ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Destiny Fearon]

Article:https://thailand-divers.com/temples-of-thailand/ Temples of Thailand.
This article provides a range of information on the temples in Thailand, describing them inside and out, the importance of the temples and what they mean to Thai culture. These temples are places of ancient wisdom, astounding architecture and have rich cultural significance. The oldest temple in Thailand was built in the 1600’s. They are places of unbelievable creativity and architecture and have been lived and worshipped in for hundreds of years. When you simply step inside of the temples you can feel the uplift and soft hush of peaceful wisdom embedded in the walls. When visiting Thailand it’s a must to take time out to visit the temples and learn about and understand their background and purpose/importance within the thai culture. There are 40,717 buddhist temples of Thailand and 33,902 of them are used on a regular basis. The incredibly creative temples and time spent praying in them by locals is a part of everyday life. Thai people go to the temples to commune with buddha and other spiritual forces to help with relationships, friendships, health and spirituality/spiritual connections. Overall the article is worth reading if your interested in learning more about thai culture and who they look up to/worship, as it has a load of information on buddhism. The article is also worth reading if your planning on visiting the temples, so you can gain a better understanding/outlook as to what you will witness at the temples.

[Phoebe Stevenson]

Measuring well-being in Thai society

Measuring Well-Being in Thai Society

In effect, this article describes how happiness is measured in the world. It describes how the ‘Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) sets an internationally recognized benchmark for wellbeing (BLI). It compares Thailand to OECD member countries and analyses the findings.

Considering what we have learned in the course about the differences between Thai culture and Western culture, I believe that overall Thai well-being should not be compared to well-developed and Western countries. They do not have a capitalist culture but instead a collectivist culture. So, net wealth and disposable income are not as important of a factor as in the US for example. Despite ranking lower in some aspects of the BLI, such as the amount of disposable income, the article states that Thais overall have a better voter turnout, which is what the democratic West strives for. They also have an increased life satisfaction, which is in my opinion the most important factor when measuring well-being. Therefore, we can see that an index made by the Thai Development Research Institute by Thai people for Thai people will be a more effective way to measure well-being.

Considering the low number of people who complete high school education, my role as a teacher in Thailand will be to engage as many children as possible and encourage them to continue education in order to do my small part to improve this aspect of the BLI index. Outside of teaching, as a Westerner living in Thailand, I hope to be able to learn how to live happier with less, as the article states that Thai life satisfaction is higher than other OECD countries despite the fact that a higher of people live in basic dwellings. The collectivist culture will also be very apparent since this article about happiness speaks of the collective happiness of Thai society and the collective effort it will take by multiple actors to collect data on and improve overall well-being. It highlights that even happiness is not individual but instead collectivist and describes it as a marathon to be run by many actors.

[Phoebe Stevenson]

Hi Kassandra,
I really enjoyed reading your summary about the success of Thai women in business, which is particularly interesting in the context of Southeast Asia. I like the way you relate it to your role as a female educator. As role models to the children, I plan to break gender norms in my teaching plans to motivate young girls to aspire to be anything they want to be. For example, when teaching the topic of careers, I plan to use flashcards with images of women in traditionally male job roles, e.g. firefighter, pilot, etc.

[Megan Goddard]

related article: https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/01/13/thailand-deepening-repression-rights
Thailand’s Youth-Led Democracy: Uncovering Repression and Seeking Change

Thailand is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant street life, and has remarkably seen a rise in youth-led democracy movements in recent years. Engaging in acts of peaceful protest and advocacy for human rights, young activists are fighting against deepening repression, demanding political reforms, and envisioning a brighter future for their nation. Motivated by the desire to understand the complexities and significance of Thailand’s youth-led democracy, I am compelled to travel to this fascinating country and conduct my own research. This article will shed light on the reasons why I am drawn to Thailand and the sources detailing the ongoing human rights crisis.

1. Youth-Led Democracy in Thailand:
Thailand’s political landscape has witnessed a surge in youth-led democracy movements, with empowered young activists demanding greater liberty, freedom, and accountability from the state. These movements have sought to address issues ranging from gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights to environmental protection and democratic reforms.

2. Repression and Rights Violations:
As Thailand’s democracy movements have gained momentum, so too has the government’s response in suppressing dissent. Recent reports by human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch (HRW), highlight how the Thai government has deepened its repression, leading to grave violations of fundamental rights and targeting individuals critical of the authorities.

3. The Role of Youth Activism:
Youth activists in Thailand have been at the forefront of demanding change – challenging social norms, advocating for justice, and amplifying their voices to create a more inclusive society. Their resilience and determination have ignited hope and propelled a global conversation around the importance of empowering the youth in shaping the future.

4. Self-Research in Thailand:
I am inspired to travel to Thailand to engage with the country’s vibrant activist community and researchers who are documenting and analysing the ongoing human rights crisis. By immersing myself in the local context, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by Thai youth activists, their motivations, and the challenges they encounter while advocating for change.

in conclusion, Thailand’s youth-led democracy movements have sparked a significant political awakening, highlighting the pressing need for democratic reforms and the protection of basic human rights. By embarking on a journey of self-research in Thailand, I aspire to contribute to the global discourse surrounding the role of youth in shaping societies and fostering positive change. Through my experiences, conversations, and observations, I hope to shed light on the aspirations and challenges faced by youth activists in the country and emphasize the urgency of supporting their fight for a more inclusive and democratic Thailand.

[Evan Bosch]

https://kpmg.com/us/en/home/insights/2023/09/tnf-thailand-interpretation-foreign-sourced-income-thailand-tax-residents1.html
In mid-September 2023, the Thai department of Revenue announced tighter rules around money repatriated into Thailand in the upcoming new year. Under the new guidance, all money brought into Thailand would be subjected to any other personal income tax. Previously, Thais and expatriates alike would be able to import foreign earned funds into the country, tax free, during a different year than when it was earned. Many individuals would traditionally wait to import funds after the tax year in which the money was earned in order to avoid paying taxes on the wired funds. This has been the work around the taxes for quite some time. This loophole is being closed effective January 1, 2024 – but many questions from individuals with foreign assets remained unanswered.

Reviewing much online commentary, questions like retirement income, money from savings (family or from personal savings accounts abroad) would be subjected to the personal income taxes as well. Many individuals who have enjoyed Thailand’s affordable cost of living and ease of taxes are starting to reconsider their long-term plans in reaction to these news laws. Especially as each country as their own tax laws, many individuals are questioning whether nor not they are protected by double taxation agreements (agreements that aim to protect individuals from being taxed in different countries on the same funds) The department of revenue has yet to release more clarification on these new clarifications, but may expats and Thais with foreign assets are eagerly looking to get clarification from their tax consultants prior to making drastic changes. In preparing for Thailand, I’m interested in getting a local tax partner soon to ensure that I am fiscally aware of the cost to move my entire family to Thailand – and you should, too!

[Evan Bosch]

Thailand is in a really good place to start making itself a main player in SE Asia. Focusing on tourism is a great start to make people sample Thai culture and ultimately live there. There has been a lot of initiatives to help bring in highly skilled workers. into Thailand and making it a great (read as FUN) to place really makes it an easy choice for top-tier citizens to come this way! I know from personal experience, moving to Thailand and telling friends and family about the move, not a single person had anything neutral to say (not even negative) about Thailand. Every single person I know LOVES Thailand – not “likes”, but specifically “L O V E S”

Moreso than Dubai, in my opinion, Thai leadership recognizes what they have to offer on global scale and leveraging that for national gain is very wise! Now, if only they could increase more direct flights from the west…

[Melanie Garofalo]

https://gchumanrights.org/preparedness-children/article-detail/dissolving-schools-in-thailand-where-are-childrens-best-interests.html
In this article, it is discussed how the government of Thailand plans to close over 15,000 smaller schools starting in 2026 in order to save public spending. All children in Thailand have the right to an education, according to a 1948 ruling on an education law. The establishment of this policy by the authorities would go against their entitlement to an education. The closure of the schools will have a significant negative impact on Thai society. Children would have to travel further to get to school, would not have enough time to complete daily tasks due to lengthy travel, communities would become less interested in fundraising, and many children would end up working in farming, which would hinder their ability to pursue an education. Overall, since children are a representation of our future and should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential, the authorities should uphold the prior education legislation. When reading this article, I was shocked at the thought that the authorities would deny children their education just because the school is smaller and they believe it is a waste of public spending. I believe every child should have a right to an education, and that the established law should still be followed.

[Melanie Garofalo]

Hi Olivia, I found this article interesting on piercings in Thai culture. I have always wondered how different places/cultures will react to piercings and tattoos. I think it is great that Thai culture is beginning to be more accepting of piercings and tattoos with the younger generations. I like to think of these things as a form of expression. I have a few tattoos, and nose/ear piercings myself and have never run into any issues when being at work in the United States.

[Amy Smith]

Thailand’s Spiritual Side: Exploring the Role of Religion in Thai Culture
https://thaitriplover.com/thailand-s-spiritual-side-exploring-the-role-of-religion-in-thai-culture

The article explores the ways in which Buddhism affects daily life for people in Thailand. Over 90% of the population is Buddhist and religion is a very important aspect of Thai culture. This can be seen through the emphasis on compassion, generosity, and respect for others in Thailand. Thais believe in the daily practice of tambon, or merit-making through good deeds and acts of generosity. This involves offering alms to monks, lighting candles and incense, and daily prayer at home or in temples. These values and daily rituals are important to Thai students and their families and as a western teacher, I can embrace these values by showing generosity and respect for members of the community.
The article lists several significant temples and religious holidays in Thailand. When visiting temples, which function as centers of community as well as places of worship, it is important to treat monks and statues of the Buddha with reverence and respect. Although these practices do not hold cultural significance for me, I can strengthen my relationships with my students and their families by learning more about their religious practices and setting aside time to honor their religious beliefs. I can also incorporate Buddhist values into my classroom management to create a classroom culture that prioritizes connection, mindfulness, and respect for others.
While I am living in Thailand, I want to build relationships with people living in my community. By seeking to understand their religious traditions and beliefs, I can connect with people on a deeper level and become a part of the community.

[Amy Smith]

Katie,
I enjoyed reading your summary about paper-making in Thailand. I currently live in a part of the United States that is home to many tribes of indigenous people, and the sustainable process of making paper from trees that shed their bark naturally reminds me of the ways that tribes in my community have harvested resources from the land for thousands of years. This would be a great way for me to introduce Native American cultures to Thai children through a familiar lens and celebrate both cultures in the process. Thank you for sharing!

[Motsoka Rametse]

https://www.thespruceeats.com/thai-food-and-culture-3217393

One thing I appreciate the most about traveling to a different country is the food and culture of the country because the eating style of the country is mainly influenced by the culture. I am a foodie of note and I appreciate how in Thailand, food forms a central part of any social occasion, and it often becomes the social occasion in itself or a reason to celebrate. This is partly due to the friendly, social nature of Thai people, but also because of the way in which food is ordered, served, and eaten. Family and friends unite and share through food. Thailand being a collectivist country makes me look forward to the experiences, conversations and memories that will be created over the different types of food and Thai cuisines. Phad Thai is one of the dishes I am looking forward to indulging in and of course one can never go wrong with rice and curry.
In my country spicy food is not something foreign to our palates, the fact that a typical Thai meal includes five main flavors: salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy, these flavors definitely complete a meal and I know with every meal they’ll be a burst of flavors in my mouth. In Thailand there’s also a great influence of Indian dishes which I enjoy, and they are a variety of meat and fish, that I am also looking to try because I love my protein. The variety of tropical fruits and them being easily accessible at markets will be beneficial. When eating out, or making a meal at home, a group of Thai diners would eat a variety of meat and/or fishes, plus vegetables, a noodle dish, and possibly soup. Everything is shared, except the soup each person might order, or each person gets a personal bowl to get a serving of the soup. Dessert may consist simply of fresh fruit, such as pineapple or any of the thousands of tropical fruits that are common in the country (guava, durian, mangosteen, papayas, bananas, tamarind, or mangoes, amongst many). Or it could be something more elaborate, like colorful rice cakes, rice dumplings coated in coconut, grass jelly, or a bean dessert.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 7 months ago by Motsoka Rametse.

[Motsoka Rametse]

Hi Melanie,

Every child has a right to Education, with Education a country is able to alleviate poverty and empower the community, with Education a student is able to make better well-informed decisions that will create a positive impact in their life and also the generation to come. A generational cycle is broken through education, education creates opportunities and possibilities for a rising generation.

[Andrew Moxon]

### Forum Post Assignment 2: Peeling Back the Layers of Thailand’s Political Saga
**Related Article**: “Thailand’s new prime minister boosts optimism, but his populist policies pose fiscal risks” – Published Sun, Sep 24, 2023, 8:48 PM EDT – By Nyshka Chandran

What’s happening, everyone? Andrew Moxon here, diving deep into the vibrant yet tumultuous political narrative unfolding in Thailand. Strap in, because this is more intricate than it looks on the surface.

So, the article is teeming with info about Thailand’s new Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin, and a bold comeback from the former PM, Thaksin Shinawatra, post a long 15-year self-imposed exile. It’s like a political comeback tour; fascinating, unpredictable, and loaded with implications.

Let’s zero in on the economic climate for a hot second. Srettha, he dubs the economy “a sick person,” which is kind of raw and unfiltered, but there’s a layer of truth here given the economic slowdown they’re facing, specifically post a slim 1.8% YoY growth in Q2. Now, this guy is all about that stimulus action, eyeing to pump life back into a dragging economy. But some folks are looking sideways at this, pondering if it’s just a lofty promise that’ll wind up inflating public debt without delivering the needed revival punch.

The political tightrope being walked here is pretty wild. On one side, you’ve got the Pheu Thai party, drumming up some eyebrow-raising, populist economic policies, slinging around digital currency handouts and upping welfare for the elderly, all while juggling debt issues that are already making economists shift nervously in their seats.

Now, what’s particularly captivating is this precarious balance with the conservative parties. The mingling of fiscal conservatism and progressive populist agendas… that’s a cocktail that can go either way, either smoothing out conflicts or, just maybe, stirring up a bigger storm in the political arena. There’s a dynamism to this political strategy that’s almost electrifying to witness.

Visitors, expats, or anyone with a vested interest in Thailand, buckle up. This unfolding political and economic narrative is bound to cascade into various aspects of Thai life and international relations. The new leadership’s impact on tourism, business climates, and broader living conditions in Thailand is something all eyes should be locked onto. It’s crucial to navigate these unfolding events with a clear, informed lens, absorbing the changes and the waves they’re bound to make in this Southeast Asian nation.

Stick around, keep those eyes peeled, and let’s navigate these waters together as the story in Thailand continues to unravel in the most unexpected of ways.

Stay sharp, folks!

– Andrew Moxon

[Heather Bull]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2436515/investing-in-early-childhood-crucial

This article outlines the importance of the Thai government investing in early childcare as it can produce seven times higher social returns. In 2020 the Prayut administration promised a 600 Baht monthly stipend to all caregivers of preschool children for the following year.

There is a Thai saying that states “Children are the future of the nation, if the children are intelligent, the country will be prosperous.” There is also an abundance of evidence that proves the first six years are the most crucial to development because 90% of brain growth happens in these years. This figure shows how important early years education really is.

The 2017 Constitution states that universal childcare support is government duty, however the Ministry of Social Development and Human Secretary chose not to include the scheme in their annual budget.

There are 4.3 million children under the age of 6 in Thailand. Only 2.3 million of the Children under six are eligible for monthly grant as their parents earn less than 100,000 Baht a year. 30% of children under the age of six that are eligible for the grant are not included in the scheme due to state inefficiency. This means that 700,000 children are falling through the cracks. Inequality and wealth disparity in Thailand are amongst the worst in the world. Thailand is ageing rapidly, it needs a healthy young population to keep the economy productive to support its ageing population.

There has been evidence that the universal welfare schemes are effective ways of bridging the gap. The TDRI found the children involved in the scheme eat better, grow more and have better access to healthcare services. Opponents of the child support grant expressed concerns that parents may misuse the money. The research done by the TDRI study disproves that idea.

Universal education support is available for children aged 7-18 years. This scheme provides 12 years of free education and helps bridge social and economic inequalities. However, to do well in schools, children under six must receive good food and care for their brains to develop fully.

Thailand offers a range of schemes and welfare programmes designed to improve human resources and quality of life, including universal healthcare; free education in school; universal monthly stipends for those aged 60 plus. These programmes show that the resistance against the universal child support grants is not about the lack of state money, but instead is a lack of commitment towards early childhood development.

In conclusion it is clear that the first six years are crucially important for development, Ssupport for children under six must be universal to ensure that children do not suffer from hunger and consequently, slow development. Waiting until the child is in school is not good enough and a bigger investment into early childcare development could result in the children achieving more intellectually.

[Katherine Hillman]

This is a really good summary of the article you have chosen, one which is also really interesting! Your points about how it may affect society, for example the street protests, and how you are aware of this prior to travelling and living in Thailand are really important and valid points, especially as a foreign teacher. Having read more into this situation, I have learnt that the Pheu Thai Party (as mentioned the second largest party) became the new Thai government on 22nd August. I’m interested to see what the political climate looks like now, almost 5 months on from when this response was published, as well as just over 2 months into a new Thai government!

[Author]

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