ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Charlotte Samuel]

Article: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/pr/2869257/huawei-advances-education-in-surin-with-smart-classrooms
This article is about how the technology company Huawei, have set out a ‘digital bus project’ to support education in rural areas of Thailand. I chose this article as not only will I be working as a teacher in Thailand, but also because I wanted to understand what was being done with the inequality education does in fact bring.

In this article the author states that Huawei is ‘continuing its collaboration with Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s Projects’. These projects are to ‘advance the use of information technology, enhancing educational opportunities and promoting good health’ for both children and young people. After reading this article, it is clear that the ‘digital bus project’ on its own meets all of these goals. By providing fast, up to date technology to children and young people, they will gain greater knowledge and understanding of their world around them and further into the globe. It will, and can, also provide quick answers in the health care setting, if they are sick or struggling, having a fast network they can access can save lives.

During a visit to the Ban Cham Pado Border Patrol Police School in Bua Chet District, Surin Province, which is a very rural area in Thailand, the project donated a total of 40 tablets, 2 routers and a set of IdeaHub smart screens to the schools. But on a larger scale, the ‘digital bus project’ has provided 24 IdeaHub smart screens as well as solar energy storage and local health centres. Even though this technology is very new and may seem foreign to rural areas, the project makes sure there is an understanding of how it is run. They do this by running training programmes to leave people feeling confident on how to use the technology and to also pass on this knowledge to their peers and families. Having this programme put into place creates a positive change for children and young people across Thailand, not only in rural areas.

Overall, as a company, Huawei sees that there is a clear inequality when it comes to education in rural Thailand and is set out to make a clear and positive change with the support of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Without this small source of equipment that is being provided, rural Thailand’s education would still be further behind than richer areas. Hopefully, with Huawei providing the stepping stones, this will encourage other companies to help make a positive change for children and young people too.

[Charlotte Samuel]

Hi Connor,
I enjoyed reading your post as elephants are not only my favourite animal but I have also been wanting to experience a sanctuary but obviously a positive and ethical one at that. I believe like you that it is so important that animals continue to stay as animals and they are not forced to do anything that is ‘human’ like.
When I was little, I didn’t have this concept and neither was it frowned upon, as much, to visit unethical sanctuary’s but I look back at those pictures and feel extremely sad as most of them had either been drugged to act docile or they are treated badly so they wouldn’t ‘play up’.
I am glad that the word of negative sanctuary’s are playing a positive role on the animals in today’s society. Even though reading these articles is very hard, it is good that they are being made because the animals are being heard. Hopefully we will one day live in a world where animals are not treated badly neither to do ‘human’ tricks.
I also look forward to seeing asian elephants either from a distance or even at an ethical sanctuary where they are being rehabilitated.
Charlotte 🙂

[Charlotte Samuel]

Hi Connor,
I enjoyed reading your post as elephants are not only my favourite animal but I have also been wanting to experience a sanctuary but obviously a positive and ethical one at that. I believe like you that it is so important that animals continue to stay as animals and they are not forced to do anything that is ‘human’ like.
When I was little, I didn’t have this concept and neither was it frowned upon, as much, to visit unethical sanctuary’s but I look back at those pictures and feel extremely sad as most of them had either been drugged to act docile or they are treated badly so they wouldn’t ‘play up’.
I am glad that the word of negative sanctuary’s are playing a positive role on the animals in today’s society. Even though reading these articles is very hard, it is good that they are being made because the animals are being heard. Hopefully we will one day live in a world where animals are not treated badly neither to do ‘human’ tricks.
I also look forward to seeing asian elephants either from a distance or even at an ethical sanctuary where they are being rehabilitated.
– Charlotte

[Christopher Liedeman]

https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2024/09/27/tourists-avoid-chiang-mai-as-thailand-warns-of-more-floods#openShareModal

As an individual who plans on travelling to and or living in Thailand, this article lets you look at several important considerations such as:

If you’re consider visiting Chiang Mai, you may need to reconsider, as attractions may be closed, and transportation could be disrupted.

The weather report specifically zoom in on the impact of severe weather on daily life. If you’re living in this area, stay well informed and be aware of potential evacuation routes for your own safety.

This will indeed affect local businesses and tourism, which could also impacty our experience. If you understand the local context, that in essence can help you make more informed decisions while traveling.

If you live in Thailand, this may evoke a sense of solidarity with the affected communities. You can therefore start supporting local businesses or be a good samaritan in relief efforts, within the community.

Seeing this, and the challenges faced by locals during natural disasters can enhance your appreciation of Thai resilience and community spirit, like they call it in South Africa “abuntu”

This article is a reminder to be beware of environmental conditions and their broader implications on both travel and community life in Thailand.

[Gaia Pitt-Judd]

Thailand’s House to debate amnesty bill

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2869781/thailands-house-to-debate-amnesty-bill

Parlimentarians debated on Thursday to decide whether an amnesty bill should cover offenders of Section 112 of the Criminal Code (lese majeste law). Lese majeste means ‘to do wrong to the majesty’, this is strongly enforced in Thailand – an individual could face up to 10 years in prison per count.
An amnesty bill is a legislative, constitutional, or executive act that pardons a group of people from criminal charges, usually for political offences. The bill would cover all politically motivated cases that have occurred since February 11th, 2006, when the People’s Alliance for Democracy held its first protest against the Thaksin administration.
The political turmoil from the 2006 coup d’stat has resulted in many political movements since. This has led to a public debate regarding the necessity of an amnesty; the People’s Amnesty Network, a coalition of civil society and activists, has proposed ‘The Amnesty for People Bill’ to end all the politically motivated prosecution and for pending legal cases related to political expression.
There are three opinion camps: those who want the offences excluded from the bill, those who want their inclusion, and those who want them to be included under special conditions. Critics are arguing that the bill aimed for a blanket amnesty for offenders of the else majeste law could trigger a major political conflict.

As someone who is travelling to Thailand, it is important to be aware of the laws and rules, and to respect those. The Thai monarchy is considered a symbol of national unity and is revered by many Thai people. The monarchy is one of the three pillars of Thai society, and there will be a pity of the monarchy in Thai classrooms. It’s important to be aware that open discussion about the monarchy, or liking a post that could be considered insulting to the monarchy could result in charges. The UK does not protect the monarchy against criticism, so this is quite a key difference: you could have an open, critical discussion about the royal family in the UK with no consequences, but the same discussion in Thailand could result in 10 years of prison time. So it’s important to recognise this duality, and be aware of what you are saying

[Gaia Pitt-Judd]

Hi Molly! As a visitor to Thailand I am extremely excited to experience the wildlife, I think respecting wildlife is really important, especially in such a environmentally diverse country. I want to make sure that any animals or sanctuaries I visit are run ethically and sustainably. There are a lot of endangered animals in Thailand, and I think it’s important to do research and support/go to organisations that are making an effort to protect these animals. It’s difficult though, as the article said, these sort of attractions invite an influx of visitors, and more visitors could mean more commercialisation and a reduction in protections for certain animals.

[Corey Meldahl]

Complete the assignment “Assignment 2” and upload it here. This assignment is mandatory. Find an article about Thailand. It can be on any topic, such as society, politics, education, or any topic you are interested in. Read the article and summarize it in at least two paragraphs. You should specifically address how the topics in that article relate to you as as someone traveling to, or living in, Thailand.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/getting-around-thailand

This article is about travel in Thailand. We are not talking about just getting to Thailand, it is about traveling within Thailand. This article relates to those visiting and those living in Thailand, as it covers travel for both. I specifically found this part interesting for those wanting to travel the Thailand Islands. “If your destination is an island, some of the low-cost carriers also offer airport-bus-ferry transfers.” Thailand’s airports allow you travel even within Thailand. Another way that is cheap and efficient is their railway system. Railway offers 3 different classes, First class, Second Class, and Third Class. If Planes or Trains are not your thing, Thailand also offers travel within by Minivans and bus.
While this next option may not be my first option by choice, you can also rent a car or motorcycle to travel around in as well. Take a long-tail boat for short-haul and ferries for longer journeys. Thailand has a variety of boat travel, spanning both by river and sea. For shorter trips, including trips along Bangkok’s canals, the standard method of aquatic transport is the open-air long-tail boat. You can haggle for a price in advance. Larger, roofed, inboard engine boats are used for trips of up to an hour or two. Hydrofoils, ferries and larger, more comfortable speed boats cover longer boat journeys out to the islands. And if Planes, Trains, Minivans, Buses, cars, and motorbikes are not enough variety for you, Thailand also offers transportation by Motosai, Tuks Tuks, and Taxis to help explore the cities. One thing to keep in mind though, Thailand is not yet all up to date for offering disability access on all public transportation. Having been in Bangkok myself for 11 days, I can personally attest that there are many affordable options of public transportation.

[Mamello Moorosi]

The chosen article is: BARRIERS TO TEACHING ENGLISH IN THAILAND AND HOW TO BREAK THROUGH THEM

Barriers to Teaching English in Thailand and How to Break Through Them | Under The Ropes

The article is basically about how to overcome the obstacles brought by cultural differences as a first-time English teacher in Thai schools.

Apparently students can be reluctant to ask questions because it could result in loss of face for the teacher, and since social hierarchy and respect for elders is so important in Thai culture, this is something they strictly avoid. Therefore, try to make your class an environment where they feel free to speak without pressure to be grammatically perfect. Give them the freedom to speak, make mistakes and ask questions. This will help them build confidence, and create a better learning environment for them.

Another thing to remember when teaching your first class of Thai students is that your teaching methods are likely to be very different from those of their Thai teachers, so be patient with your students and allow them room to adjust.

Although it is not expected for foreign teachers to speak Thai, even a basic understanding of the language will be helpful when teaching and living in Thailand. So put in some effort to learn the language as well. Lastly, To maintain a good working relationship in Thailand, avoid confrontation at all costs.

[Mamello Moorosi]

Dear Kholofelo Koko,

As a fellow South African who is also going to be a new teacher in Thailand, I enjoyed reading the summary of your article. Well written. I agree with you, the education system in Thailand has similarities to the education system in South Africa as it is inclusive. Hopefully this will make it easier for most South African teachers to adapt to the Thai education culture.

[Thomas Jennings]

https://time.com/7024193/thailand-same-sex-marriage-2025/
This article details the recent announcement by the Thai royal family that marriage equality for couples regardless of sexual orientation will be put into law in January of 2025, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia, and the third in Asia overall, to legally recognise gay marriage. This groundbreaking development comes on the tail-end of many other laws introduced to the country to provide protections for Thailand’s large LGBT community, with potential for other legal recognitions for adjacent and related groups in the near future.
This law is important to me because of how it affects a family friend in my life. My parents and I have been friends with a Thai woman who lived in London for the majority of my childhood, who since moved back to her home in Bangkok and became a successful businesswoman in the restaurant industry. She is a proud member of the Thai LGBT community and organises a lot of pageants for them, and it makes me happy knowing that the king is using his power to approve laws to make her life easier. I hope that someday she’ll get to enjoy the same rights as anybody else in the country.

[Thomas Jennings]

Hi Emilie, it was really interesting to read about the correct ways to engage with elephants in Thailand! They’re very charismatic creatures with a lot of personality but I’ve rarely ever stopped to think about how keepers can manipulate that behaviour in them… I guess it goes to show how important both sides of the experience are in perpetuating the cycle of healthy animal rearing. If we as customers carry on giving money to shady neglectful and even abusive keepers, then we’re complicit in traumatising an entire generation of animals crucial to the ecosystem! I’m sure this can also apply to many more animals than elephants – the tiger sanctuaries immediately spring to memory, and I’m glad I get to bear this new wisdom in mind in the event that I ever want to meet some megafauna 🙂

[Jenna Ebel]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2584781/young-thais-need-better-learning-experiences
The article I will be summarizing is titled “Young Thais need better learning experiences” published in the Bangkok post. This article argues that the traditional learning experiences that young Thais are receiving in school are not reaching enough students in an effective manner. Society has changed a lot, and it is important that the education system changes with society, not battling against it. Incorporating digital tools, online resources, critical thinking, problem solving skills, and practical skills into the everyday classroom would provide young people better opportunities for their future lives.
This article relates to me because I will be teaching students in Thailand very soon. I agree with the author that it is important to provide young Thais with skills and lessons that relate to the world that they are currently living in. Using technology as a tool and not a barrier is something that I strive to do within my future classroom. Additionally, pushing students to use critical thinking and problem solving skills through project based learning and hands-on activities can lead to better learning opportunities for the students. As I teach in Thailand, I will be sure to keep the author’s ideas in mind.

[Jenna Ebel]

Luca, it looks like you chose a very interesting article. As someone going to teach in Thailand, I do believe that it is very important to be aware of the inequalities that are occurring in the education system. I agree that the “same old structure” is not always the way to go when it comes to education. The education system everywhere is constantly changing. There is always new research coming out that gives insight on the best ways for students to learn. To stick with the “same old structure” could potentially be doing students a massive disservice. I also find it interesting that the government is trying to address the problem, however they may be making the problem worse. Class size is a problem in the USA as well, causing the same disparities. Great job with your summarization! I will be sure to keep this inequality in mind as I go and teach!

[Zoe Cotten]

Steven,
I have been in Thailand for less than 24 hours. I am in Bangkok, so there are many tourists here in the places I have been. I am still in my overwhelmed stage, but I realized in some of the lesser touristy areas some people sit outside of their businesses. Many of these people have given me really nice grins! I usually stick with a smile and a nod in the US. I am trying to get into a better habit here of including nice greetings and wai, but have not gotten there yet. The smiles of the people on the streets (whether simply just for my business or not) seem so genuine and really make me feel welcomed here.

[Amber Grinsted]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy848292dr4o

This article centres around a baby pygmy hippopotamus named Moo Deng—whose name translates to “bouncy pig”—that has become an online sensation and is drawing large crowds to Khao Kheow Open Zoo near Pattaya, Thailand. Born in July, the two-month-old hippo has doubled visitor numbers at the zoo, thanks to her viral presence on social media, with the zoo using this attention to promote her. Since Moo Deng’s birth, 128 out of 150 of the zoo’s social media posts have been focused on her, and merchandise, such as Moo Deng-inspired shirts and beauty products, has been created to capitalise on her popularity.
Moo Deng’s celebrity status has led to international attention, including a segment on Japanese TV. The Royal Thai Embassy has also highlighted her on its social media, noting her “energetic” and soothing presence.
However, not all the attention has been positive. Some visitors have displayed inappropriate behaviour towards Moo Deng, such as throwing shellfish at her and splashing water on her to wake her up. The zoo’s director, Narongwit Chodchoi, has condemned these actions, warning that they are both dangerous and cruel. As a response, the zoo has installed CCTV cameras around her enclosure and has warned visitors that legal action could be taken against those mistreating the hippo. Chodchoi also recommended visiting during Moo Deng’s active hours to avoid disruptions to her rest.
Pygmy hippos, like Moo Deng, are endangered, with fewer than 3,000 remaining in the wild, mostly in West Africa. Their endangered status adds to the significance of Moo Deng’s presence at the zoo and the importance of ensuring her safety and well-being.
The reason I chose this article is because I have seen Moo Deng on TikTok and found that videos of her make me so happy and excited to see the beautiful animals Thailand has to offer. I also think this article is really important for reminding potential visitors to the zoo that Moo Deng is an endangered species and needs to be treated with care.

[Author]

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