ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Claire Patterson]

Article: Buddhism 101 https://handfulofleaves.life/buddhism-101/
This article highlights the main teachings, practices, traditions, and rituals of Buddhism, which is the main religion in Thailand. The main teachings of Buddhism are The Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths talk about the mindset of life being challenging and including suffering, but also how when you come to terms with these truths, then peace of mind and ending suffering is possible. Their practices focus on three aspects: wisdom, virtue, and meditation. There are also different branches of Buddhism as it spread from India to different areas of the world. Thai Buddhism is the Theravada or The Way of the Elder which represents early Buddhism and his teachings in order to attain liberation. Despite the different branches of Buddhism, they all focus on attaining enlightenment, simply varying the means to get there. Lastly, the article talked about the different rituals that include chants, offerings, and statues. These rituals all help Buddhists reflect on the teachings of Buddha.
With over 90% of people in Thailand believing and practicing Buddhism, it is a major part of Thai life and culture which will be extremely important for me teaching and living in Thailand. Religion drives so much of people’s behaviors and virtues, and teaching directly works with people and how and why they behave and learn the way that they do. Therefore, understanding the Buddhism religion better should allow me to understand Thai students and teachers better as well. It also gives me better knowledge when visiting temples and statues in Thailand as a tourist.

[Claire Patterson]

Ashton, I think that is an interesting article to read before starting teaching English in a Thai school. Specifically, it will be interesting to see where the school you are placed at falls. Will you see more traces of international ideas such as autonomy and expression, or will you be at a school more rich and engrained in Thai culture, but less autonomous thinking? Furthermore, with the knowledge gained from this article, you can use that to adjust your teaching style depending on the school you are at. I know I will be thinking of these ideas and make adjustments as I go into the Thai classroom to teach English as well.

[Lorayne Kazee]

Hi Kate,
Thank you for sharing this article. It’s a great choice as it applies to our field in Thailand. I connected with your point about resources, as I also had access to a variety of resources during my early education. I agree that it will be important to consider different learning styles when creating lesson plans and working with the kids. I am excited for the opportunity to experiment with various teaching methods to make sure each learning style is included. Thank you for sharing!
– Rayne

[Leah D’Souza]

Hi,
I thought you summarised this really efficiently and effectively and you picked a really interesting topic; after reading this I am interested in researching further into this in my spare time.

[Leah D’Souza]

Article: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40038629

Summary:
The article, written on June 7th, 2024, highlights the struggle of poor Thai students and their families. The headline states that these students and families are living on THB34 a day which is £0.73GDP. The author quotes the EEF (Equitable Education Fund) who states that the world poverty standard is THB80 a day and then follows on by revealing that due to poverty, many students are unable to complete their mandatory education. The writer states that students facing these issues tend to live in the remote areas of Thailand, in particular the North or Northeast region. As they have limited access to resources and aid.

Following on from this, the writer discusses the four main factors that cause extremely poor students to quit school, which included: the burden of household debt, limited access to student loans and scholarship funds, excessive cost of education (not including tuition fee) and the application and test fees. Whilst this article remains somewhat impartial, the author quotes EEF suggesting that the government should do more to combat this by raising family income and creating more opportunities for students from a low-income background. I believe it is vital to be aware of these issues before beginning to teach in Thailand, whilst I myself cannot solve this issue I can be aware and understanding that different students will have different home lives and access to materials. Therefore, it is important that my lesson content and any extra work I set is accessible to all.

[Emma Pearson]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/advanced/2813064/young-thais-want-work-life-balance
“Young Thais want work-life balance”.
This article analyses a survey that was given to a group of young people from gen Z and millennials. The findings show the biggest worry within both groups is cost of living; this is the same with the young people who took the survey in other countries as well. The two other main concerns within the Generation Z participants were unemployment and the inequality of wealth. The main issues pointed out by the group of millennials were the inequality of income and global conflict. The results also showed that the young people in Thailand are concerned with climate change, so much so that Thailand had a higher percentage than the average global percentage.
The survey also highlighted that both generations feel that their job should have a good sense of purpose for them to get the most out of their job. Over half of the surveyed people from both generations also state that they will only work for companies that align with their believes and ethics and that also provide a good work life balance.
I think it is very important to know what the main worries young people have when going through the school system so that they can be supported and educated on the matters so that they can make informed decisions in the future. I also believe that learning about climate change at a young age is the best way to combat the issue so that the next generation has all the information they need to create a better future for themselves and their peers.

[Jodie Marie Mott]

Bualar, T. (2015). What has gone wrong with inclusive education in Thailand? Journal of Public Affairs, [online] 16(2), pp.156–161. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/pa.1563?casa_token=tm0jbaMRlfQAAAAA%3AX2nRQ-O-bqDegGiF7xIWotWa6wAiI7mwc_iYjdc1ox_I6qaviwh_0sUlq_vky8TIevYJHDAgEQfvZw [Accessed 18 June 2024].
This article critically analyses the development of inclusive education within the Thai education system and examines the policies that support it. It addresses concerns about the limited participation of children with disabilities in mainstream schooling. The article identifies several factors that influence whether a Thai child with a disability will attend mainstream schooling, including adequate access and provision in schools, teacher attitudes and prejudices, government funding, relevant laws and regulations, and whether the child resides in a rural area or a city.
This is important as someone travelling and teaching in Thailand because having increased awareness of the legal and cultural differences allows for a more culturally sensitive and empathetic approach to teaching. With a Western perspective that views disability through a social rather than a medical model, I can contribute to improving social attitudes toward disability. By understanding the barriers and the policies surrounding inclusion in Thailand, I can better support and advocate for inclusive practices in the classroom.

[Adriana Patrone]

Article Link:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2813260/senate-passes-landmark-bill-recognising-marriage-equality

The Article “Senate Passes Landmark Bill Recognizing Marriage Equality” (Bangkok Post) explores how finally after decades of efforts by activist/politicians, Thailand would be the third country in Asia to enact marriage equality legislation. The irony is that Thailand has not legalized same sex marriage until now, although the country is considered progressive and has a large LGBTQ+ community and culture. Thai society is largely accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, however, they have not fully been protected by Thai law. Hopefully, this bill can help bridge the gap between what is accepted to protected legally. Since Thailand will be the first country in Southeast Asia to enact marriage equality, advocates called the move a “monumental step forward”.

[Adriana Patrone]

Hi Emma, the article title caught my attention. I believe that the pursuit of a healthy work-life balance is universal. It is interesting to read that Thailand youth is concerned with the cost of living and climate change, just like the youth in America. Thanks for the insight.

[Daniel Kusnierik]

https://www.vox.com/2020/1/24/21075149/king-thailand-maha-vajiralongkorn-facebook-video-tattoos
Article – The Playboy King isn’t playing around.
The article talks about the background of Thai King, his lifestyle values and overall condition of the government in Thailand. It speaks for itself.

[Ntokozo Mthembu]

Title: Daily Life and Social Customs-in Thailand in Cultural life
https://www.britannica.com/place/Thailand/Music-and-dance
The article discusses the transformation of Thailand’s rural and urban landscapes since the 1960s, highlighting significant shifts in lifestyle, economy, and culture. Rural-to-urban migration has been driven by economic opportunities, leading to the growth of Thailand’s middle class in urban areas. This urbanization has not only improved living standards with better infrastructure and healthcare but also introduced urban lifestyles and entertainment, influencing societal norms and family dynamics. Meanwhile, traditional Thai culture, rooted in Buddhism and rich in arts and literature, continues to play a central role despite modernization. This cultural resilience is evident in cuisine, where traditional dishes coexist with global influences, and in the arts, where classical forms blend with modern expressions in literature, drama, and cinema.

As someone traveling to or living in Thailand, these themes provide insights into the country’s dynamic cultural and social fabric. Exploring Thailand means encountering a blend of ancient traditions and contemporary influences. From savoring the diverse flavors of Thai cuisine, which reflect both regional specialties and global popularity, to experiencing traditional performances like khon dance-drama alongside modern Thai cinema, the cultural richness is palpable. Understanding the impact of urbanization on family structures and societal values offers a deeper appreciation of how Thailand balances its historical roots with the demands of a rapidly changing world. Ultimately, engaging with Thailand’s culture means embracing its past while witnessing its ongoing evolution, making for a vibrant and multifaceted experience. I am really looking forward to experience a new way of life and embracing Thailand as country.

[Ntokozo Mthembu]

Hi Poppy, thank you so much for the insight and summary.
As someone who loves animals deeply, this really hits home, it’s heartbreaking to see how the pandemic has worsened their conditions in Thailand’s zoos and pet trade. It’s crucial that we raise awareness about these abuses, animals deserve better environments that respect their natural behaviors and ensure their well-being. Let’s work together to advocate for change and improve their living conditions. It is good to also educate fellow tourists and expats alike in Thailand to push for ethical sanctuaries to ensure nobody takes part in these cruelties unknowingly.

[Lorayne Kazee]

Article: An Overview of the Education System in Thailand

An Overview of the Education System in Thailand

This article emphasizes the growth in Thailand’s education system over recent decades. It notes that this growth emphasizes the use of education as a means of social and economic progress. The article describes the structure of Thailand’s education system and ongoing reforms. There are four levels of the education system: early childhood, basic, upper secondary, and higher education. Early childhood education includes preschool and kindergarten aged children (3-5 years). There are two levels of basic education: primary (grades 1-6) and secondary (grades 7-9). Upper secondary education is split into general and vocational tracks. The general prepares students for higher education, while vocational focuses on specific skills and training. Higher education includes universities and vocational institutions (like trade schools in the U.S.).
Basic education is required for all Thai citizens and free of charge in public schools. The country follows a “centralized national curriculum,” which includes academic, moral/ethical, and physical education. To receive a high school diploma, students must pass the national standardized exams, which assess their knowledge in core subjects. Also, many higher education institutions require English proficiency tests for admission.
A few of the key ongoing educational reforms in Thailand include: Curriculum Reform, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Teacher Training and Professional Development, and Promoting STEM Education. The curriculum reform focuses on updating and aligning the Thai curriculum with international standards. Thailand is working to expand their TVET programs to meet the demand for workers by promoting vocational education as a strong career path. The Teacher Training reform includes efforts to improve training for educators. Finally, Thailand is promoting STEM education to improve their economy. So far, Thailand has made great progress in expanding the access to education and improving standards. The government is investing in educational reforms in hopes of equipping its students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote country-wide development.
Prior to finding Xplore Asia, I was completely unfamiliar with the Thai educations system, specifically its structure. I chose this article because I wanted to familiarize myself with their school system and understand the government’s priorities in improving it. For those living and teaching in Thailand, I think it’s important for us to understand the basics of the system.

[Giselle Cabrera]

Hi Jake. Thank you for sharing such valuable information regarding the protest in Thailand. As visitors I agree that we understand the political climate we are stepping into. The MFP (Move Forward Party) and their ideas of a new government can be hard for people who don’t understand situation to face. Thank you for sharing.

[Claire Begley]

https://www.countryreports.org/country/Thailand/education.htm

The article described how the education culture and classroom impact student learning in Thailand. It discussed how a typical classroom in the public school system has 30-40 students and one teacher. This impacts the quality of education provided. It also discussed how public schools lack the necessary textbooks and additional resources needed to provide quality education. In Thailand, education is highly valued and seen as a key to success. Families are involved in their children’s learning at home and because of this, the literacy rate in Thailand is 95%. The school structure is divided up into four stages: Prathom 1-3 , Prathom 4-6, Matthayom 1-3, and Secondary. Students are taught their history, traditions, beliefs, languages, as well as the arts and music. Thai society values their culture and wants to make sure it is taught and well known. Primary schools showcase their students’ talents and love of culture through art exhibits, competitions of singing, drawing, and much more.

As someone traveling to Thailand to teach, this is important information to know. I can see the similarities and differences of teaching in Thailand compared to the United States. It shines a light on the quality of education world wide and how it is truly important to fight for the right to high quality education no matter where you live. It’s important to have the resources necessary and appropriate student teacher ratio so that all students find success. This article also expressed how Thai culture is integrated into the education system and its importance to the people of Thailand. I’m looking forward to broadening my horizons. I am excited to be a part of the Thai education system and then to take what I have learned here and share it with my community at home.

[Author]

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