ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Emilie Lalancette]

Reply to Alyssa Johnstone

Very good easy to follow summary of your article! In the course we learnt that Thailand was still able to survive during Covid but the lack of tourism during this time without a doubt had an impact on the economy and small businesses. You mentioned strategies used to boost tourism and I would like to mention the new free 60 day travel visa when you enter Thailand! This is definitely an encouraging strategy for people wanted to travel.

[Luyanda Mngadi]

Hi Faith, Thank you for highlighting this. Thailand as a collectivistic society is moving on the right track of diversifying and ensuring every student is included as education should be. I am glad you come with skills and are willing to share and support both learner and teacher in this transition for everybody’s benefit. Thank you.

[Luyanda Mngadi]

Related Article: https://www.bangkokpost.com/learning/community/2668111/turning-waste-into-fuel

Climate change is a concern for us all, with noticeable changes worldwide, innovative ways to preserve our planet are crucial which is why this article resonated with me as someone due in Thailand in the next five days. The article demonstrated the collectivistic culture of how people are constantly working together in all things for the betterment of all. The article tackles ways to dispose of plastic as reports have placed Thailand 6th highest for plastic waste in the ocean.

Traditional ways used without adequate information of disposing of plastic leading to environmental issues, the Suphanburi Waste Revolution Coalition Enterprise Chairperson has brilliantly found a way to turn plastic waste into gasoline. Peerada says: “Most types of plastic can be recycled and turned back into gasoline”. An idea that does not only serve a single community but can be for the world. This ingenious thought has great benefits as the solid byproducts produced from the burned plastic can be used to make asphalt which makes or repairs roads. The gasoline produced is then sold at an affordable rate to farmers and others to better the community.

[Victoria Barrett]

Thailand’s Education Challenges and Issues: Navigating the Way Forward – https://medium.com/@a.thongkum/thailands-education-challenges-and-issues-navigating-the-way-forward-b641a99ab4bd

The above article discusses Thailand’s struggle with education especially in rural areas. Some schools across Thailand have limited funding which impacts the buying of up-to-date textbooks and technology. This can negatively impact their students as they build poor skills and essential knowledge to build a good future for themselves. There is also a teacher shortage in Thailand, especially in rural areas and subjects like maths and science. Due to teacher shortages, classrooms become overcrowded, resulting in stress for teachers and less individual attention for the student which may result in missing the student’s needs.

To overcome this trend of the current status of teaching in Thailand, the government needs to give more funding to schools to be able to afford the appropriate resources. They must also find a way to promote education to the public and give a possible incentive that will promote more people to to think about a teaching career. Within lesson plans teachers must try and add activities that allow children to think more independently for themselves, using methods like critical thinking and problem-solving activities.

This topic relates to me as being an experienced teacher in the UK. Our education system and syllabus are also adapting and we often use critical thinking and problem-solving methods in classrooms which I have seen a real positive change in students. They are more self-confident and self-driven to learn and improve. I will want to bring those methods to the classes I teach.

Victoria Barrett

[Molly Brown]

In the past few weeks, “Moo Deng” the baby hippo has been a hot topic in the media as people around the world obsess over the adorable baby hippo. While this writing topic profiling the beloved animal appears to be lighthearted and uplifting, the article titled “A baby hippo is going viral – and paying the price” details some harmful impacts that the hippo experiences.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy848292dr4o

The article provides that the zoo in which the baby hippo lives, has received an influx of visitors since Moo Deng’s entrance into fame. However, this increase in visitors has resulted in the poor treatment of Moo Deng including “Videos on social media show some visitors throwing shellfish and even splashing water on Moo Deng to try to coax her out of her sleep” in which the zoo has begun to threaten legal action towards perpetrators of the endangered animal (Marsh, 2024). The director of the zoo urges visitors to protect the animals and treat them well to keep them safe.

As a visitor in Thailand, this article highlights the importance of respecting wildlife and respecting the guidelines and rules of the environment. Before reading this article, I had heard about the endangerment of elephants in Thailand and how some sanctuaries promote sustainable and safe tourist interactions with wildlife. Regardless of the animal or the environment that visitors are in, it is very important to respect, understand and make efforts to abide by rules and protections that keep the animals safe. I think this is a highly important subject as a visitor, seeing as this type of tourism is popular among visitors.

[Molly Brown]

Hi Faith! I found your summary to be very interesting as special education in Thailand is a topic that I did not really know much about. First, I think your background in teaching special education is going to help you have such a positive impact on your students and in your environment! Second, I really liked your idea about having special education teachers collaborate with regular teachers, so that the education system can advance and move towards creating a strong school system for all students! I think your topic highlights some really valuable points regarding inclusion in schools!

[Steven Reynolds]

Article: Nearly 6 million children affected as floods and landslides devastate Southeast Asia in the wake of Typhoon Yagi – UNICEF https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/nearly-6-million-children-affected-floods-and-landslides-devastate-southeast-asia
Summary:

Typhoon Yagi has wreaked havoc across Southeast Asia, causing widespread flooding and landslides in Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. The disaster has impacted close to 6 million children, disrupting their access to essential services such as clean water, education, and healthcare. Infrastructure damage, including roads, telecommunications, and electricity networks, has further exacerbated the situation. In northern Thailand, heavy rainfall and subsequent floods have affected approximately 64,000 children, with some schools being completely destroyed. Teachers are adapting to the circumstances by using online learning and delivering materials directly to students’ homes.

The article highlights the far-reaching consequences of natural disasters, particularly for vulnerable populations like children. The destruction of schools and disruption of basic services underscore the challenges communities face in recovering from such events. Although the article doesn’t directly focus on Loei, which is where I will be teaching, it does provide important context for my upcoming move.

While Loei is situated in a region generally (Isaan) less prone to typhoons, the recent events serve as a reminder of the potential impact of natural disasters in Thailand. Although my stay is relatively short, it is still prudent to be aware of the risks and prepare accordingly. I have researched Loei’s specific vulnerability to flooding and other national disasters to prepare myself to be of assistance to my new school community should the need arise. Having a plan in case of an emergency is always a good idea. Furthermore, the article’s focus on the disruption of infrastructure and services underscores the importance of having contingency plans for transportation, communication, and access to basic necessities in the event of unforeseen circumstances. You can take the man out of public health, but you can’t take public health out of the man. 😉

[Steven Reynolds]

Hi Victoria, I enjoyed reading your concise and accurate summary of the article, highlighting key issues like the funding gap in rural schools and the teacher shortage, especially in STEM fields. Your discussion on the impact on students, hindering skill development and future prospects, is insightful.

The proposed solutions, increased funding, promoting the teaching profession, and incorporating critical thinking activities, are practical and align with the article’s recommendations. I liked that you connected your personal teaching experience in the UK to the Thai context. Your emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing educational challenges.

Overall, your summary is well-structured, insightful, and demonstrates a clear understanding of the article’s key points. Your personal connection to the topic adds an extra layer of understanding and credibility.

Cheers,
Steve

[Evelyn Warren]

Hi Molly! I appreciate your summary on respecting and taking care of Thailand’s endangered wildlife. It seems as though sometimes people get so caught up in a situation that they wish to experience in a certain way that they (whether accidentally or purposefully) disrupt the peace and/or safety of the animal. I love that Moo Deng’s caretakers have threatened to pursue legal action on those that bother her, as it seems not enough places across the world care enough for their animals livelihoods. As someone who loves animals, I am grateful that you took the time to shed light on the other end of Moo Deng’s newfound fame, as well as remind everyone who travels to Thailand that there are sustainable and respectful places to go visit the country’s amazing wildlife.

-Evelyn

[Geoffrey Rains]

Reply to Steven Reynolds

Hi Steven, I found the article interesting and informative as I was wondering what the overall effects were from Typhoon Yagi at this point in time. A few days before I left Australia I was concerned about how the storm and flooding may impact my trip.

I thought your summary of the article was interesting and exact. I’m also a strong believer in contingency plans, a plan ‘b’ or back up plan. Prior preparation prevents poor outcomes in most cases. You have obviously put in plenty of time in researching and preparing for your stint in Isaan. I think that will set you up for a great teaching experience there! Wish you all the best with it.

Geoff

[Emilie Lalancette]

Article: https://www.viator.com/en-CA/blog/How-To-Have-an-Ethical-Elephant-Experience-in-Thailand/l98945

As elephants have always been my favourite animal, I chose an article that highlights the importance of choosing an ethical elephant sanctuary as a tourist in Thailand. Firstly, the article mentions that Thailand is well known for its elephant experiences but that not all experiences are held ethically as Thailand holds 3 quarters of the world’s captive elephants. However, when a tourist chooses an ethical sanctuary, they can get an excellent experience all while getting educated and conserving natural habitats.

The article then proceeds to list off what makes an experience with an elephant ethical. This list mentions the difference between sanctuaries and camps, the negative aspect of riding or bathing an elephant, the meaning behind a trained elephant that does tricks or performances, etc. The author also mentions things to consider, such as positive reinforcements, natural behaviours, and more. Lastly, the article gives tips on how to choose an elephant tour, but the most important thing to do as a tourist is to do your research. Look online, ask around, and even take a look in person before paying for something that might not be ethical.

I found this article helped me out a lot, as my dream is to have an experience with the elephants in Thailand. I will make sure to do my research before doing so!

[Miles Archibald-Wright]

Article “https://www.traveldailynews.asia/organizations/tat-strengthens-visit-thailand-year-2023-towards-a-meaningful-travel-direction/” TAT strengthens “Visit Thailand Year 2023” towards a meaningful travel direction.
I read an article that discusses Thailand’s tourism recovery in 2023, particularly through its “Visit Thailand Year 2023” campaign. This campaign focuses on sustainable and high-value tourism, aiming to promote the country as a year-round destination. One key aspect is the emphasis on experience-based tourism, which showcases Thailand’s cultural strengths—referred to as the “5F foundations” (Food, Film, Festival, Fight, and Fashion). By promoting cultural experiences like food tours, festivals, and wellness retreats, Thailand is targeting a range of travellers, from millennials to silver-age tourists. This focus on quality over quantity aligns with the global trend towards responsible tourism, appealing to travellers seeking immersive and meaningful experiences.

As someone traveling to/living in Thailand, the topics in this article are highly relevant. The emphasis on sustainable and responsible tourism matches my interest in exploring the country without contributing to over tourism. The promotion of off-peak travel and less-visited regions provides an opportunity to enjoy Thailand’s natural beauty and culture more authentically. Additionally, the focus on culinary tourism, like food markets and regional specialties, would allow me to experience the full spectrum of Thailand’s diverse cuisine. As the country recovers from the pandemic, the article indicates that infrastructure is being revamped, making travel more accessible and enjoyable for long-term visitors or residents.

[Miles Archibald-Wright]

Replying to Kate D’s post:
I really appreciate what you’ve said in your comment, especially the focus on integrating technology into education and using different learning styles to cater to diverse students. It’s insightful how you mention that free software and critical thinking skills can be introduced without needing a huge budget, which is something many school systems struggle with. The connection you make between your own learning experiences and the potential language barrier you’ll face while teaching in Thailand shows great foresight. As someone who will be entering the field it will be very interesting to try and see what teaching methods will be best and hopefully see improvements made at schools over time.

[Divashan Naidoo]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2584781/young-thais-need-better-learning-experiences

“Young Thais need better learning experiences”, an insight into a parents view of how the education system could be upgraded to match the advancing technologies, free softwares and critical thinking learners could benefit from.

Educational systems vary all over the world, England has for quite some time introduced a very interactive learning style with iPads for instance more commonly used in a class room then not. The article suggests that a huge budget would not necessarily be required if just some of the free alternatives were implemented.

Growing up I had access to resources in schools that allowed me to learn at my pace. However, not everyone benefits from that learning style. It has made me think about the learning styles I’ll use, especially given that there will be a language barrier.

The main point of the article is that “There is simply no need to delay upgrading our young people’s educational experiences and outcomes when we can start today.” This makes me think about the approach to having a positive and rewarding impact, using a variety of learning styles to keep the students engaged in my lessons when I am in Thailand.

[Divashan Naidoo]

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/urgent-reforms-needed-to-tackle-thailands-education-inequality#google_vignette

I found an article that discusses the pressing issue of education inequality in Thailand, which has become a significant barrier to social mobility and national development. A major concern is that while Thailand has made significant strides in education reforms since the 19th century, disparities still persist, particularly between students from different socio-economic backgrounds. Wealthier students have access to high-quality education, whereas children from lower-income families often struggle with inadequate resources and opportunities. The former prime minister highlighted that inequality in education leads to a ripple effect, resulting in unequal access to jobs and long-term opportunities. Despite government efforts, substantial reforms are still needed to ensure equal access to quality education across all regions and social classes​.

As someone traveling to or potentially living in Thailand, understanding these dynamics is crucial, especially if you’re working in education or social services. The country’s commitment to education is clear, with continued investment in teacher training, technological tools in classrooms, and vocational training programs. However, being aware of these challenges allows for a better appreciation of the socio-political environment, and it could also inform how you engage with local communities. Whether you plan to teach, volunteer, or simply understand Thai society, knowing the education landscape can help you contribute to or navigate Thailand’s broader goal of inclusive growth

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