ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Shona Barrett]

The article ‘Thailand: 10 million sought treatment for pollution-related illnesses in 2023’ states that data from the National Economic and Social Development Council shows that forest fires and widespread farm burning are causing a jump
in pollution related disease in people. It states the pollution levels are worse in the following locations: Chang Mai, Chang Rai and Lampang. In addition it says that the air pollution is at it’s worst when the country has it’s dry season.

After reading the article it made me think that it may be worth taking precautions when visiting the worst locations and during the dry season such as wearing a mask.

[LiamToole]

Hi Poppy,
I think that you have given an excellent summary of a pressing, yet underemphasised issue. Animal welfare is something that I also feel very strongly about. As we know, COVID had unprecedented impacts on many parts of the economy and it is sad to hear that the lack of incoming revenue in zoos and animal centres has resulted in the priority of animal welfare decreasing.
I agree that one of the best ways to target this is to spread awareness about the issue to reach a wider audience of people who feel the same, to encourage politicians to take action and make laws to better protect animals.

[LiamToole]

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68672318

Thailand is set to become the first Southeast Asian country to recognise same-sex marriage, after passing a bill in the lower house of the Thai government. The bill still needs to be approved by the Senate and Monarchy before the law is passed. But this is a positive step forwards which would see improvement in LGBTQ+ rights. This not only recognises the marriage, but would also allow couples to obtain marital tax savings and inherit property.
Whilst it is already considered as a progressive country in its attitudes towards LGBTQ+ rights, Thailand does not currently (at time of writing) allow same-sex marriage under Thai law. However, there are already laws banning discrimination over gender identity and sexual orientation which help to make Thailand a safer and more equal country for all.
I am pleased to hear about this positive step to improve LGBTQ+ rights. As a soon-to-be teacher in Thailand, I believe that all people should be treated equally, and I hope that this will help to improve cultural attitudes to foster a supportive environment for children going through school regardless of their gender or sexuality.

[George Perrett]

Article: https://carnegieendowment.org/2020/08/18/two-thailands-clashing-political-orders-and-entrenched-polarization-pub-82438
Title: The crux of polarization in Thailand is a sharp division between two worldviews that seek incompatible political orders (Sombatpoonsiri, 2020).

I personally was nervous about moving to Thailand having swapped smoking cigarettes for vaping, then hearing the strict and punitive laws particularly on tourists. However, having completed the culture course and reading about Thailand’s progressive upcoming generation, I soon became a little bit more at ease.

The article provides context and explanation on Thailand’s deep-rooted polarization between the two social classes; nationalists and (the Democratic) working class. Such polarization has been entrenched most notably since the 1932 revolution, but continued through the 20th Century and is still apparent today. Firstly the 1932 revolution was a key moment by transitioning an absolute monarchy to constitutional. While the 1932 revolution did not remove soverignty completely from politics, it was a stepping stone in recognising and justifying the social fabric of the working class. The second phase of polarization saw more external influences bleed into Thai society. During the 1950-70s and the scare of the Cold War, Thailand became a country of interest for Western powers (notably the USA) as it felt the pressure of communism closing on it’s borders. During this period of Western interest, the billions of dollars pumped in to Thai economy, developing the infrastructure, economy, and security, also gave resurgance to the youth of society leading with more democratic ideologies.

Following the Cold war and a result of the billions pumped in by the USA, the first democratic government was elected. Again a huge step of progress for Thai citizens, but was soon quashed after a horrfic and widely publicised image at a Thammasat University protest, resulting in approximately 100 deaths. The image was a statement of anti-authoritarianism and sent shockwaves throughout the nation, giving more strength to the polarization between classes. Following in the next decades, with new infrasturcture, the newly invigorated, democratic youth rising up through the ranks, a boiling point bubbled over in 1992 with over 200,000 protestors in Bangkok. Known as Black May, the result of the protest was deafening with between 50-100 people killed. While the political structure did not change and the revolution was quashed, the undertones of this event left a bitter taste in Thai mind’s. Seen as the ‘Golden Era’ of Thai politics, 1992-2006 saw massive progress and a fluorishing, vibrant democracy, with tourism exploding in the early 2000s and many exciting new ideas rippling throughout the country. Since then Thailand has waivered between becoming progressive and modernised, and steppong backwards into dictatorship and suppression. It is hopeful that the next 5-10 years accelerate Thailand and stamp itself on the global stage, however it can be said that old habits die hard, we just hope that isn’t true in the case of Thailand.

[Claire Reid]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/social-and-lifestyle/335187/exploring-the-history-of-thai-culinary-culture

My article is about the history of Thai food and how the dishes were originally created.
Eastern and Western influences were combined,sour,sweet,salty bitter and spicy flavours to create different dishes from all the different regions from Thailand.
Thai food is not as spicy as it used to be, over the years it has been toned down as less spices are used. This is good for me as I find the dishes really spicy now and food is eaten with a fork and spoon which is great because I am useless with chopsticks.

[Claire Reid]

This is a great subject and will help a lot of young people’s mental health and general well being for it to be legalised

[Maureen Akpokomua]

Assignment 2: Article analysis
Article name:Tourist paralysed after Thailand motorbike crash
Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0nndepe1do

A Welsh Tourist called Lee Francis was involved in a motorbike accident which left him
paralysed from the waist down. He and his wife were there to visit their daughter who
was staying in Southern Thailand. The family had decided to go on a motorcycle ride on
the final day of their trip. Although they had been travelling at a modest speed, Lee’s
bike was hit by some gravel as there was some road work taking place on the corner.
This caused the bike to crash into a barrier, causing him to suffer spinal fractures in
three places. In addition, he developed a pulmonary embolism during treatment in
Bangkok Phuket hospital, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. Lee’s wife also
suffered from a concussion.

For someone travelling to or living in Thailand the article highlights the potential risks
with motorbikes and the importance of road safety. Lee’s experience shows the
importance of having comprehensive travel insurance coverage to mitigate the financial
burden of medical treatment in the event of an unforeseen accident or emergency
abroad. Additionally, it underscores the significance of having access to adequate
healthcare facilities, as demonstrated by Lee Francis’s experience of receiving
treatment in a Thai hospital following the accident. Overall, it is a cautionary tale for
foreigners travelling or moving to Thailand

[Raneam Makansi]

Hi Kate,

I really enjoyed reading your analysis, in particular how you connected it to your own experience! This is a really valuable tool in the educational environment. I agree, that learning styles are not the same and I do think where possible attitudes to learning should adapt depending on the class and children within that class. It is therefore important that the senior leaders within the educational institution understand the pressures faced by teachers and allow time and resources to foster an excellent learning environment for the children. There are, however, things that teachers as individuals can do which I think is highlighted perfectly by the phrase “no need to delay… start today”. This is something I pride myself on and would hope to instill in the children that I will be working with. It is important to recognise that change happens over time and even if it is not perfect the first time it will inevitably improve. Education needs to remain open-minded and creative and should not be just confined to technology despite the growing demand for its usage.

[Raneam Makansi]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2646085/making-education-keep-up-with-change

The article titled “Making Education Keep Up With Change” published in the Bangkok Post presents an opinion piece discussing the challenges and opportunities for education in Thailand to adapt to changing societal and economic landscapes.
The author argues that education in Thailand needs to evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. This implies a recognition of the inadequacies in the current educational system and a call for reforms to address these shortcomings. This includes inadequacies such as outdated curricula, rote learning methods, and lack of emphasis on critical thinking. These challenges are seen as hindering the ability of students to compete in a globalized economy and to adapt to technological advancements.
The article highlights the importance of integrating technology into the education system to enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for the digital age. This includes providing access to digital resources, promoting digital literacy skills, and leveraging technology for innovative teaching methods. This is not always possible though and requires collaboration from various stakeholders in order to achieve effective changes and ensure success in the education system.
This topic relates to me as I will undertaking the TESOL course whilst in Thailand so it is important to be adept with the challenges facing Thai education to see if there is anything on a micro level that I can do whilst working within the schools. Albeit, this will be in Cambodia I am sure many of the issues are transferrable. Coming from the UK where the education system is of a very high standard it is necessary to understand that not all countries operate in the same way. I hope that my knowledge of the UK educational system may assist in my future role as a teacher. This may be useful should any senior leaders ask for my opinion. Further, I have worked as the chair of governors at a local primary school so it is interesting to compare the various challenges that the Thai education system and the UK system face.

[Raneam Makansi]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2646085/making-education-keep-up-with-change
The article titled “Making Education Keep Up With Change” published in the Bangkok Post presents an opinion piece discussing the challenges and opportunities for education in Thailand to adapt to changing societal and economic landscapes.
The author argues that education in Thailand needs to evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. This implies a recognition of the inadequacies in the current educational system and a call for reforms to address these shortcomings. This includes inadequacies such as outdated curricula, rote learning methods, and lack of emphasis on critical thinking. These challenges are seen as hindering the ability of students to compete in a globalized economy and to adapt to technological advancements.
The article highlights the importance of integrating technology into the education system to enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for the digital age. This includes providing access to digital resources, promoting digital literacy skills, and leveraging technology for innovative teaching methods. This is not always possible though and requires collaboration from various stakeholders in order to achieve effective changes and ensure success in the education system.
This topic relates to me as I will undertaking the TESOL course whilst in Thailand so it is important to be adept with the challenges facing Thai education to see if there is anything on a micro level that I can do whilst working within the schools. Albeit, this will be in Cambodia I am sure many of the issues are transferrable. Coming from the UK where the education system is of a very high standard it is necessary to understand that not all countries operate in the same way. I hope that my knowledge of the UK educational system may assist in my future role as a teacher. This may be useful should any senior leaders ask for my opinion. Further, I have worked as the chair of governors at a local primary school so it is interesting to compare the various challenges that the Thai education system and the UK system face.

[Kaine Whybray]

(https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries_result.jsp?country1=Thailand&country2=United+Kingdom) relates to traveling or living in Thailand, assuming you’re coming from the UK:

Overall picture:

Significantly cheaper: Thailand is significantly cheaper across most categories compared to the UK. This means your money generally goes further, allowing for a more affordable stay.
Important considerations for travelers:

Accommodation: Hotels and short-term rentals can be extremely budget-friendly in Thailand, especially outside major tourist hubs. You can often get good quality accommodation for a fraction of UK prices.
Food: Eating local Thai food is incredibly cheap. Even dining in mid-range restaurants is generally less expensive than in the UK.
Transportation: Local buses, ferries, and even some trains are very affordable. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also cheaper than their UK counterparts.
Activities: Tours, entrance fees, and many leisure activities tend to be less costly in Thailand compared to similar offerings in the UK.
Considerations for those living in Thailand:

Rent: While rent can be cheaper in major Thai cities than in London, it depends on location and the type of housing you seek. Expat areas may have higher prices.
Groceries: Local ingredients and Thai staples are affordable. However, imported Western products can be significantly more expensive.
Utilities: Utilities like electricity can be cheaper, but this depends on usage patterns and if you have air conditioning.
Healthcare: Private healthcare is still generally less expensive than in the UK. Public healthcare, although accessible, may have longer wait times or lower quality in some areas.
Important caveats:

Exchange rates: Fluctuations in exchange rates between the Thai Baht and British Pound can impact how far your money stretches.
Lifestyle expectations: If your lifestyle choices heavily favor Western products or high-end comforts, the cost difference will be less significant.
Overall, the lower cost of living in Thailand offers potential advantages for both travelers seeking an affordable adventure and those considering a longer stay for work or retirement.

[Samkelisiwe Mtshali]

Article: https://www.asiaeducationreview.com/others/news/overview-of-the-thai-education-system-a-regional-perspective-nwid-758.html , Titled: Overview of the Thai Education System: A Regional Perspective

This article examines the Thai educational system in depth, focusing on innovative methods, historical context, organisational structure, curriculum, policies, international collaborations, and cultural influences. For example, it describes how schools in Thailand offer a curriculum that focuses on core disciplines such as Thai language, mathematics, science, and social studies. Additionally, it explains that primary schooling begins at age six and includes English language instruction.

Furthermore, the article explains that secondary education is predicated on finishing primary education, producing a competitive workforce for worldwide contributions. The article also highlights that the Thai educational system is dedicated to providing high-quality education, adapting to new challenges, and fostering a competitive workforce. All in all, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the Thai educational system.

The topics covered in the article are relevant to me as a someone travelling to Thailand because they describe the educational system and how it functions. This is crucial knowledge because I will be working in the system as an English teacher, and it also helps me to understand why the system is set up the way it is. On the other hand due to the Thai cultural values of respect for elders and teachers, I may experience a more formal classroom environment, where students are likely to follow instructions without question. This may make my transition into teaching in Thailand easier, and allow me to focus on developing positive relationships with my students. As a new teacher, I’ll refer to the information in this article as a reference.

[Kourosh Hojrian]

Article: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2774889/7-dangerous-days-of-travelling-begin

“7 dangerous days of travelling begin.”

As Songkran approaches, many people are heading upcountry for the holiday, which is causing concerns regarding road safety from advocates due to potential increases in road accidents outside of the traditional “seven dangerous days” of travelling. This early migration suggests a potential for heightened road risks before the official holiday period begins. The “seven dangerous days” refers to the period during Songkran when road accidents spike due to increased travel and festivities.

This article resonates with my current journey to Korat for Songkran in Thailand as I sit on the coach and make my way. It’s important to be mindful of the increased road risks even before the official holiday commences. The concerns raised by road safety advocates highlight the need for caution and responsible driving, especially during the festivities when many are on the move. Being aware of these potential risks can help me stay safe and enjoy my Songkran celebrations with a peace of mind and vigilance

[Kourosh Hojrian]

I completely agree with you, and I’m happy to hear about this significant progress towards LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand. As a future teacher in Thailand, our role in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their gender or sexuality, is incredibly important. This new law recognising same-sex marriage not only provides legal recognition and benefits to LGBTQ+ couples but also sends a powerful message of equality and acceptance throughout the country.

[Aku Soctine]

https://www.american.edu/cas/economics/ejournal/upload/romanow_accessible.pdf titled, “The Women of Thailand” by Liza Romanow
In this article, Liza Romanow talks about the ‘’Women of Thailand” in particular about how women have been discriminated against over the centuries, by men who play a dominant role in this culture. Gender inequality includes Poverty, Violence, limited access to Education, Health care, Women in Politics, Gender based Job Discrimination and Sex Trafficking. Thailand has always been known for it’s poor treatment of women, who are denied their basic rights and do not play any significant role in society. In 1997, women were granted equality with men under the new constitution. However, in reality the new legislation is not effective in protecting and ensuring gender equality. Discrimination is still apparent and present in the roles that women play at home, at work and in politics.
I find this article interesting and one I can relate to because I come from such a society where women are second class citizens, whose role is just to support the men. Women have had to work twice as hard in order to secure their places in education, the work place and in politics. Just recently a law was passed in parliament to protect violence against women and children. So as a female teacher travelling to Thailand, I am more aware of Thai society’s expectations of women, respect it (I don’t have to agree with it), and do what I am there to do. Teach English.

[Author]

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