ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Jonathan Rees]

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/businesses-boost-unesco-efforts-help-thailands-most-vulnerable-learners-access-education

The article I have chosen is titled, “UNESCO efforts to help Thailand’s most vulnerable learners access education. The reason I chose this article is because as someone who is planning to teach in Thailand I wanted to learn more about their current state of education and how it is ran.

The article mainly focused on migrant children living in Thailand escaping the civil war in neighbouring Myanmar. It was nice to read how despite being of a different nationality, the government is still willing to put in an effort to make every child have access to eduction, rising the more opportunities later in life and ultimately live a higher standard of living compared to where they’re from which is the main reason I want to teach English in Thailand as I want everyone to have the opportunities to be successful in life and enjoy themselves as they do it.

The article spends time talking about upgrading the infrastructure available for the children to learn. Improving the infrastructure and resources available is critical in helping the children learn as they have more access available for them to learn. The project has benefitted over 15,000 children which puts into perspective the size of the project and the sheer amount of people affected by the civil war in Myanmar. It is a stark constraint to England when I was at school there wasn’t many people in the system evading a war. As I was leaving school they were introducing iPads for children and every school had an IT class containing computers for students to use.

Overall the article speaks of the challenges that some children in Thailand face, however it ends on a bright note on the amount potential there is for these children and their futures.

[Jonathan Carroll]

Article – Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the political heiress to become Thailand’s youngest prime minister
This article describes the change in the political landscape within Thailand. It see’s the ascension of the countries youngest prime minister at 37 years old, Paetongtarn Shinawatra. It starts off by stating how she is the third member of her family to take up this mantle, following on from her Dad and Aunty. She follows on from a prime minister who was forced out by a military coup, after he assigned someone on his cabinet who had a criminal record. So it would seem that her predecessor abused some of his power within the role.
It carries on to state how her father, Thaskin, has rose to power in 2001 and expanded spending on healthcare, rural development and farming subsidies – dubbed “Thaksinomics” for the poor. He was subsequently pushed out by a military coup in 2006, where the new prime minster learnt all about difficulty and seen hatred towards her father first hand. Her predecessor was even part of the pro-military party, before he was ousted. It finishes off by saying how she beat a 75 year old candidate to the role, but will face pressure as she has never held a government position before.
The reason I have selected this article is that it shows a progression in Thailand views and a transition to a younger candidate whose family has a rich history in providing support for the poorer parts of the country. It shows a move away from old traditional men, to a new and vibrant candidate. Despite witnessing hatred and imprisonment placed towards her father, she has come back and ushered in a new era into Thailand politics. This relates to me in deciding to move to Thailand as I am a firm supporter in democracy and supporting the poorer parts of society. This change seems to highlight how them days will be returning here, after all the recent political turmoil. I am very excited to see how all this will play out over the next few years.

[Jonathan Carroll]

Hi Jonathan,

This is a really good and detailed analysis of the article that you have selected and you raise some great points. It is interesting to learn just how close war is towards Thailand, considering it has very little mention it its own countries history. It is also interesting to see just how much effort is being made to support these children who are fleeing, as this isn’t always evident in other parts of the world.

It is interesting to read about the effects that these efforts are having and just how many children they are benefitting. Using a contrast to Thailand is also great and really emphasises the differences in both countries resources. I like how it also finds some positivity in such a despairing initial topic.

Overall, I think this is a great analysis of your chosen article.

[Ayoka Kelly]

The article “Thailand’s Education Challenges and Reforms” https://medium.com/@a.thongkum/thailands-education-challenges-and-issues-navigating-the-way-forward-b641a99ab4bd discusses the ongoing efforts to improve the education system in Thailand. It highlights that while the country has made strides in expanding access to education, significant challenges remain in terms of quality, inequality, and adapting to the demands of a globalized world. Rural areas in Thailand often face disparities in educational resources, with schools in urban centers being better equipped. The government has implemented reforms, such as integrating digital learning tools and revising curricula to focus on critical thinking and English language skills. However, these reforms are still in progress, and educators face challenges like large class sizes and limited teacher training opportunities. As someone who will be teaching in Thailand, this article can be related to my experience in a couple of ways. I think understanding the emphasis on improving English skills and the challenges of resource disparities will help my teaching approach. Being aware of the larger systemic issues, such as unequal access can allow me to tailor lessons for students that are impactful and meaning.It also will prepare me on how to navigate and address some of the difficulties Thai educators face, helping me contribute effectively to their education reform goals.

[Ayoka Kelly]

Hi Katie! I completely agree with this article’s perspective on the challenges many students in Thailand face when it comes to education. It’s extremely unfortunate to see how financial struggles worsened by the pandemic, have forced so many children to drop out of school. The efforts of schools like Wat Trangkhapum Putthawat Municipal School are admirable because they are truly making a difference by providing financial assistance and opportunities for parents. However, I also agree that broader state welfare and more lenient education policies are crucial to creating lasting change and preventing future dropouts. Understanding these barriers is so important, especially for teachers, as it allows us to empathize with students’ situations and think about how we can help support their learning.

[Danika Angwin-Downton]

I recently came across an article from Reuters detailing the Thai government’s new economic measures, which include an increase in the minimum wage, tax breaks, and the second phase of a handout scheme set to take effect in January. The daily minimum wage will rise by 2.9%, with regional variations, and tax deductions of up to 50,000 baht will be available to stimulate consumer spending. The second phase of the handout scheme, valued at 40 billion baht, will benefit elderly citizens, with payments starting in January. This comes after the first phase, which provided 10,000 baht to around 14.5 million people. The government has set an optimistic target of 3% economic growth for the year ahead.
As someone traveling or living in Thailand, these changes could have a significant impact on my experience. The minimum wage increase may lead to a rise in the costs of goods and services, which could affect the prices I pay for daily essentials, transportation, or dining out. While this may slightly increase my travel expenses, the government’s efforts to stimulate spending through tax breaks could lead to a boost in local business activity, potentially enhancing my experience with more vibrant markets, shops, and services.
Additionally, the government’s handout schemes, especially the one targeting elderly citizens, suggest a focus on supporting the welfare of the population. This could result in a more stable and positive environment for residents and visitors, as it reflects the government’s commitment to addressing economic disparities. For me as a traveler, this may mean experiencing a more stable and welcoming atmosphere, with improvements in public services and infrastructure as the economy strengthens. Understanding these developments helps me gain insight into the broader economic landscape in Thailand and how it shapes my time in Thailand.

Reuters. (2024, December 24). Thai cabinet approves handouts, minimum wage increase, and tax breaks, PM says. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-cabinet-approves-handouts-minimum-wage-increase-tax-breaks-pm-says-2024-12-24

[Danika Angwin-Downton]

The article “First-time voters eager for their say” highlights the growing engagement of young people in Thailand’s upcoming municipal elections, with over 200,000 new voters registered. Many of these young voters are seeking change, particularly in areas like public services, infrastructure, and government transparency. However, challenges such as limited knowledge about candidates and social pressures on voting choices remain.

This underscores the need for better civic education and transparent electoral processes to ensure all voters, regardless of age or experience, can make informed decisions. The article demonstrates the potential for young voters to influence change, but also emphasises the importance of supporting their efforts with accurate information and open platforms for discussion.

[Mikhail Hershfeld]

“New visa rules propel arrivals to Thailand to near pre-Covid levels”
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/2934017/new-visa-rules-propel-arrivals-to-thailand-to-near-pre-covid-levels

Tourism is undeniably a large part of Thailand’s economy, even with the exact scale and impact being a matter of some debate. Like most things, it was heavily impacted by covid and has not yet fully recovered. In an effort to boost tourism back to pre-covid levels, Thailand has now relaxed visa requirements for numerous countries, with longer stays per visit also being allowed. While 2024 did see a rise in tourism compared to previous years, the number of visitors and revenue generated did not quite meet the ministry’s targeting numbers. However, the government is optimistic that visa relaxations along with certain measures such as legalization of same-sex marriage will help propel tourism back to desired levels.

This is a piece of news that directly impacts myself along with most other participants in the program, as we are all impacted by entrance requirements and visa laws. It really also shows the long tail of covid’s impact, as multiple years after international travel restrictions were lightened tourism still has not come back to prior levels. The government’s policy that tourism is a positive for the country and to continuously ramp it up reflect one side of the debate of how tourist-centric any place should aspire to be.

[Mikhail Hershfeld]

Hi Danika,
I’m not sure if those economic measures quite go hand in hand with the article I found about boosting tourism, but it seems like the Thai government has been making a multi-pronged effort lately to enact prosperity measures to bring the country back to where it was pre covid. A rising tide of tourism combined with more purchasing power for Thai citizens could strongly stimulate the consumer sector which is the end goal.

[Tien Safranko]

Re
https://geo.northeastern.edu/blog/culture-shock-thailand/

[Tien Safranko]

Related article:
https://travelbud.com/blog/thailand/how-my-culture-shock-in-thailand-was-more-a-shock-of-belonging/

I came across this article and this is one that I feel I would relate to most, in this article she speaks about culture shock and sort of beats the allegations towards it. Olivia Griffin does state that she does experience a bit of culture shock but not in the ways we all persuade it to be, yes she gets homesick and cries about the overwhelming experiences she’s come across but she also talks a lot about how her whole life has changed and perspective has turned around. Olivia is coming from New Hampshire and the life she was living there she says is completely different from her life in Thailand. She quotes that the teachers don’t get the respect they deserve back home and compared to how much kids look up to and respect teachers in Thailand, which is important because all of us are looking to pursue that here. She also states that the culture and just how friendly the people are in Thailand are, which is a way different experience with the people she was used to. She quoted that usually back home we would just walk by people with our heads down but here, its opposite and everyone has the need to make everyone feel welcomed and surrounded by a good community.

Olivia also talks how she is a lot more aware of her impact on the world. She is more aware of the money she spends and the minutes she uses in her day. She also talks about how in tune she is with herself and how she’s grown as a person and wouldn’t change any of her experience for anything. Overall this article is short but it fills my mind with comfort because I was fearful of experiencing new things or maybe missing the life I had back home, but even if this is a month long experience for me or even years long this is something I will never forget about and I want nothing more but to learn and live in a new culture.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by Tien Safranko.

[Tien Safranko]

Kate, I do agree with your response to that article, But I also do agree that Thailand has such a different culture and Most, kids maybe not all, but don’t grow up with technology or have the resources to have it. I live in Canada and it is very common to have iPads and computers in school, but just personally based of what I know the kids and schools don’t teach their kids to learn that way. All though that is just my take on that I do agree maybe kids would learn better that way or with the help of technology but I feel as us going down there to teach kids we should rely on more hands on work and knowledge we can share with them other then technology.

[Will Henry]

Expectations vs. Reality of Teaching in Thailand and Tips for Adjusting to Life in the Land of Smiles

I have decided to analyze the above article as it directly relates to my future experience in Thailand. The article, by Go Work Thailand (GWT), is a simple piece detailing some positive and negative aspects about working/living in Thailand as a TEFL teacher. GWT notes how fulfilling working as a teacher in Thailand is because of the noticeable impact you can have on your students, the ability to directly and frequently engage with Thai culture through your school, the large number of holidays and time off teachers receive, how easy it is to get a job as a teacher, and how being a teacher makes getting a Visa much easier than other lines of work. GWT also, however, highlights the potential for low salaries based on age, sex, race, and NES status, poor communication from superiors about work deadlines and responsibilities, the lack of promotion opportunities, low standard of education in Thailand, and the possibility of getting sick often.
The GWT article directly relates to me because I am going to be doing just that: working in Thailand as a teacher of English as a foreign language. I have already noticed how easy it is to get the Visa, how easy ITA has made it to get a job, and how much time off teachers have throughout the year. I am also going to be doing this precisely to engage in Thai culture and aid people on their English-speaking journeys and am excited to see my students improve under my tutelage. I had already accounted for the fact that I ‘might’ need to be an NES, which I am, and am not concerned about potential low pay or not being promoted. It is unfortunate to learn about Thailand’s low standard of education but I believe they are trying to improve it. I also expect to get sick more often, because, as the article says, I will be around a bunch of school kids who are all spreading germs themselves. At the end of the day, I am excited for the experience, highs and the lows, and look forward to officially starting this next chapter in my life.

[Will Henry]

Hi Danika,
I really liked your thoughts about the article you shared. I think it’s great that Thailand is raising the minimum wage, which will hopefully help out a lot of citizens who are struggling throughout the country. I like how you noted that the government is giving some handouts to the elderly in hopes of establishing a better system of welfare. One thing I did find interesting about the article is that the highest increase in wage change will only be set in specific provinces throughout Thailand. These provinces seem to be the ones with the most amount, or, at least, a higher amount of tourism than other provinces. I find this a difficult idea because it would seem like provinces with less tourism might be poorer than provinces with high amounts of tourism. Then again I am no expert on the Thai economy and would rather trust them to do their job properly than me to tell them what to do.

[Ciara Izquierdo]

Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/26/opinion/california-tsunami-warnings.html
The National Tsunami Warning Center, operated by NOAA, is responsible for detecting and analyzing earthquakes worldwide, issuing warnings to local officials in hazard zones about potential tsunamis. Its coverage includes all U.S. coastal regions except Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as Canadian coastal areas. The NTWC operates continuously with a team that monitors seismic activity and sea level data to provide accurate and timely tsunami bulletins to emergency management officials.
To enhance tsunami detection and forecasting, NOAA developed the Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis system, deploying an array of stations in the Pacific Ocean. Each station consists of a seabed bottom pressure recorder that detects tsunamis and transmits data to a surface buoy, which then relays the information to the NTWC via satellite. Today, this system has significantly improved the ability to forecast and warn about tsunamis, contributing to public safety and preparedness in coastal regions.

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