ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Owen Amanya]

hello , I would like to appreciate your analysis of the article . most families in Thailand especially in the northern region experience curtain levels of poverty which deprives them of basic care such as health and education benefits . but on a positive note I would like to add to your analysis and that of the article as someone who lives with the communities in the northern parts of Thailand . richer members of the communities are building up a culture of looking out for less privileged students in the society and supporting them with school bills and sometimes home needs . this initiative by the richer members of the community has greatly impacted on the society by reducing school dropouts and also helped to improve togetherness among the community .

[Owen Amanya]

hello Justin ,
in regards to your quoted article , I would like to say that climate conditions in Thailand have greatly changed due to global worming . this has led to extremely hot seasons and rather short rain seasons . as a foreigner it takes time to adopt to the temperature levels especially in northern parts of Thailand . like you said hydration is very important and proper hygiene is mandatory since the extreme heat makes the body sweat more than the normal . which might result into skin infections . that is why tourists and people visiting Thailand are advised ton carry sunscreen lotions and other protections from direct sunlight for example shades for the eyes , hats for the head and are advised to wear light clothings during the hot seasons .but apart from that int provides a unique opportunity for people from extremely cold environments like Europe to experience new conditions .

[Owen Amanya]

hello Madeline Hall
allow me to also add to your presentation that according to research results, although revealing identity as LGBTQIA+ in Thai society nowadays will appear more and more. But that does not mean that all people in Thai society can accept this. Because
derived from past values, about the culture, beliefs, or living in society. All of them have an impact on being LGBTQIA+. Coming out to society as LGBTQIA+ takes courage and a firm standpoint. Revealing has both good and bad consequences. Extroverts must be ready for resistance or people who disagree, including the impact on daily life both in terms of living study including work because these effects can be a cause that affects the mind. Although Thailand has become more accepting of gender diversity it is a conditional acceptance. Because of the support of LGBTQIA+ in the field of law. In Thailand, there is not enough legal support. This is an important issue that makes a group of people of various genders come together to create a
campaign for LGBTQIA+ equality. One of the key issues of LGBTQIA+ demand for equality is marriage equality. The fact that LGBTQIA+ couples are unable to register their marriage like a male-female couple, it’s unfair to LGBTQIA+ couples because it means that couples can’t have the right to carry out paperwork for each other and including signing a child certification.

[Olivia Santos]

Complete Guide to the 2024 Thailand Vegetarian Festival

Every year, in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand celebrates the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, which is more commonly known as the Thailand Vegetarian Festival. The tradition dates back over a century and is rooted in the Chinese Taoist belief system. While the biggest celebrations occur in its origin of Phuket, Bangkok follows shortly behind its neighbor with a celebration still just as incredible. Participants of the festival acknowledge strict vegetarian, or jay/vegan diets and ceremonies to purify their bodies and minds, It’s believed that during the festival, the gods will bestow blessing and protection upon the participants and the community.
There are many stalls, vendors, and restaurants that celebrate the Thailand Vegetarian Festival. Many popular non-vegan restaurants will offer special vegan dishes to show their participation and attract the veggie loving crowd of Thailand. The festival is filled with different ceremonies, rituals, performances, and of course, food stalls and vendors selling all kinds of vegan and vegetarian food items. China Town, a few malls, San Luang Square, and the most popular, 7-11, are all active participants in the Thailand Vegetarian Festival, offering unique items for this special time of the year.
This article relates to me because I am a vegetarian myself and I can really appreciate how the Thai community comes together to honor those that devote themselves to the the Nine Emperor Gods Festival and the value it has on one’s body, mind, and soul. I am very excited that I will be in Thailand to experience this and it is the thing I am looking the most forward to during my time there. I can’t wait to witness all of the festivities and try all of the different things that will be offered during this special time in Thai culture. It will surely be my main reason for traveling out of Hua Hin and into Phuket or Bangkok during my stay.

[Olivia Santos]

Hi Kate,
I love that you chose education to focus on for your topic. As a first generation Asian-American college graduate, I think of the privileges we have in our education system a lot. Many people don’t realize how many more resources we have in our home countries that utilize technology to a much greater extent. Having access to devices that enable us to learn at what you mentioned was your own pace, is very valuable to every single learner and educator. I will be an educator when I journey to Thailand so this was great to read more about from your perspective as I definitely want my education style to be of value and service to all of my students as best as possible.

[Olivia Santos]

Hi Kate,
I love that you chose education to focus on for your topic. As a first generation Asian-American college graduate, I think of the privileges we have in our education system a lot. Many people don’t realize how many more resources we have in our home countries that utilize technology to a much greater extent. Having access to devices that enable us to learn at what you mentioned was your own pace, is very valuable to every single learner and educator. I will be an educator when I journey to Thailand so this was great to read more about from your perspective as I definitely want my education style to be of value and service to all of my students as best as possible.

[Jonathan Nader]

Thai cuisine is beloved worldwide for its unique blend of flavors, combining sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy elements to create vibrant dishes. Its origins reflect a mix of Eastern and Western influences, with historical roots in the use of aquatic animals, plants, and herbs, and limited meat due to Buddhist practices. The introduction of cooking techniques like frying by ancient Chinese settlers, and the later addition of chili peppers by Portuguese missionaries, have shaped classic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai and Khao Pad. Over time, the cuisine has evolved, with a shift from intense spiciness to a greater emphasis on fresh herbs like lemongrass and galangal.

As Thailand has developed into a major tourist destination and economic power, its cuisine has continued to adapt. The growth of fast food chains in urban and tourist areas reflects changing eating habits, although traditional practices, such as eating meals by hand while seated on the floor, persist in some households. Despite the influence of Western “farang food,” Thai cuisine remains distinct, celebrated for its balance of flavors and its ability to incorporate diverse influences while retaining its cultural identity.

The History Of Thai Food

[Destiny Ebido]

https://killerrelationship.quora.com/Why-does-Thai-people-like-spicy-food#:~:text=Some%20Thai%20people%20believe%20that,the%20flavors%20of%20the%20dishes.

The question is why Thai people love spicy food, this has been the question on almost all foreigners’ minds when they move here or visit Thailand for the first time. this article explained it perfectly and it’s not why you did this. Generally, we can all agree that Thai people just love the spiciness as it is a part of them, and they enjoy the taste.

This article lists several reasons which are – the climate, cultural influence, flavors, and social aspects. in conclusion, it’s a way of life and generally natural for the Thais to have a high spice tolerance level compared to people from other countries. This resonates with me as someone with an African background my taste buds are similar, and it made me adapt quickly to the food over here in Thailand and have no stomach upset which I’m grateful for.

[Laura Perry]

The Rising Girl Love Factor in Thailand’s Soft Power

“The Rising Girl Love Factor in Thailand’s Soft Power”
This article talks about how over the past few years, romantic TV series showcasing lesbian couples as the main focus have become increasingly more popular in Thailand. These kinds of shows are usually referred to as “girls love” or “gl,” and in the past have been largely overshadowed by the more popular “boys love” series, whether they are made in Thailand or other countries. The article discusses how Thailand has been announcing the releases of several new girls love series in just the past year and the effects they could have on the country, saying that they could offer “unique opportunities for economic gains, cultural influence, and positive image projection.” There are many fans of the girls love genre all over the world that would contribute to viewership, which in turn would help boost Thailand’s economy and encourage the normalization of the LGBTQ+ community there and in other countries.
The topic in this article relates to me because, not only am I a fan of both the girls love and boys love genres, but I am a part of the LGBTQ+ community myself. I have been happy to see the progress Thailand has made in regards to legalizing same-sex marriage and taking steps to give people more rights, but there’s still a lot of room for change. I think as more and more shows with LGBTQ+ content are produced from Thailand and become more popular, there will be less prejudice from people who are more traditional.

[Schuyler Hertel]

Thailand’s Tourism Industry – Adapting to Changing Times: https://www.eiu.com/n/thailand-tourism-industry-adapting-to-changing-times/
I chose the article “Thailand’s Tourism Industry: Adapting to Changing Times,” from October 6, 2022. It dives into how Thailand’s tourism is bouncing back after the COVID-19 pandemic, though it still has a long way to go. By the end of August 2022, Thailand saw about 4.4 million international arrivals, a huge improvement from the previous year’s numbers. However, this is still far below the 30 million visitors it used to get annually before the pandemic. One big reason for this gap is the significant drop in tourists from China, which used to be Thailand’s top source market. Even though things are improving, it has taken till 2024 to get back near pre-pandemic levels.
The article also talks about how Thailand is changing its approach to tourism. Instead of relying on mass tourism, the country is now focusing on attracting high-spending visitors through a new Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa. This visa is designed to bring in wealthy individuals, retirees, and skilled professionals who will stay longer and invest in Thailand. On top of that, Thailand is using new marketing strategies to appeal to different kinds of tourists, like digital nomads and those interested in wellness. There’s also a push towards more sustainable tourism practices, with many businesses starting to use renewable energy and adopting eco-friendly practices.
As someone who will soon be traveling and living in Thailand, this article is quite insightful. Using this article to refer to when traveling and planning trips, I can find new types of attractions and services that cater to my different interests and a stronger focus on sustainability. For those living in Thailand, the recovery of the tourism sector could bring more job opportunities and local economic growth, which is definitely a positive change. As someone traveling to or living in Thailand, the article really helps me understand the local economy better. It’s clear that tourism is a major part of Thailand’s economy, and knowing how it’s recovering gives me a good sense of the local job market and business environment. With the tourism industry adapting and diversifying, it’s interesting to see how this might impact various aspects of daily life here. Overall, it’s exciting to see how Thailand is adapting and evolving in the face of global challenges

[Benny Abeysundera]

The History of Thai Cuisine: From its Origins to Modern Times

The article delves into the rich history of Thai cuisine, tracing its origins back to the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai, which laid the foundation for modern Thailand. Over centuries, Thai food evolved through a blend of influences from neighbouring cultures including Malaysia, China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, and India. Key to its development were the introduction of chillies by the Portuguese and rice from China in the 1500s, which revolutionised Thai cooking. The article emphasises the fusion of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavours that define Thai cuisine, highlighting its reliance on traditional ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, and fish sauce. The global journey of Thai food began with migration and trade, reaching England in the 19th century and gaining significant popularity in the 1960s and 70s.

For someone who loves different cuisines, Thai food is a big interest of mine. I love to cook and explore various types of food, and understanding the deep-rooted traditions and ingredients of Thai cooking not only enhances my appreciation for the dishes, but also provides valuable insights for my own cooking.

[Schuyler Hertel]

.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by Schuyler Hertel.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 8 months ago by Schuyler Hertel.

[Schuyler Hertel]

Your summary of the article “First-time voters eager for their say” is really insightful. It’s exciting to see so many young people stepping up and pushing for changes like better public services and government transparency. Their use of social media to educate themselves is a smart move, especially given the challenges they face. It’ll be interesting to see how this new generation of voters influences future elections in Thailand. Thanks for sharing!

[Laura Perry]

This is interesting information, and it’s good to know this before going to Thailand. If someone isn’t careful about what they say, they might get in trouble. People from the United States might be more used to expressing their opinion, which might be difficult to change when moving to another country.

[Isabella Johnson]

Thailand: Child protesters face ‘severe repercussions’ for taking part in mass demonstrations

For this assignment, I chose to analyze an article titled “Thailand: Child protesters face ‘severe repercussions’ for taking part in mass demonstrations”, published online by Amnesty International. The article is about the over two hundred child protesters in Thailand currently facing criminal charges due to public demonstrations pushing for economic, political, and societal liberalization. The Thai government has used very invasive strategies to punish these children, such as stalking and inappropriate interrogation. A specific instance of this hostility was when three minors were shot with firearms due to their protesting. Many protesters are forced to flee the country to escape repercussions for speaking out.
This issue is relevant to my experience in Thailand because as a US citizen, I am used to being able to protest (mainly) freely. Of course, even in the US, there are severe limitations to the right to protest, and often the government does use unnecessary force and violence against protesters. However, simply my involvement in protests has never resulted in legal repercussions. I need to be mindful of how different Thai culture is from the US, specifically I need to keep in mind I cannot share political opinions while I’m over in Thailand. While I usually do not hesitate to stand up for a cause, that is something I simply will not do in Thailand, for fear of deportation or legal repercussions. Reading this article did increase my feelings of gratitude to be in a country in which there are more rights to protest.

[Author]

Posts