ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Jason Montgomery]

6.4 quake hits Myanmar. https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2687323/6-4-quake-hits-myanmar
On November 17th, 2023, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 struck the Eastern region of Myanmar, causing tremors felt in the Northwest regions of Thailand. The epicenter was located 100 kilometers northwest of Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district. According to Amorn Pimanmas, the president of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association, the earthquake did not lead to the collapse of any buildings in the Northwest Region of Thailand. However, it did raise concerns about future potential earthquakes. Mr. Amorn emphasizes the need for Thailand to be well-prepared for the possibility of future earthquakes, especially in Bangkok. Bangkok raises a higher amount of concern than any other region in the country due to the high concentration of high-rise buildings in the city. Tall structures face a heightened vulnerability to earthquakes in comparison to their shorter counterparts, primarily owing to their increased population density. The shaking induced by earthquakes affects buildings, and the impact is more pronounced in taller structures. Evacuating from elevated floors in high-rise buildings poses more significant challenges for individuals as opposed to those in medium or low-rise structures. Mr. Amorn proposes that Thailand enhance the structural integrity of the buildings most susceptible to such disasters.
For those planning to reside and work in Thailand, this article provides vital information on a potential environmental hazard that could affect personal safety and the welfare of students. Understanding these environmental risks is crucial, empowering individuals to stay informed and respond calmly and thoughtfully in the face of such situations. As a teacher, having a well-thought-out plan for your students in the event of such circumstances may be imperative.

[Jason Montgomery]

Hi Andrea. This is an interesting article. I know my University in the US definitely had issues when we transitioned to full virtual learning. I don’t know how we would have dealt with those issues if we did not have internet/laptop access. This article makes me wonder what the ESL Teachers who ended up in this situation did to make sure their students received the proper education and what I might do if this situation ever arises. Thanks!

[Monsoonwara Rahman]

Govt mulls 90-day visas for European visitors (bangkokpost.com)

The new Thai government is hoping to extend its 90-day tourist visa to Europeans after seeing positive economic growth from Russia, China, India, Taiwan and Kazakstan tourists, who are already enjoying this extended holiday. To encourage economic growth the Thai government is increasing more concerts, sporting games and cultural events.

This is excellent news for Thailand, who are hoping to bring in 2 trillion Baht in 2024, and for a traveler like me who what’s to enjoy all that Thailand has to offer in a safe environment. The longer a person stays in Thailand, the more they will spend. Personally, I would have more time to explore, learn and immerse myself in the culture and make friends from around the world. It also means that there will be more tours guides, safe zones and other forms of catering specifically for foreigners.

[Monsoonwara Rahman]

Hello Marcus. Yes this is excellent news, that Thailand are looking towards a zero net future for their country, although lagging behind some countries, it is defiantly ahead of others. However, looking for a ” long-term power-purchasing agreements with renewable energy companies” does not sound like the best course of action, I only say this because I am nowhere near a Quantitative Energy expert. I would have assumed that country like Thailand, with is limitless sun, would have found a way to harness the power of solar energy to power its country.

Gas energy prices will always go up, its in its monopoly nature, but I’m glad the Thai government is looking into renewable energy for its people, and in doing so, the natural beauty of its country, because surely the main beneficiaries will be the people of Thailand and the natural world.

[George Strevens]

Language & Culture (tourismthailand.org)
The article discusses the linguistic and communication aspects of Thailand for foreigners. While Thai is the official language, English has become a de facto second language due to tourism and business interactions. However, learning Thai can be challenging, especially due to its tonal nature and differences in pronunciation. Based on an alphabet adopted from the Khmers of Cambodia, the Thai language consists of 44 consonants, 18 vowels, and four tonal notations. Pronouncing written Thai can be more complicated than speaking it. Transliteration of Thai words into Romanized characters poses challenges, and there is no official standard. The article also notes that the Thai communications network is convenient for foreigners, with public telephones, widespread mobile phone coverage, internet cafes, and post offices in major towns. It provides information on making calls within Thailand and internationally, including emergency numbers.
This article is helpful for someone moving to Thailand as it highlights some of the challenges that I may encounter when living in Thailand. The language barrier: The Thai language is complex, and will take time to learn and understand it. The communication infrastructure: the article provides valuable information about Thailand’s communication infrastructure, which will be helpful as it will aid me in staying in contact with my family/friends back home and my new work colleagues. Moving to Thailand, I will need to get a SIM card to avoid high roaming charges. Thailand has become compatible with overseas phones, and local sim cards are available for travellers to stay connected. In summary, the article provides practical information that will help me understand and navigate some of the challenges of moving to Thailand.

[George Strevens]

Hi Poppy, I think you’ve highlighted the issues in this article really well, and I couldn’t agree more that COVID-19 has affected animal welfare in Thailand. It’s shocking to hear about such stories of animal abuse and neglect. I agree there should be stricter laws and legislation to prevent things like this from happening again. This article has made me more aware of the implications of using animals as tourist attractions and how people need to be educated about animal welfare.

[Susan Emrick-Riggins]

In potential Israel-Hamas hostage deal, Thailand’s stakes are high – CSMonitor.com
Hundreds of Muslims in Thailand Protest Israel’s Bombing of Gaza (voanews.com)

In potential Israel-Hamas hostage deal, Thailand’s stakes are high. In Thailand’s north, families fear for loved ones kidnapped by Hamas. In the south, hearts go out for victims of Israeli counterattacks in Gaza. In Bangkok, this presents a delicate balancing act.

While Israel and Hamas try to reach a cease-fire and hostage exchange, 25 Thai hostages taken by Hamas are left to wonder if they’ll be part of the negotiation. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, still relatively new to the office, is using local Thai Muslim intermediaries to hold talks with Hamas in Tehran while trying to maintain relations with Israel and deal with the reaction in Thailand.

Thailand voted for Palestinian statehood in 2012, and voted against recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017. The country has historically tried to remain neutral for economic reasons, with 30,000 Thai workers, mostly from the northeastern region, holding positions on Israeli farms, many of which border Gaza. However, after the Hamas attack on October 7, Thailand, which is predominately Buddhist, issued a statement conveying support for Israel, angering Muslim Thais from the south.

Politically, the northeastern region of Thailand is an electoral base for Prime Minister Srettha’s Pheu Thai Party, while the southern region is not. On October 21, southern Muslims held a peaceful protest at the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok, but nongovernmental agencies are concerned about increased violence from the separatist factions in the south, and backed by Malaysia, which supports Hamas.

The above is a summary of the first linked article, from what was, to me, a very center-line report, rare in today’s online media-led world. I did some additional reading and found a second, which stated that the October 21st protesters trampled the Israeli flag and shouted: “Down with Israel! Down with America!” This creates an interesting situation for foreigners, especially Americans. My country is extremely polarized right now, over our own politics and over everyone else’s, including the Israel-Hamas war. Propaganda is a dangerous thing; the world sees only what those in power want us to see, and every nation thinks every other agrees with those in power: guilt by association. We should all know better, but as it is rare for anyone who feel subjugated and abandoned by their own government to have the opportunity to reach those in power (which is, of course, the point of security), people will vent their frustrations on whoever is standing with “them” rather than “us.”

Our world is huge, and beautiful, and amazing, and it’s painful to have to take the politics of any country into consideration while traveling, rather than just being able to go and see and learn.

[Susan Emrick-Riggins]

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.

I agree absolutely with any country’s need to be energy-independent. The main issue for most developed countries is the cost to create new energy sources, and then to switch the entire infrastructure over to the new sources. (The US won’t even go metric, as that would require the exorbitant cost of retooling every one of our factories.) There are also new environmental factors to consider: while the new power source may be more cost-effective in the short term, will it create a health hazard in the future? Windmills endanger birds; underwater turbines endanger sealife; rechargable car batteries require mining of and disposal of caustic and radioactive waste and still require the production of electricity to charge the batteries. Every country should be investing in alternatives to the current alternatives. I, too, am looking forward to what Thailand can put on the market. I’m hoping it’s something we can all use, for our environment, and for Thailand’s economic development.

[Kylee.metcalfe@gmail.com]

The article outlines that the Thai Baht is set to rise to 35 USD in coming weeks. The article states that there will be further rate increases in coming months. The rise in the value is attributed to a lower USD.
When I am placed at a school I will be earning Thai Baht however, the exchange rate for USD affects me prior to my first payday.

[Kylee.metcalfe@gmail.com]

This is a very interesting article. I think that extending visitor visas is a great way to attract more tourists.

[Martina Kovacic]

Thailand grapples with economic challenges marked by declining foreign direct investment, a significant informal workforce, and skills shortages, particularly in critical areas like literacy and English proficiency. The education system, focused on rote learning and conformity, hinders the development of critical thinking skills essential for a high-value workforce. The article highlights the potential for political unrest, as witnessed in student-led protests, and emphasizes the need for diversified ideas to avoid becoming a manufacturing base without reaping the rewards of innovation. For travelers, this context implies a dynamic environment with economic and social challenges that may influence the overall atmosphere and opportunities in the country. Travelers to Thailand should be aware of the country’s complex economic landscape, marked by declining foreign investment, an informal workforce, and skills shortages. The government’s focus on upgrading labor skills and attracting skilled foreigners through a 10-year visa plan indicates a recognition of these challenges. However, obstacles like property ownership restrictions may impact the feasibility of long-term stays for foreigners. The education system’s emphasis on rote learning and conformity could affect the local workforce’s ability to meet the demands of high-value industries. Additionally, the potential for political unrest, as seen in student-led protests, adds a layer of social dynamism. As a traveler to Thailand and someone who is going to live here it is important to stay informed about the evolving economic and political landscape, understanding that Thailand’s future as a manufacturing base depends on addressing these challenges and fostering innovation.
https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Thailand-s-problems-begin-in-the-classroom

[Michelle Vang]

This article discusses how educational institutions and home life play a huge role in teaching young children gender roles and social norms. Gender roles and social norms are taught from an early age in all types of institutions; educational, social, religious, etc. These gender roles and the expectations from boys vs. girls have contributed to the gender inequality present in Thailand. Two studies were mentioned in the article. The studies conducted research on gender roles in the Thai school system and how those gender roles become apparent inside and outside of school. Across four different areas (textbooks and curriculum, leadership, academic aptitude, and desirable and undesirable characteristics), there is great disparity between girls and boys. It seems that schools have a big impact on forming gender values at a young age, however, there is little evidence-based research to help people understand this. These gender roles and expectations are reinforced in schools by a teacher’s attitude and beliefs, although it may not always be intentional. Girls seem to perform better academically, however, outside of school they are still falling behind boys in the job market and pay. Perhaps a way to promote gender equality in all aspects of society is to start at the school level. Schools could find a way to create a gender neutral environment for the students. Education is a great way to be proactive about the gender gap issue in Thailand.
As someone who is planning to work as a teacher in a Thai school, I think this information is great to know. The article is a little old and things may have changed since then, but it makes me wonder how gender roles and expectations are going to look now in a classroom setting. The article mentioned how schools are a great starting point to decrease the gender gap in Thailand, so I am curious to see how, and if, Thai schools have addressed gender inequality. I feel like the gender roles and social norms will influence the way students behave in class and I wonder if I will see any of the characteristics, mentioned in the article, in my own classroom.
https://blogs.worldbank.org/eastasiapacific/gender-in-thai-schools-do-we-grow-up-to-be-what-we-are-taught

• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by Michelle Vang.

[Michelle Vang]

It’s great that you are putting in the effort to learn about the norms and etiquette of Thailand prior to your move there. I think a lot of foreigners/expats tend to forget to do their own research and learn about the host country’s social norms because they are oftentimes too excited about the new adventure awaiting them. So, the fact that you are looking into this outside of this course goes to show how much you seem to want to prepare yourself for the move to Thailand. It’s also a smart idea to know these things beforehand because many of Thailand’s norms and etiquette are quite different from the Western areas.

[Mikayla Thornburg]

https://yokkao.com/pages/what-is-muay-thai
The article focuses on the art of Muay Thai, the national sport of Thailand, tracing its roots back to the 13th century when it originated as a martial art with military applications. Aptly named the “Art of 8 limbs,” Muay Thai distinguishes itself by incorporating punches, elbows, knees, and kicks, setting it apart from other stand-up combat sports. The piece effectively highlights the global popularity of Muay Thai today, showcasing its widespread practice and competition beyond the borders of Thailand.

The historical journey of Muay Thai unfolds through the article, detailing its evolution from the Sukhothai dynasty to the formalization of rules during the early 20th century. The incorporation of elements from Muay Boran, the traditional Thai martial arts, reflects the sport’s rich heritage. Additionally, the article delves into a famous historical anecdote involving Nai Khanom Tom, contributing to the narrative and cultural significance of Muay Thai. The discussion of modern Muay Thai acknowledges its growth as a global combat sport, blending traditional elements with adaptations influenced by Western boxing, ultimately solidifying its status as an effective stand-up striking art. The mention of prestigious arenas in Bangkok and the aspirations of fighters, both local and foreign, adds a competitive and aspirational dimension to the narrative, showcasing the significance of Lumpinee and Rajadamnern stadiums in the Muay Thai world.

[Mikayla Thornburg]

I agree with your point suggesting this will give tourists more of an opportunity to stay longer, experience more, and therefore contribute to the economy. Overall this is an interesting article and I’m interested to see where 2024 takes us.

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