ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Michaella Binns]

Thank you for the information of the Thai Education system, it was a great read and very informative. To add In 2009, the government launched the “15 Years Free Education” policy, to reduce financial burdens on families by covering education costs from kindergarten through high school, including expenses for books, uniforms, and extracurricular activities is an awesome incentive for people to continue their education. I agree while traveling to Thailand to become apart of the education system it is a great introduction to Thai education system

[Diana Evans]

https://www.koreaherald.com/article/3457682
“Growing Influence of Thailand in K-pop industry”

This article is about the influence that Thailand has had on the K-pop industry. I chose this article because, being half Korean and a huge entertainment nerd, it shows the effects Thailand has had in the Korean music industry. Considering that the U.S., Japan, and the U.K. are the most important markets when it comes to music but because of social media, it’s becoming bigger outside of those markets. Thailand is becoming a major player in the music global scene. It discusses how a Thai influencer used a song from a South Korean band in her TikTok and, because of that, that band has risen in popularity on Spotify. Thanks to this Thai influencer, the South Korean band has more listeners on Spotify than someone like IU.
Out of Thailand and its neighboring countries, Thailand continues to dominate the music scene, especially now with more Thai musicians being a part of K-pop groups like Blackpink and NCT. Also with these musicians shooting videos in Thailand, it creates an impact on the economy and promotes patriotism and even tourism. Overall, Thailand is becoming a central hub in Asia for music and for K-pop.

[Diana Evans]

Hi Gemma, I think you have read a great article about the English proficiency in Thailand. English Proficiency is low in Thailand is one of the lowest ranking countries in the world when it comes to English. I personally will be teaching English in Bangkok and one of the reasons why I chose Thailand to teach is because of the low proficiency. I currently teach English in South Korea and I already know it will be such a difference. I think that it’s great that Thailand is doing basically a crash course in the English language to boast tourism. But I also agree that teaching at a young age will have a lasting effect. In South Korea, I have taught six years when I first started teaching there to see them in fourth grade now. You can see how much they have gained from learning English. I hope to have this effect when I start teaching in Thailand. Everything you have written, I definitely do agree and I think it is important to start at a young age. Hopefully. Thailand will eventually raise in the ranks and they will become more proficient when it comes to English.

[Selebogo Nompozolo]

Related Article:
https://www.bluegreenatlas.com/thailand.html
The article is about
‘ The Geography of Thailand ‘
As a Geography major The article from BlueGreen Atlas paints a vivid picture of Thailand as a breathtaking and culturally rich destination, highlighting its diverse landscapes, historical landmarks, and natural beauty. It emphasizes Thailand’s tropical allure, mentioning palm-fringed beaches, lush jungles, and misty mountains as key elements of its geographic charm. Additionally, the article points to cultural treasures such as ancient ruins and hidden Buddhist temples, portraying the country as a paradise for both nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts.

While the article successfully captures Thailand’s aesthetic and cultural appeal, it leans heavily on romanticized imagery without delving into the complexities that make the country truly unique. It overlooks essential aspects such as Thailand’s vibrant cities, like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, which blend modernity with tradition. Moreover, it doesn’t address the socio-economic contrasts between tourist hotspots and rural communities, nor does it explore the environmental challenges that popular destinations face due to over-tourism and climate change.

The article’s enthusiastic recommendation of Thailand as a must-visit destination is compelling, but it risks oversimplifying the country’s identity. Thailand is not just a picturesque getaway — it’s a nation shaped by a rich history, resilient people, and a dynamic blend of old and new. A more nuanced perspective would acknowledge the complexities of Thailand’s rapid development, the preservation of its cultural heritage, and the environmental efforts needed to maintain its natural wonders.

In conclusion, while the BlueGreen Atlas article offers an appealing snapshot of Thailand’s beauty and cultural depth, it would benefit from a more balanced approach that recognizes the country’s complexities. Such an approach would provide readers with a deeper, more authentic understanding of Thailand — one that goes beyond its postcard-perfect image.

[Lachlan Williams]

https://thethaiger.com/guides/how-thailands-tourism-boom-is-changing-everything
This article gets into depth about Thailand’s tourism rates over the years and the ups and downs. As expected Covid-19 hit Thailand hard with the country expected to lose approximately US$47 billion in GDP in just 2020 alone. However, through the tough times Thailand began to rise in tourism straight away once borders were open, so this was not a massive issue for them. Thailand has recently started focusing more on ‘Quality’ travelers as they can help boost the economy even more such as niche markets, luxury goods and yachting.
The Thailand government is constantly making an effort to boost tourism within the country. Providing Two key stimulus packages, totaling THB 224 billion, with an aim to encourage Thais to explore their country. These include substantial subsidies for airfares and accommodation under the “We Travel Together” campaign, directly injecting funds into the industry.
This article relates to me as someone who has visited Thailand in the past as a tourist and am now moving to live and work there permanently. It is interesting learning about some of the decisions made and strategies they use to bring more people and more money into the country each year.

[Lachlan Williams]

Hi Katie, this a great explanation of how the local Thai families are struggling to send their kids to get a proper education. Something I did not know would be going on. It is really upsetting to know that kids are forced to drop out of school due to financial struggles. I am glad I read this as I now know what I can do to help some of these kids that maybe cannot afford school equipment or uniforms.

[Louis Bennett]

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/businesses-boost-unesco-efforts-help-thailands-most-vulnerable-learners-access-education
The article by UNESCO focuses on the major challenges Thailand faces in its attempt to meet its guarantee of fifteen years of free of education for all children’s, including migrants. During the course we discussed the conflict in Myanmar, which has caused an influx of refugees fleeing from Myanmar into Northern Thailand. This surge of migrants has put a large economic strain of Thailands education system. It is said that many of Thailands migrant learning centres are “overcrowded” and “lack basic facilities such as running water”.
To help address these problems Thailand has successfully collaborated UNESCO and Japan to help build the necessary infrastructure to support there its education systems ever growing demands. This includes building solar panels to support their electricity problems, alongside teacher training programs and providing students with nutritious meals.
Another major point the article focuses on is the barriers migrant children face. This includes “registration issues”, “Language barriers” and “integration difficulties”. As someone who is going to Thailand to Teach, these are all vital things to consider for my own students. It is important to foster a welcoming environment, and ensure that all my students feel welcome, and part of the classroom, no matter where they are from. It is also important to note that I myself will be a migrant, and will be entering a new cultural environment with little language skills in which I will need to adapt too.

In conclusion the articles focuses on the challenges migrants from Myanmar face within the Thai education system, and highlights the difficulties they face in adapting to their new environment.

[Louis Bennett]

Hello Selebogo. Your analysis of the article is an excellent critique to the idealised perception of Thailand. Although tourism in Thailand has many positive impacts, the negative drawbacks are often overlooked. Particularly in the case of environmental impacts with many national parks being forced to close temporarily for environmental restoration.

[Ralph Pollard]

I have travelled to Thailand many times over the years and enjoy the food, friendliness of the people, and easygoing lifestyle. As I went through this course, I was reminded about these things and I also recalled my first trip to the country, which was mentioned in one of the modules. During my time in the US Navy, I had the good fortune of participating in the Cobra Gold joint military exercise (1995). This event truly opened the world to me and showed me there is more out there.

The article I found discusses the importance of multilateral cooperation between countries during Cobra Gold. What started as a joint US/Thai exercise 44 years ago has grown to incorporate many other counties in SE Asia. One of the US generals said, “Cobra Gold is about our partnerships.” Although he was addressing military operations, there are other benefits to the gathering of people from many cultures. It was encouraging to read that there was a humanitarian project between US/Thai soldiers to build a school that “strengthened ties and fostered mutual respect.”

Looking back on my experiences, I recall the events that formed my views and the way I look at the world. Although Cobra Gold started as part of my military service, it showed me there is more in this world and ultimately put me on the path of discovery.

Cobra Gold exercise enhances multilateralism across Indo-Pacific

[Ralph Pollard]

Lachlan, this is a good article emphasising the importance of tourism in Thailand. Once you travel to the country, and see all the tourists, it’s not hard to understand the impact to the economy of these communities. I seem to recall reading another article a few years ago that Thailand was one of the first countries in the region to reopen after COVID-19 and can understand why. The article also mentions quality tourists which can be further illustrated by the the visas Thailand offers. The ones with the best terms go to those travellers with the bigger bank accounts. Something to look at if considering a long term stay in Thailand. Good article – thank you!

[Erin McPeake]

Hi Louis
I think this is such an important article relating to migrants in Thailand. I particularly love the way you have connected your future experiences as a person living in a different country with those issues discussed in the article including how we, ourselves, will be foreigners. This sheds such an important light on the necessity to have a warm and diverse classroom where all students are welcome. This article also emphasises the importance of access to basic necessities in a school-based environment and how we can improve this means of approach through the use of solar panels in schools to improve electricity issues, extra teachers for more classes etc.
Thanks!

[Erin McPeake]

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/thailand/bangkok/40047386

“Dusit leads the way: waste sorting, clean air and green spaces for a better Bangkok”

This article explores the positive impact of small changes on the wider community, particularly in making Bangkok a “cleaner, healthier and more liveable city”. It specifically analyses a city development project taking place in Dusit where the community came together to participate in a waste management strategy which they found not only reduced their overall wastage but encouraged them to look for alternative, more sustainable options.
Another major concern this article explores is PM2.5 pollution, which essentially describes when the air is not healthy enough to breathe. This is a particular issue in large construction areas where dust and chemicals are easily spread. To reduce this impact the Deputy Governor enforced strict air quality control measures, including regular street cleaning along impacted areas, continuous water spraying to “reduce airborne dust particles” and covering all construction substances to reduce the likelihood of “dust dispersion”.
This article is of particular importance to me as material wastage is a huge issue in my home city and something I try to have a positive impact towards by incorporating my own waste management strategies at home and work. This is therefore something I would like to embrace while living overseas including in the classroom!

[Anonymous]

Hi Kate,
I agree with you in that you do not need a big budget to access free internet learning. However, being able to afford technologies to access leaning such as i pads and lap tops, may prove challenging to students in poorer areas. this will require Government funding and support to insure that technology is available to all students, as not all parents will be able to afford to supply them.

[Anonymous]

Thailand’s education revolution: Past, present and future | Thaiger
This article discusses how the traditional ‘respect for educators’ in Thai culture is seeking to develop and improve by embracing modern technology. It considers the history of Thai education and the influence of royalty and religion in the 18h century, and how the education system was based on ‘religion and moral values’. The article examines the evolution of the Thai educational system from the 19th century onwards, widening to included mathematics, sciences and languages, and the development of Universities. With the National Education Act 1999 introducing a more holistic approach to education. As the Thai education system begins to embrace the digital age, it means that education throughout the country will improve the prospects for all students. Whether they are in remote rural areas or the bustling cities, students through modern technology will have access to learning and information.
Overall the article highlights an exciting new chapter in Thai education. As the Thai educational system evolves to parallel international standards, it creates opportunities for employment in Thailand. It demonstrates the importance of evolving education to secure Thailand’s future as an important part of the global workforce. This makes Thailand a particularly exciting place to visit and be part of an evolving educational system. The challenge for Thailand will be how to maintain the historical educational traditions while embracing the digital age, so that the education system can evolve and develop in the future with the fast-paced changes in technology, while maintaining the rich Thai cultural identity of respect and moral values.

[Michael Ghavalas]

Hi Erin!
I strongly agree this is an important topic for Thailand, especially the progression of Bangkok and working towards making it a cleaner, healthier and more live able city. The last few years have been great for Thailand regarding their efforts in waste management strategies and taking action. I believe early this year, the Thai government made public transport free for one week in attempts to combat PM levels worsening. With constant attention along with new control measures I think Thailand is heading in the right direction.

[Author]

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