ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Hannah Auger]

As a very open and opinionated person, hearing about these strict laws surrounding the King when I first arrived in Thailand was shocking. When you come from a Westernized country, you are encouraged more to develop your own critical thinking and values, it’s more individualistic. Thailand is an extremely collective, liked-minded society, and that’s definitely been also a part of my cultural shock.

[Sophie Hickman]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2716911/covid-cases-rising-after-new-year-break
“Covid cases rising after New Year break”
Following the New Years celebrations across Thailand, reports show a drastic rise in the amount of Covid-19 cases nationally. Not only have the number of cases risen, but the percentage of those hospitalised has increased by 7%. According to Assoc Prof Thira Woratanarat, recently there has been the largest leap in the quantity of people reporting breathing problems due to Covid-19. These respiratory issues have meant that the need for breathing assistance has escalated, so these new Covid-19 cases have a greater severity.
Therefore, the public has been advised to take extra security measures such as wearing a face mask in public. This is due to the fact that the number of cases is expected to continue to rise across the following 4-6 weeks. Furthermore, the situation is worsened as last week the first case of the JN.1 subvariant of the Omicron variant was discovered. This is extremely important news, and affects all travellers as well as inhabitants of Thailand. As someone who will be relocating to Thailand, this means I will need to take precautionary measures to ensure greater security against Covid-19 for myself and everyone around me. I will also be teaching in a school, so hygiene and wearing a face mask is crucial. Ultimately, there is a need for extra caution and enhanced security against Covid-19 for the entire public, including myself, across Thailand.

[Emily Laughlin]

“Thai farmer. Relates cat-themed art in his rice field”
https://www.cnn.com/travel/thailand-cat-rice-art-intl-hnk/index.html

This article details a rice farmer in Chiang Rai and their ability to showcase not only Thailand’s agricultural but also lure in tourism. I think this article can show us how Thailand is trying to connect its past traditions to the future. To be successful, Thailand not only needs to produce agriculturally but have foreigners visit the Is is an innovative way to connect Thai society and showcase the many talents.

While this may teach us about Thailand’s rice production, or their traditional proverbs, it also showcases Thailand’s ability to utilize technology and modern capabilities. When someone may think of a Thai rice field, they may visualize it as a relic of the past. The technology used to create the cat design shows that Thailand has the technology to use modern techniques. I can connect to this article because where I am form in the United States there are a lot of corn and soybean fields. It is common that in the fall, farms will create designs for corn mazes just like in Chiang Rai.

[Emily Laughlin]

I wonder how many other countries are taking measures towards “tourism security” in the post-pandemic world. Was this something that was considered prior or is it a new phenomenon?

I also really like their emphasis on expanding tourism outside of the more mainstream cities and into the more localized areas. Hopefully though this is done in a way that doesn’t disrupt locals too much. I wonder if the Thai people in the more local or small communities want this or are worried of what the consequences may be.

[Alessia Angelov]

Hello Kassandra,
I’m Alessia and I’m Italian/Bulgarian. I read your article and I totally agree with your summary. In Italy we have the issue of gender inequality and a woman has to work twice in order to succeed more or have the same rights. As a woman moving to Thailand I’m glad to know women are having a great impact in country’s economy. As you mentioned, the role of a teacher is to promote gender equality and educate girls empowerment. Everyone should have the same possibilities despite the gender. The challenge will be remarkable in the future but it’s a steep climb.

[Alessia Angelov]

What’s causing Thailand’s poor English language proficiency?

English language proficiency is probably one of the hardest goal I had in all my life. English language is my second language and after several years of hard work I got C1/C2 in Ielts exam. In addition, after building a great learning system I’m able to talk Swedish/Spanish/German with different levels of knowledge. I can totally confirm all the struggle Thai people find in getting proficiency level or at least being able to talk with some confidence. The main gap is the teaching system in the school, who cares the difference between simple past/present perfect if you’re not even able to understand a mother tongue person or speak to any acquaintance. This article relates 100% with Italian struggles in learning a second language. An English teacher Kanatip Soonthornrak, known as Loukgolf is talking about his experience in English teaching with Thai people. He shows the importance of learning a second language in order to have more international opportunities in the future but unfortunately a lot of people are having trouble in improving their level. The gap could be the teaching system, the lack of e-learning possibilities, the strenght of the first language, the spread of bullying and jokes for the English deficiency and many others. Covid pandemic has not been helpful at all for this issue.
In addition, a 2018 study of Thai companies thought that 88% highlighted the importance of English for Thailand’s integration into the ASEAN economic community. Thailand ranks 20 out of 24 countries surveyed in Asia, the kingdom has among ASEAN’s worst test scores in the English Proficiency Index.
Nevertheless, the World Bank highlighted that Thailand spends less than a third of the OECD average per student between grades 1-9.
The teaching system should be enjoyable and let the people express themselves, be more talkative and opened for a dialogue.
Unfortunately, I understand 100% the feeling of not being enough and a failure because we are used to compare ourselves and scared to express our thoughts and feelings in another language.
I experienced bad jokes and bullying for my Italian accent: one time a mother tongue person laughed for my Italian pronunciation and my Italian gestures, I saied I loved her Italian pronunciation for the words pizza and pasta, the only two words she knows in Italian language. A second time in Sweden one colleague asked me: how are you doing? I replied I was going to the bathroom because I didn’t get properly the meaning and everyone laughed and talked just Swedish after that. It was probably one of the biggest humiliation I’ve ever experienced.
I think every person has to be humble, keep going and not compare any small achievement. Having some international friends could help in order to practice more English or ask some advice in order to get better. English makes you more open minded and it became fundamental in my life.
My personal advice would be to think in English language and not translate/compare everything in your mind, after some practice it will be more fluent and you will be more capable to talk and understand every accent.
If you work hard, listen to the right people and believe in yourself you will be the best version of you and succeed. As Loukgolf saied: it’s important the meaning and not the different sound, Thailand could thrive even more in several international areas as tourism with the improvement in English level and give more opportunity to the locals.

[Keutmany Chansilaphet]

Article https://www.adb.org/publications/recent-developments-in-basic-education-in-thailand-issues-and-challenges
Titled: Recent Developed in Basic Education in Thailand: Issues and Challenges
Author: Durongkaveroj, Wannaphong

The article talks about how Thailand is in need of an Educational reform in order to improve and ensure that high- quality basic education is being offered to every student.
Although Thailand has made progress in expanding basic education by adding significant amount of resources to improve the quality of workforces, recent surveys in basic education found that despite such development, “students’ learning outcomes are low and have not improved significantly in either national or international assessments” states Durongkaveroj. Students examinations has declined and core subjects such as mathematics, science and English were less than 50.
The author believes that poor learning outcome is due to “inefficient resource allocation for education” and “the role of small school”. In order to improve Thailands basic education, there needs to be an “expansion in the supply of human capital”.

The topic is related to me since I will be part of Thailands educational system and having some knowledge of Thailands international assessments standing will be very helpful as a teacher.
Overall the article was very informative!

[Keutmany Chansilaphet]

Article https://www.adb.org/publications/recent-developments-in-basic-education-in-thailand-issues-and-challenges
Titled: Recent Developed in Basic Education in Thailand: Issues and Challenges
Author: Durongkaveroj, Wannaphong

The article talks about how Thailand is in need of an Educational reform in order to improve and ensure that high- quality basic education is being offered to every student.
Although Thailand has made progress in expanding basic education by adding significant amount of resources to improve the quality of workforces, recent surveys in basic education found that despite such development, “students’ learning outcomes are low and have not improved significantly in either national or international assessments” states Durongkaveroj. Students examinations has declined and core subjects such as mathematics, science and English were less than 50.
The author believes that poor learning outcome is due to “inefficient resource allocation for education” and “the role of small school”. In order to improve Thailands basic education, there needs to be an “expansion in the supply of human capital”.

The topic is related to me since I will be part of Thailands educational system and having some knowledge of Thailands international assessments standing will be very helpful as a teacher.
Overall the article was very informative!

• This reply was modified 2 years, 4 months ago by Keutmany Chansilaphet.

[Melanie Moon]

https://time.com/6228051/thailand-lgbtq-family-marriage-equality/ ‘Nobody Is Taking Away My Child.’ What Thailand’s Push for Marriage Equality Means for One Family- Written by: Charlie Campbell
The article discusses the challenges faced by Ariya “Gina” Milintanapa, a Thai transgender woman, and her American partner, Lee Battia, as they navigate the lack of legal recognition for their marriage in Thailand due to conservative marriage laws. Despite being together for almost two decades and legally married in the U.S., their family is not acknowledged by the Thai government, leading to complications in joint guardianship for their two adopted children. The couple is hopeful about potential changes as Thailand’s parliament preliminarily approved a bill to recognize same-sex marriage, but the article emphasizes the varying levels of protection offered by different proposed bills.
The broader context reveals the discrimination against transgender individuals in Thailand due to the absence of legal gender recognition, impacting access to vital services and subjecting them to societal prejudices. Activists, including Nada Chaiyajit, are advocating for comprehensive legal reforms to address these issues. The article captures the personal struggles of one family while shedding light on the larger LGBTQ+ rights movement in Thailand, which seeks to secure equal rights and recognition for all members of the community.
Being a supporter of the LGBTQ community, I felt that this article was important and relatable to anyone living or traveling to Thailand to show some remarkable strides in the progression of the country. If the bill also passes more people of the LGBTQ community would feel more comfortable to live and work here. In December Thai lawmakers recently passed four draft bills on same-sex marriage in their first reading, moving the country closer towards its legalization in a country with one of Asia’s most open and visible LGBT communities. If the final bills are passed Thailand will become the second country in Asia after Taiwan.

[Melanie Moon]

I found that your article choice regarding the issues and challenges in Thailand’s educational system was very interesting. As someone that hopes to live and work in Thailand in the educational sector knowing the ratings and current standings of these international assessments can be an important insight to help improve myself as a teacher. We should also strive to do what we can and bring out the best of ourselves to help any child or adult wanting to learn English. I also agree that the human supply chain needs to be greatly expanded but that the same time of the expansion it needs to also stay consistent with ensuring the best possible outcomes to provide rising scores.

[Auttaya Tippett]

The five stages of culture shock for foreigners in Thailand

The article ‘The Five Stages of Culture Shock’ mentions a talk presented by Professor Rachawit Photiyarach, where he breaks down the culture shock that foreigners often experience in Thailand into five stages. Drawing from the framework proposed by Peter Adler, the Honeymoon Stage initiates the process, this is where the traveller experiences an initial admiration for the country. As one settles in, the Distress Stage approaches, where the newness wears off, and starts to feel a sense of disconnection. Challenges and disparities seem more apparent. Next, the Anger Stage manifests as individuals starts to experience frustrations, questioning cultural norms and expressing dissatisfaction. This is shortly before the approach of the Autonomy Stage, where acceptance and a genuine curiosity towards cultural differences emerge. Finally, the Adjustment and Biculturalism Stage signifies a harmonious integration, where you’ve not only accepted the differences but integrated them into your life.

Considering my upcoming 5-month travel endeavour, these stages offer a valuable lens to anticipate and comprehend the highs and lows of cultural immersion. The excitement of discovering new things, then when reality approaches and things might not go as smoothly as expected. Nonetheless, I hope to reach that Autonomy and Adjustment stage, embracing the differences and learning from them. Relating this article to teaching, the parallels between culture shock and adapting to a new educational environment become evident. Understanding and moving through these stages isn’t just crucial for personal growth but contributes to good teaching; it’s also a transformative journey that helps you become culturally aware and adaptable in the education and wider world.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 4 months ago by Auttaya Tippett.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 4 months ago by Auttaya Tippett.

[Melanie Moon]

Alessia Angelov- This article was very insightful. Many people think that English is not difficult to learn but in reality, it is probably one of the hardest languages to learn due to the homophones and verb tenses. Many people who learn English might can speak just enough to understand but being proficient is a valuable key to have. When you are proficient in a language it can reflect not only in your job quality but day-to-day life as well, it would open up so many doors and create opportunities for Thai natives and give them a better life for themselves and their families.
I am sorry that you had to deal with unkind experiences when learning a new language. People should never laugh or tease each other instead they should feel flattered and humble at the idea that someone is interested in learning their language and want to improve communication skills. Learning a new language does not happen overnight it takes hard work and dedication and time.

[Auttaya Tippett]

What a fascinating insight into a small part of Thailand’s agricultural traditions and the innovative approach to tourism! I agree that this initiative is a remarkable way for Thailand to bridge its rich past traditions with the future, creating a vibrant connection that goes beyond just rice production. It is great to learn about how Thailand is embracing its cultural roots while embracing technological advancements, creating a harmonious blend that captivates both locals and tourists. It’s inspiring to see how traditions can be reimagined to not only preserve cultural heritage but also contribute to the evolving country.

[Rheanna Kollaard]

Article: https://time.com/6228051/thailand-lgbtq-family-marriage-equality/
‘Nobody Is Taking Away My Child.’ What Thailand’s Push for Marriage Equality Means for One Family

The article discusses the challenges faced by a loving family in Thailand, where same-sex marriage and recognition of transgender individuals are not legally recognized. Gina Milintanapa, a trans woman, and her partner, Lee Battia, have two adopted boys. Due to the lack of recognition of their marriage, the children are legally considered as adopted individually by each parent. This poses complications for inheritance, medical care, schooling, travel and other aspects of their lives.

The article also highlights the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand, where the community endures significant levels of discrimination. While Thailand is often viewed as an LGBTQ+-friendly destination, the reality is that queer individuals often find acceptance mainly in tourism, entertainment, leisure, and sex work, due to facing discrimination in other fields. Some proposed bills suggest giving special status to LGBTQ+ couples, while others aim for full marriage equality. However, achieving these changes become challenging due to conservative views in the country.

Understanding the social context in the article allows travellers to gain cultural awareness. Travellers can approach their experiences in Thailand with sensitivity and an appreciation for the diversity within the country.
Teachers or parents could use this article as a conversation starter in educational settings, encouraging open conversations about LGBTQ+ rights, family diversity, and the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive society.

[Rheanna Kollaard]

Thank you Jaylyn for sharing your thoughts on the article about the stray dog crisis in Koh Samui! It’s so upsetting to learn about the staggering number of stray dogs. Your reflection brings attention to the issue and need for a humane approach to address the problem. I am even more excited to have the opportunity to volunteer with Rescue Paws in Hua Hin!

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