ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Marcus Berger]

Hi Justin

As a fellow student of the environment, I agree with all your points. Your ability to break down the article in such a concise way makes it easier to read and understand the topics. As for the effects of El Nino, it is amazing Professor Thon Thamrong-Nawasawat is attempting to save the local reefs and incite a change of mindset on this issue. This climate phenomenon is quite intimidating with its time scale and schedule so vague the impacts could be far greater than any previous event. Outside of the warming that has and will continue to occur post El Nino the effects on the rainy season are immediate. This crucial season has in the past been greatly affected by the event and can disrupt yearly function for the region. Thank you for breaking down an article of such importance as well as bringing up the projects that aim to curb climate change.

[Marcus Berger]

Assignment 2

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2563314/thailand-ramps-up-shift-to-renewables

The following article covers Thailand’s response to soaring global gas prices. It focuses on the shift to a more renewable-based portfolio, which will allow the country to become net zero by 2065. Although short the article shows the importance of becoming energy-independent, which will be accomplished through long-term power-purchasing agreements with renewable energy companies. These agreements are a first for Thailand and will allow investments to remain steady for years.

This article resonated with me because of my desire to create a more sustainable future. My degree was in Quantitative Energy and I love learning about countries plans to combat climate change. Whenever I travel to a new country I always find myself looking at their energy mix as well as where their investments are going. Finally, it makes me happy to live in a country that cares about future generations as much as I do.

[Camilla Giddens]

I’ve already written my assignment about Chiang Mai. It ‘s not my fault if the system didn’t upload it!!

[Ben White]

A

[Shannon Weeds]

Article: ‘Thailand in the New Geopolitics of Asia’
https://asia.fes.de/news/thailand-geopolitics

This article explores various factors that have made Thailand a significant player within the region including, economic ties, location, and diplomatic engagement. Thailand’s location enables them to border crucial crossroads for trade and regional influence, bordering Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia with its proximity to the South China Sea highlighting its geostrategic importance. Foreign policy has further emphasized international relations engaging with both Western and Asian powers. ASEAN is a vital aspect of foreign policy that helps to prompt regional cooperation and maintain stability. Thailand holds more power in the global economy, due to its increasing manufacturing hub and export market. However, the article addresses further problems that may affect Thailand’s growth. With increasing political insecurity due to a series of coups (2014 being the most recent) it undercuts Thailand’s international relations as it calls into question the legitimacy of the Thai government’s democratic principles. This feeds into the democracy concerns with the military playing a significant role within the coups of elected governments, this also highlights human rights in Thailand calling into question freedom of speech.
The discussions in the article I found to be very interesting, especially in concerns to the coup of 2014. I think the link between the royal family and the government are particularly interesting as it calls into question freedom of speech and the role of monarchy in a new geopolitical order. I think this affects life in Thailand for the people as it instills a strong sense of nationalism that stems from the hierarchy of the Royal Family. Comparatively the Royal Family in the UK is often seen as controversial with some thinking the monarchy is outdated.

[Shannon Weeds]

Article: ‘Thailand in the New Geopolitics of Asia’
https://asia.fes.de/news/thailand-geopolitics

This article explores various factors that have made Thailand a significant player within the region including, economic ties, location, and diplomatic engagement. Thailand’s location enables them to border crucial crossroads for trade and regional influence, bordering Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia with its proximity to the South China Sea highlighting its geostrategic importance. Foreign policy has further emphasized international relations engaging with both Western and Asian powers. ASEAN is a vital aspect of foreign policy that helps to prompt regional cooperation and maintain stability. Thailand holds more power in the global economy, due to its increasing manufacturing hub and export market. However, the article addresses further problems that may affect Thailand’s growth. With increasing political insecurity due to a series of coups (2014 being the most recent) it undercuts Thailand’s international relations as it calls into question the legitimacy of the Thai government’s democratic principles. This feeds into the democracy concerns with the military playing a significant role within the coups of elected governments, this also highlights human rights in Thailand calling into question freedom of speech.
The discussions in the article I found to be very interesting, especially in concerns to the coup of 2014. I think the link between the royal family and the government is particularly interesting as it calls into question freedom of speech and the role of the monarchy in a new geopolitical order. I think this affects life in Thailand for the people as it instills a strong sense of nationalism that stems from the hierarchy of the Royal Family. Comparatively, the Royal Family in the UK is often seen as controversial with some thinking the monarchy is outdated.

[Alexandra Campbell]

This article argues that the youth of Thailand with the increasingly easy access to differing ideologies through social media are becoming more politically vocal and opinionated, and therefore need the education system to reflect this. In recent years there has been a growth in young people expressing their different political perspectives with groups both supporting progressive parties and groups that support more traditionalist ideologies becoming more outspoken about their desires for the country. This seeming progression in Thailand for young people however is undercut by an arguably oppressive educational system that highlights and encourages subservience and silence when regarding both the monarchy and dictatorial government. This article then further suggests that this flaw in the education system can be rectified by open conversation instigated and encouraged by teachers in the classroom. This is relevant to my time as a teacher in Thailand as it is important to understand as it helps me understand how students feel about their education and how others may see how it needs changing.

[Michael Alford]

https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/visa-overstay-charge-lands-international-visitor-in-trouble-at-phuket-airport
“Visa overstay charge lands international visitor in trouble at Phuket Airport”
This article focuses on a male international visitor who was arrested in late August at Phuket International Airport and was to face charges of overstaying his visa. He is now also at risk of being blacklisted from re-entering Thailand under the Good Guys In, Bad Guys Out regulation, initiated in 2016. As per this regulation, any foreigner arrested for overstaying their visa, regardless of duration, faces deportation and a ban from re-entering Thailand for a minimum of five years, in addition to a financial penalty, capped at 20,000 baht. However, for those who voluntarily surrender for visa overstays of less than 90 days, there is no ban on re-entry.

There has been a recent concerted effort by Thai authorities to root out illegal immigrants across the country. This article was relevant to me as I will be visiting Thailand on a visa exemption, which will allow me to stay in Thailand for 30 days. I have booked a plane ticket from Bangkok to Luang Prabang, Laos, and will be departing just within my 30 day period allowed under the visa exemption. With the TEFL course being four weeks in duration, there will not be much time either side of the course to travel in Thailand, but I realise I can simply return to Thailand after visiting Laos, for a further period of time. I had been wondering what penalties might be imposed for overstaying.

[Earin Butler]

URL: https://www.chiangmaicitylife.com/clg/living/education-schools/its-not-just-abc-the-politics-of-teaching-english-in-thailand/

My article I selected was from CityLife Chang Mai, titled, “It’s not just ABC: the politics of teaching English in Thailand ”, by Kanyakrit Vongkiatkajorn, published on 1 August 2012. This article contained a history on teaching English in Thailand, the challenges found not only in the way that the education system is managed as well as the politics faced by foreign teachers. It included interviews from teachers both foreign and native here in Thailand. Due to the politics of teaching many of those interviewed remained anonymous. As I will be a foreign English teacher in Thailand this article applied to me in every aspect.

The article was extremely informative and I am now aware of challenges that I will face in the coming months. The most notable challenges while reading the article were, class size (50-60), little to no job training/introduction to the school, learning style generally accepted as “the Thai way”, and the length of visas and contracts. Due to these items it is difficult to introduce new methods of teaching, establishing teachers with the security and ability to implement strong, efficient lesson plans. Due to pay discrepancies between Thai teachers and foreign teachers, along with class sizes decrease the ability for the children to get the education/attention needed.

[Michael Alford]

Replying to Marcus Berger’s post:
Thank you, Marcus, for summarising this article which focuses on the shift to a more renewable-based energy portfolio, especially in response to soaring global gas prices. Becoming energy-independent through long-term purchasing agreements with renewable energy companies should certainly make Thailand more attractive to foreign investors, who need stability to invest the large amounts of money often required for renewable energy projects. Unlike yourself, I have no background in the energy field, but I do, also, love to learn about other countries’ plans to combat climate change.

[Samuel Whiteley]

Article https://carnegieendowment.org/2023/10/26/thailand-in-emerging-world-order-pub-90818 Thailand in the emerging world order.

The article discusses Thailand’s foreign policy stance in the context of the global political situation. I was interested to look into this as moving to the country it would be vital to know the country’s stance on politics and where the monarchy finds itself to avoid potentially causing any offence. I personally take a great interest in global politics as well and was keen to understand the country’s stance in very difficult times. The article discusses how Thailand had visits from top U.S officials who were looking to strengthen military ties and cooperation. However, Thailand has remained committed to maintaining flexibility in its international relations and especially with China. The article discusses how the country chose to remain neutral in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, abstaining on some UN resolutions, possibly to preserve its relationship with Moscow.
Thailand has a history of balancing ties between major powers and has great security cooperation with the United States. However, it also maintains strong economic and military connections with China. The article discusses how Thailand does not see China as a threat and both countries have expanded military cooperation. The article discusses how despite the United States best interests to strengthen the relationship with Thailand, it is unlikely to take sides in any potential conflict involving China. The article highlights how Thailand’s foreign policy is quite similar to their way of life and how the people are. They look to diversify sources by working with various powers, maintaining diplomatic flexibility, and not aligning too closely with any one nation.

[Samuel Whiteley]

Hi Earin. A very fascinating article to pick up on for everyone here with what we are heading into. It’s very interesting to learn about new potential challenges we will face as these are not ones I had thought of originally when heading out. It will help me to prepare better and be more aware of what I am getting into. It’s a shame for the children involved who may not receive the best education in some cases but we can make sure to try and give them the best chance possible. Thanks for breaking that down and highlighting the major difficulties, particularly interesting to hear about the class sizes as quite a contrast to our schools here.

[Earin Butler]

Hi!

I agree implementing engaging material and technologies that can assist in learning would improve a child’s learning ability. I hope to bring this to my classroom when working with students. I appreciate you finding this article. I will be sure to read through it thoroughly. I grew up with many disadvantages and having access to resources at school was vital in my education.

[Anna Lazin]

The article “Pad Thai To Som Tum: Exploring The History Of Thai Food Through The Flavours Of Thailand” delves into the profound cultural significance of Thai cuisine, emphasizing its role as a culinary ambassador for Thailand’s rich heritage. The article explores the historical origins of Thai food and the transformative impact of neighboring cultures, like the Khmer, who introduced dishes such as Som Tum (papaya salad), and the Chinese, who contributed stir-frying techniques and noodles. The Indian influence on Thai cuisine is also highlighted, as Indian spices and curries enriched Thai flavors and culinary techniques, leading to beloved Thai curry dishes like “Massaman” and “Yellow Curry.” This amalgamation of diverse influences, combined with indigenous traditions, has laid the foundation for the intricate and multifaceted flavors that define Thai cuisine today. The article goes on to emphasize that Thai cuisine is not merely about flavors but is deeply woven into the fabric of Thai society, reflecting the country’s culture, traditions, and beliefs. Meals are traditionally composed of various dishes served simultaneously, creating a harmonious balance of flavors, with rice at the core, symbolizing prosperity and sustenance. Thai dining etiquette, rooted in respect for elders and hosts, and the influence of Buddhism on food preparation and consumption are also discussed, showcasing the cultural significance of Thai cuisine beyond its taste.

As a person who loves food and trying new dishes and different restaurants, this would be the perfect opportunity to learn and immerse myself in Thai culture. In the next few months, I am excited to delve into the bustling markets, discover the hidden gems of street food, and appreciate the artistry of traditional Thai chefs. Every meal I share will be a chance to connect with locals, learn about their customs, and pay respect to this beautiful country.

[Shydaea Townes]

Anna, I like your article choice as I believe I will enjoy Thai food. My taste has always leaned toward heavier spices ( I enjoy higher spiciness levels) and the ease of recipes. I’m also interested in learning more about Thai food customs and culture – particularly the collective attitude in sharing dishes and providing for the community. I also think it’s great how Thai food incorporates their flavors from different regions and countries, providing a rich and meaningful history, culture, and twist with each dish.

[Author]

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