ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Robert Evans]

Hi Karlijn, Thank you for highlighting this news about the plans to develop high speed trains that will connect Thailand’s biggest cities. I agree, this is great news for both the Thai citizens and the tourist who want to travel this beautiful country. It will make trips to and from Bangkok much more timely and could also help with the traffic. As an American, I wish we adopted the public transportation model that many European nations have.

[Sean Haley]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/life/arts-and-entertainment/312282/floating-on-air
Leng Rajanikara was announced the winner of season 2 of “Thailands got Talent”. A small boy from Isan, son of a rice farmer wins the grand prize. It tells of his journey to Bangkok in his last year in his vocational school who was simultaneously an intern as a dancer at the Patravadi Theatre. A guest aerial performance instructor introduce him to the aerial silks and a particular performance landed him to perform in Canada and then to audition for a spot in the National Circus school in Montreal, Canada. After 1 year in Montreal he was summoned home and decided to audition for Thailands Got Talent. he wowed the judges with a daring stunt catapulting towards the earth through slick red silk fabrics from the ceiling. He became an audience favorite and walked away with the grand prize. He opened his own studio in Bangkok and is doing phenomenal work with Thai children and adults in the performance circus arts.
Social Media astounds me still. I was in Japan in April of 2023 and I needed to do a border run for my visa. I picked Bangkok because the Thai baht was strong in 1996 and so I opened a Thai bank account back then, thinking I would return because I had really enjoyed my visit. Well, I finally returned 26 years later. I had developed an interest in aerial circus arts and would seek out performers/teachers throughout my travels. I knew I was coming to Thailand in April of 2023 and had come across this circus school in Bangkok through Instagram. When I arrived, I booked a hotel near the KVAerial Arts school so that I could walk to training everyday. I am a complete novice in circus arts. I looked at their posted IG schedule and went to a beginner class. The teacher happened to be the owner of the studio and we became friends and this article is his amazing story.

[Sean Haley]

Flooding with sewage spilling into flood waters is a major concern, especially in the health department. If there is a reported rise in illness in the local population generally, but with statistics in tourism specifically, it will have devastating economic effects for how popular a place like Pattaya is as a tourist destination. Not only the coastal city of Pattaya but the broader areas concerning neighboring coastlines and coastal towns on either side. Bacterial impact on drinking waters, grey waters and agriculture irrigation. It can greatly impact agriculture, animals, livestock and down the line to humans. Main stream media as well as social media can be detrimentally unkind. It is a different world since covid and many Asian countries with such a grand international tourism industry haven’t recovered fully from the Covid years.

Sean Haley

[Alexander Harvey]

Related article: Thailand’s new equal marriage law predicted to boost tourism industry by $2bn

This article highlights how Thailand’s tourism would be boosted drastically due to the new equal marriage equality bill endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and is two months away from being enacted. This is very important, as Thailand has now become the first South-East Asian country to make same sex marriage legal. I also personally find this to be a positive direction for Thailand as I have friends and family who are in the LGBT+ community and seeing Thailand becoming a country more welcoming to these individuals makes me feel that this country will continue to progress.
The LGBT+ community has always been present in Thailand, but there was always discrimination towards individuals who identify as such, therefore this new bill will create an environment where they can start to feel more comfortable to express themselves in public. This is what I hope for as being someone who wants to live in Thailand, inclusion and social progress are clear elements that I consider in choosing where I live, so I’m extremely pleased that this bill is being fully endorsed by the King himself.

[Alexander Harvey]

Reply to James Golder’s article.
It’s nice to hear about your experience with Thai food and culture! As a mixed race person (Thai and English), I understand the differences between food culture very well between the two countries. Whilst England has wonderful culture around food and dinner etiquette, Thai people (usually most Asian countries I find) really do love that social aspect of sharing food, serving people food and enjoying food as a group. That group can either be family, friends or co-workers, which I find amazing to be honest.
But I also find that Thai food has a certain soul to it and I love it for that reason. It’s an experience with every meal, so I’m extremely happy that Thai food has become well known around the world.

[Autumn Whalen]

Assignment 2: Article Analysis
Autumn Whalen

The article “Thailand’s Education Revolution: Past, Present, and Future” examines the transformation of Thailand’s education system from traditional temple-based learning to a modern, learner-centered approach. A major turning point was the implementation of the 1999 National Education Act, which emphasized holistic development, creativity, and critical thinking alongside academic performance. The article highlights ongoing reforms aimed at making education more inclusive and accessible, such as integrating technology in classrooms to support rural students and prioritizing vocational training to meet labor market demands. Additionally, efforts to reduce teacher workloads aim to enhance the quality of teaching and better support student outcomes.

Relevance to My Move to Thailand
This article provides valuable context as I prepare to live in Thailand, especially considering my experience in early childhood education and inclusive teaching practices. Thailand’s emphasis on modern, learner-focused methodologies aligns closely with my philosophy of understanding and meeting each child’s unique needs. Furthermore, the country’s use of technology in education inspires me to explore ways I can support or adapt to these innovations. The vocational and practical training focus could also influence how I engage with students, fostering skills that empower them to thrive in their communities. This knowledge will help me navigate my role as both a learner and contributor during my stay in Thailand.

[Autumn Whalen]

Thank you for sharing this insightful summary of “First-time voters eager for their say.” It’s fascinating to see how young people in Thailand are stepping up to participate in the electoral process and potentially reshaping the political landscape. Their focus on issues like public services, infrastructure, and government transparency highlights a desire for tangible changes that directly impact their communities.

I also found it interesting that many first-time voters are turning to social media and online platforms for education. This reflects not only the growing influence of technology in politics but also the challenges of navigating a system where candidates and policies may not always be clearly communicated. As someone planning to live in Thailand, this article gives me a better understanding of the younger generation’s priorities and their proactive efforts to create a better future. It also emphasizes the need for accessible civic education, which could strengthen voter confidence and lead to more informed decision-making across all age groups. Great work connecting these elements in your post!

[Kamilla Hesur]

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378294012_Problems_and_Expectations_of_Students_Regarding_the_Management_of_Learning_in_the_Subjects_of_Thai_Music_Theory_and_History_within_the_Thai_Undergraduate_Music_Education_Curriculum

The article is about Thai music education.Just like learning English, the inclusion of music is also a very important topic in Thai education. Music is also part of basic literacy.We can use it to develop children’s self-confidence and well-being.We can give them a future, as they can continue their education in excellent educational institutions.

Even XploreAsia could open new horizons and attract even more teachers here.I think this would also be an interesting topic and worth addressing.

[Gwendie Burger]

https://www.charnveeresortkhaoyai.com/thailand-culture-and-tradition/
Traditions and festivals in the regions of Thailand
Most of the traditions in Thailand originate in the agricultural setting of the country, its’ myths, the culture that lives in a specific region, and religion. The concept of “merit making”, part of the Buddhist religion, which is defined as performing good deeds in order to accumulate positive karma forms the basis of many of the celebrations.
The understanding of the origin of these festivals or traditions offer a better understanding of Thailand and its’ people. A visit to one or more of these festivals provides for a mystical and more meaningful experience, a must for visitors or people wanting to work in Thailand.
Traditional Dance – myths and history, merit making
Examples of festivals or traditions that include dance and drama include Traditional Lanna Dances, consisting of two types of dances: Firstly the Fon Leb (finger dance). Dancers use their finger gestures to convey emotions and tell stories. The stories include elements of nature, life and myths. Dancers wear elaborate costumes covered with Lanna patterns. The second type of dance is the FonTen (candle dance). Dancers perform intake movements and gestures with candles. Each gesture carries meaning related to spirituality or merit making and cultural story telling. This dances are practiced mostly in Northern Thailand. Another tradition, Khon, is practiced in the Central region. Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, the Thai masked dance drama was originally performed in the royal court. Participants use stylized movements, costumes, and masks to depict episodes from Ramakien. This is an adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana.
Lanterns, cats and fireworks – Rainfall and rivers
Bong bang fai (rocket festival) celebrated in the Isaan region which was influenced by the Khmer empire. Symbolizing fertility, the loud noises of the rockets are believed to awaken the rain god and bring rainfall. In the same region, they celebrate Hae Nang Meaw (pray for rainfall). Rainfall is of critical importance to the agricultural Thai society. Cats are seen as highly spiritual animals and used to appeal to the Divine for good rainfall. During the celebrations, cats are paraded in a bamboo cage through a city and splashed with water. The cats will meow and then this will ensure that there will be rain. The cats are then safely released (I am happy to say!) In the Central region, Loy Krathong is a festival connected to the rivers and the revered goddess Knongkha and other deities. Ornately decorated baskets with lanterns are set adrift and fireworks set off, in order to show respect and ask for forgiveness.
Buddhism
The Southern region of Thailand has two significant celebrations: the Sart Duen Sib celebration is rooted in the belief that the departed ancestors who were engaged in wrongdoing may be in a state of “Preta” or suffering. The “Preta” is released back to the human realm on the night of the first waxing of the 10th lunar month. Descendants practice acts of kindness, providing foods to monks in the temples, expressing their gratitude and reinforcing the enduring bond between the living and departed.
Also celebrated in the South, the Chak Pra festival (Pulling the Buddha) symbolizes the end of the 3rd month Buddhist Lent “Phansa”. Buddhist statue is pulled on a decorated float through the city after the rainy season. Boat races also form part of the celebrations.
Celebrated in the North Eastern or Isaan province, the Phi Ta Khon festival (the Ghost festival). Rooted in the Buddhist religion and animist beliefs, based on one of Buddha’s previous lives as Prince Vessantra. During the celebration the participants don ghost masks and make use of long wooden poles. The ceremony involves visiting temples, making merit and seeking blessings.
Celebrated in the North of Thailand, the Poi Sang Long celebration is a Buddhist ordination ceremony, held mainly by the Shan community for young men ordained as novice monks. Consisting of colorful processions of young monks in elaborate costumes, music and dancing.
Thailand celebrations and traditions embody the charm and mystery of Thailand and is a must for any visitor.

[Gwendie Burger]

Great insight on a very important topic: providing Education which is focused on finding a fulfilling career which has a future in a challenging and growing local and global economies. Throughout the world it is becoming more important to equip learners with useful skills from a very early age which will serve them later in life. The AI revolution is going to make sweeping changes in first and third world economies and many jobs will face extinction, in virtually every industry.
It is therefor encouraging to see that Thailand ranks digital services as one of the areas they will want to focus on, when improving skills.
The second area mentioned, food production is of central importance to Thailand and for the world – the quality of raw materials found in Thailand, clearly sets it apart from many of its’ counterparts. It is currently the 7th largest food producer in the world. Innovative thoughts and highly skilled employees will boost this industry even more.
Currently Thailand is the 13th largest exporter of parts and automotive services form 10% of its’ Gross Domestic Product, it is important to grow and boost the skills in this area as it remains a growing industry and there is a need in the world, for these parts.
As an educator it is important to inspire and foster an interest in different growing industries, making the student explore new ideas and critical thinking. This will provide a student a better framework to identify talent and their affinity or aversion to a career path.

[Kgothatso Lebepe]

Article: https://www.american.edu/cas/economics/ejournal/upload/romanow_accessible.pdf
In the article “The Women of Thailand,” Liza Romanow discusses a constitution that encourages equality, this constitution created a bicameral legislature where women and men are allowed to hold positions and citizens are able to vote at the age of 18 years. Education helps both women and men acquire knowledge and increases better employment opportunities. Liza, points that between 2007-2009 female tertiary enrolment surpassed male enrolment by 10 percent, indicating that women may now access quality education and, as a result, greater opportunities for women in politics and in work place. A phrase says, “When you know better, you do better.” As a result of larger increased on education materials, women are being careful about becoming pregnant. Thai women are migrating from poorer locations, to look for jobs as they are part of the educated force. They are able to hold the same work positions as men in Thailand that were not provided before the 1990s. It is usually good when a women appears in media when she holds a prominent position and is credited with increasing success in Thailand.
As I prepare to travel to Thailand, it’s comforting to know that women are supported and given educational resources to better themselves. With the participation of women on the rise, the country continues to grow its GDP.
Romanow, L. (2012). The women of Thailand. Global Majority E-Journal, 3(1), 44-60.

[Kgothatso Lebepe]

Karlijn Exters,
Thank you for the article and I agree with your review as it matches with my conclusions. Additionally, high speed trains will reduce traffic congestion and long ques, reduce travelling distance, and less pollution in the city. They will provide a reliable transportation.

[Morag Ross]

“Thai King Signs Same-Sex Marriage Bill Into Law”- 25/09/2024

Maha Vagiralongkorn (the Thai King) has signed the marriage equality bill which will see same-sex couples being officially allowed to marry in Thailand. This is a historical moment for Thailand, as it is only the third country in the whole of Asia that has passed this bill, its predecessors being Taiwan and Nepal.

Thailand is generally very accepting of LGBTQ+ people, which cannot be said for many other Asian countries e.g. this year India voted against same-sex marriage, and up until 2022, Singapore had a complete ban on gay sex, making it illegal. Despite the public’s accepting demeanour, LGBTQ+ people still face discrimination in Thailand and there is still a way to go, to see all LGBTQ+ people protected under the law. At the same time the same-sex marriage bill was voted upon, the Thai parliament rejected proposals that would allow people to change their gender identity, despite there being a large population of transgender people living in Thailand.

However, this is still a monumental step for Thailand and the first step toward equality. The law will come into effect on the 22nd of January 2025, allowing those of the same sex to marry, adopt children, and grants them inheritance rights. As someone who identifies as a part of the LGBTQ+ community, this new law feels really important to me. It is reassuring to know that the place I will be living and working is a safe place to express myself, and that my rights are equal to that of anybody else.

[Morag Ross]

That’s really interesting Kygothatso. I was actually surprised to learn that women surpassed men in higher education populations! Sometimes it’s hard to really gauge where a country sits with their gender equality and how progressive they are, and Thailand is definitely more progressive than I originally thought. It’s easy to lump all the Asian countries together and presume they all have the same views. It’s inspiring to see women travelling from rural areas to find work, and further their education so they can do better for themselves.

[William Lawrence]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tai_folk_religion

The Tai folk religion, also known as: Satsana Phi or Ban Phi is the ancient native ethnic religion of Tai people still practiced by various Tai groups. Tai folk religion was dominant among Tai people in Asia until the arrival of Buddhism and Hinduism in the region. It is primarily based on worshipping deities called Phi, Khwan and Ancestors. These practices started taking place when the arrival of the Tai people arrived in South-East Asia around the 8th-10th centuries AD. Though it’s origins are not from Thailand, rather than in the Yunnan province of China, and it is primarily based on ancestor veneration. This cult of ancestor worship was borrowed from Confucianism. It is a syncretic mixture Buddhist and Tai folk practices with local traditional beliefs in mainland Southeast Asia.

Within the Tai folk religion deities are called: Phi. These deities of Tai folk religion can also be ancestral spirits, or other types of angels. Such deities often interact with the world of the living, at times protecting people, and at other times seeming to cause harm.

Ceremonies devoted to the Gods commonly involve an offering of a chicken and rice wine. Once the Gods have taken the spiritual side of the offering, people may consume the earthly remains. The head of a household or the individual who wants to gain the favour of the Gods usually performs the ritual. In many villages, a person, usually an older man believed to have special knowledge of the gods, may be asked to choose a favoured day for important events, such as weddings, or for other household rites.

While it’s still around in Thailand, right now approximately 30% of the Laos population are followers of Tai folk religion however due to force of the state religion Buddhism in Laos the Tai folk religion is still not recognised properly by the pro-buddhist government. Among the Lao, the Lao Loum and Lao Lom are mostly Buddhist, while the Lao Theung and Lao Sung are predominantly folk religious. Laotian Buddhism is influenced by Tai folk religion.

This would be a magnificent showing to be able to see this religion and their practices first hand, it would also be fascinating to see how the people who still follow the Tai Folk religion in Thailand live their day to day lives despite the religion being overshadowed by Buddhism and even other religions in Thailand, despite Tai Folk’s initial importance to the development of Buddhism and Hinduism in the region!

[Author]

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