should be respectful and treat that area as you would treat your own home. Keeping these beautiful places beautiful can be difficult and it is good to read that local communities are working together to maintain the areas before damage is irreversible. It is important for locals to have a voice in tourism and work together to allow everyone to experience such amazing places.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/sponsor-content-thailand-works-to-preserve-its-natural-wonders

[Emily Hoover]

Kholofelo,
Great article to choose as you will be teaching in Thailand so it is good to have an understanding of the education system you will be contributing to. As someone else who will also be teaching in Thailand, it was helpful to read your analysis of the article. Being from the United States we have our own areas within the education system that need to be improved upon and it was very interesting reading about Thailand’s approach to making changes within the educational system and their approaches.

[Laura Baella]

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40030853

The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) in Thailand has launched the Thai Climate Initiative Fund (Thai CI Fund) to address climate change by providing financial support to state agencies, private businesses, educational institutes, NGOs, and local administration organizations aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve their environmental impact. The fund aims to help these entities make necessary adjustments to their operations to reduce emissions and enhance environmental sustainability. It will support projects that are approved and may encompass a range of initiatives, including the development of wastewater treatment facilities. The Thai CI Fund is sponsored by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, with an initial funding of 6.5 million euros (approximately 234 million Thai baht). The fund is expected to issue a call for proposals by the end of 2023 and seeks to collaborate with additional financial supporters both in Thailand and abroad to expand its scope to encompass a broader spectrum of climate change-related operations.

For individuals interested in traveling or living in Thailand and who are concerned about environmental sustainability and climate change, this initiative is noteworthy. It demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to addressing climate challenges and promoting eco-friendly practices within the country. Travelers and expatriates interested in minimizing their carbon footprint or engaging with environmentally responsible organizations in Thailand may find opportunities to connect with and support projects funded by the Thai CI Fund. This initiative aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and can serve as a model for other nations and regions seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance environmental stewardship.

[Anonymous]

Theo Tucker reply- Kate Dudman

“Young Thais need better learning experiences.” Suitable teaching materials are important to meet the needs of students.

The education system could be upgraded to match the advancing technologies, free softwares and critical thinking students could benefit from.

For this reason. It is essential that me as a teacher traveling in Thailand become aware of the importance of accommodating various learning styles within the modern classroom, if all students are to be afforded equal opportunities to experience school success.

[Nathan Horvate]

https://www.yahoo.com/news/man-upended-thailand-politics-164029124.html?guccounter=1
ARTICLE: The Man Who Upended Thailand’s Politics

You thought the politics in your home country were driving you mad? Just try diving into the highly nuanced intricacies of the politics in a foreign country that you’re about to live and work in!

At least for me, it often feels like even with a lifetime of experience being a US citizen, I can’t make heads or tails of what’s going on in the news. The US Presidential election of 2020 was perhaps the most “eventful” in the country’s history, with apparent supporters of Donald Trump storming the capital in Washington D.C. making claims that the election had been stolen. For many Americans on either side of the political aisle, this spectacle was more than just a bit surreal. I would say that most of us were watching the events unfold not even realizing how we’d gotten to this point. This is what America has become? I was one such American, viewing sometimes violent civilian-filmed footage posted to Twitter with my jaw on the floor. This chaos and bipartisan drama was a lot for me to process.

Now to pivot to the article about Thailand’s recent election for Prime Minister, involving Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of Thailand’s progressive Move Forward Party. As I understand it, Pita is a seen as a champion of changes (mostly by young Thai people). He challenges policies such as Article 112 which prohibits people from speaking negatively about the royal family, and also opposes the military-centered political power in the Senate, and seeks to break up unfair business monopolies. Though popular he may be with the youth, his ideas are not welcome by traditionalists and royal elite in Thailand, who work hard to maintain the status quo by preserving their status and power. Despite winning 38% of the popular vote in May and securing 151 seats in parliament, the election results were blocked by the Senate and Pita was not named Prime Minister. What happened here, and how could this be? While it’s a fascinating article that absolutely sparks my curiosity, I’m not even going to begin to try to come to any type of conclusion about how Thailand ended up here. I can only imagine there are well-educated Thai’s who have a rich understanding of their country’s history and overall composition and could succinctly offer a variety of theories to explain this, but I imagine there are also many Thai people who work very hard every day just to take care of themselves and their families and even they, having lived there all their lives, might not be able to explain how or why circumstances have led to this perhaps unfortunate outcome.

How does this affect me though, as an American, whose only real business in Thailand is to teach English? I think the obvious lesson here is to know my place and hold my thoughts and reserve my opinions. These are deeply complex issues. You don’t go to a friend’s house and insert yourself into a family dispute. So, I will continue to be fascinated with these topics and these issues from a sociological and political perspective, but my thoughts and opinions are not needed here (or likely even wanted, for that matter), especially when I’m physically in the country – that is not my role. I do believe that the best way I can help Thailand is not by sharing my opinion on their politics, but by being receptive to the things Thai people say, by building local relationships with all kinds of people, and by fulfilling my duty as a teacher diligently, with a full heart. I do think it’s important to learn these topics though to be strictly aware of them, so you can navigate delicate social situations without making yourself a fool by way of ignorance.

[Steven Presti]

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/maya-bay-closed-until-september-30-for-nature-restoration-and-tourist-safety

I am writing in a response to an article where they close Maya Beach for just under two months. I found this news interesting because Thailand was willing to lose revenue in tourism dollars to preserve a beautiful natural beach. I work in a National Park in Alaska. It is hard managing the the natural attractions with the influx of tourists in these natural places. But clearly it is effective. It talks about how the black shark Reef population increased during Covid. Once tourist were invited back the black shark reef population declined. So to help preserve and protect the bay as well as the tourists they are closing Maya Beach until September 30th.

I applaud Thailand for making those tough, but important choices. We all enjoy visiting these beautiful and natural places. But sometimes we love these places to death. The other part of the article talks about the safety of guests during monsoon season. Especially when you have those big waves and windy conditions. It blew some of the boats 50 meters out to sea. We all might be disappointed that we cant visit these natural wonders when we want. We also have to realize that even though nature can be beautiful, however nature can be also dangerous and unpredictable at times. So even though I might want to visit these natural places. I am at least happy they are trying to protect these natural places.

[Steven Presti]

Hi Isra. that is a really great article on how Thailand is trying to promote english in there public schools.
it was interesting a former prime minister was teaching and english lesson to Thai students during his run as prime minister.. I enjoyed they were not so focused on the grammar as much as getting to speak more english. So hopefully we can all contribute to the future success of teaching english in Thailand.

[Riley Breen]

I really enjoyed reading your summary of the post and decided to read the article myself. I enjoyed learning about the cuisines and how they can change depending on the part of Thailand you are in. As a expat from America one thing I am most excited for is to try the foods and become educated on the culture and meanings of food over there! well done.

[Neamh O’Donoghue]

https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20230519132835996

This article details the outcome of the May elections in Thailand and the effect this will have on Thailand’s education system.

The result of unexpected support from millions of young Thai’s sees electoral victory of Thailand’s Move Forward Party who, among other issues, campaigned for radical changes to Thai education. Thailand’s Move Forward Party emerged the unexpected winner of elections held on the 14th of May securing 151 of 500 available seats in the Lower house of Parliament. The Move Forward Party defeated the military backed former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the well-financed Pheu Thai Party, both having dominated the political scene for decades. The Pheu Thai party which has been the country’s main opposition party for the past two decades came second with 141 seats. The pro-military parties were left trailing behind. Move Forward’s victory has been, in part, credited to the dedication of youth and university student lead pro-democratic protests. Several activists were Move Forward candidates who won seats in the election, one of whom being Chonticha Jangrew. Chonticha maintains the students played a big role in swaying their older peers and family members, she said “I didn’t think we’d have that many votes. I suppose right now many people really want to see changes.”

Move Forward has promised to revolutionise education through a set of 20 policies. Its promise to reform education will be by implementing radical changes such as eradicating corporal punishment, abolishing rituals like flag-honouring ceremonies, introducing student councils and forcing school regulations to comply with human rights. Athapol Anunthavorasakul who belongs to Chulalongkorn’s University’s faculty of education said “We can see that Move Forward views education through the lens of social democracy” he hopes changes made at the primary and secondary level will reverberate to higher education. Athapol states “Thai society hasn’t had a conversation about this for a long time now.” It seems now is the time for changes to be made and we may see an end to outdated teaching methods and curricula imposed by Thailand’s authoritarian past. This surge of progressivism in the educational landscape in Thailand is especially relevant for me and other teachers moving to Thailand. Our time teaching in Thailand will be on the cusp of many experimental changes within the education system, it will be part of our job to lead our students through these changes and offer support and guidance.

[Neamh O’Donoghue]

Hi Katie,
The article you have summarized will be very important for all potential teachers in Thailand. Equality in the classroom is paramount. Equality and diversity is a very important lesson that must be implemented within schools, it is very positive that the study the article centres shows equal opportunity to all regardless of nationality or religion. Of course it is important to be aware of any biases that may arise due to how interwoven Buddhism is in Thai culture.

[Neamh O’Donoghue]

Reply to Katie Taylor

Hi Katie,
The article you have summarized will be very important for all potential teachers in Thailand. Equality in the classroom is paramount. Equality and diversity is a very important lesson that must be implemented within schools, it is very positive that the study the article centres shows equal opportunity to all regardless of nationality or religion. Of course it is important to be aware of any biases that may arise due to how interwoven Buddhism is in Thai culture.

[Ryan Stickles]

Article: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2644750/calls-for-maniq-tribe-to-get-
their-own-patch
Title: Calls for Maniq Tribe to get their own patch
The article talks about tribes of hunter-gatherers called the Maniq (more commonly referred to
as the Sakai) located in Satun, a Southern province of Thailand. A group of conservationists
called the Five Precept Protection Committee (FPPC), is looking to preserve the Maniq people's
unique cultural identity. The FPPC is comprised of a group of Senior Buddhist monks who have
been travelling across Satun and other provinces to check in on the progress of the National
Reconciliation Project. There are 382 Maniq tribespeople living in the mountain range of Bantad
across Satun, Trang, and Phatthalung. They live in harmony with nature and communicate
using interpreters. The FPPC has been discussing ways to limit the impact the outside world
has on the Maniq people by giving them land where the Maniq people can be together and not
separated across the Bantad mountain range. It would also provide a way to study the Maniq
people’s way of living seeing as how most traditional hunter-gatherer groups have been
"shrinking". This is all in hopes that it would bridge the gap between outsiders and the
tribespeople to prevent anything from causing future conflicts. In the past the Maniq people had
even been given citizenship cards and had been given access to state welfare as well.
As someone who is moving to Thailand I believe the ideas of culture and cultural identity are
very important. The part we will play as foreigners; potential outsiders, to the community(ies) we
involve ourselves with will impact how we grow and live within the culture we're joining. To me
this means that not only will we have a direct impact on the way our community interacts with us
but also how we will interact with them and if we're not prepared for something like that then it
could lead to negative consequences. One of the main points of the article was talking about
how the Maniq people had been impacted because of "outsiders" such as ourselves and thus
why the Buddhist monks were trying to find land that the Maniq people could call home and also
provide a way for us to study and understand them better. Being able to preserve one's own
cultural identity while also being able to live within the cultural construct of a larger society is
something we will have to face as tourists in a new country and something the Maniq people are
facing within their own country. I can only imagine how difficult it might be for us who have no
premise of what the culture is truly like yet.

[Author]

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