ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Michaela Mahoney]

Hi Lauren, I really liked this article. It gives a nice overview of life in Thailand. As well as some basic dos and don’ts of the culture. I really like the emphasis on taking care of the elderly and the community structure of Thailand.

[Leonie Hassanali]

Culture shock among foreign teachers in Thailand

This study focuses on understanding the culture shock experience of foreign teachers working in a Thai private school, which was useful to read as someone travelling to Thailand to teach soon. It looked at 9 themes which included Hierarchy culture at school, behaviours of people at school, Jealous caused gossip at the workplace, School management differences, Language barriers, school environment differences, cultural shocks affect self-emotions, attitudes to people at school and overcome culture shock techniques. Foreign teachers were recruited as participants in this study, they have worked as a teacher for more than one year in a private school in Thailand.

The most helpful theme was the ninth one which looked at culture shock techniques and self-management. One of the main factors to think about is other foreign teachers will also be a long way from home so it’s good to get together and have a laugh about some of the weird and wonderful things you encounter living in another country. Language translation devices have made it easier for people such as tourists to travel all around the world without fear of the language barrier.

The first theme represented in the study was hierarchy culture. It was observed that mostly everything in the perception of Thai people is situated in a hierarchical system, manifested in authority between foreign teachers and students, this view symbolises the social respect in Thailand: “younger people are taught to respect their elders”. The second theme developing from the research study is behaviours of people at school. Thai schools are no different from other schools around the world you will not have a class of children all sitting quietly at their desks, looking up at the board, taking notes. Therefore, having class management skills is important. Cultural shock can arise from a person’s unfamiliarity with local customs language and acceptable behaviour.
The third theme was gossip at the workplace. Foreign teachers found Thais do gossip in the workplace and Western staff often find themselves watched intensely with your every move discussed by the local staff. The fourth theme was school management differences and no trust in school policy. The research result suggests that there are five key factors affecting expatriate culture shock. These are mainly: 1) training of the expatriate, 2) demographic characteristics of the expatriate, 3) personality traits of the expatriate, 4) organizational support given to the expatriate, and 5) the technical competence of the expatriate and unfair in school policy.
The fifth theme obtained in the study was language barriers. The findings say that foreign teachers have difficulties in communication and language barriers which contribute to culture shock (language shock). The sixth theme was school environment differences and workplace surroundings. Participants had culture shock working at Thai schools because of the different school setting.
The seventh theme was cultural shocks affect self-emotions. Feelings of frustrated. Culture Shock creates feelings of confusion and frustration. The findings seem to outline that feeling of confusion, suspicion, and anxiety caused by being faced with the unfamiliar Is common. The eighth theme was attitudes to people at school, and attitude to colleagues. A Thai teacher anonymously wrote that he thinks that the most common problem among Thai students was laziness, therefore motivating the students and having an engaging lesson plan is important.

Link to article: Culture Shock Experiences of Foreign Teachers Working in A Selected Private School in Chonburi province, Thailand | E-Journal of Education Studies, Burapha University (buu.ac.th)

[Leonie Hassanali]

Hi Kenneth,
I enjoyed reading about your chosen topic and it was interesting to read about traditional Thai food. Your article gave some good recommendations of different foods to look out for while being in Thailand.

[Tony Styan]

Assignment 2 Article Analysis National Public Radio (NPR) article on Maya Bay
In Thailand, the pandemic helped a famous beach recover from an onslaught of tourists Article written March 19, 2022
Article link: https://www.npr.org/2022/03/19/1086418613/in-thailand-the-pandemic-helped-a-famous-beach-recover-from-an-onslaught-of-tour
The article “film The Beach that came out in 2000 helped make Thailand’s Maya Bay very popular. Too popular, it turned out. “
The article describes brilliantly the effect over-tourism had on this idyllic bay. Maya Bay is situated on the Island of Ko Phi Phi. It’s about a 2hour ferry ride from Phuket. Commonly described as the most beautiful beach in the world. The article goes on to outline how the Thai authorities and individuals turned this mass over tourism into a new way of handling tourism numbers, whilst also protecting this unique environment. We all love an exotic beautiful location. The bay had become totally overrun with tourists to the severe destruction of its natural environment. The black tip sharks disappeared, the corals damaged and grabs and shrimp numbers shrunk. As a tourist and observer in Thailand this is not what you’ve come to see. It leaves you with a feeling of sorrow for such a unique location.
The article “Park ranger Suthep Chaikao says that by 2018, things were even worse — with the once pristine bay, the crown jewel, hosting upwards of 5,000 visitors per day.”
The Thai government closed the beach in June 2018 because of the devastating impact of mass tourism on the ecosystem. It remained shut for four years, re opening in January 2022.

The article “that extra time turned out to be a blessing for Maya Bay, says marine biologist Thon Thamrongnawasawat of Bangkok’s Kasetsart University. Thon spearheaded the effort to close the bay in 2018 to allow its ecosystem to recover.”

As you can see Thailand has the expertise and the insight to manage its pristine eco systems. Hopefully the government will continue to do this and put in the capital expenditure to allow infrastructure in the correct locations to protect the endangered sights. For many years now, the natural assets Thailand has, is what attracts world tourists and locals alike to this region.
The article “But now there are rules: Advance booking is required. No more than 375 people are allowed at any one time. No more boats in the bay, either. Instead, there’s a purpose-built dock on the other side of the island to drop passengers, who then take a short walk through the jungle to the crescent shaped beach. Tourists can dip their toes in the water for that all important selfie, but nothing more. A dozen or so rangers patrol the beach whistling violators out of the water.”

The black tip sharks are back and breeding there, new coral growth, grabs and shrimp numbers are back to normal. The rangers are happy, tourists are still just as overwhelmed when first seeing this bay.
This is a good news story and why Maya Bay and its revitalised ecosystem can serve as a sustainable tourism model for the Phi Phi Islands and other destinations in Thailand.
With tourism accounting for 15% of Thailand’s income, the protection and management of its National Parks are critical in sustaining this income. Just like all parts of our planet we need the balance. We as humans need these places of beauty to remain intact for our future generations. Perhaps this can be a good lesson in schools to spread the positive message of looking after our environment. Simple things like picking up that plastic bag you see lying on the fore shore. From small things big things grow. See “take3forthesea” a group initiative in environmental education for schools.
Tony

[Tony Styan]

From an outsiders point of view it seems obvious, this is not a fair situation if workers cannot voice there concerns to management. Be it working longer hours, fatigue, safety or personal leave required for other family members. And some are mandated by law as you are saying. I suppose the fear of losing your only income has a profound effect on whether you would want to jeopardize that income. Maybe the group unit thinking of thai culture will give them a united voice to management.
The large corporations need to play by the rule book in regards to worker fatigue, safety and minimal guaranteed incomes. Some maybe Overseas controlled and think they can just get away with it, with a vulnerable work force.
Lets hope the situation does improve over time with people power getting a clear voice.

[Myles Kehoe]

This article written by Rafael Bracho https://www.expatinsurance.com/articles/how-to-not-get-sick-in-thailand provides some interesting insights about the safety precautions that are needed when travelling throughout Thailand and I think this information will be helpful for my trip. The article suggests being mindful that the tap water in Thailand can contain bacteria which may lead to an increased risk of infection. However, the precautionary measures suggested to only use commercialised ice, not washing your food with tap water and not brushing your teeth with tap water.

Other suggestions around food hygiene were to only eat street food from well established, clean and busy food vendors. Also, it was made clear to only eat fresh hot food to ensure to stay safe. The use of mosquito repellant regularly is advised as well as staying away from stagnant water to avoid the amount of mosquito bites and therefore reduce the risk of malaria and Dengue fever. It is important to seek urgent medical attention if any symptoms may arise, these may consist of painful limbs and reduced ability to move.

[Myles Kehoe]

This is very interesting and highlights the difference between the Thai culture and the culture in Europe. There is also a vast difference between the judicial system. It is evident that there is less tolerance to activists and protests in Thailand and especially in regards to the Thai Monarchy. It is beneficial to know this prior to travelling to ensure no miscommunications occur between yourself and the police. I will keep my opinions to myself for the next few months, thanks very much for making me aware of this 🙂

[Kaiya Kreassig]

Article Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-68487230

The article “10 Million Sought Treatment for Pollution-Related Illnesses in 2023” informs about the drastic air pollution currently affecting Thais. The National Economic and Social Development Counsel has found that Thailand’s air quality is declining as farm burnings and forest fires have resulted in harmful smog, especially during the dry season in Northern Thailand. This issue has become exceedingly deadly as micropollutants have caused numerous side effects, including coughing, eye and skin burning, and chest tightness. Prime Minister Strettha Thavisin vowed to improve air quality in Thailand, and 30 aircraft are planned to deploy across Thailand to prompt cloud seeding and rain. These actions come after numerous lawsuits against the Thai government.

The information in this article is vital for us all to know as it informs about the dangers one may face when visiting or living in Thailand. Those with health issues must also be very careful when traveling in Thailand, as poor air pollution can result in increased health issues and potentially dangerous side effects. I have never lived in a place with very poor air quality, like in many cities in Thailand, so I will need to check the air quality every day and take appropriate actions (such as wearing masks) to combat the air quality and ensure I stay healthy. Additionally, anyone visiting Thailand should research when crop burning occurs in the North and potentially not visit during that time to protect their health.

[Kaiya Kreassig]

Hi Myles, the article you picked is very interesting and provides a lot of helpful information for traveling and visiting Thailand. Even though I will definitely be trying a lot of street food in Thailand, I will also ensure that I make smart and safe decisions, listen to my gut, and listen to what the locals suggest. The information in the article will also help us ensure that we all stay healthy and do not get so sick that we must go to the hospital. Moreover, it is much more stressful and miserable to be sick in a foreign country, as I have experienced, so we must understand and apply the tips provided in the article. Box jellyfish do not live where I currently live, so the information surrounding them in the article is also beneficial and can help us all stay safe in the water as well.

[Kelly Cease]

Related article: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-movie-a-box-office-hit-in-malaysia-and-singapore/

In the Thai PBS article, “Thai Movie a Box Office Hit in Malaysia and Singapore”, the author praises the new film How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies and examines some of the reasons for its success. The article begins with examples of what people are saying about this film including comments like “it’s the best film I have seen all year” and “bring many boxes of tissues if you are going to watch this movie.” The author also references the recent TikTok trend to show audience facial reactions at the beginning, middle and end of the film. In one TikTok video, an influencer even stated “You are not human if you don’t cry during and after watching the show” further making a strong claim for the emotional intensity of the film. Putting positive criticism and wide acclaim aside, the film has grossed over 250 million baht the first two weeks of its release. The film is not only having success in Malaysia and Singapore, but is the second most popular Thai film in Indonesia of all time.

The second half of the article expresses possible reasons for the film’s immense popularity. It first highlights the director, Pat Boonnitipat’s, focus on the struggles many Malaysian families face and the well-written character development to depict those realities. With the themes of the positive consequences of bridging generational gaps, older and younger generations will find something of value within this film. Audiences seem to find the heartwarming relationships of older family members providing guidance for a younger grandson or niece/nephew. Although films like Perfect Day and documentaries like Nai Nai and Wai Po were not filmed in Thailand, they were evidence that audiences find family bonds held together despite generational gaps heartwarming and worth watching. The success of How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies is another film to further provide credence to why this trend is so popular. The author seems to agree by asserting that “much of the movie’s warmth is derived from the realistic and familiar interactions between the lad and his grandmother.” Additionally, it’s important to note that the pop culture successes that come out of Thailand are a source of pride for Thais, and when given the opportunity to go explore some kind of Thai art, foreigners should be willing to watch, listen, or experience it in order to have a better understanding of the Thai culture and people around them. As someone traveling to Thailand, I look forward to all of the Thai arts and culture experiences I will have in the near future and have been becoming more familiar with Thai arts and culture based on the links in the Culture Route module. At this time, Bad Genius on Netflix is my favorite Thai movie so far, and I liked listening to the different types of Thai classical music & King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s musical compositions.

[Kelly Cease]

Reply to Kholofelo’s post:
Your article was informative and helpful in learning more about the Thai educational system. First of all, I liked looking at the list of acronyms as those can be overwhelming sometimes for veteran teachers. The last few pages examining the educational policies and learning reforms along with the section on the recent projects was interesting as well. I do wish they had more information on the Learn@Work Catch Your Dream Project and the Educational Loan Fund as they seemed like such vitally important programs, but I did look it up to find out more. Since it was research conducted before the start of the Covid-19, I did wonder how the pandemic might have impacted those learning reforms. Thank you for directing my attention to this PDF! I have started looking at other sources from the Ministry of Education and Office of Educational Council as well.

[Candace Martin]

“Elections could oust Thai military after a decade in power: What to know”
by Rebecca Tan
Washington Post
Newspaper Article
May 12, 2023

As someone traveling to Thailand, it is important for me to learn and understand the political climate. The article, “Elections could oust Thai military after a decade in power: What to know”, helped me to understand the political environment I will enter as a visitor in the country. I learned that Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The government is led by the prime minister and the king is the head of state. The prime minister is elected by a National Assembly which consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives. When the military seized control of the government in 2014, it gave itself the power to elect all 250 members of the Senate and the people the power to elect members of the House.

The Thai military is led by retired general, Prayuth Chan-o-cha and the opposing party is led by Paetongtarn’s Pheu Thai party and Pita’s Move Forward party. The article stated that the opposition party will overwhelmingly win the majority vote in the upcoming election, but that that military government will go through great lengths to tilt the parliament’s eventual selection of a prime minister in its favor, manipulating the results. This shows how strong the military is in holding power over its citizens when it knows that their subjects want Thailand to return to civilian rule.

[Candace Martin]

Great insight into the issue. I read a similar article and was surprised at the grip the military has on the government in Thailand. I did not know anything about Thailand’s system of government prior to applying to this teaching program, but this course has helped me a great deal to understand not only the system of government in Thailand, but its history as well.

[Katrina Sanghera]

Chosen article: https://gchumanrights.org/preparedness-children/article-detail/dissolving-schools-in-thailand-where-are-childrens-best-interests.html#:~:text=Schools%20in%20rural%20districts%20in,schools%20within%20six%20square%20kilometres.

This article is from Global Campus of Human Rights and explores how the populations in rural areas in Thailand are slowly decreasing, and by 2026 Thailand will supposedly be the first developing country with an ageing population. It explains how not enough funding is being attributed to smaller schools in rural communities in Thailand because the government cannot afford to keep schools open if they do not have enough student to fulfil the schools. Many rural residents are migrating to urban areas which explains the declining population.
However, there is controversy because stopping public expenditure to smaller schools in Thailand takes away their right to education. In article 54 of the constitutions of Thailand it states that every child must be enrolled in at least twelve years of education, therefore dissolving small schools would not be an ethical approach to reducing government expenditure.
In rural areas there is the issue of additional expenses making education more unrealistic for some students, as getting to the school site itself may cost transport money, which some families may not be able to afford every day.

[Bethany Evans]

Education at a Crossroads: Navigating Thailand’s Educational Challenges

Education at a Crossroads: Navigating Thailand’s Educational Challenges

The article “Education at a Crossroads: Navigating Thailand’s Educational Challenges” by Niyang Bai, published on Broken Chalk, provides a comprehensive overview of the pressing issues facing Thailand’s education system. It highlights critical areas such as inequality, outdated curricula, and the need for educational reform. The article underscores how these challenges contribute to the broader socio-economic disparities within the country. It emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and modern education system that can prepare students for the demands of the 21st century.

As the article highlights the issues with educational quality between urban and rural areas. This gap affects not only students but also the community at large, potentially influencing social dynamics and economic opportunities. Moreover, the ongoing political tensions and their impact on education policies can affect public perception and engagement with the educational system. Being aware of these challenges allows me to better understand the societal context I am living in and fosters a more informed and empathetic approach to local issues.

As someone travelling to Thailand, understanding these educational challenges is crucial. The quality and accessibility of education directly affect the country’s development and social cohesion, influencing various aspects of daily life, from workforce readiness to social stability. For long-term visitors, particularly those with children, these insights can guide decisions about schooling options and community involvement. Additionally, for those like myself engaged in volunteer work or educational projects, the article’s insights can help identify areas where efforts might be most impactful. By being aware of the local educational institutions, I can better appreciate the cultural and systemic context of Thailand, enhancing the overall experience and contribution to the community.

[Author]

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