ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Akira Byrne]

Article: https://muaythai.sport/history-of-muaythai/

Muay Thai, often referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is a traditional martial art originating from Thailand. Its roots trace back to ancient military training techniques, when soldiers used various strikes to defend themselves in combat. Over time, Muay Thai evolved into a sport, gaining popularity during the 20th century when formal rules and regulations were introduced, including gloves and a ring for safer competitions. As Muay Thai gained recognition, it began to attract international interest leading to training gyms and tournaments around the world. The sport focuses on physical fitness and mental discipline, teaching both techniques and cultural heritage. Today, Muay Thai is celebrated as an important part of Thai identity, with a deep history that continues to adapt and evolve.

This article resonates with me as a person now living in Thailand, I want to practice Muay Thai because it connects me to the country’s rich culture and history. I’m excited about the physical challenges and the sense of community it offers. Training in Muay Thai allows me to learn respect and discipline while honoring an important part of Thai tradition, making my time here even more special.

[Eve Smith]

https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/06/18/victory-same-sex-marriage-thailand
‘Victory for Same-Sex Marriage in Thailand’

The article ‘Victory for Same-Sex Marriage in Thailand’ discusses the recent passing of the Thai Equalities Act. This bill was passed by majority vote in Parliament in March of this year, and means that same-sex marriage will be officially legalized, with first weddings taking place in January of 2025. For the first time in Thai history, same-sex couples will be able to marry their partners legally, and to have their partnership recognised and protected under Thai law. The article highlights that this ruling makes Thailand the first Southeast Asian county to legalize same-sex marriage. This article, and the change that it describes, is important to me and my upcoming experience of living in Thailand. As someone who cares deeply about social equality, acceptance, and diversity, Thailand’s move towards making marriage available to all citizens makes me feel a connection to it already. Knowing I will be in a country that has an impetus towards improving the lives and opportunities for marginalised groups makes me excited to be a part of it. The article explains that this act will allow ‘Thailand to match its positive global reputation on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights with tangible legal protections.’ I love that Thailand is at the front of these improvements to the rights of LGBT people in Southeast Asia.

[Eve Smith]

Hi Haru,

Thanks for your post. I was moved by the optimism I can hear in your writing about the recent passing of same-sex marriage in Thailand, and inspired by your openness in sharing how this relates to you. I feel similarly that knowing Thailand is moving towards greater social equality for LGBT people makes me feel safer and more excited about living there.

It is crazy to think that we may be be living in Thailand the day the first legal same-sex marriage is carried out- how amazing is that! Although Thai people have waited years longer than other countries to have equal marriage rights, it is the first in Southeast Asia to do it, and I hope it will encourage other countries to follow suit.

Best wishes to you in Thailand!

[Cavin Lamb]

vehttps://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2024/06/22/thailands-new-policy-75-foreign-condo-ownership-99-year-leases/

This article refers to ongoing concern of foreign owned properties in Thailand , as someone myself from a 3rd world economy , I am very familiar with this trend , of foreigners coming to another country and buying real estate resulting in dire consequences for the locals , although its positive for the overall Thai economy (foreign investment) I am concerned about the ordinary Thai citizen who now can never be able to afford that dream condo he always wanted in his own country , as the prices are now unattainable for the locals.

This will affect me as an foreigner living in Thailand for multiple of reasons, first is there any animosity towards foreigners living in Thailand? Because of this on going problem. Will I also have to pay way overpriced levies as a foreigner?

I am hoping an amicable resolution can be resolved to benefit both the Thai economy as well as the ordinary Thai citizen.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by Cavin Lamb.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by Cavin Lamb.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by Cavin Lamb.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by Cavin Lamb.

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[Joanne McCarthy]

https://www.undp.org/thailand/press-releases/thailand-among-25-countries-halved-multidimensional-poverty-within-15-years
Poverty in Thailand
This article shows the progress Thailand has made to reduce poverty over the last 15 years. Thailand is a country that has experienced droughts, conflict and an aging population, which all contributed to high poverty for over 3 decades. So the ability to improve poverty and be a upper-middle income country as outlined in this article is interesting and reassuring to foreigners deciding to visit or live in Thailand.
In 2021 6.3% of Thais lived below the national poverty line and it stated that this line equated to $5.50 (75.7 baht) per person per day. However the report published by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2023 explains the efforts that have been made over the last decade and how they have enabled the country to be number 1 in most improvements made to reduce and remove poverty.
It explains the 4 year plan (2022-2026) that the UNDP are aiming to deliver that continues to improve the economy for Thailand without leaving any individuals behind and recognizes that a more holistic approach focusing on climate change, sanitation and housing is needed.
Education is not mentioned directly in the UNDP report, however 1 out of the 3 aimed for outcomes focuses on empowering individuals (especially minority groups) to have a say and contribute at a local level to the implementation of policies that create a fairer and equal community, and another objective is to involve state and nonstate groups in Thailand’s digital transformation and innovation for improving access and delivery of quality services. Both of these outcomes are relevant to education and myself as a Teacher within a education system that is going through change and improvement. This is an interesting article and area of life in Thailand to monitor as I become part of the population.

[Joanne McCarthy]

Hi Breanne,
Thank you for sharing the article on the education system in Thailand, I plan to find and read it in detail. Having read a few articles already on the education system in Thailand, it’s become clear to me that there are big differences in both the types of schools and curriculums available. I am sure any Thai parents find it difficult to know what is the best option for their child/children and as a result the expectations put upon a school and it’s Teachers will be high. This continues to give me something to think about as I prepare to become one of those teachers. Thanks again and good luck on your journey, best wishes Jo

[Kristina Poste]

https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/04/travel/elephants-evacuated-thailand-flooding-intl-hnk/index.html

About 100 rescued elephants escape flash floods at popular sanctuary in northern Thailand, two killed in evacuation:
The article I chose is about the recent flash floods in Northern Thailand in recent weeks from Typhoon Yagi. The article focuses on how this flooding impacted an elephant sanctuary, Elephant Nature Park, near the city of Chiang Mai, one of the most popular tourists stopping points in Thailand.
This recent water overflow has greatly impacted parts of Northern Thailand, as well as villages in the district of Mae Rim. These areas have been enduring landslides and severe flooding from upstream runoffs as the Ping River’s water levels have since risen to dangerous volumes.
Pictures and video clips show how these torrential water overflows have impacted the elephants that reside in the Elephant Nature Park, as well as their evacuation- trudging to higher ground, through the belly-deep water. The sanctuary evacuated around 100 elephants as well as some of the about 5,000 other animals that reside in the sanctuary.
Sadly, because the sanctuary is a rescue and rehabilitation center that has rescued elephants that have been subjected to both physical and psychological injuries, the sanctuaries herds include some physically weakened elephants. Because of this, many of the elephants were somewhat hindered in their ability to escape. Therefore, tragically, there have been two elephants who have died- one being a blind elephant named Ploy Thong. There are also about 13 adult elephants that are trapped inside their quarters in the sanctuary, as well as two who are missing.
The sanctuary says they are in urgent need of volunteers as well as flat-bottomed boats, to help in the evacuation of the elephants to the higher mountains. Thailand’s Department of National Parks head has dispatched several officers, who have, as of yet been unable to reach the sanctuary because of the flooded roads.
I found this article interesting because, firstly, I love animals and it breaks my heart that this has happened, and to elephants that have already been through so much. I also think that sanctuaries like this are doing something really wonderful in helping animals that should be wild and free, not subjected to humanities impulses. I really do believe that it is our duty to help and protect animals who are directly impacted by us and to help them to live the life they deserve. I think that this relates to me going over to Thailand because, through my program we are connected to a dog rescue, where you can volunteer there, if you are close to it. And even though I don’t know yet where I will be placed, I would love to volunteer at a park like the Elephant Nature Park. I love all kinds of animals, so I think that I will probably find a place close to where I will be and volunteer there.

[Kristina Poste]

Hi Joanne,
I really liked your post! I think that a lot of people have some preconceived notions about different countries and how they live, especially thinking that it’s a third world country in a way. So, having this article I think helps people to understand poverty in different countries like Thailand, and help people to think about poverty in a more personal way, especially since we are going to Thailand. It’s really encouraging that we can see these types of efforts being made that help to improve people’s livelihoods. I think it’s cool that they thought of empowering individuals and trying to get them to have a say in the implementation of policies in their own communities. I think having a strong sense of community is really important, especially for individuals. If you have people around, that have your back and care about what you say and think is really empowering.

[Jan-Laubscher van der Merwe]

Assignment 2: Article analysis

Article: https://greenhearttravel.org/blog/teach-abroad-thailand/expectations-vs-reality-of-living-and-teaching-in-thailand-and-tips-for-a-smooth-transition

Analysis:

The article deals with the expectations and realities of coming to live and work in Thailand from the perspective of a young western woman. To begin with she expected housing to be very affordable in Thailand, but was warned to keep her expectations low. In doing so the housing she got was more than she expected even if at first glance it may seem basic.
From a teaching standpoint she expected to be deeply involved with the children and other teachers while in reality she was given a binder with all her lessons content for the year and had little direct interactions with the Thai teachers whom she expected to befriend. As for making friends in general she states that such things take time as most Thai people are shy about talking in English to a native English speaker, but when she did make a Thai friend she made a friend for life. For traveling and free time she expected there to be a lot of it but found that she has to plan ahead to fully utilize her free time and traveling is still expensive. Time was better spent exploring the town where she lived and worked.

The advice she gives for the above topics are to find a balance between cheap housing and safe, bring a momento from home, don’t compare schools and be ready to laugh at yourself, drink water often, be outgoing and if you need to talk to someone – you can talk to others in the same boat as you, cultivate healthy hobbies, don’t convert Thai Baht to your home currency and first fully explore your local area before traveling farther away.
As someone who will soon find myself in near exactly the same situations that she had addressed in the article I am grateful for her insights and cautions to curb my initial expectations and apprehensions. I have never even been on a plane before let alone travel to another country on my own. Having some insights and assurances on the matter eased my anxiety quite a bit and increased my excitement for the adventure that lies ahead.

I did not really know what to expect in terms of housing and the article cleared that up, it’s more than what I had in university. Things related to teaching are where I still feel I am going in blind with it being mostly outside my past experiences but I am glad that I will at least not be thrown in on the deep end. Language wise I have started learning the bare basics of Thai on an app in hopes that if I can show them that my Thai is as bad as their English we will have common ground of sorts. I have found that I quite enjoy exploring my local area instead of traveling to other places unless it’s a group outing, so that’s covered at least. Lastly in terms of free time I spend a lot of it writing stories or playing board games with a small group of good friends. All in all I feel a little more confident going forward for having read and analyzed the article.

[Jan-Laubscher van der Merwe]

Hello Kristina
The article you chose resonated with me because here in South-Africa in my home region of the Breede River valley we have also experienced an ordinate amount of flooding for this time of year for the last two years. I live in a generally dry area but these last two winters the river near our house has passed both the hundred year flood mark and two hundred year flood mark in one season, many of the low lying bridges in the area are still underwater months after the initial rain had fallen. Whole vineyards and orchards had been destroyed and swept away along with trees and guest houses along the riverbanks. As for the elephants, my heart goes out to them and their caretakers.

[Taylor Hower]

Rural Thai Girls Get Help

The article discusses the Pratthanadee Foundation and its Better Me workshops. The workshop seeks to help students and empower teenage girls who come from poverty in the Ubon Ratchathani province of Isaan. “An NGO in Thailand is helping Rural Thai girls from the poorer areas of the Isaan region to form desirable career goals and then find ways to meet them”.

This article relates to me as someone traveling to, or living in, Thailand, because my Thai girlfriend waiting for me in Bangkok is from the Isaan province. She took great care of me in the hospital and during my surgery after my first professional Muay Thai fight, against a champion from Northern China at the Royal Palace in Bangkok. Since April she has been helping me understand Thai culture and the Thai language. I also learned from her that many of my Thai coaches and favorite Muay Thai kickboxers such as Buakaw Banchamek are from Isaan.

Also, Isaan is home to some of the poorest regions in Thailand, and has very dry weather conditions. About 85 percent of the people from Isaan are farmers, as rice is their main crop in addition to sugar cane and even rubber and silk, which contributes greatly to the Thai economy. Since Isaan can become very dry, farmers lose not only their income, but sometimes their food source if agriculture is not successful. So most Thais from Isan are poor, this explains the population’s struggle to attain education, this is also why so many girls from Isaan come to the city to find work, and most of the women working in bars are from Isaan.

The article also discusses the experiences of a woman from Isaan “living in Bangkok”, in the article stating that she knew of many woman from Isaan who left to work in Bangkok. She explains “The feeling was that if you have children and your family is very poor, you have to do it…the hope among those women is to find a foreign boyfriend who would then provide support”. The article also discusses how woman live in difficult conditions from a young age and are also pressured to support their families who are in poverty and depend on collectivism.

What’s important about this organization, is that it’s focused on giving girls from Isaan opportunity and information to make critical life decisions, rather than preaching to them about getting out of the bar scene in Bangkok. In the United States, Christianity has influenced both the right and the left in their morality, so this type of work is very stigmatized and looked down on, however, this organization is mostly focused on preventing these woman from being exploited or forgetting their hopes and dreams, rather than preaching to them to not be involved in this lifestyle. The staff will do this by asking the girls to take the pictures they drew in their youth, as well as their life goals and dreams and study them. The article states that “They should ask themselves if they are getting any closer to their goals—are they on track to attain them?” The employees emphasize that they will be there to help them.

Once I take care of myself and my new family in Thailand and grow as an educator, I seek to one day improve the education of Isaan students to give back to the Thai community, in a way which is similar to this organization and to understand the struggles of the Thai people and give back.

[Amar Singh]

Why English matters to Thailand:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/1798104/why-english-matters-to-thailand

English is ranked as the 2nd most used language worldwide after Chinese, which makes it essential with regards to communication, especially in a business and academic setting. In the modern age, English is known as the universal language which aims to eliminate the communication barriers between associates, peers, and other members of society such as tourists, scientists, and specialists like doctors and lawyers.

English is important because outside of native languages, most businesses, universities, research facilities and services communicate in English, which allows them to communicate across borders with international partners. Teaching children English as a 2nd language to their native tongue, will grant them more opportunities to succeed as they will be open to a broader horizon of opportunities when finding their place in society. Whether it is a tourist guide to Europeans, or a mathematician at the space agency, English will break barriers and allow for better means of communication that all persons involved will be able to understand.

Apart from this, English is also used in majority of the entertainment industry with much of the music and movies coming from Hollywood. Understanding English will allow people to engage in a wider variety of hobbies, entertainment and trends. The internet is also majority English which will allow for easier understanding and comprehension of the topic being searched. Due to the globalization of English, Thailand has noticed this importance and thus restructured their approach to the necessity of English in society so that they can compete with global markets and increase the economy.

Thailand relies on tourism for approximately 20% of its GDP, with many tourists speaking English. Thus, it is essential for basic English to be understood so that collaborations between local and international travel agencies can better tourists’ experience. A lot of technology is designed, built and used in English which tourists rely on when visiting the country, such as signs, translation apps, airport/train station information, and so much more. Thus, basic English will allow locals to effectively aid tourists when asking for aid in-country which in turn increases a tourist’s experience and willingness to spend more time or revisit Thailand as well as promote the destination to others.

[Sofia Siegel]

Hello, I enjoyed reading and learning more about the Thai education system in your words. I think it is important to learn about someone like me, who travels to Thai land to live and teach English to young students and has also gone to school to teach in America. Thailand seems to have a steady and stable education system from what I’ve learned and I think it seems to be more inclusive than the schools in America, where I’m from for example. Students going to school to learn English can provide many opportunities for them in the future. Thank you for sharing!
-Sofia Siegel

[Lize-Mari Buys]

https://www.traveldailynews.asia/recreation-sport/thailand-aims-to-host-f1-street-race-in-bangkok-by-2024/#google_vignette

Thailand’s Tourism and sports minister is pushing forward a proposal to bring Formula 1 to the streets of Bangkok. This had been in works for several years now. Talks are already underway with the FIA to secure the rights for the race. This could possibly transform Thailand’s tourism industry by attracting high-spending visitors and global attention.

According to the minister hosting an F1 event could bring in more than 12 billion baht per race. This would benefit local businesses, hotels and the entire hospitality sector significantly. An F1 race would also put Thailand on the world map as a top-tier destination for luxury experiences and wealthy visitors and investors.

As a person moving to Thailand and a formula 1 fan, this is very exciting news. It will be much more easier and cheaper to attend a live grand prix in Thailand than to go to the nearest country, which is Singapore, to watch a race.

[Amar Singh]

Good day

An introduction of F1 to Thailand would be greatly beneficial to the nation, not just for the economy but also for society. It would allow a lot of people to engange in the sport and also learn more about it. It would also showcase Thailand’s ability to host international events which could open doors to other sporting events being held there. A lot of locals could find it interesting and be allowed the opportunity to expetience the thrill of F1 live and also be able to proudly say that Thailand was able to successfully host such a complex sport. This would also increase how the nation is seen by western countries, allowing for better trade, tourism and increase in GDP through this.

[Author]

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