ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Wendy Melwich]

Title : How Thailand remained colonised.
No European nation has ever formally colonised Thailand. It is the only nation in the area that is still independent today. And that was no easy task. Colonialization had an incredibly destructive impact on the civilizations of Southeast Asia. Though the nation had been targeted by France and Britain, it had escaped their grasp. Not even France or Britain could take over Siam, which is now known as Thailand. Britain and France were two of the largest colonisers in history, so they should have had no trouble annexing this tiny nation but that wasn’t the case. Britain and France attempted to resolve disputes diplomatically but they invaded during the reign of King Rama V or Rama (1851-1868), one of Thailand’s most “crafty” kings. Britain and France initially targeted Thailand because of their supplies, trade routes, and military influence. If Thailand was colonised by Britian the Monarchy would be eradicated from the country and Buddhism would be less significant. Had Thailand been colonized by the French, the monarchy would remain however the current Thailand would be the worse economics thanks to the French taxes. Despite the French and British governments’ declining desire for open warfare, King Mongkut’s diplomatic acumen and love of science allowed him to guide Siam through the early upheavals of colonialism and preserve his nation’s independence. Even though Siam had to make concessions to the British even though it was never legally colonised. This is why Thai people have a great regard for King Mongkut even though his reign was brief but it had impact. If Thailand were to be colonised there would have been a lot of division to set ethnic, religious, and cultural groups against one another.

[Wendy Melwich]

Hi Menent my name is Wendy
This article is very interesting and informative as it discusses the day to day life of not only the teachers but the effect it has on the students. I am going to Thailand end of May so this was helpful in order to prepare me mentally. Also to remind myself to be patient and open minded. Also try to learn the language and culture by interacting with the local community

[Rita Catania]

Article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272775723000870

The article I read is “Women’s education, marriage, and fertility outcomes: Evidence from Thailand’s compulsory schooling law”.
The paper addresses how access to education has made an excellent impact on economic and social growth, along with self-empowerment and individual well-being; mostly focusing on the impact that the education has had on women education and how it had changed some of the priorities and preferences of female students. Given the results, more and more countries around the world have pushed in educational programs, often introducing compulsory schooling laws. In Thailand, the Compulsory Education Act was announced at the end of December 2002 and stated that children were to receive mandatory education until the age of 16, or had to complete 9 years of education face-to-face, physically attending classes. According to the database of the Thai MICS (Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey) 2015-16, of studies based on 14 province of Thailand, female secondary education has increased between 7% and 14% since the Act took place. There are also evidences of female education increasing in the higher secondary schools, where female students were more willing to finish their studies. It has also been studied how the compulsory schooling has had more effect on female students rather than male students. Studies of 2011 have proven how compulsory schooling have in-terms decreased the incidents of teenage childbearing (Great Britain, Northern Ireland – US and Norway). The studies also explain how the change in fertility is not permanent, but how it is shifted from earlier to later years, not interfering during the schooling years.
Using the same data from the 2015-16 MICS, we can compare the age and fertility outcomes in a group of 20 years old. There is a relevant change on the probability to decrease the numbers of female students giving birth in the school-age (14-17 years old). On the other hand, higher educated women delay their marriage due to opportunity in the job field, resulting in a decrease in their reproductive lifespan. However, there is an increase in the probability of marriages after the age of 17 years old. Within these data we can see how the policy have affected the education on young women, lowering the probability of dropping of school at the early age.
The compulsory education law affects the educational system of young women in the rural areas, more than in the urban areas. It was anticipated that rural female students may have lower levels of education, but the increase in schooling attendance does not always negatively impact the marriage and fertility expectation. The article also find evidence on how the birth-rate decreased by 6% until the age of 17 years for Muslim girls (especially in the south of country), shifting their preferences regarding marriage and fertility over the opportunity to study.
Given the article, the topic chosen will help me (as an expat) understand the different classroom settings I will be able to explore once I set foot in the schooling environment in Thailand, broadening my view coming from different cultural and schooling system.

[Rita Catania]

Hi Katie,
Your chosen article has a very interesting topic. Covid-19 have changed the life of many around the world, from the sudden closing of the borders to the consecutive unemployment and the following drop-out of school. Poverty have reached one of the highest peaks during quarantine, turning upside down the life of the less fortunate. Although, it is nice to read that some institutions have moved a step forward trying to help families in distress. Education should be an advantage to everyone, and it is important to understand that knowledge must be free and accessible everywhere in the world.

[Joanne Barry]

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/thailand-elephant-training-breaking-abuse-cruelty-tourism-858351
I have a love of wildlife and in particular elephants and found this article very moving.
The Channel News Asia article details significant changes in how elephants are trained and used in Thailand’s tourism industry, reflecting a broader shift towards ethical animal treatment. Historically, elephants have been subjected to abusive training practices aimed at breaking their spirits to make them docile for tourist activities like rides and performances. This process, known as “pajaan” or “the crush,” often involves physical abuse, chaining, and deprivation, which has drawn substantial criticism from animal rights groups and concerned tourists.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement within Thailand to adopt more humane and ethical treatment methods for elephants. This shift is partly driven by increasing global awareness of animal rights and a corresponding demand for ethical tourism experiences. Tourists are becoming more discerning, often preferring to support venues that prioritize animal welfare.

The article highlights various elephant camps and sanctuaries that have started implementing positive reinforcement training methods. These methods focus on encouraging natural behaviours and rewarding the elephants rather than punishing them. At these more progressive camps, elephants are allowed to roam freely in more naturalistic environments, and their interactions with tourists are managed in ways that minimize stress and harm. For example, some sanctuaries now offer experiences where visitors can observe elephants in their natural habitats, participate in feeding sessions, or watch them bathe in rivers, all without the use of force or coercion.

One notable aspect of this transformation is the involvement of both local and international organizations working together to promote better practices. These collaborations often include training for mahouts (elephant trainers) on humane handling techniques and the establishment of guidelines and certifications for ethical elephant tourism.

The article also points out the economic implications of this shift. While traditional elephant camps may still attract a segment of tourists, the increasing preference for ethical experiences is likely to drive more visitors towards sanctuaries that promote humane treatment. This trend suggests a potential shift in the industry’s economic landscape, with ethical tourism possibly becoming a more profitable model in the long term.

Overall, the article from Channel News Asia underscores a significant and hopeful change in the treatment of elephants in Thailand’s tourism sector. The move towards ethical practices not only benefits the elephants but also aligns with a growing global movement advocating for animal rights and ethical tourism.

[Richard Elicier]

The article chosen discusses the education system in Thailand, which includes government, private, and international private schools. The article lays out the different levels of education that include: pre-school, primary education, secondary education, tertiary education, as well as alternatives to Thai schools following the national curriculum.
Preschool children range from ages three to six where institutions offer Kindergarten levels one, two, and three, where in some instances, children move to another school for level three. Also, the grading systems for each institution may not be the same, where parents in most situations are not too concerned as early stage grades may not impact a child’s official scholastic record.
For Primary education, students enter at the age of six, which is the age students usually start attending school. The primary level consists of six levels that take six years, known as Prathom 1-6. A student will finish the primary level by the age of twelve years old; but there may also be a split between levels known as: Prathom 1-3 (lower elementary) and Prathom 4-6 (upper elementary). At government and primary level schools there is no fee for parents to pay, however, there is a fee collected prior to the beginning of each term for private schools. In Thailand there are two school terms, from early May until late September; and the second from mid October until the end of February (long summer breaks are between March and April. Breaks are also taken during public and government holidays, observed by Thai primary schools. In general, schools usually commence instruction at 8 AM, and finish the day at 4 PM, although each school may set different hours. Most primary schools use the A-F grading scale, similar to the systems used in the United States and United Kingdom. It is very unusual for a student to fail the entire school year, so students are given the opportunities to retake end of year exams, or attend summer school.
Moreover, for the secondary educational level, students’ ages range from twelve to eighteen years of age. At this level, there is a split known as Matthayom 1-3 (lower level) and Matthayom 4-6 (higher level). There are both vocational and academic streams available to students, where vocational is available to students that fail to achieve the required grade to move on to the upper levels. The core subjects taught at the primary and secondary levels include: mathematics, Thai language, technology, physical education, social sciences, art, musics, and foreign languages.
For tertiary education, the Ministry of Education regulates colleges and Universities and offers a wide variety of academic and vocational programs where students can obtain Bachelors of Arts, Bachelors of Science, or higher degrees. There are also a number of private institutions that offer degree courses to fee-paying students.
Lastly, the alternatives to Thai schools following the national curriculum include allowing students to follow a recognized Western curriculum, such as those followed by the United States and United Kingdom, for example. Many private Bangkok institutions , as well as the rest of the country provide this. Parents that want to send their children to top performing Bangkok International Schools in Thailand should support them to the fullest extent. The school system in Thailand is similar to the West, but still has many differences that work for the people of Thailand.

[Richard Elicier]

Article https://www.bangkokprep.ac.th/education-system-thailand/ titled Education System In Thailand
The article chosen discusses the education system in Thailand, which includes government, private, and international private schools. The article lays out the different levels of education that include: pre-school, primary education, secondary education, tertiary education, as well as alternatives to Thai schools following the national curriculum.
Preschool children range from ages three to six where institutions offer Kindergarten levels one, two, and three, where in some instances, children move to another school for level three. Also, the grading systems for each institution may not be the same, where parents in most situations are not too concerned as early stage grades may not impact a child’s official scholastic record.
For Primary education, students enter at the age of six, which is the age students usually start attending school. The primary level consists of six levels that take six years, known as Prathom 1-6. A student will finish the primary level by the age of twelve years old; but there may also be a split between levels known as: Prathom 1-3 (lower elementary) and Prathom 4-6 (upper elementary). At government and primary level schools there is no fee for parents to pay, however, there is a fee collected prior to the beginning of each term for private schools. In Thailand there are two school terms, from early May until late September; and the second from mid October until the end of February (long summer breaks are between March and April. Breaks are also taken during public and government holidays, observed by Thai primary schools. In general, schools usually commence instruction at 8 AM, and finish the day at 4 PM, although each school may set different hours. Most primary schools use the A-F grading scale, similar to the systems used in the United States and United Kingdom. It is very unusual for a student to fail the entire school year, so students are given the opportunities to retake end of year exams, or attend summer school.
Moreover, for the secondary educational level, students’ ages range from twelve to eighteen years of age. At this level, there is a split known as Matthayom 1-3 (lower level) and Matthayom 4-6 (higher level). There are both vocational and academic streams available to students, where vocational is available to students that fail to achieve the required grade to move on to the upper levels. The core subjects taught at the primary and secondary levels include: mathematics, Thai language, technology, physical education, social sciences, art, musics, and foreign languages.
For tertiary education, the Ministry of Education regulates colleges and Universities and offers a wide variety of academic and vocational programs where students can obtain Bachelors of Arts, Bachelors of Science, or higher degrees. There are also a number of private institutions that offer degree courses to fee-paying students.
Lastly, the alternatives to Thai schools following the national curriculum include allowing students to follow a recognized Western curriculum, such as those followed by the United States and United Kingdom, for example. Many private Bangkok institutions , as well as the rest of the country provide this. Parents that want to send their children to top performing Bangkok International Schools in Thailand should support them to the fullest extent. The school system in Thailand is similar to the West, but still has many differences that work for the people of Thailand. This specifically relates to me as someone traveling to and living in Thailand because as a new teacher in Thailand, this article taught me the structure of Thailand’s educational system, and how it is different and similar to the United States’ structure that I learned and taught in as a student and teacher.

[Wanga Maseboa]

Source: https://medium.com/@a.thongkum/thailands-education-challenges-and-issues-navigating-the-way-forward-b641a99ab4bd#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20pressing,textbooks%20and%20cutting%2Dedge%20technology.

Just like many developing countries, Thailand’s education system is also facing challenges. These challenges affect different areas of the countries differently. Some areas like the rural areas are direly affected. Some of the challenges facing Thailand are:
Lack of funding and basic resources like text books and technological resources. There is also a high shortage of professional Mathematics, and Science teachers. This promotes overcrowded classrooms and leaners don’t get individual attention. These issues promote memorization on learners and deprives critical thinking and problem solving skills; this does not prepare learners for the 21st century workforce and global economy.

The proposed solution to the above mentioned challenges are: increase of funding on the education system. Recruiting and retaining the qualified teachers which the country is in short of. There must be equity on prioritization of the rural and urban area education system. There must be emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving, and also encourage lifelong learning.

[Wanga Maseboa]

Commenting on “Nation marks Thai Elephant Day” article analysis by Marina.

I agree with you analysis, there is a great need for wildlife conservation world wide. The need for conservation is encouraged mostly by human induced threats to the ecosystem or nature. The threats are to some extant leading to extinction of other species. Thailand has taken a great step to conserve wildlife through the protection and conservation of elephants. this initiative is very inspiring and other countries should also consider doing the same. I also agree that people are the major role players for conservation of wildlife species.

[Joanne Barry]

Hi Marina
I enjoyed this article which highlighted that Thai National Elephant Day is dedicated to honouring and raising awareness about the conservation and culture significance of elephants in Thailand. This day highlights the importance of elephants in Thai history, religion and as a national symbol, while addressing the changes they face, such as habitat loss , poaching and climate change.
Thankfully, the actions of the conservationist Boonsong Lekagul assisted the Thai people to take the forest back and conserve and protect wildlife.
The article highlights that Elephants play a crucial role in forest fertility and the ecosystem health. It is interesting how their dung is a good place for bugs incubation ,increasing a food source for the birds. They contribute to forest fertility and are known as eco system engineers because their feeding and migratory behaviours significantly shape their habitats. Illustrating that the loss of elephants can unbalance the ecological system.
Thai National Elephant Day has helped support a healthy and diverse eco system benefiting numerous other species and contributing to the overall sustainability of the forest.

[Joanne Barry]

Reply to 27114
Hi Marina
I enjoyed this article which highlighted that Thai National Elephant Day is dedicated to honouring and raising awareness about the conservation and culture significance of elephants in Thailand. This day highlights the importance of elephants in Thai history, religion and as a national symbol, while addressing the changes they face, such as habitat loss , poaching and climate change.
Thankfully, the actions of the conservationist Boonsong Lekagul assisted the Thai people to take the forest back and conserve and protect wildlife.
The article highlights that Elephants play a crucial role in forest fertility and the ecosystem health. It is interesting how their dung is a good place for bugs incubation ,increasing a food source for the birds. They contribute to forest fertility and are known as eco system engineers because their feeding and migratory behaviours significantly shape their habitats. Illustrating that the loss of elephants can unbalance the ecological system.
Thai National Elephant Day has helped support a healthy and diverse eco system benefiting numerous other species and contributing to the overall sustainability of the forest.

[Selorm Kakrada]

I also work in the education field as my occupation here in the US. It is the only education system I know and am very excited to learn and experience Thailand’s. I also see a similarity when comparing Thailand to the US in education system in that, they both offer education ranging from early learning to a higher education. I will be interest to see the differences in how they are operated.

[Selorm Kakrada]

Article- https://tasteofthailand.org/the-history-of-thai-food/

In this article, the history of Thai food is discussed. This article states that Thai food is a mixture of Eastern and Western influence that resulted in the perfect combination of the sour, sweet, salty, bitter and spicy taste in Thai food. Even though different parts of Thailand can serve different varieties of Thai food, they all originated from when the Chinese settled in this part of the world. Even though the Chinese did have a big influence in how and what the dishes were made, the Thai people substituted many ingredients and made the cuisine their own. Unlike the Chinese, Thai people often eat their meal with a fork and not chopsticks.
Thai food is not something I turn to eat here in the US, even though there are many Thai restaurants not only in my state but in the country. I am interested in this topic because while I am there, I will be experiencing the many cuisines they have to offer. I am very excited about this and looking forward to trying and experiencing this unique blend of food.

[Sandeepa Bevli]

Hi Kate,
I enjoyed reading your post and I agree with the main points. Why wait until children get older to implement technology in the classrooms? In today’s world, one is successful through technology. Big companies will donate to such a cause. For example, HP could donate an x number of laptops, and printers. Microsoft could donate software. There are big local companies that would help the communities in Thailand. Especially because it is for children’s education and future careers. I agree with your viewpoint that “/there is simply no need to delay upgrading our young people’s educational experiences and outcomes when we can start today.” I am looking forward to be part of a great learning experience for the children and myself in Thailand.

[Caitlin Paul]

Article: https://childrenshungerfund.org/blog/10-fascinating-facts-about-thailand%ef%bf%bc/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw9cCyBhBzEiwAJTUWNYEFOwSVWTb_QgiLyCJ1aj-oa2HnqOlt2i-V_AnEd43k8hcFffbinxoCECAQAvD_BwE

I read an article that explained some cool facts about thailand. I learned a lot of things about Thailand and this is the summary…..

With the largest fish, the whale shark, and the smallest mammal, the bumblebee bat, Thailand is a nation of contrasts and wonders. With more than 35,000 temples and shrines, the nation proudly displays its extensive Buddhist legacy. The world’s biggest water fight, which takes place during the Songkran Festival to celebrate the Thai New Year by dousing each other in water, is another example of its dynamic culture.

Thailand boasts a long history as the only country in Southeast Asia to remain independent, and its huge metropolis, Bangkok, is home to the world’s longest ceremonial name. Thailand welcomes almost 40 million tourists a year, demonstrating its resilience in the face of difficulties like the epidemic that affect travel. Recognized as the “Land of Smiles,” Thailand’s friendliness is evident in all of its celebrations, such as the yearly monkey assembly in Lopburi, which serves as a metaphor for appreciation and camaraderie. Furthermore, programs like the Food Pak ministry serve thousands of people with vital assistance, demonstrating the nation’s dedication to helping those in need.

[Author]

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