ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Poppy Bailey]

Article: https://www.eco-business.com/news/pandemic-worsened-animal-welfare-abuse-in-thailands-zoos-pet-trade/
Titled: Pandemic worsened animal welfare abuse in Thailand’s zoos, pet trade.
The following article seeks to address the crisis facing animal welfare in Thailand, particularly the impact that Covid-19 has had in worsening conditions for animals in captivity. The article portrays that whilst the conditions for many animals in captivity prior to the pandemic were deemed unacceptable, the pandemic has exacerbated the abuse of many animals. The article highlights how due to Covid-19, travel restrictions meant that fewer tourists were able to visit animals which has led to the vast underfunding of zoos across Thailand and little money available to help animals live in even the most basic of conditions with access to necessities such as clean and large enclosures. The article points to another pressing issue facing animals in captivity within Thailand, NGO Edwin Wiek, argues that many of these animals will never be able to be rehabilitated into the wild as their use in the entertainment industries removes the animal’s natural instincts. He shares the shocking example of a captive ape that was used in Thai bars and strip clubs. Many animals in captivity are also subjected to abuse that causes major health implications, the article states that animals in captivity are often exposed to in-breeding which can cause brain dysfunction, and deformities amongst many other serious health issues. This points to the fact that animals should be refrained from being used for tourist purposes altogether.

The importance of this article is to share awareness of the abuses of animals across Thailand so that many can be educated in animal welfare and push for stricter laws and legislation so that the suffering of innocent lives can be stopped.

[Poppy Bailey]

Hello Pheonix,

This is a really thoughtful and concise review of the article and reflects the importance of the younger generations in rejecting the homophobic policies and prejudices of figures such as Prayuth Chan-ocha that face LGBT communities in Thailand. It is an interesting read and highlights the impactful social change that the younger generations are having within Thailand to promote social justice and change for the LGBT communities. It is great to see the positive changes that are happening and how attitudes are being challenged so that diversity and inclusivity can be promoted throughout Thailand.

[Katie Massey]

Article: Keeping poor kids at school https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2594709/keeping-poor-kids-at-school

This article describes the story of one young boy, Saming, who had the opportunity to return to school after having to drop out due to his parents’ financial situation. Many children had to drop out of school during the Covid pandemic due to parents losing their jobs. Within this article, Wat Trangkhapum Putthawat Municipal School offered Saming money for stationery and school uniforms in attempts to help him attend school again. Within this school, 60-70% of students come from broken homes and the school actually offers work for parents on the vegetable farm. The deputy of the school noted that although the school can ease student burden, it is state welfare that will prevent better dropouts in the long run.

Data from the Equitable Education Fund highlights that out of 7 million students in public and private schools, over 800,000 are at risk of dropping out due to being from extremely poor families. Although the nation has a free 15-year compulsory education programme, students and parents are required to pay additional expenses which can dissuade low income parents from enrolling their children in the first place also. Thus, school regulations should be less restrictive with a more lenient education system that include higher stipends is needed to prevent students from dropping out.

Overall, this article highlights the challenges that many families face in Thailand and how the pandemic has impacted students’ education. As I am going to travel and teach in Thailand, I think this article has been very insightful and is very important for me to be aware of the education system and the barriers to education that many students face. Having this understanding enables me to better understand individual students’ situations when I am teaching and reflect on ways that I may be able to help those that are disadvantaged due to financial struggles.

[Katie Massey]

Hi Poppy, this is a great concise review of the article and highlights the importance of education around animal welfare. It is an interesting and yet equally heartbreaking read to see how these animals are being treated. I agree that legislation should be stricter to avoid the suffering of these innocent animals. This article made me really think about what activities I take part in when in Thailand as I really wanted to visit the elephants whilst there, I will now ensure that I only visit ethical elephant sanctuaries and share this knowledge when I am teaching there also.

[Madeline Holl]

Article: https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/06/07/thailand-prime-minister-pita-limjaroenrat-same-sex-marriage/

This article focuses on the ever-prominent discussions surrounding the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in Thailand. The leader of the Move Forward Party, Pita Limjaroenrat, is thought to be named the next prime minister in July according to this article. In a social media post, he vowed to legislate same-sex marriage within 100 days of taking power, whilst also stating that “diversity is not a weakness, but a strength of this country. Love is love and love must win.” This would be a groundbreaking move, not only for Thai politics, but also for Asian politics in general, as this would make Thailand the second country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage behind Taiwan.
This move towards inclusivity is one that seems unsurprising due to the growing prominence of the LGBTQ+ community in Thai culture and society. To start, the coalition of the Move Forward Party and eight other parties brought these issues to the front of politics, with there being a step towards legalising same-sex marriage with the legalisation of such relationships. Furthermore, this year has marked the second annual Bangkok Pride Parade (with the first being in 2006) which, as stated in the article, Pita Limjaroenrat took part in, demonstrating a new acceptance of inclusivity and equality. There is also a growing TV industry in the genre of ‘BL (boys love)’ series, promoting the normalisation of these relationships in society. With much of the media picking up on these topics around the world, it seems as though the years of restrictions faced by these communities is finally being recognised in Thailand, and hopefully, looking towards a promising future for those who have faced discrimination.
As further outlined, Thailand is not alone in starting to move towards more inclusive legislation. For example, the Nagoya District Court Japan, as the only G7 nation that does not recognise same-sex marriage, has ruled that the ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. This growing push-back against discrimination towards LGBTQ+ people is one that promises a safer future for those who have been unable to express themselves freely. This article suggests that a more welcoming society is taking shape, and that those who travel or live there should embrace this drastic social change that has been bought about by the citizens of Thailand.

[Madeline Holl]

Hi Katie, this is a very insightful and interesting review regarding the impact of the pandemic on education. The case study particularly helps highlight the difficulties faced by families of a lower income who struggled to cope with the impact this pandemic had on society and the economy. I agree that this is an important consideration for us, as many families are still recovering from the impact of the pandemic, and I will ensure to be mindful of this when teaching. It is an important issue that you have raised and underlined, and hopefully one that will lead to a new system being put in place to help those impacted most by the costs of education.

[Binal Kaur]

Thai school aids 11-year old’s return amid pandemic-driven dropout crisis -Mitch Connor

This article outlines the experience of an 11-year-old kid, with the name Anirut Thongdech or Saming who was forced to leave his school, when his family could no longer continue to afford his education during the pandemic and is now being given an opportunity to return with the help of Wat Trangkhapum Putthawat Municipal School. Saming’s family financially struggled during the pandemic, which caused them to become unemployed and turn to collecting recyclables for a living. Which also meant that they could no longer afford to send their child to school.
Wat Trangkhapum Puttawat Municipal School has now stepped in to provide him a chance to return to school. They have helped in providing him with uniforms, stationery and school textbooks. The school’s director revealed that this was just one example of many students who have had to abandon their education due to their families’ financial struggles. It is important to note that even though Thailand’s 15-year compulsory education programme claims to be free of charge, extra costs for application and admission fees, uniforms and stationery can add up over time and make many students from low-income families unable to pursue their education. To support their students, the Wat Trangkhapum Puttawat Municipal School offers employment opportunities, such as cultivating vegetables on unused land and provides funds to cover educational expenses.
Further, education equitable fund (EEF) managing director, Kraiyos Patrawart suggests that a more lenient and decentralised system of education can help prevent students from dropping out. He proposes reducing the number of uniforms and allowing schools to fundraise for students from low-income families.
I think as a person travelling to Thailand to teach in schools, it is very important to understand the nuances of the system of education there and how the pandemic is still affecting the lives of the students and their families.

[Binal Kaur]

Hello Georgina, I think your article and summary is really interesting. I like how it talks about both the pros and cons of using electric tuk-tuks and that even though making one change can not fix the pollution levels, it is important to work towards change. I also appreciate the lines about being conscious and considerate of our environmental impact in order to become more sustainable travelers.

[Kassandra Bailey]

Article: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/why-thailands-women-are-so-successful-business-not-politics

The article I read was: “Why Thailand’s Women Are So Successful: Business, Not Politics” I approached this work with great interest as a woman moving to Thailand myself.
The article highlights the remarkable achievements of Thai women in the business sector and sheds light on the challenges they face in politics. The article emphasizes that Thailand has witnessed a significant rise in successful women entrepreneurs who have broken gender barriers and achieved notable success in various industries. It discusses how women in Thailand are actively participating in business ventures, leading companies, and making substantial contributions to the country’s economy.

This information resonates with me as I embark on my journey to Thailand, as it highlights the potential for women to thrive in the professional sphere and showcases the opportunities that may await me as an educator. Furthermore, the article also touches upon the challenges faced by women in Thai politics. It sheds light on the limited representation of women in political leadership roles and the barriers they encounter in actively participating in decision-making processes. While my primary focus is on teaching English, this aspect of the article reminds me of the importance of advocating for gender equality and empowering girls and young women through education. It reinforces the significance of my role as a female educator in Thailand, where I can contribute to nurturing the next generation of empowered women who can challenge societal norms and aspire to leadership roles in the future.

In summary, the article highlights the success of Thai women in business and the challenges they face in politics. It inspires me as I embark on my journey to Thailand, showcasing the potential for professional growth and the importance of empowering girls through education to drive social change and gender equality.

[Kassandra Bailey]

I really enjoyed reading your article summary regarding the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s plan for the fiscal year 2024. It is impressive to see their efforts to grow off-peak tourism, enhance the distribution of tourist income, and make Thailand a more inclusive and accessible destination for all individuals, regardless of disabilities or age, I know catering to disabilities and being more inclusive isn’t a priority in a lot of touristy areas but it’s exciting to hear about it being implemented here. The increased budget allocation and the consideration of issuing travel vouchers to promote lesser-known cities demonstrate a commitment to offering unique and diverse experiences to tourists. I absolutely share your excitement about exploring little explored, or even unseen areas and believe that this focus on enhancing tourists’ enjoyment will totally result in longer stays and increased spending, ultimately benefiting both tourists and the country as a whole. The governor’s vision for building resilience within the tourism sector by strengthening supply chains, developing local communities, and adopting higher safety standards is also commendable, as it ensures Thailand’s ability to overcome future crises and recover swiftly. It will be interesting to see how all of this develops while we are in Thailand.

[Marika Nowak]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2594299/phuket-tourism-revenue-returns-to-pre-covid-level
“Phuket tourism revenue returns to pre-Covid level”

The article covers the economic boom of Phuket with discussions on numbers returning back to pre-Covid levels. As restrictions have been lifted and travel is more accessible without requirements for quarantining, the popular tourist destination known for its beaches and resorts has seen 5.6 million tourists; of which 3.3 million are foreigners. A local governor has reported 193 billion baht to be introduced to Phuket’s economy. The hotel industry also saw massive occupancy rates going up to 70% and 80% for the beginning months of the year. The article highlights the importance of tourism for the country as a whole as well as the individual towns and cities. Not only does it boost the economy but it provides tourists with vital cultural exchanges and knowledge whilst also boosting job opportunities for locals.
It is important as a foreigner visiting Thailand to be aware of these statistics as it provides useful insight into local lives; this information can then be used to guide appropriate attitude and behaviour towards towns and cities visited. Phuket’s return to pre-Covid levels indicates the restoration of a vibrant and thriving tourism industry. This is important for travellers as equally as locals as it leads to increased opportunities for exploration, entertainment, and cultural experiences.

[Marika Nowak]

Hi Mwezi,
This is a really interesting article to cover, it is clear you engaged with the material well and made your summarisation equally as engaging and insightful. I also agree that it is pleasing that they include those members of society that are commonly disadvantaged and advocates for their rights as well; as do you, I agree that it is important to advocate for those that are not frequently represented when discussing human rights especially against powerful corporations.

[Sonia Mann]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2594759/phuket-eyes-big-moment-in-the-sun

This article speaks about a potential specialised Expo in Thailand that will hopefully create 50 billion Baht and 100,000 more jobs. Phuket is in the running for the 2028 Expo, as well as Minnesota, United States; Belgrade, Serbia; Malaga, Spain; and Bariloche, Argentina. The competition for hosting this Expo has been strong and soon the world will know where the event will be held. Prime ministerial candidate Pita Limjaroenrat stated that his government would support Phuket in hosting the expo. If Thailand wins, it will be the first country in the South East to host something as huge as this. If Thailand is chosen, it would also mean more jobs in the area, which is great for the locals but equally for Expats wishing to work there.
Phuket had planned to create a medical plaza, a health and wellness centre before the Covid 19 pandemic which was initiated by residents which would also be in addition to the Expo. The transport infrastructure would also be improved. The theme that Phuket has suggested for the Expo is ‘Future of Life: Living in Harmony, Sharing Prosperity. This will be in relation to the theme ‘Sustainability’ as the Expo will be held two years before the United Nations’ achievement timeframe for its 17 Sustainable Developmental Goals. The Expo will be Thailand’s opportunity to excel in promoting health, wellness, and medical tourism in the South East. Votes will be cast on June 21st and Thailand are very hopeful.

[Sonia Mann]

Hi Poppy, amazing review of this article. It is so sad to read, but really stresses how important it is to educate people about the treatment of these vulnerable animals. There definitely needs to be tighter laws enforced on animal sanctuaries such as these. Articles like this really increase the awareness of how poorly animals are treated and I am glad that more recently, tourists are visiting ethical sanctuaries and not partaking in animal cruelty.

[Atthachai Khongkamnoed]

Related article: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/05/11/asia/thailand-election-move-forward-youth-intl-hnk/index.html
The Consequences of Our Time in present Thailand
The younger generations of Thailand have recognised the consequences of our time in present Thailand and they have had enough of the current situation in the country; economic disparity, environmental challenges, the absence of social justice, just to name a few. The perpetrator for allowing the continuity of these struggles in recent times, can possibly be traced back to the military dictatorship that came to government power in the military coup which took place in 2014. To enact an improvement in the current state of affairs, the outcome of the event in 2014 has to be addressed, which is why the people has recognised and thereby started a movement by higher participation in Thai politics as seen by the election which took place in May 2023.
As a previous Thai national, these struggles hold a special place in my heart. Being aware of the circumstances that both the population and family relatives are going through is a constant cause of worry. This is why I would like to participate in the movement to enact positive improvements for the people in Thailand, by teaching English to children and perhaps providing them with a global understanding and perspective of the world, to which they can then acknowledge that there are opportunities to enact positive improvements wherever they choose to go further in their lives.

[Author]

Posts