ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Evelyn Warren]

Exploring Thailand’s Vibrant Contemporary Art Scene https://thailanddude.com/exploring-thailands-vibrant-contemporary-art-scene/
This article I found on Thailand’s contemporary art scene is from a blog-style website that promotes discussions between those who live in Thailand, wish to visit, or have visited in the past, about topics ranging from food to culture, politics to religion, art to outdoor activities, and more. This particular article highlights the artists, artistic styles and mediums, and popular locations that make up the country’s thriving and growing contemporary art scene.
Some of the hot topics within the country’s art scene are politics, environmental change, the impact of globalization, and social inequality. As Thailand is a country where it is illegal and frowned upon to criticize the monarchy (or the way things traditionally are) I found it very fascinating that so many artists are pushing this boundary with their work. Because they are not speaking or protesting out loud, it has created large amounts of discourse among the Thai people as to what the boundaries are in art. Can there truly be any? Can art be regulated? Is it a societal duty to shed light on topics such as these?
However, Thai contemporary art doesn’t strictly cover only these subjects. Others have included experiences of life, death, human connection, and what it means to be a Thai person in today’s ever-changing world. Though many new artistic techniques have been developed over the years (such as digital art and AI), many Thai artists still integrate traditional methods, such as gold leaf, into their works. This both preserves artistic traditions while also pushing the Thai contemporary art scene into the future.

[Noah Gustafson]

Hi Emilie, I loved reading through your summary about elephants. I am also someone who loves them and want to make sure that they are given the respect that they deserve. I learned a lot reading through your summary and actually pulled up the whole article as well, to make sure I only go on ethical elephant experiences.

[Noah Gustafson]

Article: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/06/unlocked-i-left-the-united-states-and-relocated-to-thailand.html

As I am moving to Thailand I wanted to read someone’s account of what it is like to move there. I happened to find the perfect article, Paul Lee moved to Thailand in 2021, at the age of 28, the age I am as well. He tells CNBC that despite being able to help his parents retire and having a great deal of success, he still felt as though that he needed a fresh start. It all started with a visit to Thailand and 5 months later he moved there.
He then mentions that moving to Bangkok from New York City was a big change and costs went down quite a lot, he eats out every meal, saying the food is more homey and a lot spicier, something I will enjoy as well. He also mentions how he is not as materialistic as he once was, which is something that I struggle with all the time and hope to be able to make that some kind of change while in Thailand as well. FInally, he says that his parents were shocked he would move so far, but they ended up moving as well, though they moved to South Korea. It was great to read through someone’s account of them moving to Thailand to get another example of what to expect when moving there.

[Geoffrey Rains]

Article: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2867263/why-consider-online-education-for-your-child

This article covers the pros of online schooling and learning for Thais and anyone else for that matter. It is a sponsored article for the UK based Kings InterHigh online school. It was interesting to me because it made me wonder if this is the direction schooling is going to take in the not too distant future, particularly Thailand and is in person classroom teaching going to become less popular as we move forward? I personally think a balance of both is the best way to go but tailoring learning to individual needs and requirements is obviously the most important thing.
The article, for me, reaffirms my need to learn more about using computers, laptops and all the apps and programs that go along with them especially in the field of teaching.

[James Brown]

http://thingsasian.com/story/thailands-shakespeare-sunthorn-phu

This article recounts the life and works of Sunthorn Phu (1786-1885), who is called the People’s Poet of Thailand. The author of the article addresses why such a revered poet- who critics have compared to Shakespeare and Chaucer, who was officially recognized by UNESCO in 1986, and for whom a festival is held every year on June 26th in Klaeng- has gained almost no recognition outside of Thailand. The obvious answer is that there are hardly any translations of the poet’s works. The author of the article then asks why there is such a dearth of translations and posits that there are several reasons why this is the case. The first reason is that is that there are few translations of Thai literature in general because of the difficulties inherent in the Thai language. The second reason stated in the article is that the poet’s corpus was massive. His masterpiece alone, the Phrai Abhai Mani is 94 volumes. The third reason is that the poet had a complicated relationship with the royalty of Thailand both during and after his life. Although he was under royal patronage for much of his life, he had a popular appeal because of his simple language and the raw emotion of his writing, leading the court to dismiss his writing as “market verse.” Since his death, the royalty has not extensively promoted his work and continues to exercise control over what Thai literature is deemed suitable for popularization. Finally, the author of the article alludes to the poet’s questionable morals and extensive jail time as contradicting the belief that Buddhist philosophy involves curtailing one’s desires, a belief which Thailand wants to promote.
The latter part of the article emphasizes the ways in which the poet can be compared and contrasted to the other romantic poets of his time. Like Wordsworth, Keats and Shelley he wrote love poetry and in reaction to the social upheavals of his time, and his works demonstrate a reverence for nature. Unlike the aforementioned romantic poets, his writings reflect a distinctively Buddhist faith in self-reliance. The article concludes by stating that recognition for the works of this great poet outside of Thailand is long overdue.
This article interests me on many levels as someone who will be living in Thailand. I believe that to understand a nation’s character and identity, it is essential to know its cultural heritage. How an artist navigates the particular social milieu in which they live, and how the different strata of that society nurture or suppress that artist’s creativity, are also important facets of that society’s political structure and the beliefs and passions of its people. Furthermore, I found the article enlightening as to how works of art, and artists, that are beloved by the people of one country can be virtually unknown to the wider world. Out of curiosity, I searched the author on Amazon and found only one work of his to be available, in French (the author of the article conducted a similar search and turned up nothing by the author, but the article was written in 2003). I also googled whether there were any American writers who have been recognized by UNESCO, and there was only one who I could find: Ray Bradbury, for his advancement of science. As someone who will be teaching the English language, I think it is incumbent upon me to educate myself about the literary proclivities of the society in which I will be teaching. The article has stimulated me to learn more about Sunthorn Phu and his literature so that I can better understand my students.

[Laura Fern]

James, thank you for sharing this article! Your reflection on the article resonates deeply, especially as you prepare for your time in Thailand. Understanding a nation’s cultural heritage through its literature can indeed provide great insights into its identity and societal dynamics. Your curiosity about local literary traditions and your commitment to learning about Sunthorn Phu will not only enrich your experience but also enhance your engagement with your students. It’s fascinating how local artists can remain underappreciated globally, emphasizing the importance of cultural context in understanding literature. Your proactive approach to educating yourself about Thai literature reflects a commendable dedication to your role as an educator. Your students are so lucky!

[Laura Fern]

(Article: https://www.thailandfoundation.or.th/culture_heritage/lakhon-thai-classical-dramatic-theater/)
This article is about Lakhon Thai, a traditional form of Thai classical dramatic theater. The article explores its rich history, distinctive features, and cultural significance within Thailand. Lakhon Thai combines elements of music, dance, and drama to tell stories, often drawn from Thai folklore, history, and literature. The performances are noted for their graceful movements, intricate costumes, and poetic dialogue, which reflect the aesthetics and traditions of Thai culture.

Originating during the Ayutthaya period, Lakhon Thai has undergone significant evolution, influenced by various cultural exchanges and the traditional arts of neighboring countries. The theatrical format is typically staged in a proscenium setting, allowing for a clear focus on both the narrative and character development. The art form plays a vital role in preserving Thai cultural heritage, serving as a medium for storytelling that conveys moral lessons and social values. It fosters a sense of national identity, connecting audiences to their historical roots. The article also highlights current efforts to sustain and revitalize Lakhon Thai amidst modernization and changing entertainment landscapes. These initiatives aim to keep this art form relevant and accessible to new generations, ensuring that its rich traditions continue to thrive in contemporary Thai society.

The topics in the article about Lakhon Thai are highly relevant for someone living in Thailand, offering valuable insights into the country’s cultural heritage and artistic traditions. For instance, understanding the complexities about Lakhon Thai can enhance your experience and interactions with locals by providing context for traditional festivals, ceremonies, and community events where Lakhon Thai might be performed. Additionally, many communities in Thailand hold events featuring Lakhon Thai performances. Being familiar with this art form can encourage you to participate in local cultural activities, fostering connections with your neighbors and deepening your immersion in Thai life. Finally, if you’re teaching or working in an educational setting, knowledge of Lakhon Thai can enrich your curriculum. Introducing students to their cultural heritage through Lakhon Thai can promote pride in their identity and inspire discussions about storytelling and performance arts.

[Aisling Mcinerney]

https://freezefrancis.medium.com/life-in-thailand-the-good-bad-and-the-ugly-addcf686f635

This article is written by a man, who like myself has moved to Thailand from his home country for work. This piece of work he has published describes, just as said in the title “the good, bad and the ugly”, the pros and cons that he has experienced living in this country as a non national. This article jumped out at me because it has given me realistic expectations for when I arrive.

He begins by discussing what he sees as the positive side to the country which begins of course with the kindness of the local people, he comments on the lack of discrimination towards anyone of any background, the gender equality for women in the working world and also the openness Thai people have to the LGBT community which is not neccesarily widely accepted in other middle eastern countries. As anyone who has been to Thailand can agree, tourism and travel are also high up on the list of pros with sheer variety of different places to see and things to do no matter what part of the country you are in, the public transport system was also commented on especially regarding the Bangkok area where traffic is a huge issue, however the train and bus systems offer a great alternative especially for interprovincial travel. He comments on the variety of different foods and dishes you can get no matter where in the country you are especially in the night markets which are both cheap and convenient for tourists and locals alike. Finally he comments on the overall safety of the country with relatively low crime rates and is being one of the safer countries for women to travel in Asia, which definitely is an important thing for me as a young woman coming to live here.

As with every country, there is a few cons to living here as well. The language barrier being one of the main issues which can be an issue almost every country you visit however I’m hoping that I will be able to practice and pick up different bits of Thai along the way in order to break this barrier for myself personally. Dual pricing is another issue where, the price for a Thai citizen can be up ti 10 times cheaper for entry into different national parks and other attractions compared to an expat, no matter how long they have been living in the country. The extremity of the heat in the summer time is another con listed that especially me as a Westerner will struggle to become accustomed to. Although Thailand is considered one of the safest countries to visit, road safety is where this country is let down due t the speed people drive and also the motorcycles can be a dangerous mode of transport.

Overall the author is delighted with his move to Thailand especially due to the generosity of the Thai people which he has found has rubbed off on him. I am looking forward to beginning my new life and facing both the pros and cons of living abroad head on.

[Aisling Mcinerney]

Hi Molly! Thanks so much for your insight on the unfortunate repercussions that follow when something is catapulted to fame almost overnight especially that of a tourist attraction. its so great to see how much attention the zoo has acheived over the short while because of this hippo going viral however it highlights how quickly something so positive can turn into more negative effects and have the potential to ruin the experience for others in the future . it would definitely make people think twice about their behaviour towards baby animals especially in a world that is so overrun by social media

[James Brown]

Hi Laura,
thank you for introducing me to Lakhon Thai through this informative article and your commentary on it. It is interesting to me how an art form can evolve and branch out over time with so many different permutations. As an American, I am not accustomed to art forms which reach so far back in time and have such a long history. I share your belief that understanding another country’s cultural heritage can enrich one’s experience of living in that country, and also that interacting with citizens from that country in a way that shows respect for, and knowledge of, their artistic traditions will enhance the relationships that are formed, whether it be teacher/student or otherwise. I find it fascinating and intriguing that the performing arts in Thailand are so closely intertwined with spiritual practices and a sense of the sacred, or to put it another way, how the physicality of theatre and dance is to some degree merged with spiritual beliefs and practices. I am now looking forward to experiencing a live performance- thanks again!

[Joyce Lin]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/pr/2846346/teaching-english-in-thailand-is-the-pay-worth-the-move-
This article is about considering whether the teaching pay in Thailand is worth moving there. It presents several different factors to think about. Most people are drawn to the rich culture, friendly locals and all the fun and unique things that Thailand has to offer. However, the teaching salary is significantly lower than in America. On average Thai public schools pay between 25,000 to 55,000 THB per month, 35,000 to 70,000 for private schools, and 80,000 to 170,000 for international schools. Certificates and degrees that the teacher holds can make a difference in the salary, as well as the location of the schools. Big cities have higher cost of living and pay more, whereas rural towns have lower cost of living and pay less.

Despite the lower salary, the overall low cost of living draws expats. This includes food, transportation, entertainment, and housing. A one-bedroom apartment in Bangkok can cost 15,000 to 25,000 THB per month whereas in Chiang Mai or Phuket, it can be significantly less. This topic interested me because I am experiencing it first-hand. I am an elementary school teacher with ten years of experience and a master’s degree in teaching. When I discovered the pay on average for private, public, and international schools, I was surprised at how low the maximum pay is. I looked at budget posts from expat teachers in Thailand and it made sense to me that the low cost of living in Thailand outweigh the difference in teaching salary. Teachers can even have some savings if they live more modestly.

[Joyce Lin]

Thank you for posting about the prime minister as I was also curious about how she is doing as a new administrator. It is good to know there is a focus on economic recovery. The modules that talked about how Thailand became a developing country were very interesting. Great Britain contributed much to the economy of Thailand and there is so much potential for Thailand to continue to progress. However there is still a ways to go with some areas being much poorer than big cities like Bangkok. The prime minister also seems quite progressive when it comes to focusing on sustainability, and even proposing digital wallets. Education reform and healthcare improvement are important for expat teachers to follow. Looking forward to seeing Thailand further progress and thrive.

[Conner Flick]

Hi Molly! I enjoyed reading your article analysis as I have been following this journey online. It is definitely disheartening to see that people don’t naturally have the understanding to treat the animals with respect. I have always been excited for the day I get to spend with such magnificent creatures, especially elephants, and I tend to be very aware of things that may be hurting animals. The beauty of getting to experience the animals should be enough and you would hope that people respect that experience. It’s good to hear that the authorities and zoo keepers are taking necessary steps to make sure the baby hippo is not being abused in any way. It’s a blessing that we even get the opportunity to see and experience them, so we should respect them as well. I will be choosing an article about the elephant sanctuaries so that I can educate myself about how to best respect this amazing experience. Thank you!!

[Conner Flick]

Related Article: https://www.travelandleisure.com/how-to-pick-ethical-elephant-sanctuary-in-thailand-8421768

This article covers general ideas on how to choose an ethical elephant sanctuary when visiting Thailand. I chose this article because elephants have always been one of my favorite animals, and I since deciding to move to Thailand, I have been very excited about this opportunity. I learned a lot from the article and will definitely be taking their advice, which mostly states: Choose a sanctuary that doesn’t force the elephant to do anything unnatural, such as interacting with humans or doing circus type acts like painting. The article mentions that many “sanctuaries” will use this title, but do not actually practice the best methods for the elephants. Many of the elephants in these unethical sanctuaries experience boredom, frustration, and even physical pain or fear.

I was slightly disappointed to realize that interacting with the elephants is against the natural grain of things, but it does make sense. I have long been a fighter against circuses and unethical zoos, and I personally feel a lot of pain when I see animals in pain. I’m thankful I looked into this and learned that a lot of the sanctuaries actually practice forms of abuse, because I do not want to support that. The article lists that these are some of the best places to experience elephants in what is closest to their natural environment: Kui Buri, Khao Yai, or Kaeng Krachan national parks. I am thankful they gave some options and I look forward to experiencing such a magnificent creature doing it’s thing.

[Andrei Bui]

The Changing Traditions of Drinking Tea in Thailand

The Changing Traditions of Drinking Tea in Thailand

The traditional tea culture in Thailand boasts a rich history, particularly in the northern regions where ancient tea trees thrive. These trees connect contribute to the wide variety of tea cultivation across Southeast Asia, with practices mirroring those in Yunnan, China, the birthplace of various tea types like sheng pu’er. Thailand is predominantly known for its oolong tea, influenced by Taiwanese hybrids, and its production were notably boosted in the early 90s through royal support aimed at replacing opium cultivation. Additionally, Thai tea has evolved into a unique flavored variant, often served sweetened, reflecting a blend of historical influences and contemporary tastes.

In recent years, the tea scene in Thailand has seen a significant shift with the rise of bubble tea and trendy flavored tea beverages, influenced by modern coffee culture. Traditional tea practices have not vanished but have adapted to new consumer preferences, with many shops offering innovative variations that prioritize visual appeal for social media. While health trends, such as matcha and herbal blends, have gained traction, they often coexist with the enduring popularity of sweetened teas. Despite the commercial focus on flavored options, there is a growing interest in traditional teas, particularly in areas like Bangkok’s Chinatown, where authentic tea experiences are still cherished, albeit amidst a backdrop of changing consumer habits.

[Author]

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