ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Saajidah Simjee]

Hi, this is a great article and summary that highlights the unfortunate state of affairs. Hopefully by drawing awareness to these issues reasonable steps can be taken to better the conditions and ensure that all students have equal access to a higher standard of education.

[Amber Streeter]

I chose to read this article about the Chao Phraya River, since I will be living and teaching in Nonthaburi. Nonthaburi is a fast-growing suburb of Bangkok alongside the Chao Phraya. I was interested to learn about the river and its history and importance to the people of this region.
It was interesting to learn that the banks of the Chao Phraya have historically been home to many immigrant neighborhoods, khaeks. I learned that Bangkok has historically been called the “Venice of the East.”
The river historically has been a place for merchants to meet and trade.
The buildings lining the banks of the Chao Phraya are a fusion of historical buildings, like the Grand Palace, and modern buildings, such as the Icon Siam shopping center. The author of this article shares that a revival has been taking place on the attractions near the river, as there was a period of less activity and development in the 60s-70s until about 2016.
This was an interesting article from the perspective of a travel writer born in Bangkok and residing in Chiang Mai, whose father emigrated from India to Thailand before she was born. It was interesting to read her descriptions of the bustling river-side, and modern additions. Like any major city, this blend of old and new is balanced and makes it a unique place. While I plan to learn much of the history and visit museums, temples, and other historically relevant places, I also look forward to experiencing the modernity of Bangkok and all of the innovation that has occurred there. I can’t wait to experience this from my own eyes and have my own revelations about life in Bangkok and the surrounding areas!

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/bangkok-rediscovers-the-magic-of-its-legendary-river

[Amber Streeter]

Hi Claire,
Thanks for sharing this article! It is so interesting me the fusion of flavors and combinations of sweet and spicy present in much of Thailand’s cuisine. I also find it interesting that you explained Thai food has gotten progressively less spicy over the years. My guess would be that in response to a growth in tourism in recent times, maybe many food vendors have changed their dishes to accommodate palates that aren’t as familiar to high levels of spice. Another thought I had was that maybe as travel has become easier and many people are exposed to western food due to globalization, Thai people have less of a taste for intense spice. Another food fact I find interesting is how Roti is a popular street food in Thailand, and many equate it with Thailand, but is actually Indian in origin. Just some conjectures! It’s interesting how food can come to be and change with time, and how cultures borrow from each other to make foods their own.

[Lindsay Stowman]

https://sponsorcontent.cnn.com/int/tourism-authority-of-thailand/a-splash-of-culture/?utm_medium=cnn&utm_source=nat&utm_campaign=tath_A1_apac
“A Splash of Culture: How Songkran World Water Festival is Preserving Traditions”

The article talks about Songkran, the Thai New Year festival, highlighting its importance as a time of renewal, community bonding, and cultural heritage. Beyond just being a festivity, Songkran is deeply rooted in Thai tradition, where water symbolizes purification and marks the beginning of the new year. The festival combines tradition with modernity, evident in the playful water fights representing cleansing, as well as sincere ceremonies where water is poured over Buddha statues as a sign of respect and prayer for prosperity.
For someone traveling to or living in Thailand, Songkran is a great way to experience Thai culture and traditions. During the festival, there are many events and activities for both locals and visitors, showcasing the diverse cultural landscape of Thailand. By joining in the Songkran celebrations, individuals gain not only a deeper appreciation for the nation’s cultural heritage but also form connections with others, contributing to a sense of belonging and community spirit.

[Mala Press]

https://www.bbc.com/storyworks/advertiser-content/amazing-thailand/reopening-to-more-sustainable-tourism-for-thailand

This article focuses on the sustainable developments of Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy. The environment and fresh produce are important topics to me. For those of us who will be living in Thailand for an extended period, it is refreshing to know that Thailand is taking positive steps to promote organic produce. I am not one to eat out at restaurants on a regular basis and prefer a home cooked meal over takeaway. Knowing I will have access to non-chemical produce gives me peace of mind. Not only is it better for everyone’s overall health, but there are also incentives for businesses (such as hotels and restaurants), if they do choose to participate, to earn Earth Points for buying directly from farmers. This also builds relationships with farmers, better protects the environment, and empowers the community.

Thailand is a country that prides itself on its cuisine, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as import and export of other food items. By adopting new and improved initiatives for sustainable living, the tourism industry can thrive for those visitors who make healthy eating and living a priority. Thailand is slowly progressing in terms of environmental changes; they are yet to abolish the one-use plastic ban but as they say – one step at a time. As the article states at the end, the Thai tourism industry wants the BCG economy to be a “Happy Model”. That is where everyone “eats well”, “lives well”, “fits well”, and “provides well”.

[Mala Press]

Hi Maureen. Thanks for highlighting the dangers and risks involved with motorbikes for tourists in Thailand. The unsafe roads, signage, rarely a traffic light to be seen for miles, and robust population especially in a city like Bangkok, tourists need to be aware of so many factors. Hospital bills are quite expensive for tourists and the last thing you want to do is spend your holiday injured. When in a foreign country, respect their road rules and even though you may be an excellent driver with a perfect track record at home, it’s always better to be extra vigilant.
Every traveler should take out comprehensive travel insurance and if they don’t, they will suffer the consequences should anything like a road accident or health scare occur while overseas.

[Jesse Kent]

Understanding the Culture of Thai Food

This article describes the specific food culture that is present in Thailand. Thailand has a wide variety of food enjoyed by locals and foreigners alike. There are many differences written in this article in comparison to my home country of Australia regarding on how Thai society views food and the norms around eating. Eating is something to enjoy and often a social outing, food is often shared amongst friends and family. Australian breakfast norm is often cereal, but in this article it states that there are no foods designated to be specific breakfast foods so anything goes from rice to noodles. Food is something of a tastebud fiesta according to the article as Thai food seem to incorporate the majority of all 5 senses into a singular dish. While Australia has food markets they are not as decorative and creative when it comes to the presentation of Thai food and fruit dishes, with intricate details and designs.

Commonly a lot of countries use knife and fork as the main utensils when eating a meal but in Thailand it is very common to see people using a fork and spoon, this may be a new skill needed when coming to Thailand. While chopsticks may be available, this article claims it is more common for people to use the spoon and fork. Snacking according to the article is a very popular, while on the way to and from work or when out and about. It is also very common when going to someones house to take food as a sign of greeting and thankfulness.

Food is something that you cannot live without and as someone who is wanting to visit / live in Thailand it is important to understand the culture around it. I think it is exciting getting to take part in and learn from Thai people the customs of a meal as it is something that can be shared together and bring people closer. I think that food is a good way to take a first step into a new environment and culture.

[Jesse Kent]

Thankyou for your article,
I think it is very important to understand where you are travelling and what precautions that are needed to be taken when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. I think it is wonderful they are moving towards a more open outlook and people can be free to be open with their love. I am sure it would be a wonderful feeling for those in the community to be able to feel comfort in their own country and to share their love with others. Hopefully this all keeps getting approved and open up more doors for a wide range of people.

[Camilla Martorelli]

Assignment 2: Article Analysis
Camilla Micol Martorelli

Related article: https://time.com/6960924/thailand-same-sex-marriage-law-parliament/

The article from Time magazine discusses Thailand’s latest move towards legalizing same-sex marriage. The Thai parliament has approved a landmark bill that would allow same-sex couples to legally register their unions. This development marks a significant step towards equality for the LGBTQ+ community in Thailand, a country known for its vibrant and diverse culture. As someone interested in equal rights and social progress, this news is particularly encouraging. It highlights Thailand’s evolving stance on LGBTQ+ rights and reflects a positive shift towards inclusivity and acceptance within Thai society.
For someone like me, who will soon move to Thailand, this news showcases the country’s progressive attitude towards LGBTQ+ rights and equality. It indicates that Thailand is becoming a more welcoming and inclusive destination for individuals of all sexual orientations. It also reflects the changing social landscape in Thailand, offering hope for a more inclusive and diverse society for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.

[Camilla Martorelli]

Thank you Jesse for your article.
As an Italian, food is really important to my culture, so I enjoyed reading the article and your review.
I like how you provided a detailed and insightful comparison of the food culture between Thailand and Australia.
I found similarities in Thai and Italian culture and how food plays a significant role in social interactions, such as bringing food as a sign of greeting and thankfulness when visiting someone’s house.
Good job,
Camilla

[Genevieve Mercure]

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/152616/grappling-with-thailands-seasonal-haze
Grappling with Thailand’s Seasonal Haze
This article’s subject, as mentionned in the title, is the seasonal haze over Thailand. From the first four months of the year until the beginning of the rainy season, fires are contibuting to the air pollution and degrading the air quality both in urban and rural areas all over the country. This phenomenon can cause dire health effect on the population such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. It can also cause premature deaths and reduce life expectency.
Several organisations, including the NASA, are working with the local governement to sample the air quality and pollution levels so they can study the presence of the chemicals in the haze and what can be done to fight it. They can also figure out better ways to fight the wild fires efficiently and educate the local population about the danger of these fires on health.
I think this sunject is related to my travel in Thailand as air quality and pollution has a direct impact on people’s health and the efficiency possible working in these conditions. This is a good way to understand how the autorities work in collaboration with different organisation to improve the citizens’ quality of life and life expectency. Thailand is infamous for the fire season which also impact tourism as foreigners are telling each other to avoid certain regions of the country during the peak of the fires. By using science to better understand and reduce pollution, it shows everyone this problem is taken care of as best as possible.

[Genevieve Mercure]

I was really happy to learn that same sex weddings will now be legal in Thailand. This country is already accepting difference and the diaspora of LGBTQA++ community. I am happy to know the country took a step further in acceptance and equality. The popular culture Thailand is exporting seems already really advanced in the community rights and I was shocked to know marriage for all was still not legal. The population has been fighting for that right for some time now and they can now celebrate a small victory in this search for equality.

[Mthethomusha Mbatha]

https://www.clubunique.com/thai-culture/

This article talks about Thai culture and Thailand’s cultural identity. Firstly, it talks about where Thailand, The Land of Smiles, as it is often referred, is located. It lies between Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos, with the Gulf of Thailand in the South. Even though it’s culture is unique, however it has a lot of Chinese influences. Even Hinduism has, to a certain extent, made an in impact on the Thai culture, Buddhism seems to have the most prevalent influence when it comes to the Thai culture and principles. And also, the traditions of the counties surrounding Thailand have had a significant contribution to the Thai culture. These countries are China, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. One of the country’s greatest attractions is the temple Wat Chalong which was built by King Rama II (1809-1842), which has since been relocated and renovated. This Wat Chalong temple has the Grand Pagoda which is decorated with wall paintings that depict the life story of Buddha and features his images.
Phuket a province located in the Southern part of Thailand, prides itself with the monument honouring the two sisters, Chan and Mook who stood against the Burmese invasion and won. They were honoured by the King Rama I with honorary titles for their bravery after they, with their people, rose to defend Phuket. Phuket Old Town is a journey back in time to Phuket’s heritage of tin mining away from the fast-paced lifestyles and tourism of today. Right on top of the Nakkerd Hills is the structure, Big Buddha, which is dedicated His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in honour of his 80th birthday. Lastly, it talks about the do and don’ts when comes to customs and traditions, which include but are not limited to: do not touch a Thai person’s head, upon entering someone’s home, one must take off their shoes. Raising your voice is also frowned upon and considered as sign on one losing control. You must also duck down when walking between people and do not point at any of the royal family, monks, their pictures or anyone for that matter.

[Mthethomusha Mbatha]

This article is quite fascinating to me since I have recently embarked on a journey of knowing more about Thailand, its culture and the people. I have discovered that there is a lot in common between my Zulu tribe and the people of Thailand, and that got me quite excited to know more about this beautiful and friendly nation. Their history has a lot in common with ours and my nation.

• This reply was modified 2 years ago by Mthethomusha Mbatha.

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[Mthethomusha Mbatha]

Hi Lindsay,
Thank you for sharing the article. It’s a pity one has missed the opportunity to watch and enjoy this beautiful spectacle filled with joy, fun and celebration for both Thais and visitors combined. It sure sounds like a lot of fun and something one would like to explore or take part in. The significance of the celebration and what Thai people believe it does for them as a nation also cannot be ignored. I hope one gets an opportunity to celebrate it some time in future.

[Author]

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