ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Claire Begley]

Hi Ntokozo, that is such an insightful article on the transformation of Thailand’s rural and urban landscapes. This is helpful in better understanding the influences of food, the arts, customs, family values, and traditions in the different regions of Thailand. I’m excited to learn more about this! Thank you for sharing.

[Duke Davis]

http://www.responsiblethailand.co.uk/green-tourism/travel-to-thailand-covid/

The article discusses the reopening of Thailand to international tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the island of Phuket. It highlights how the absence of tourism has affected livelihoods and conservation efforts, but also presents an opportunity to reset and address social and environmental concerns. The author explores various ethical and sustainable tourism options in Phuket, including visiting an elephant sanctuary that rescues abused elephants, taking a food tour in Old Phuket Town to support local businesses, and participating in a cycling tour to experience the island’s countryside and culture.

The piece emphasizes the importance of making ethical choices as tourists, such as supporting animal sanctuaries that don’t allow elephant riding or bathing, and avoiding attractions that exploit wildlife. It also showcases other responsible tourism initiatives, like visiting Chalong Bay rum distillery, which supports local sugarcane farmers through sustainable practices. Overall, the article encourages visitors to look beyond Phuket’s beach tourism reputation and engage in experiences that positively impact local communities and the environment. This is especially relevant to me as a visitor of the country and it will ensure I am aware of my choices when choosing what businesses to support.

[Duke Davis]

Hey Nicole,
I find Thailand’s relationship with colonial powers and later the U.S. to be some of the most interesting parts of its history. I think that the complex relationship between Thailand and the colonial powers shows Thailand’s tenacity. and exemplifies the King’s diplomatic abilities at the time. At a time of moss colocalization from Western powers, it is quite impressive how Siam was able to prevent complete colonization. The fact that the U.S. worked closely with Thailand to prevent the spread of comism is also very interesting and proves Thailand as an integral piece of the Cold War.

[Mark Butterfield]

Foreigners’ perceptions of communication strategies used by Thais when speaking English.

https://ethesisarchive.library.tu.ac.th/thesis/2016/TU_2016_5521030188_6983_5155.pdf

This article will be helpful for me and other people travelling to Thailand because it outlines important information about Thai culture that we can do as tourist in order to show respect to their culture. The knowledge of what one should do and what is taboo is needed for foreigners who are not familiar with Thai culture to behave themselves appropriately in Thailand.

Thai culture:
Thai people are collectivist in that people pay attention to the relationships and society and Buddhism is a central part of the society. According to the authority ranking culture, Thais respect noble persons including their king, queen, and monks; religion and sacred things including Buddha, statues of Buddha, Buddha images, Buddhist texts, and other things concerning religion; things that relate to the nation including national flags and the national anthem; pictures or things that relate to noble persons, religion, and nation; elderly people; and supernatural powers (some people). Behaving disrespectfully to all of the above mentioned is taboo. The ranking also includes our body, for example, Thais consider the head which is the top part of the body, as a sacred part of the body but they consider feet, which are the lowest part of body, as the dirtiest part of body, so when going to Thai friend’s houses, you and friends have to take off your shoes before entering the house because of the dirt of shoes; in addition, you cannot point your feet at anybody or a Buddha image because it is considered as impoliteness. Therefore, the general or basic knowledge concerning Thai culture is needed when traveling, vacationing, and working in Thailand.
A foreigner can do a Thai greeting by placing their hands together in prayer position at chest and bowling head slightly and saying “Sa-wad-dee-khrab” for men or “Sa-wad-dee-kha” for women. The second verbal cue is the way to say thank you in Thailand. Thais use word “khob-khun-khrab” for men and “khob-khun-kha” for women instead of the words “thank you.” The third verbal cue is calling out names. In Thailand, calling out names is different from westerners. Thais call people by saying a title, first name, and last name, respectively. The fourth verbal cue is criticism. Thai people tend to avoid criticizing. If the criticism is unavoidable, Thais always indirectly criticize and balance it with the advantage or praise.
The first basic knowledge of nonverbal cue is Thai smiles. Smiles of Thais have many meanings and have been used in various situations. Thai smiles can be used to represent the meaning of amusement, embarrassment, thanks, avoiding the conflict, or excuse. The third nonverbal cue is the “wai” gesture which people do by placing hands in prayer position at chest and bowling head slightly. This gesture is used in three situations which are greeting, giving thanks for persons, and apologizing. The fourth basic knowledge of nonverbal cue is eyes. In Thai culture, avoiding eye contact is a sign of respect. The fifth basic knowledge of nonverbal cue is head and feet. In western countries, head and feet are parts of body, but in Thailand, the head is the highest part of body so it is considered as a sacred part of body, and feet are the lowest and dirtiest part of body; in addition, people should not put their feet on the table because it is considered to be rude. The sixth nonverbal cue is touch and space. Men and women should not touch each other when they are in public, but the same sex can touch each other, and this does not mean they are homosexual. In addition, kissing which is one kind of touching, should not be done in public because things that Thais do are based on Buddhism.

[Mark Butterfield]

Hi Duke,
I like how this shows how useful tourism can be, if done right. Local businesses that provide ethical services can be supported by tourism which would be beneficial, however if tourists choose to support unethical practices this would further incentivise these practices. With tourism becoming more frequent in Thailand, this article highlights many important considerations.
Thanks for the insight!

[Megan Clark]

Article https://www.unicef.org/thailand/blog/how-young-people-stepped-shape-thailands-educational-future-2023 Titled How Young People Stepped Up To Shape Thailand’s Educational Future In 2023.
40 children and young people in Thailand were able to express their views on educational change to the Office of Education Council in 2023, in repsonse to the UNs growing concerns around access and acheivement in schools gloablally. Less than 40% of Thai children feel that school effectively prepares them for employment, and UNICEF was already working with the Thai government on school reform, but set up the Youth-Led Advocacy for Transforming Education Initiative in order to draw on young people’s experiences.
The Initiative did group interviews with children, gaining an insight into their current and relevant experience in the education system. The key areas that they came back with were inequalities within schools. mental health related to bullying, and concerns that those who experienced set backs were left behind. The solutions offered included improved facilities, changes to learning environments, teachers with greater understanding of inclusivity, and great emphasis on supporting mental health within schools.
This article is informative and relevant to any teachers in Thailand because it gives direct insight into what the children in Thailand state they need support in. As someone who will be teaching in Thailand, having an understanding of what the children need outside of their English classes is important to be a useful part of their overall education and experience within a school. It gave me greater insight into what children need in terms of pastoral care as well as from their English specific classes.

[Sabrina Ottaviano]

Paramee Waichongcharoen, an opposition MP from the Move Forward Party, raised concerns about insufficient government funding for education during a debate on the 2025 fiscal budget bill. He highlighted that last year, 12.45% of students from extremely poor families did not pursue undergraduate education after high school due to financial constraints (Sattaburuth, 2024). Despite the government’s previous promises to address educational disparities, funding for organizations working to eliminate these disparities has been inadequate (Sattaburuth, 2024).
The Student Loan Fund (SLF) requested 19 billion baht in government subsidies for the 2024 fiscal year due to a liquidity problem, however, only received 800 million baht (Sattaburuth, 2024). For fiscal 2025, the SLF requested 5 billion baht, yet the government has refused to negotiate. Paramee urged the government to make basic education free to alleviate the financial burden on students and their families (Sattaburuth, 2024).
This article highlights the financial constraints some students may face and as a teacher, one plays a crucial role in providing quality education and supporting students who may be at risk of dropping out. Efforts to contribute to their academic success and aiding them to see the value in continuing their education whilst assisting with finding financial aid can be paramount in alleviating this problem.

Sattaburuth, A. (2024) ‘Student poverty “falling on deaf ears”’, Bangkok Post, 20 June. Available at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2814730/student-poverty-falling-on-deaf-ears (Accessed: 21 June 2024).

[Amy Finlayson]

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-18/thailand-legalises-same-sex-marriage-first-in-south-east-asia/103986432
“Thailand becomes first South-East Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage”
This article summarises Thailand’s legalisation of same-sex marriage. Thailand has long held a representation among foreigners for being LGBTQ-friendly, boasting bars and nightlife for the community. This has always attracted foreign tourists, including myself, looking for safe spaces to express their identity.
Despite the accepting societal culture, locals have still been discriminated against in the eyes of the law. The passing of this law means a huge step in equality and increased rights for local members of the LGBQT community. Same-sex couples are now able to legally marry, have children through IVF and make medical decisions for their spouses. This offers same-sex couples practical benefits and more freedom in their day-to-day life. As a foreigner moving to Thailand, I find hope in seeing how the culture of acceptance amongst the people has helped to influence and guide the policymakers of the country. It is comforting for me to find similarities in my values to those of the country (despite the many differences that exist as well) and to see the government moving towards more equality and acceptance.

[Amy Finlayson]

Hi Jesish,
I agree that as a tourist it is very exciting to see access to previously less touristy areas open up, allowing as to access and experience more of the country. What I find even more exciting is the impact that this may have for the local people and economy. With so much of Thailand’s economy and tourism being situated in Bangkok and South Thailand, it is very easy to ignore the development and infrastructure in other parts of the country. I hope that this project will help to improve the livelihoods of Thai people living in other parts of the country too!

[Nikita Henwood]

https://so06.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/husocjournal/article/view/243146/168905

Encouraging Critical Pedagogy in Thai ELT Classrooms

This Article is of the opinion that using critical pedagogy provides a more in depth understanding of the English language. It promotes using critical contexts, collaborative learning, incorporating students values/social relations and legitimate visions. While doing so, it touches on how rote learning (memorising rather than thinking and questioning) has hindered the ability to communicate holistically. It argues that the English language is full of idioms, metaphors, colloquial language – as does the range of Thai languages. However, these are picked up through social cues, interactions and contexts. Opportunities that rote learning does not always offer. It also touches on the importance of teacher preparation and ability to provide contexts where critical thinking and perspectives can be formed.

This article relates to me as a teacher because I come from a country where critical pedagogy, student led learning, problem solving and collaboration is the norm. While I do see its benefits and its ability to help students form opinions, articulate or justify their reasonings and interact with others on a deeper level – I do think there is value in the practice of rote learning. I think the two pedagogies work best when used simultaneously. Providing relevant social experiences where children can collaborate, explore, discuss, create in an educational setting while also following up with structured and consistent rote learning of the new vocab or ideas. From what I have heard, teaching English incorporates both because to learn social cues, differences in tones of voice and the colloquialism of the english language are very important to be able to interact and respond with confidence. Memorisation of vocabulary, grammar, punctuation and sentence structures is of the same importance! I am excited to be able to implement both and it will be new for me to be allowed to incorporate the rote learning side of teaching. I am always excited to learn more about how to become the best teacher I can be.

[Nikita Henwood]

Thank you for your summary of this Article. It is exciting that this is an initiative gaining traction. I have seen this happening all around the world and specifically in New Zealand – where I am from. They have implemented the expos/skills workshops and are encouraging career promotion/development from a much younger age than when I attended school. The difference being that New Zealand is offering visa’s to skilled migrants with a similar list of careers you mentioned Thailand is promoting to its own citizens. There are many different skilled migrant visa coming out around the world and even digital nomad visas coming out. I am a big believer in reform in the prison system so it was interesting that prisoners are int heir target group and it gets a big yes from me! Rural areas also hold so much cultural heritage and traditions which Thailand is very passionate about so it makes sense they aim to develop these skills in the more rural areas in the hopes to diminish migration to the big cities. Great initiative and I will keep an eye out for any of these programs you mentioned.

[Jodie Marie Mott]

Hi Nikita,

Your summary has shown a wonderful willingness to learn new perspectives and pedagogical approaches that should be very beneficial for your teaching journey. I have not yet seen too much focus in person on combining rote learning and collaborative learning as learning opportunities of equal importance, but I believe that this research shows significant benefits if implemented effectively. I am excited to combine these approaches in my teaching to see if it is truly an effective approach.

[Reese Clapp]

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/18/asia/thailand-same-sex-marriage-intl-hnk/index.html

‘Monumental step forward’: Thailand to become first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage

Following previous attempts to legalize marriage equality over the past decade, the Thai senate successfully approved a marriage equality bill on June 18th, which will come into effect before the year 2024 is over. This historic advancement in LGBTQ+ rights means that Thailand will become only the third country in Asia to make marriage equality a reality, following Taiwan and Nepal. The passing of this bill is being declared as a monumental step forward, not only for same-sex couples, but for creating a more equitable society for everyone. Creating legal rights and recognition for heterosexual couples spreads the message of acceptance, inclusion, and will push forth inspiration and hope in the younger generation of queer people. Thailand also being the popular tourist destination that it is, will attract more tourism and businesses due to their progressive ideas and stance on inclusion, contributing to their reputation as a friendly and accepting nation.
Though Thailand has taken this powerful step towards marriage equality, they remain the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex relations in a region where members of the LGBTQ+ community can face discrimination, incarceration, and other types of violence. With religious conservativism on the rise in many regions in Southeast Asia, heterosexual relations are still criminalized in several countries, Myanmar, Brunei, and Malaysia included. Now that Thailand has proven their stance on marriage equality and become an outlier in the region, the hope is that other countries follow this groundbreaking lead. There is still much work to be done, but the effort that Thailand has put in thus far to showcase that love is love will prove inspiring to this generation and the next.
The announcement of the approved marriage equality bill took place within my first month of living in Thailand. It instilled in me a sense of pride and gratitude for being able to be in the country when this historic achievement is being made. In my home country, I experienced working at a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of women, children, and gender diverse people. Our organization was inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community and worked tirelessly to create positive change in our society. Coming to Thailand and being able to follow the passing of this bill gave me a sense of belonging and connection to the values of this country.

[Reese Clapp]

Reply to Mwezi’s post:
I think this is an interesting article, especially when you point out that free speech is a theoretical right, but not always upheld because of the damages that it can cause. I believe that as a foreigner living in Thailand it is crucial to learn about the political and economic norms of the country to ensure we can be safe and aware in our environment. I think that it is often the case that big companies are often not held liable in these kinds of cases when they have more access to resources. Great article, thank you for sharing!

[Megan Frintner]

Article: https://www.npr.org/2024/06/20/nx-s1-5010403/in-a-win-for-thailands-lgbtq-community-lawmakers-vote-to-legalize-same-sex-marriage#:~:text=LOUISE%20KELLY%2C%20HOST%3A-,In%20Thailand%2C%20lawmakers%20have%20voted%20overwhelmingly%20to%20legalize%20same%2Dsex,to%20permit%20same%2Dsex%20marriage.

I decided to read the NPR article “In a win for Thailand’s LGBTQ community, lawmakers vote to legalize same-sex marriage.” The interview included was originally heard on the NPR show All Things Considered. Mookdapa Yangyuenpradorn is interviewed. According to the article, “she helped enact the legislation. She works with the human rights organization Fortify Rights.” She described how over 130 lawmakers voted to legalize it, which is an overwhelming majority.

In addition, she described how the political landscape is changing socially in Thailand. She explained that “It’s been a decade ago – like, eight or nine years that, you know, Thailand has been in this state with the military coup, with the government that’s been, you know, oppressive in terms of rights and freedoms in so many ways. So I think when people are coming onto the streets to demand change in the nationwide protest in 2020, that kind of triggers a very big shift in the political views landscape in Thailand, where, you know, the people are demanding change.” Because of the increased desire for political change throughout Thai society, they are looking forward to what they could accomplish next, such as getting a bill passed that decriminalizes sex work.

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