ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Victoria Kennedy]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2646085/making-education-keep-up-with-change
This article explores the extensive school hours endured by Thai children, highlighting that they have some of the longest school days globally. The central question raised is whether the extensive time spent in classrooms translates to tangible benefits in the real world.
The article aims to scrutinize the correlation between the extended classroom hours and the practical applicability of the education received. It prompts readers to consider whether the emphasis on lengthy school days in Thailand aligns with the development of essential skills needed in real-world scenarios, fostering a broader discussion on the effectiveness of the education system in preparing students for life beyond the classroom.
“Thailand’s universal education system has failed to foster students’ ability to apply what they learn in real life because the core curriculum has not changed in the past two decades.”
Furthermore this statement suggests that Thailand’s education system has encountered challenges in promoting practical application of knowledge in real-life situations. The attributed cause is the lack of evolution in the core curriculum over the past two decades. This observation implies that the educational content and structure may have become outdated or insufficient to meet the changing demands of the ‘real world’.
Put simply, the article is important because it talks about challenges in Thailand’s education system.
It highlights that the system hasn’t been good at helping students use what they learn in real life, mainly because the curriculum hasn’t changed for 20 years. This information is crucial for myself, or anyone who is embarking on a teaching journey in Thailand- to understand the system, prepare for teaching challenges, and maybe even find ways to improve education while there. Being aware of these issues and thinking about how you can adapt your teaching to make it more relevant and effective for your students in Thailand could help towards making a difference.

[Victoria Kennedy]

Hi Kate,
I wholeheartedly agree, the idea of upgrading the education system to align with advancing technologies, free software, and fostering critical thinking is crucial for the development of young people. The comparison with interactive learning styles in some schools in places like England, where tools like iPads are integrated, highlights the potential for positive change without necessarily requiring a huge budget. Personalized learning experiences, as mentioned in your article, are essential. While some students thrive in a self-paced environment, it’s crucial to recognise that everyone has unique learning styles. Implementing free alternatives can be a pragmatic approach to make quality education more accessible. In today’s rapidly evolving world, I agree that young people need educational experiences that prepare them for the challenges ahead. Initiating these upgrades without delay is a step towards ensuring that Thailand’s education system keeps pace with the demands of the 21st century.

[Hal]

Response to Kholofelo koko:
I loved this article, very informative! It provided a nice foundation of why systems are the way they are, and a solid overview on the dynamics of Thailand education. This provided me with new aspects to think about entering the classroom as an educator. Thank you for your detailed response, I relate to your takeaways from this article – it was helpful for me to consider how teaching will effect me, now knowing how the system is formatted and the why behind the culture and system of education in Thailand. Thank you!

My article:
https://www.economist.com/asia/2023/11/23/thailands-new-government-is-handing-out-cash?utm_medium=cpc.adword.pd&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=a.io_apac_freetrial&utm_content=conversion.non-brand.anonymous.apac_au_en_free-trial_na_non-brand_google_subs_pmax_other_na_na&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2KitBhCIARIsAPPMEhLqVv4mnWZttlZIAOapl5hdPcL3J8mHealW-SUYSnpxwAnMquxTeCQaAsuLEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

This was en interesting article regarding how the government is trying to gain approval in terms of Thai citizens popularity, but many young Thai citizens have taken to the street in recent years to protest. The past decade, there have been a rise in protests for a democratic society. This is a push for a change in the constitution. The middle class bounce between supporting the dictatorship and wanting a democratic government- while the lower class and many educated students want a democratic system, while the elite wealth support the dictatorship to benefit them. This article brings an interesting thought of how and what Thai culture is thinking. I will use this in my teaching increasing my empathy for what Thais maybe dealing with outside of the classroom. Good food for thought.

[Justin Randolph]

“My Experience of Living in a Collectivistic Culture During Covid-19” is about Thailand’s collectivist mindset and how that played a role in the pandemic. In Thailand it is common for people to live for the community. Generations will live or even work under the same roof together. You could see grandmothers and grandchildren working and living together as a common practice. They may not even leave the house until they get married or find a partner. Mothers-to-be will often go back home during their pregnancy or afterwards may invite previous generations to come and live with the new family.
Outside of the household the idea of collectivism is found even in their politics. During the pandemic, everyone wore a mask but not for themselves. Instead they believed more in protecting others from the virus or spreading it to others than they did about contracting the virus themselves. In fact, you didn’t hear the same excuses that you did in other countries such as “It’s hard to breathe” when wearing a mask because they believed it to be for the betterment of the whole population that they wear one.
Coming from an individualistic environment this is quite surprising to me. I had friends and family members who were high risk that I went out of my way to protect but I saw little support for the collective in other people. In fact, I saw almost no support for others if it inconvenienced the individual person. In the household it is common for previous generations to be left behind and go largely uncared for likely entering a nursing home rather than having new generations support them. As someone traveling to Thailand I’m looking forward to seeing this change in people and I’m also a bit concerned. Having an individualistic mindset means there is less constraints socially so certain things aren’t deemed as necessary such as the idea of ‘saving face’ when it comes to others. Now moving to Thailand, although there will be a more community idea of understanding where I will also have to keep in mind their social hierarchy, ideas, etc..

https://asiaexchange.org/blogs/collectivism-in-thailand-during-the-pandemic/

[Justin Randolph]

Hi Victoria, I didn’t know that Thailand’s curriculum was so intense at an early age. As a previous TEFL teacher in South Korea I taught many students who were not only going to public school but also had four or five hagwons (afterschool courses often ran similarly to their school but focused on one subject). They would typically go to a hagwon for each subject that was taught in public school in addition to an after school PE or taekwondo class. Despite being ages only 8 to 13 many of them would get less than 4 hours of sleep every night. I had thought that this push for education perfection was only common in South Korea and Japan where you hear about it the most typically and not in Thailand. I will have to keep this in mind when I start to teach students especially the practical side of education as it is important for them later in life to be able to function in society. Thanks.

[Derek Garrish]

https://www.takemetour.com/amazing-thailand-go-local/thai-textiles-weaving-groups-villages/

This article is about “Thai textiles began as a way of life and over time, they have become arts. Handwoven and hand-dyed, these textiles require high level of skills and painstaking attention to detail. They also empower women as they play a key role in handcrafting Thai textiles.” These women are keeping the textiles alive. They are very skilled women. I think this article is very interesting and is a good read for anyone trying to visit Thailand. They really are taking the fashion of Thailand global.

“The story of Thailand’s sustainable fashion industry gives us an important lesson – that we can look back into our past to find answers for the future. For Thailand, the Royal Family has been instrumental in preserving traditional knowledge and local wisdom, which have shown the way for our people to live in balance with the natural environment for centuries. That is why the concept of sustainability finds a ready audience in Thailand. It is almost innate in the real Thai way of life.”
These women are really creating beautiful products. Being sustainable is very important in this world that we live. These women are really amazing skillful.

[Zachary Smith]

https://www.knowphuket.com/Articles/20090702-thai-music-genres.htm

This article is about the music of Thailand. With Thailand being such a popular tourist spot, most bars, clubs, live bands and entertainment venues will play western music, styles that are similar to western music, or covers of songs that have no relation to Thai culture whatsoever. Because of this, there is often a misconception that there is no original authentic Thai music that is popular or relevant in the Thai music scene today, but this is incorrect. The reason they’re playing western music is not due to a lack of desire or quality of Thai music. It’s because they’re catering to the tourists, and attempting to play what they assume the travelers would like to hear. And with some they may be hitting the mark. But I believe most people, myself included, when traveling, would enjoy being exposed to music of the environment of which I’m exploring.
This article discusses seven different genres of Thai music.
The first being Thai Classical music, which dates back to 800 years ago, and most notably uses a Thai xylophone called a ranaht that has bars made out of bamboo.
The second is Luke Toong, which translates to “Children of the field”. Its a style of folk music with lyrics that often describe the struggles of rural life in Thailand.
The third is Luke Rung, which means “Children of the city”. It has a smaller fan base and seems to be the opposite of Luke Toong. Most of the songs are romantic and uplifting, singing about how good life is in the city. It’s very popular amongst those in the middle and upper class, but because this demographic makes up such a smaller percentage of the Thai population, it has less followers. Those in rural poverty are unable to personally relate to the lyrics, so they aren’t drawn to this style as much.
The fourth is Mor Lam, which loosely translates to “Expert Singer”. This style of music is known as an older folk genre originating from Isaan and the North East region of Thailand, but also has hints of funk and blues in the drums, bass, organ, and vocals. It includes heavy Laos influence, and often has Khaen, a Laos mouth pipe organ made from bamboo.
The fifth is Peua Cheewit, which is a style heavily influenced by rock and country that began to migrate to Thailand in the 60’s and 70’s. At that time, the lyrics were often about the difficult and unfair aspects of Thai life, and became somewhat of a leader towards the change for a more democratic society.
The sixth is Thai Pop. This style is basically a recreation of western pop that first became popular in the 90’s in Japan and South Korea, then slowly moved its way over to Thailand.
And lastly we have Thai Rock, which also found its place in Thailand in the 90’s, basking many similarities to British Pop Rock.
In conclusion, though it may seem to the common foreigner of Thailand that they only play western music here, and even with some Thai genres widely influenced by western music, there are still many great genres of music alive and well in Thailand that are unique and original to the country that I would say are definitely worth diving into.

[Zachary Smith]

Response to Victoria Kennedy.

This is the first I’ve heard of the extreme school day hours in Thailand and I find it very interesting. I also think similarities could be found in the American education system’s flaws. Logically one would assume more hours means more exposure, more learning, better understanding, and should result in higher success rate when entering society and the work force. On paper it makes sense. But it doesn’t seem to translate in practicality. Sometimes I feel like education institutions are so focused on specific subjects like math, science, and history, that they forget to prioritize teaching the everyday essentials of life. What good is it to know calculus or have important history dates memorized if I can’t do my own laundry, cook a meal, do my taxes, budget my bank account, or drive a vehicle. These are things required of every citizen to thrive in a society. I agree with the message of the article that the core curriculum should be reassessed and adjusted properly. Thanks for posting.

[Alan Surma]

Response to Kholofelo Koko’s article
This article is very informative. I appreciate the depth of intent and the goals of the mandates mentioned, within the article. Specifically, I appreciate the mandate to include students with special needs. I believe that this information will help to establish a strong foundational understanding of the educational system that we will be joining in the coming months.
This article does relate to me in some regard, as I have family in Thailand, and this system has allowed my niece to attend school, thanks to the guaranteed free basic education.

[Alan Surma]

Bangkok Post – Govt to arrange police security for schools
This article highlights the actions being taken after an attack on a teacher performing caretaker duties outside of school hours. In 1999, a cabinet resolution required state agency employees to safeguard their facilities outside of working hours. Following an attack on a female teacher last week, the Education Ministry is working with the Royal Thai Police to assign local law enforcement officers to patrol schools after hours. The cabinet is said to focus attention on CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras, though cameras cannot completely prevent incidents. Additionally, some schools may choose to hire additional staff, such as janitors and administrators, to assist with security work.
As I have 20 years of experience working in security services, I can relate to this article. Security is an important aspect of any workplace, as an unsafe work environment may result in poor work performance. My experience with CCTV is quite extensive as well, and although it is useful for solving what has happened, it still needs to be monitored to prevent incidents. In the article, Pol Gen Permpoon said, “Teachers should lock doors or bring friends along for safety.” I absolutely agree with this, as it potentially removes two of the factors that create criminal offenses.

[Reanna Bavo]

I decided to research an article about Christians in Thailand converting from Buddhists. This relates to me because I am a Christian who is going to Thailand and I would like to know what is okay to share and what is not with people. Throughout this article it discussed the troubles Christians have when they discuss their faith with their Buddhists friends because sometimes messages can become unclear. When people think of Christians they think of Americans and or people who speak English according to the article where second grade boys surrounded a pastor and his son. This way of thinking causes a disconnect between the two religions. Kids have been kicked out of their homes when choosing to follow God instead of Buddha. According to the article a Buddhist mother originally kicked her son out of her home until she learned more about the religion in a whole, she welcomed him back home and accepted him going to Church. Many Thai Christians will not share their faith in public and Buddhists do not even understand what it means to be Christian. They want to see it being lived out and change in someone’s life around them to truly believe. Buddhists strive for a life of escaping suffering, quiet minds, cooled shade of life, happiness, are good merited people and pray to Buddha. While Christians believe God brings suffering for a reason, that we are all sinners, that we need to good on this Earth to pave our way to Heaven, quiet minds and happiness. There are many differences between the two starting with who they pray to but the similarities are there as well, in the end both religions are striving to do the best they can while on this Earth. This article helped me understand what is truly okay to say in Thailand and what is not as I want to respect each individual in my time there while still staying true to my beliefs.
In general, both religions have a hard time accepting the other, they both believe their way is the right way. It can cause a strong disconnect in people as well. Everyone has a choice in who they want to follow. Everyone should be respectful of everyone else’s religion and be able to share what they know.

Interactions between Christians and Buddhists in Thailand

[Reanna Bavo]

I agree with you! I definitely would want to hear more of their music than my own I can hear back home. It makes you feel more immersed into their culture. I really love the article you picked, it really shows your liking of music as well. You added so much information about each genre of music. I am most excited to hear the Thai classical music with all the different instruments they have. Really enjoyed your research great job:)

[Mark Cacho]

Hi Mwezi!

I do believe in freedom of speech, especially if it’s in regards to standing up for yourself and others.
It’s easy to forget that not all of your rights in your home country, transfer over to Thailand, and get carried away with certain behaviors you’re used to.

It is unfortunate for these companies to get away with these lawsuits, as they have more access to better lawyers, and other forms of resources to help their case.

Hopefully, things will change in the future, but in the meantime, it would be wise to “exercise caution in any activist pursuits”, as you have mentioned.

[Mark Cacho]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2730634/bangkok-vientiane-train-to-be-reality-by-april

The article I have chosen is about a new railway extension that will extend from Nong Khai in Thailand, all the way to the new station in Vientiane, Laos. The original railway goes from Nong Khai, to Thanaleng station in Laos. Having an extension in the railway to the capital of Laos is a massive improvement for travelers, as they may continue their journey without needing to change their method of travel.

Although the project will be completed by April, the preliminary route will only go from Thanaleng station to Vietiane station, in February. This is a huge way of life change for travelers, such as myself, because of the convenience of transportation. Not needing to plan extra bus, car, and other train exchanges, simplifies the travel process for many. This will make visa runs more simple for those who need to leave Thailand for a visa renewal.

I think this is incredible for Thai, Laotian, and travelers as it will make traveling simple. Those that want to travel south east Asia without needing to buy a plane ticket will have this at their disposal soon, and I cannot wait to experience it myself as well!

[Francesca Mcgraw]

https://www.thaiscience.info/journals/Article/JHRE/10980372.pdf
“INEQUITY IN ACCESSING HEALTH CARE SERVICE IN THAILAND IN 2015: A CASE STUDY OF THE HILL TRIBE PEOPLE IN MAE FAH LUANG DISTRICT, CHIANG RAI, THAILAND” investigates the reasons why the Hill Tribe people in Chang Rai struggle to access basic health care. The data in this case study was collected from secondary information and a focus group study that was conducted. There were many complex, and impossible, barriers that were found from this study. Barriers such as: right to access, as many Hill Tribe people do not have Thai ID’s and are seen as illegal immigrants, language barriers, as they speak their own native language, long distances to hospitals, and stigmatisation from health care providers. It was also mentioned that most Hill Tribe people prefer to use their own remedies that have been used for many years to treat illnesses.
What I read from this article is that Hill Tribe people are pushed further underground by lack of basic human rights like education and healthcare, and it is, and has been, a cycle that is seemingly impossible to get out of. Data collected from different provinces that showed the top diseases and illnesses suggested that the basic human need for hygiene and sanitation were not being met. The findings from this study revealed that to improve the status of health for Hill Tribe people, local people should be medically trained and return to help people of those populations. The reason for this is to diminish stigma and to promote and encourage compassionate centred health care. This information is very interesting to me, as I studied Global Health, and have always been interested in different cultures to my own. I had never heard of Hill Tribe people until studying the Culture Route course, and I have been interested in their customs and way of life since. When travelling to another country, I feel that it is important to understand the history of smaller populations to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of that country. Being educated on matters of human rights is always beneficial for yourself and others as it widens your perspective and understanding.

[Author]

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