ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Leah Walker]

This is such an engaging definition of the Thai concept of “sanuk” and its cultural significance. You effectively use the the information provided in the article to draw comparisons between the Thai and Western perspectives on work-life balance, highlighting how Thai people integrate fun into all aspects of life. Your use of examples, such as the Songkran festival, helps illustrate your points vividly.

The inclusion of the Thai architect’s perspective and the connection to Buddhist principles adds depth and authenticity to your assignment. Your conclusion, emphasizing the importance of adapting to this cultural mindset for a more relaxed and productive lifestyle is not only practical but also positively inspiring, especially for those like us who will be teaching in Thailand!

[Renee Crawford]

This article discusses the life and death of Netiporn Sanesangkhom, who died of a hunger strike in May. She was an activist in Thailand for getting the laws regarding defaming the royal family lifted. To defame the royal family in Thailand is a punishable offense, and is the only law in Thailand that carries a minimum sentence as well as a maximum. There have been several groups that are protesting these laws, but the parliament has not been swayed to undo the laws. The law in Thailand specifically prohibits any type of negative talk of the royal family, as well as any type of defamation, such as vandalism of pictures of the royal family.

As a foreigner in Thailand, it is important for me to respect the Thai culture and the Thai monarchy. I should be aware and respectful of the role of the royal family in the country. I know from my culture course that a king in the past kept Thailand from being colonized, and other kings have done remarkable things for the country both politically and economically. I feel like this is a part of Thai culture that it is important to understand, so that I am appropriately respectful while in the country.

[Laurel Claydon]

This article provides an interesting commentary on young voters in Thailand. This was covered also in the culture course and is an area of tension in Thailand with the current political state. The summary provided is very informative and accurate to the article written.

[Laurel Claydon]

Assignment 2:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/getting-around-thailand
Article: How to get around Thailand by Austin Bush
The article outlines that perhaps the easiest way to get around Thailand between the major cities is by flying. The benefits of this is that flights are quick and typically more reliable than other forms of public transport. This is a good thing to bear in mind for a traveller trying to cover major cities in a short period of time. However, this could be detrimental to the environment and lots of the airlines are budget airlines which can be very strict on baggage.
The train is described as ‘the slow and steady way to see Thailand’. It has various different ticket options/prices which could be very appealing to a traveller on a budget. The train also has sleeper options which can be ideal for a lot of travellers as they avoid paying for accommodation for an evening. There are also women-only sleeper options which are ideal for female travellers. The cheapest form of transportation is a bus/minivan. They have however faced criticism in the past for a lack of safety. These also have varying levels of comfort/cost. The article also outlines how getting around in a city is completely different to getting around a rural area.

[Laurel Claydon]

I appreciate that the article in my first reply, provided multiple perspectives on the influx of new voters and the positives/negatives this may bring. It highlights that situations like these are often multifaced in nature.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 11 months ago by Laurel Claydon.

[Ava Rzymkowska]

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/6/former-thai-pm-thaksin-charged-with-royal-insult
This article discusses Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra being charged with insulting the monarchy (‘lese majeste’). The charge stems from comments he made in 2015 in an interview in South Korea. Thaksin returned from self-imposed exile last year and was immediately jailed on other charges related to corruption and abuse of power. The complaint against him was filed by the military government that took over after his sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was ousted from power in 2014.

The article demonstrates the lese majeste law in Thailand as one of the strictest in the world. It demands that the king (and royal family in general) be held in a position of “revered worship”, and I learned that violating this law can result in a jail sentence of up to 15 years for each perceived insult to the monarchy. Thaksin’s case shows the sensitivity around discussing royal matters in the country and as someone traveling to Thailand with the plan to stay there for a couple of months, I understand the need to be cautious when talking about the monarchy to avoid legal trouble during my stay.

[Ava Rzymkowska]

I agree that using free resources and technology can make a big difference without needing a huge budget. It can help students learn in fun and personalised ways, which is so important. It’s also great that you’re thinking about how to teach in a way that works for different learning styles and overcomes language barriers! I think that by considering these new methods, you can really make a positive impact on your future students in Thailand.

[Alyssa Michel]

Article: https://www.savethechildren.net/news/there-wall-between-us-new-school-year-begins-thailand-funding-shortages-hinder-education

This article discusses the lack of funding for education post-covid, specifically in areas seeing an influx of Myanmar refugees along the border. This lack of funding creates exacerbates problems like inadequate facilities, lack of updated teaching resources, and a lack of qualified teachers. The article states that every child should have the right to education regardless of their legal status. While the Thai Ministry of Education states that it provides education for all, many still have barriers to attaining equal access to education due to their legal status.
I was interested in this article because I will be teaching close to the Myanmar border in the town Mae Sot. Throughout the article, they interview several young adult refugees who are struggling to get jobs because the education they received in refugee camps has not recognized by the government due to their legal status. They also discussed how teachers and school administrators are stretched so thin to do what they can to help their students. This is very important information for me to be aware of, since I will be teaching in this area and I hope to make a positive impact on my students’ lives even though I will be there for a very short period of time.

[Alyssa Michel]

Peer Review:
Ellie,
I enjoyed reading the information about the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. I enjoyed your perspective on how amazing it is to experience the bond with elephants. They are such peaceful and intelligent, gentle giants. I agree that it’s so important that we protect these animals because their numbers in the wild are dwindling quickly. This is definitely on my list of things to see while I’m there and I’m interested in doing the canopy walk program. Maybe we can meet up to visit the Phuket Sanctuary while we’re there!

[Stella Checkley]

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-court-deliberate-opposition-move-forwards-dissolution-case-2024-06-12/ The article discusses the meeting of Thai courts next week to discuss some ‘politically charged cases.’ One of the main cases is looking at the Thai Prime Minister and it could potentially lead to his dismissal. This is a serious case, and something I should be aware of as a tourist as it could lead to political instability whilst I am in the country. For example, riots and protesters which may cause disruptions in danger when travelling. The next case being discussed is an attempt to stop the Move Forward Party which won the last general election but failed to form a government. This, once again, is a politically charged case and as a tourist I should be aware of potential instability which may follow it.

The article’s main takeaway is that these cases have led to political uncertainty within the country which has subsequently disturbed its markets. This uncertainty is rooted in Srettha’s struggle to implement his election promises, but also the Move Forward party’s campaign to reform the lese majeste law. This law is very important in Thailand, and is something I had been advised about prior to going as breaking it carries a 15 year prison sentence. In these times of political uncertainty, especially where this law is concerned, it is more important than ever to follow it to avoid gaining a prison sentence. The Constitutional court argued that the party’s attempt to reform the law was an undermining of the monarchy, and the party could be disbanded because of this. Subsequently, I will make sure not to comment upon this political situation at all. As a tourist it is important that I obey the laws of the land and avoid commenting upon political situations in order to avoid repercussions. Going to Thailand I will keep this at the forefront of my mind due to my understanding of the country’s political uncertainty at this time.

[Stella Checkley]

I think this is a very important aspect of Thailand to understand. You are right in pointing out the sensitive nature of these topics in Thailand, and suggesting that as tourists we should be aware of this and avoid discussion where possible. I found your summary of the article very concise and easy to understand, and after looking at the article you’ve done a great job in portraying its main points.

[Muhammed Ahmed]

https://thediplomat.com/2023/08/changing-thailand-new-ideology-old-politics/

Thailand is experiencing significant political and social changes, driven by recent elections and growing public dissatisfaction with the longstanding military and royalist establishment. The Move Forward Party (MFP), a progressive party advocating for structural reforms, emerged as a significant force in the 2023 elections. The MFP’s platform includes revising the controversial lese-majeste law, which criminalizes defamation of the monarchy, and reducing the military’s influence in politics. Despite their electoral success, forming a government remains challenging due to opposition from conservative blocs and the Senate, which was appointed by the military junta​ (The Diplomat)​​ (Brookings)​.

For someone traveling to or living in Thailand, these political dynamics are crucial to understanding the local context. The push for reforms and the resulting political tensions could impact various aspects of daily life, from public demonstrations to shifts in government policies affecting economic stability and social services. Additionally, the increased focus on issues like education, household debt, and social welfare by the current government reflects broader societal concerns that might influence community interactions and the general atmosphere in the country​ (Bangkok Post)​.

As Thailand navigates these transformative times, it is essential to stay informed about the evolving political landscape. This awareness not only enhances cultural understanding but also helps in making informed decisions regarding safety, engagement with local communities, and comprehension of the underlying factors shaping Thai society today​ (Human Rights Watch)​.

[Renee Crawford]

I think it is interesting that no matter where you go in the world, parents and educators have ideas about how the education system could be improved. I teach in a very wealthy suburb of Washington DC, where all students K–12 are provided with devices. The feeling among a lot of educators and even parents here is that students are on their devices too much, and we are looking for concrete ways to have more organic learning experiences. My school is an IB school, and there is a lot of emphasis on oracy and hand written papers. I think that being able to have technology advances is helpful in some ways, but not so helpful in others.

[Nicole Murphy]

https://dindeng.com/was-thai-colonised/

This article discusses Thailand’s history with colonial powers and its close ties with the United States during the 20th century, particularly focusing on its status as a “third world” country that ostensibly avoided colonisation. Thailand is often grouped with countries that were not colonised by Europeans, such as Ethiopia and Afghanistan. However, the article argues that Thailand’s situation was more complicated than just avoiding colonisation.
In the 1800s, Thailand (formerly known as Siam) signed treaties with Britain and France whilst under pressure, giving them control over parts of Thailand’s economy and legal system. This made Thailand more like a semi-colony, where it had some independence but still faced significant foreign influence.
After World War II, Thailand became a key ally of the United States in the fight against communism. The US had a big impact on Thailand’s government, military, and economy. American troops were stationed in Thailand, and the US supported Thai leaders who were loyal to their interests, sometimes leading to political unrest and military takeovers.
For travellers and residents in Thailand today, this history helps explain the country’s political landscape and its relationship with foreign powers. It shows how Thailand’s past continues to influence its present, shaping its politics, society, and international relationships. Understanding this background can give insights into why certain issues are important in Thailand today and how its history has shaped its identity and development.

[Nicole Murphy]

Living in Thailand, saying you have free speech is one thing, but actually using it can get you in serious trouble, especially if you’re calling out big companies for shady practices. Plus these activists who try to expose them often end up in court, fighting defamation cases that these big corporations usually win because they have more money and better lawyers. It’s a tough reminder that the rights you take for granted in other countries might not mean much here.
It’s not just a Thai thing either; it’s a bigger problem about workers’ rights and speaking up against unfairness wherever you are.

[Author]

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