ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Aleksandra Lakus]

Hi Loredana, your choice of article sounds really interesting, thanks for summarising it! It’s good to hear two different opinions and see a wider perspective on the life of Thailand. I’m assuming the students are around my age as well (young adults) so that gives me more of an insight into what I might feel like when moving to Thailand. Of course, I won’t be studying but still, I imagine my experiences might be quite similar in many ways. I can’t wait to explore Thailand’s beautiful scenery and to meet all the smiley locals, but I’m very aware of the language barrier and the street structure (even though that wouldn’t be the first “obstacle” that I would imagine, but it’s great that it’s been mentioned now!). I am definitely more excited than worried about moving to and navigating Thailand, but this article made me think that we might encounter challenges and unexpected discoveries in all aspects of life in a new country, and Thailand won’t be an exception.

[Katie Shorey]

Hi Riley, thanks for your summary of this super interesting and important article regarding the impact of climate change in Thailand and especially towards Thai children. I think that this is especially important to consider for those going to Thailand to teach as it informs how we might address the topic with our students in the classroom. It’s also important to consider that Thailand is experiencing heat waves, droughts and floods so that we can prepare for this. I hadn’t thought about the fact that children are more susceptible to health issues from climate change due to their immune and nervous systems not yet being fully developed yet, so we can consider this in terms of safeguarding as teachers too. It has spurred me on to ensure that I teach my students and fellow teachers how important it is to safeguard our local and global ecosystems and also taking individual responsibility on my actions to fight for climate justice!

[Katie Shorey]

PHOTO: Making Paper Lanterns at the Saa Paper Festival in Thailand

This article talks about the traditional Thai craft of making paper, which is often used to make lanterns. It explains that the villages around Chaing Mai are known for the production of traditional handicrafts such as furniture, wood carvings, paper umbrellas, silk, hammered silver, jewellery, lacquerware, and ceramics. SAA paper is made from the bark of a mulberry tree, which is naturally shed every year, making the process renewable and sustainable. The bark is shredded, soaked in water and then pulped. A mesh is then dunked into the pulp and picks up the fibres to make the paper. ’After decorating the pulp with flowers, leaves, or other natural elements, the screen is placed in the sun to dry. The cured paper is carefully peeled from the screens, leaving a unique deckle edge. No two pieces are alike.’
This paper is used for a range of different purposes, and is often sold in the markets of Chaing Mai, but if you travel 20 minutes to ‘Ban Ton Pao,’ which is known as a SAA paper making village, you can buy it there for a fraction of the price. They also host a paper-making festival there every February.

As an artist and papermaker myself, it was very interesting to read about this traditional Thai paper-making process and compare how it differs from my own. The article has inspired me to visit the village and try the process during my time in Thailand, and perhaps do the process with my students. I think it’s great that this traditional process is still being used and celebrated, as lots of places have lost their traditional crafts. It’s also great that it’s a sustainable and renewable process so it’s not harmful to the local environment.

[Tamar Atkinson]

Article: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2653115/visitors-may-be-banned-from-climbing-khao-klang-nok-ruins
This article discusses the potential ban on tourists climbing the Khao Klang Nok ruins in Si Thep Historical park following its declaration as a World Heritage Site on September 19th by Unesco. This was due to locals being concerned that such actions are causing damage to the historical site. This is important to note as someone going to stay in Thailand as it is important to adhere to local concerns and wishes when visiting any country, as well as to be respectful of the culture and heritage located within it. It also shows the desire by Thai people to maintain their history, and anyone wishing to come to Thailand should bear this in mind and act in a respectful manner when visiting any sites as a tourist. Moreover, it indicates the different way in which sites and areas of Thailand may be categorised over time, showing the importance of keeping up to date on current news in Thailand.
The site is noted as being a ‘giant collapsed brick and laterite stupa about 64 metres long on each side and 20m high’. This indicates a level of concern not only damage to historical landmarks, but also in terms of safety and other risks. As a visitor to Thailand, it will be important for me to keep this in mind in any actions that I perform when visiting new locations in Thailand.
As well as this, the ruins are noted as also having relics at the top, notably ancient stupas which are venerated by local Buddhists. As someone visiting this site, and Thailand more generally, it is important to consider religious practices and concerns and to act appropriately and respectfully. As such, this article is informative in indicating what not to do as a tourist to this site and others, and in showing ways that newcomers to Thailand should treat the local culture around them. It is important to value it for what it is and to treat everything with care. There are ways in which I can learn more about Thailand without causing offence or difficulties for local people.
Overall, this was interesting to read and provided great information on an aspect of Thai heritage and culture.

[Hannah Duckworth]

Article on Thailand; https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-66920855
In summary, this article outlines how a prominent reform activist is now being persecuted by the Thai government under the strict lese-majeste laws. Arnon Nampa, who is a human rights lawyer and leader of the popular new Move Forward party, has been convicted of insulting the monarchy in comments made in 2020. This seems to be a move from the current government to block a coalition of the new progressive Move Forward party from gaining power in government. Part of the reforms proposed by Nampa’s party include amending the lese-majeste laws and the current administration is using these proposed reforms as a reason to drive the Move Foward party from parliment in order to “protect the monarchy”.

This incident represents how divided Thailand is as the youth are demanding reforms while those in charge are doubling down to maintain the status quo. As the monarchy is still a highly revered and powerful institution that is ingrained in the culture, it can be used both as a rallying point and also a political tool. As a foreigner travelling into Thailand, I will have to be careful not to mention anything that could misconstrued as insulting to the Thai monarchy despite my own political views. I have very little care in my personal politics about the British royal family and consider myself very left leaning.

[Tamar Atkinson]

Hi Hannah,
Thank you for providing such a succinct summary! It was really interesting to hear more about the current political climate in Thailand, as well to understand how, as a soon-to-be newcomer of Thailand, I should be aware of the current laws in place and how I can best show respect when having conversations with Thai people. I can also agree that, as a British citizen, people feel a lot more comfortable making personal comments on the British monarchy and other aspects of British government and politics than would be suitable to discuss in Thailand. Being respectful of the situation in Thailand is definitely the most appropriate form of action!
I will be interested to see how the political climate develops in Thailand with future generational action, as well as to experience for myself the level to which Thai culture is ingrained into my personal experiences of this country. This course has overall been really beneficial to opening my eyes to different elements of Thai culture!

[Hannah Duckworth]

Hi Tamar, that was a great summary. I think it is especially important to care for the historical and cultural sites of any where and everywhere, even if that means changing our own personal behaviours. I also agree that when travelling to another country it is good to have a general idea about customs and practises as we are guests and it is not good practise to cause local people offense. It is also good to protect ancient sites just on an archaeological basis, they are really cool!

[Georgia Tarttelin]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-66920855

This BBC article brings to light the recent sentencing of a prominent anti-royalist in Thailand. Arnon Nampa, a human rights lawyer, was sentenced earlier today, to four years in prison due to statements he made back in 2020 during a protest. Over the past decade the laws in Thailand have been strongly implemented against those who question the place of the monarchy in Thai society, with the number of people charged for lese-majeste increasing since 2020.

The initial incident was recorded back in 2020 where Arnon’s actions encouraged young Thai students to send out a manifesto demanding the monarchy change. This led to protests in the capital. The monarchy had not used the law to prosecute people for a few years since the law is thought to damage the reputation of the Thai Royals. However, due to these demonstrations the law was put to use again, especially towards those in a political party, Move Forward, who frequently speak out against the Thai Royal Family.

As someone who is moving to Thailand, it is very important to remember the cultural significance the Royal Family has on the Thai way of life. The King represents the people and Thai-ness, and the people are incredibly respectful towards the monarchy. Therefore it is essential, as a guest in the country, to also have respect and know that you should not speak on taboo subjects such as the Royal Family because not only is it against the law to speak against the monarchy. But it would cause Thai people great discomfort and insult if you were to say something negative about their King, country and culture. Respecting the hierarchy and having deference to elders and those with authority is essential to not making anyone lose face and also for helping yourself assimilate into a Thai community. Being non-confrontational is very important to the Thai people as it helps create the sense of one-ness that they strive for and also ensures that no one is left feeling uncomfortable.

Additionally, due to the possible risk of protests and political tension, it is best advised that anyone visiting or living in Thailand as a foreigner, should avoid being caught up in any demonstrations as it can have negative consequences, such as arrest or deportation

[Georgia Tarttelin]

Hi Katie,

Thank you for your insight on paper making art in Chiang Mai. It was very interesting to read how this art form is a sustainable and renewable process due to the fact that the Mulberry trees have a natural shedding process.
The fact that the villages in Chiang Mai are making these products sustainably and selling them not only in their villages but Chiang Mai is amazing as this will help attract tourism to their villages and interest to the art of paper making. Especially as they have a festival there every February.
On one hand, some could say that attracting tourists can have a negative affect on the local environment due to more footfall in the area meaning a higher risk of pollution to the area but on the other hand, this art form is done sustainably and therefore would encourage the visitors to also behave in a way that is respectful of the local environment, while being able to appreciate the local artistic talent.
As I am now aware of this, I may also have to take a trip up to Chiang Mai and learn about the paper making process too as it is so interesting.

[Azaria Godwin]

The article https://theculturetrip.com/asia/thailand/articles/everything-you-need-to-know-about-buddhism-in-thailand explains the current state of Buddhism in Thailand. It starts by introducing Buddhism, and explaining that Thai people mostly practice Theravada Buddhism. The article then goes on to indicate the huge influence that Buddhism has on the lives of everyday people, as most men are monks for a short period of their lives, and it is common to for all citizens to follow good karma giving practices in their daily lives.
The article then finishes by introducing some of the important Buddhist festivals that are celebrated in Thailand, as well as listing some of the key temples.
I found it a very interesting article, as Buddhism has always been a very interesting religion to me when I learnt about it at school, and I believe that it is important to understand the religion that has such a key role in the daily lives of the Thai people. When I am in Thailand I intend to celebrate and understand the key festivals, as well as visiting several temples, and thus having this article introduce them is very useful.

[Azaria Godwin]

I think this is a really interesting article, as it highlights how important some issues are, and how as foriegners to Thailand, we have to be so careful about what we say about the royal family, especially given that in the UK, the opinion on the British royal family is mixed, and it is quite accepted to talk about positive and negative opinions of them.
It is also interesting in noting how the younger generation in Thailand do want change, and are willing to risk prison to achieve that change.

[Rose Cartland]

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2022.905445/full
The article provides an in-depth analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Thailand’s education system, with a specific focus on law students. It explores various factors such as internet accessibility, gadget availability, online resources, government support, social media, and classroom settings that have significantly affected the quality of education for Thai law students. These findings illuminate the challenges faced by the education sector in Thailand due to the pandemic. For someone considering a move to Thailand to teach English as a foreign language to primary school-age children, this article offers valuable insights. It underscores the profound changes and challenges that the Thai education system has experienced, emphasising the importance of adaptability and awareness. As a prospective English teacher, understanding these challenges can help in preparing for a potentially evolving educational environment.

The article highlights the pivotal role of government policies and digital infrastructure in shaping the future of education in Thailand. As a teacher, it’s crucial to be aware of these factors as they directly impact the teaching and learning environment. For instance, understanding the extent of internet availability and digital resources in primary schools can influence lesson planning and teaching methods. Moreover, the article underscores the need for ongoing educational reforms, particularly in the context of online and hybrid learning. This information can inform the expectations and strategies of English teachers, helping them better navigate the changing landscape of primary education in Thailand. In conclusion, the article illuminates the challenges and changes in Thailand’s education system, which can significantly influence the mindset of someone moving to teach English to primary school children in the country. Being aware of these challenges and the evolving educational landscape is essential for English teachers, enabling them to adapt their teaching approaches and expectations to better support their students’ learning experience.

[Vittoria Dierking]

Replying to Kholofelo’s post,
I found the summary of this article very interesting. I found it very informative to know how involved and serious the government is with providing its students with quality education. I think this is something that is sometimes over looked on in the states, but it is very important and changes need to be made. I think this article is helpful for all new teachers and hopefully we are all able to learn to become quality teachers for our Thai students.

[Eva Fraigniaud]

Article: https://www.globalcompliancenews.com/2023/09/28/https-insightplus-bakermckenzie-com-bm-environment-climate-change_1-thailand-key-environmental-legislation-in-the-making-a-new-drive-towards-a-more-sustainable-future-part-ii_09222023/ Titled: Thailand: Key environmental legislation in the making – A new drive towards a more sustainable future (Part II)

The article speaks about the development of the Draft Sustainable Packaging Management Act in Thailand. The present framework for managing packaging and household garbage is governed by general laws that do not specifically address recyclable waste or deal with the underlying causes of the waste problem. The Draft Packaging Act has been suggested in response to this in order to provide a sustainable management of packaging waste. One of the significant aspects of the Draft Packaging Act is its adoption of the extended producer responsibility approach, which holds manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including the management of packaging waste after consumption. This strategy considers all forms of containers and packaging materials rather than focusing on just plastic waste, as was the case with prior methods.
The Act also includes obligations for responsible business operators and emphasises the importance of consumers’ rights in reducing packaging.

The potential for this Draft Packaging Act to address the expanding environmental concerns related to packaging waste and encourage a more responsible approach to consumption makes it significant for individuals living in Thailand (including myself). By encouraging reuse, recycling, and safe disposal of packaging materials, it hopes to lessen the negative effects that packaging waste has on the environment. By encouraging better waste management techniques, the Act ultimately has the potential to help Thailand become a more sustainable society.

[Eva Fraigniaud]

Hi Rose, thank you for this really good summary on the effects of the pandemic on law students in Thailand. You make a valuable connection between this and the potential experiences of foreign English teachers in Thailand. By highlighting the importance of adaptability and awareness, you encourage us as future English teachers to consider the evolving educational landscape in the country. You helped to effectively bring out the key issues and changes within Thailand’s education system and it provides a valuable resource for teachers looking to work with school children in the country. Your insights into challenges and the evolving educational environment are helpful for teachers to prepare effectively and ensure a positive learning experience for their students.

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