ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Carly Hodgins]

Hi Robyn,
I found your article really interesting and I love your connection to back home in Scotland and their education system. The article’s discussion on Thailand’s integration of student-centered learning and technology in education reflects a very forward-thinking approach within our media based world. These strategies not only cater to diverse learning styles but also prepare students for the challenges of the 21st-century economy. As an aspiring teacher, I am excited about the opportunity to witness and help contribute to these innovative practices firsthand during my time teaching in Thailand. However, I am mindful of potential challenges, such as language barriers in some schools where English proficiency may be limited. Although, I see this as an opportunity for cultural exchange and mutual learning, where I can share my knowledge while also immersing myself in Thai culture and language. In conclusion, I am eager to engage with Thailand’s educational community, contribute to its goals of providing quality education, and learn from its rich cultural traditions. I believe this experience will not only enrich my professional development but also deepen my understanding of global educational practices and their impact on diverse student populations.

Thank you for sharing this article.

[Vuyo Sidinile]

Article: https://www.iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/travel/7-affordable-ways-to-experience-thailand-on-a-r150-budget-bc81f44f-5aeb-4a84-a816-4c17bac32cf2

Title: ‘7 affordable ways to experience Thailand on a R150 budget’

Thailand seems to have done away with an international tourism fee of 300 Baht (150 Rands). The Rand is the local currency here in South Africa (denoted with an ‘R’). While this is not a staggering sum, tourism from South Africa to Thailand has more than doubled from 2022 to 2023.

The article goes on to describe various tourist destinations all throughout Thailand, most of which are national parks and temples. While most people tend to visit the ‘glamourous’ areas of Thailand – the islands, the resorts, the sky bars – this article did well to highlight that many interesting places in Thailand can be enjoyed at little personal cost. Some places, such as the ruins of Ayutthaya Historical Park and Wat Rong Khun, can be accessed for as little as R25.

Now, this obviously pertains to me and the rest of us since we are travelling to Thailand. While I’m obviously going to spend most of my time in one place, I’d very much like to travel all over the country and even to surrounding countries. The more I can see at low cost, the more I’ll be able to see, full stop 🙂 What’s more, the fact that the article highlighted a lot of national parks served as a bit of a reminder that a big part of what makes Thailand special and attractive is its nature, and it would be a shame to overlook that in favour of the ‘hot spots’.

[Vuyo Sidinile]

Hi Geoff. I had no idea Thailand had such a problem with air quality. It’s honestly a bit concerning if I get placed up north and end up getting sick. Considering we’ve been informed that Thailand is a dictatorship at the moment, I’m curious to see how their courts will fare compared to those of democratic countries, especially since dictatorship is not the same thing as tyranny.

In any case, I hope the environmentalists win their cases and that the farmers find a financially viable alternative to burning their fields.

[George Long]

Thailand has made remarkable progress in socio-economic development. The economy grew at an impressive rate of 7.5% between 1960 and 1996, and 5% during the years 1999 to 2005, following the Asian Financial Crisis. This growth created millions of jobs and expanded social security, including health insurance.

However, there has been a shift away from the export-led model that powered Thailand’s economic growth, coupled with a stagnation in foreign direct investment (FDI) and global value chain participation. The Human Capital Index for Thailand is 0.61, indicating that the future productivity of a child born today will be 39% below what could have been achieved with complete education and full health.

Education has been highlighted as a key solution. By upskilling children through effective education, Thailand can increase the rate of modernisation and enhance integration into global value chains, providing access to a higher volume of effective workers.

[Richard Haines]

The article, “Don’t Become A Teacher In Thailand If…” highlights perceptions, challenges, and other considerations related to teaching and being a teacher in Thailand. It offers perspective and advice for overcoming trepidations one might encounter as one sets out to have the life of a TEFL teacher in Thailand and to feel more prepared as one moves forward along that path. It allows one, as it has this reader, even where advice may be lacking on any particular specific concern likely to find its way into the thought-gears of the reader, to imagine for oneself how the challenge might be met—the article and its comments lend themselves to robust thinking.

The first topic, the only of controversy where the others are of an is-or-isn’t nature, highlights the motivational variations among the children and a possibly confusing or concerning, if not lamentable, criteria of the Thai educational system: The educational system in Thailand seems to have the policy and practice of promoting children to the next level irrespective of earning a passing grade. It is not difficult to consider that in this the government takes this approach toward showing respect for the value and emphasis individual families and communities place on formal education. The author appears to stand in opposition to this implementation of education, but I do not stand in judgement. I value life experiences and kindness and adding value to society, no less one’s immediate society as society at large, and the formal education required to do so is arguably minimal. I myself would not make an argument against the policy, even in the face of such an argument that it is reasonable to consider and even conclude that a person given to providing an acceptable level of benefit to one’s immediate rather than at-large community could yet do so, and more so, with a good education attained through having paid greater attention to and undertaken greater achievements of formal education. Where the Thai government seems to abjure from overriding the values of the family in this matter I am happy to find myself free from worry where it is concerned—I will not discount a family’s opinion that individuals will become what they may, including estimating that those meant for achievement will achieve.

Anecdotally, a dear friend, if somewhat estranged, has a brilliant, amazing son who dropped out of high school. He was rather allowed to as he was born in Thailand and, as a non-citizen of the U.S., was not confined or otherwise tethered to the compulsory education of the United States. He was 16 years old when he dropped out. He is now, at 18yo, a YouTube content provide, influencer—if of a lesser status currently—affiliate earning increasingly good money from channel subscriptions and views and a storefront on that media provider and from the advertisements that air during the course of his videos. I will not be one who suggests that a compulsory education would not have held him back or otherwise, but I do see value in a system that refrains from doing the so.

The remaining caveats to becoming a teacher in Thailand are: Not speaking Thai; Needing clear direction and clear communication from schools; and not liking children.

The article, along with the comments thereon, provides prospective and even, I can imagine, no less than somewhat seasoned teachers the opportunity for improvement through the undertaking of serious considerations of the issues it raises and the requisite companion identification and implementation of how to be one’s best in response to those issues. As well, many of the comments are well constructed and hold potential for being of value to many of us on this journey.

The topics in that article relate to me as someone “traveling to, or living in, Thailand” in the fundamental way of raising and discussing issues the consideration of which in me will color the lens of my vision for completing my certification and being my best version of a teacher.

[Richard Haines]

Though I have become somewhat more comfortable that in completing this assignment I am not compromising my freedom of speech as it is not impossible access to this forum is limited to program students and administrators, I continue with some concern for the implications of being compelled to complete it. Free speech involves not only rights related to the condition of speaking but also rights related to the condition of not speaking.

Of course, as students we must complete assignments and as teachers we must speak, and it is imaginable and somewhat expected that we will find ourselves in positions of having to put forth ideas that are not entirely our own. But being compelled to expose our ideas here to strangers, absent as in the premise the ability to share and the comfort of sharing physical, or even visual, proximity to those others is not that. In this, there is discomfiture for having no idea with whom I am sharing my ideas and writing skills (or otherwise) and for the reality that people who will not be using my expressions herein toward the determination of my TEFL certification will yet have access to them.

Where a classroom or other in-person virtual-conferencing scenario is complete with the security and sense of security that can be had from those types of proximity, this online forum may reasonably be considered or recognized as providing no such security or sense of security. One may even naturally and reasonably be concerned that our expressions in the forum are accessibly, even as a matter of policy, to the schools to which we may be applying and to the Thai government. Though in this latter it is only natural and desirable that the Thai government choose to screen its potential teachers should it so choose, still it is also only natural for one to hope to have knowledge of such access or potential access so that one might utilize the opportunity of the knowledge to employ the pragmatism and deference due that entity. It is only under duress that one speaks where little to no sense of security and no sense of how one’s expressions are likely to be utilized is felt. That is not consistent with freedom of speech.

I have submitted my article summary / analysis, am now submitting this, but am yet struggling with exposing myself to the unknown through the Introduction requirement.

[Charlotte Frisch-Duff]

This was a really interesting article to read paired with a highly insightful response.
Growing up I also studied a second language of Japanese, and I agree with both the author of the article and Kate, that not all learning needs to be expensive to be beneficial. In the new age of social media, internet and data, we have more and more opportunities to benefit the younger generations with life skills and technology skills that weren’t available to the generations before them. While I do agree with using traditional paper and written exams to encourage good use of handwriting and to prevent unfortunate circumstances within an exam setting, such as technology not loading and saving files for an assignment, free resources like Youtube and Duolingo can go very far in creating knowledge of any second language.

[George Long]

Thailand has made remarkable progress in socio-economic development. The economy grew at an impressive rate of 7.5% between 1960 and 1996, and 5% during the years 1999 to 2005, following the Asian Financial Crisis. This growth created millions of jobs and expanded social security, including health insurance.

However, there has been a shift away from the export-led model that powered Thailand’s economic growth, coupled with a stagnation in foreign direct investment (FDI) and global value chain participation. The Human Capital Index for Thailand is 0.61, indicating that the future productivity of a child born today will be 39% below what could have been achieved with complete education and full health.

Education has been highlighted as a key solution. By upskilling children through effective education, Thailand can increase the rate of modernisation and enhance integration into global value chains, providing access to a higher volume of effective workers.

https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/thailand#:~:text=Thailand%20became%20an%20upper%2Dmiddle,in%20less%20than%20a%20generation.

[Charlotte Frisch-Duff]

The article “When climate comittments fall short”, written by Dave Kendall, discusses the importance of further climate action needed to be taken by all states in order to prevent irreversible changes to the environment from overexposure to emissions. While in 2022, the Thai government submitted lower emission goals and carbon neutrality by 2030, these policies still remain the slowest of all ASEAN states in combatting the climate crisis.
The article then goes on to discuss the potential business risks with a lack of adequate adaptation from both the state and businesses in funding and innovating renewable/clean energy, and moreover focusing on fossil fuel resources as a form of profit, which then could potentially lead to business economic potential becoming erased, as stricter emission policies would override business potential, which means that business organisations may come to a complete halt, rather than a smooth transition, if they choose not to adapt to a modern era of energy resources. Currently, it is predicted that by 2030 the world will reach it’s peak use of fossil fuels, before renewable energy overrides fossil fuels as a main source of energy, and again, if businesses only focus on short term profit gain rather than a slower, but still strong profit gain through both renewable and fossil energy, business profit potential could be loss at an amount exceeding 530 Billion Baht. The former option of short term gain can be seen to be favoured through the expansion of the Nong Fab LNG pipeline and Map Ta Phut terminal 3 LNG pipeline. Therefore, while the rest of the world is attempting to innovate themselves forward into a world of clean and renewable energy, Thailand/’s actions could potentially lead their energy economy stranded, and cause longer term issues within our current climate emergency. This is an important article as it helps travellers to understand more about Thailand’s economy basis and how it compares to other ASEAN nations in emissions targets, which can potentially lead to education within the country and discussions on sustainability and preservation of a healthy environment, and similarly to Australia, I can see how resources are valued within society, but also gives me the knowledge to help educate on the importance of the current climate emergency.

[Charlotte Frisch-Duff]

Related article:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/2834763/when-climate-commitments-fall-short

The article “When climate committments fall short”, written by Dave Kendall, discusses the importance of further climate action needed to be taken by all states in order to prevent irreversible changes to the environment from overexposure to emissions. While in 2022, the Thai government submitted lower emmission goals and carbon neutrality by 2030, these policies still remain the slowest of all ASEAN states in combatting the climate crisis.
The article then goes on to discuss the potential business risks with a lack of adequate adaptation from both the state and businesses in funding and innovating renewable/clean energy, and moreover focussing on fossil fuel resources as a form of profit, which then could potentially lead to business economic potential becoming erased, as stricter emission policies would override business potential, which means that business organisations may come to a complete halt, rather thn a smooth transition, if they choose not to adapt to a modern era of energy resources. Currently, it is predicted that by 2030 the world will reach it’s peak use of fossil fuels, before renewable energy overrides fossil fuels as a main source of energy, and again, if businesses only focus on short term profit gain rather than a slower, but still strong profit gain through both renewable and fossil energy, business profit potential could be loss at an amount exceeding 530 Billion Baht. The former option of short term gain can be seen to be favoured through the expansion of the Nong Fab LNG pipeline and Map Ta Phut terminal 3 LNG pipeline. Therefore, while the rest of the world is attempting to innovate themselves forward into a world of clean and renewable energy, Thailands actions could potentially lead their energy economy stranded, and cause longer term issues within our current climate emergency. This is an important article as it helps travellers to understand more about Thailands economy basis and how it compares to other ASEAN nations in emissions targets, which can potentially lead to education within the country and discussions on sustainability and preservation of a healthy environment, and similarly to Australia, I can see how resources are valued within society, but also gives me the knowledge to help educate on the importance of the current climate emergency.

[Navjot Gurha]

Introduction to the Legal System and Legal Research of the Kingdom of Thailand

Thailand’s legal system is a unique blend of traditional Thai laws, codified laws, and international legal principles. The country’s legal framework is characterized by the coexistence of civil law and common law elements, stemming from Thailand’s historical influences and efforts to modernize its legal system. Thailand’s legal system is governed by the 1997 Constitution, which establishes a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral legislature, independent judiciary, and system of checks and balances. The judiciary plays a crucial role in interpreting and applying laws, ensuring the rule of law is upheld in Thailand.

One of the notable features of Thailand’s legal system is the emphasis on reconciliation and conciliation through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation and arbitration. These mechanisms play a significant role in resolving conflicts efficiently and cost-effectively, promoting harmony and social cohesion in Thai society. Thailand’s legal system also places a strong emphasis on protecting human rights, with constitutional provisions and international treaties safeguarding fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals. Overall, Thailand’s legal system reflects the country’s commitment to embracing a modern legal framework while preserving its unique cultural heritage and traditions.

Regardless of which country we live in, the law is intertwined into daily life. It means that consideration must be provided when acting to ensure that citizens and foreigners do not break the law. It creates deterrents to protect the harmony that is ingrained in Thai society.

[Navjot Gurha]

Overall, your article effectively communicates the complex interplay between climate action, business decisions, and economic implications. It calls for a paradigm shift in energy planning and outlines the potential consequences of inaction. By sparking discussions on sustainability, education, and environmental preservation, the articles encourages the reader to consider the broader implications of climate change and the need for proactive measures to mitigate its impacts.

[Thirza Kovacs]

Assignment 2: Thailand, Overview of the Thai Education System: A Regional Perspective: https://www.asiaeducationreview.com/others/news/overview-of-the-thai-education-system-a-regional-perspective-nwid-758.html
In this article the Thai education system is being explained from different angles: the historical, cultural and socioeconomic influences and the changes it was under the years. To give a short context: There are 12 years of free primary education, which changed in 2003, where compulsory education has been extended to 9 years. First you have six years of primary schooling, called Prathom 1 to 6, then three years of lower secondary education, Mattayom 1 to 3, and then 3 years of upper secondary education, called Mattayom 4 to 6. When you look on the historical side it is remarkable that the Thai alphabet was developed in the 13th century, even if it was just available to the male nobility and royalty. King Rama IV evolved the education system in the 19th century, when he involved western models. Consequently, the educational opportunities were opened to girls. In the 20th and 21st centuries the foundation was laid for the integration and Importance to learn English as well as the 12 years of government mandated education.
The curriculum offers Thai language, mathematics, science, and social studies, beginning at the age of six, which includes English language classes. In general, the government puts a strong emphasis on education and research, trying to get their university internationally recognized. For that purpose, it is no surprise that the partnering with big universities from UK, as well as the international collaboration is a big source for enriching the Thai education. We mustn’t also forget the cultural values which influenced the education system by emphasizing principles like respect for authority, social harmony, and community values which allows them to preserve their traditions throughout the curriculum.
It can be said that the Thai education system is looking into a bright future by its reforming and modernization, and for the international collaboration which is vital for the further development. In comparison to the European education system, we can find some similarities which is no surprise, since like mentioned above the Thai education system is working together with other worldwide recognized educational systems. For example, in Switzerland we have six years of primary school, three years of secondary school and 4 or six years of high school, depending on when you take the high school entrance exam. 9 years are mandatory, after you can choose an apprenticeship and go from there.
However, the emphasis the government put on education isn’t that much culturally based like in Thailand. Of course, we share the Swiss values in school and since we are a Christian religion-based country it has to some degree some influence. It must be said that our mindset and values have a lot to do with common European values and mindsets. One big difference I find between the two countries are that young children in Thailand are being taught more to being respectful to elders and in general to teachers and people with authority. Over the years I have been teaching in Swiss public school I could observe how the respect level has gradually been going down. Of course, this isn’t appliable to all schools. As somebody with a different educational background who is planning to teach in Thailand it is important to know their cultural influences and nuances on the education system. Knowing those it will hopefully prepare one for the job and prevent some major mistakes. In the end it is worth experiencing!

[Thirza Kovacs]

Hi Kate!

I found your article very interesting and it got me thinking about a few things. Coming from an European country, where the emphasis of achieving a higher education is quite strong I have the impression that although Thailand is half across the world away they are facing similar problems like we do. Learning the material by heart but not being encouraged to creative, out of the box thinking has been labeled recently as old fashioned learning which has some truth in it. In nowadays society kids don’t only need to learn things by heart, but they need to learn how to manage the world, which now comes hand in hand to technical basic knowledge. So implementing that factor into the school makes a lot of sense. Why not make use of it, since it is a part of the new generations daily life anyway? The concern of the mothers who express the “gaming” ability of their kids is understandable, since the excessive use can go sideways. But by teaching the student on how to make the best use fot technology for work and study achievement will widen their horizon and motivate them. However, When it comes to basic skills like read and writing and basic math it is my opinion, especially if the students are still very young, that technology is being selectively carefully used and more as an extra than a regularity. Let us hope that the education system will come to age appropriate solutions and that we as teachers can be up to date.

[Owen Amanya]

https://www.cnn.com/2016/01/08/asia/thai-racist-white-beauty-ad
This article explores an attitude towards skin color by Thai people as a culture .Thai beauty ad: ‘Just being white, you will win’ A new Thai beauty ad claiming white skin is the key to success unleashed a storm of criticism in Thailand, especially online, where people complained that the ad perpetuates damaging, racist ideas.“Just being white, you will win,” said Cris Horwang, a smiling pale-skinned actress, in the 50-second spot by Seoul Secret, a Thai beauty company. “ the actress’ expression turned despondent as her skin digitally altered to turn black. Horwang promised that the product, called Snowz, “will help you not to return to being dark.”“Eternally white, I am confident,” she added . On a Friday evening that followed, Seoul Secret pulled the video from its online platforms and issued a statement that stateted “(We) would like to apologize for the mistake and claim full responsibility for this incident. Our company did not have any intention to convey discriminatory or racist messages,” it said. “What we intended to convey was that self-improvement in terms of personality, appearance, skills, and professionality (sic) is crucial.” Another Thai ad drew accusations of racism.In 2013, when a Dunkin Donuts ad campaign in Bangkok’s train system showed a woman with her face painted black with the slogan ‘Break every rule of deliciousness.” The company later apologized. In That same year, ads for a skin-whitening cream by Unilever suggested the company would offer university scholarships to students with fairer skin.The ads sparked a wide debate about skin color, and the company said it hadn’t meant to “suggest racial discrimination,” while apologizing for any “misunderstandings.”

“I think it’s really ugly – I couldn’t believe this kind of ad is still coming out in Thailand,” Yukti Mukdawijitra, a professor of sociology and anthropology at Thailand’s Thammasat University, told CNN.Mukdawijitra said the ad reflected a pattern of racism that’s existed in Thailand for “centuries,” in which lighter-colored skin has been seen as a marker of privilege and status within the multi-ethnic society.But this has been compounded by the influence of the West.“Thai society wants to be a part of international society, so ideas of beauty are transferred from the West to Thailand as well.“Those who look Western, those who are white, those who have bodies that look like Westerners’, become preferable — in a way, people in Thailand internalize a colonial attitude into themselves.”More than a harmless aesthetic preference, this kind of thinking exacerbates social inequality, he said. Online, commenters echoed the indignation.“I have finished watching it. It is not ok,” read a comment on a Pantip, a popular Thai internet forum. “They forced us to suck this twisted logic. Created the wrong value. Promoted the madness in being white.” This atticle related to me as a person who wanted to travel to thailand because I am of African origin and wouldn’t love someone to missjudge me based on my skin colour just like I wouldn’t missjudge or disrespect anyone of a different racial background.

[Author]

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