ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Neil Ghezzar]

Hi Ryan, i recently saw read this article as well! When you’re making a decision to patronize any animal attraction (be it tigers, elephants, etc), I would suggest to see if the business is considered “ethical”. Many of these businesses treat their animals horribly and I would imagine that you would not want to promote such a venture.
Good luck with your new journey to Thailand!

[Kiah Percy]

Article: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20160817-bangkoks-disappearing-street-food
A BBC article titled “Bangkok’s Disappearing Street Food,” written on February 25, 2022, discussed the negative impact that gentrification has had not only on the street food scene of various popular landmarks in Bangkok but as well as the effect on the vendors, Thai workers, and tourist/expects who often flock to these locations to experience the atmosphere and food. Locations such as Soi 38 on Sukhumvit had land sold to development firms for the construction of properties. Moreover, the Old Town Flower Market had one of its warehouses converted into a community mall. Although politicians had long had a plan to clean up the city, they began taking action in May 2014, which disrupted the livelihoods of people working in these areas.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration evicted approximately 15,000 vendors from 39 public areas around the city during this time. Thai citizens had spoken out on the matter, such as Pongphop Songsiriarcha, an editor of a local lifestyle magazine, raising concerns about the decline in diversity due to gentrification. Furthermore, Dr. Nattaopg Punnoi, who is a business development director of Urban Design & Development Center, stated that “street food is Bangkok’s treasure. We cannot lose it.” To combat the issue of gentrification, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, in collaboration with the Urban Design and Development Center, has restored approximately 15 hectares of land across the city.

Overall, the disappearance of Bangkok’s street food is primarily due to politicians attempting to “clean up” the city to build infrastructure, which is driving street vendors out of business. I found this article interesting because, as someone who loves street food, especially when in Thailand, it is disheartening to hear that hardworking vendors are being displaced from their areas. It also makes me think of gentrification as a whole and the adverse effects it has on local populations who are unable to afford to continue living in the areas they once did because of the new infrastructure built, which ultimately draws a particular crowd and subsequently raises the prices for them.

[Kiah Percy]

Hi Ryan,

What an interesting article. This particular story resonates with me because, on my first trip to Thailand, I also visited a Tiger sanctuary, where I had the opportunity to feed baby tigers as well as walk with adult ones. We were also placed into this mic shift cage, and the tigers were on the outside, roaming around and playing. In hindsight, this was not a very good idea, and I would not do it again. Even as a young child, I could see that there were not a lot of “safety measures” in place for potential accidents like the one that happened with the tourists. Overall, this is not an ethical way to interact with animals, and more measures need to be implemented to protect both animals and tourists.

[Jess Doherty]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj67yj1kj36o – March 2025 – Thai Students now free to choose their own hairstyles.

The article explains that the Supreme Administrative Court annulled the 1975 directive that had required boys to wear short hair and girls to have ear-length bobs, arguing that the rule was unconstitutional. The case was initiated in 2020 by a petition from 23 students who believed the directive violated their personal freedoms and opportunity to express themselves. Despite the Ministry of Education relaxing the rules in 2020 and later repealing them in 2023, some schools continued to enforce the outdated policy. The court ruled that students should have the freedom to express themselves through their hairstyles, as long as it does not compromise their dignity or the school’s standards. This ruling represents a broader shift in Thailand toward respecting individual rights in educational settings. This decision shows a shift in Thai education policy, emphasizing students’ rights to personal freedom, expression and dignity. As I prepare to teach English in Thailand, it’s important for me to be aware of cultural norms and expectations. This article has certainly highlighted an important aspect I need to keep in mind!”

In Thai culture short hair for students was traditionally considered a sign of respect towards authority, reflecting broader cultural expectations. However, the court’s decision reflects a move towards a more inclusive culture within education and personal autonomy for students. This ruling has significant effects on the Thai education system and how it operates. It requires schools to re-think their approach towards appearance and discipline, moving away from conformity and towards inclusiveness. As a teacher in Thailand this will require a balance between, respecting cultural traditions, with students right to personal expression.

However, it is important to note that the implementation of these new rules will likely vary across schools. More conservative institutions may continue to enforce traditional appearance standards, rather than adapt to the new regulations in response to the courts decision to annul the 50-year-old directive about students’ hairstyles. The tension of modernity and traditional cultural norms/ values seems to present a challenge and as a teacher I will need to be mindful of varying dynamics within the education system in relation to this.

Overall, this article was insightful and has opened my eyes to the cultural expectations within Thai society. It has made me even more excited to immerse myself in the Thai education system with an open mind and respectful attitude towards their cultural values and social norms!

• This reply was modified 10 months, 4 weeks ago by Jess Doherty. Reason: Answer didn't flow well - needed a few amendments

[Jess Doherty]

Hi Poppy this is a really concise and good summary of this article. I completely agree there needs to be tighter legislation with regards to the laws surrounding this in order to protect the animals. It has certainly made me more mindful of what activities I will partake in during my time in Thailand.

[Charlie Panton]

Muay Thai as a Soft Power Export

This article highlights how the Thai government has utilized one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, Muay Thai, to its benefit in international diplomacy and also to boost its billion-dollar tourist industry.

The article reads that the government in Thailand has heavily invested in the sport for it to gain international notoriety. This includes successfully lobbying for Muay Thai to be included in the Olympic Games. They have also invested in initiatives to attract foreigners to train Muay Thai in Thailand, like the ‘Muay Thai Roadshow’, which began in 2012. This roadshow would see Thai instructors and officials travel all over the world to different Muay Thai gyms, hosting seminars and classes, but also showcasing Thai culture. In these events, Thai ministers would be given the chance to meet other foreign ministers and broker stronger international relations. The ‘Roadshow’ saw collaboration between multiple governments internationally and also the Thai Royal Family. The article also read that the Thai government has enlisted the help of current and former famous Thai fighters to spread the notoriety of the sport across the world. Furthermore, Mr. Pimol Srivikorn, Chair of the Soft Power Committee for sports events, has announced that he plans to begin a national program that will train Muay Thai coaches with the main goal of exporting them across the world, spreading Muay Thai and Thai culture.

When traveling to Thailand, I am very aware of the cultural significance of Muay Thai, and it was one of the first things I knew about the country. Thousands of Brits travel to Thailand every year purely to train Muay Thai. Whilst this training in Muay Thai isn’t my main aim for travelling to Thailand, it is certainly something I would like to take part in and see it as a path to integrate myself into the local community. Training Muay Thai could be an important stepping stone to settling in and becoming comfortable in Thailand. Sports bring people together, and hopefully, they will allow me to make some new and interesting friends.

https://www.nationthailand.com/lifestyle/sport/40035326

[Fleur Wesselink]

Hi Jess, such an interesting article you chose. It is good to be aware of cultural norms and expectations. Your summary immediately reminded my of my time in Ghana were the students also needed to have short hair. Especially the girls all loved the hair of the volunteers and told us once they finished school they also wanted to grow their hair. Haircut day in the orphanage was then also not the most exciting day as the kids really wanted to grow their own hairstyle but it was not allowed. Its interesting to me how some very different cultures can have the same norms and values.

[Fleur Wesselink]

People buy a lion and can’t handle it’: inside the farms breeding cubs for TikTok and Instagram likes

This article talks about how exotic pets like lions are increasingly popular among the wealthy elite in Thailand. I (ignorantly) thought there would be a decline in keeping wild animals and there would be more investment in ethical sanctuaries. However, this does not seem true everywhere as this article states that according to a report by the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand and the Oxford Wildlife Trade Research Group, the number of lions in captivity has more than tripled since 2018.
Wealthy buyers, both Thai and foreign, are fueling demand, with lion cubs sold or rented out for thousands of dollars and used for parties, photoshoots, and social media clout.
Breeders, often inexperienced, struggle with cub survival and operate within legal loopholes, allowing lion farming to thrive. A “buy-back” system enables short-term ownership, with older lions repurposed for breeding or zoo-like venues. The lack of regulation makes it difficult to track lion numbers, with actual figures likely exceeding official records.
Veterinarians and conservationists raise serious welfare concerns, citing poor living conditions, malnutrition, and inbreeding. The trade also risks wildlife trafficking, with reports of lions illegally exported from Thailand. Authorities are considering tighter restrictions, but current laws still allow significant gaps in oversight.
The report calls for urgent action, including banning private ownership and breeding, stricter licensing, and curbing the glamorization of exotic pets. Conservationists urge the public to think critically about the impact of this trade on both captive lions and wild populations.
Having been to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro in Tanzania in jeep safari where you can see some lions in their natural habitat, it is very sad to see young cubs being used for Instagram and Tiktok video’s. As I am travelling to Thailand it is good to be aware that this is still happening. It is good to do research about which place you want to visit and support.

Norman-Bermudez, A. (2025, May 28 ) People buy a lion and can’t handle it’: inside the farms breeding cubs for TikTok and Instagram likes. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/28/thailand-lion-exotic-pet-trade-instagram-tiktok-aoe

[Lowri Williams]

Hi Katelyn!

As a proud Welsh woman, I can really appreciate the interest in cross-cultural relations between your homeland and your next adventure! This has inspired me to research the links between Thailand and Wales. It was fascinating to read both the cultural differences and similarities between such geographically and traditionally distant countries. The connection between Ireland and Thailand is both encouraging and comforting when starting a journey in a new country. Thanks!

Lowri:)

[Jess Doherty]

Hey Fleur,

That’s fascinating! Thanks for your reply. It is so interesting that they had the same regulations in Ghana too I had no idea!

[Lowri Williams]

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/pr/3019872/bangkok-pride-2025-set-to-go-global-

June is a month of pride, and at the beginning of the month, Bangkok holds Thailand’s biggest Pride festival. Thailand is becoming increasingly recognised as an LGBTQ-friendly destination due to the vibrant nightlife of the community and the legalisation of same-sex marriage. This has paved the way for iconic companies such as Siam Piwat to invest in tourism-boosting and community-building inclusivity. The Siam Center developers, with other public and private sector partners, presented “The Celebration: Right to Love” at Bangkok Pride 2025; an exuberant and joyful celebration of diversity. Supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, United Nations in Thailand, and Drag Bangkok, the festival aims to promote Thai values of inclusivity and reinforce national soft power. The Creative Economy Agency implemented the “Paint the City with MY PRiDE” campaign, in which over 10 top Thai brands have launched limited-edition items. Aiming to showcase Thai creativity, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries says the campaign is “a movement that elevates Thailand’s creative industries and enhances national competitiveness”. Naruemit Pride President Waaddao Ann Chumaporn projects over 300,000 participants, generating over 4.5 billion baht for Thailand, deeming the festival a “message to the world that Thailand is ready to be the leading Pride destination and host Bangkok World Pride 2030”.

The projection of a message of inclusion on such a global scale was one that I was overjoyed to hear. Moving to Thailand and knowing that I can celebrate love in all its forms is deeply important to me. These celebrations of self-expression and pride exude a welcoming warmth, and I can’t wait to join in!

[Faye Wood]

“Lessons from Thailand’s Schools” is a BBC News article from 2005 that explores the similarities and differences between Thai and UK schools in the early 2000s, as well as how the Thai-UK Education Festival in Bangkok enables the two countries to collaborate in improving their education systems.

The article begins by outlining some of the similarities between the two nations’ education sectors: both had prime ministers who actively encouraged education reform, both experienced rapid turnover in their education ministers, and both introduced specialist schools aimed at catering to diverse student talents and needs. These parallels highlight shared challenges and efforts to modernise education in a rapidly changing global environment. The article then discusses the rise of the “knowledge economy” and emphasises how this global shift towards knowledge-based industries offers opportunities for educational development in both countries by focusing on skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability.

The headteacher of Ivybridge Community College in Devon, UK, visited Bordin Decha School in Bangkok, Thailand, to gain insight into how Thai schools function. He was impressed by the students’ discipline, respect, and positive attitude toward learning. One notable difference he observed was the strong emphasis placed on cultural education in Thai schools, which is woven into the curriculum through activities such as cooking traditional dishes, reciting poetry, participating in Buddhist ceremonies, and studying Thai history. This cultural immersion fosters a deep sense of identity and community among students, contrasting with the UK’s more academic and exam-focused approach.

This article was of significant interest to me for multiple reasons. One being that I plan to teach English in Thailand, so learning about the similarities and differences between Thai and UK schools is of upmost value. Additionally, I began school in the UK shortly after this article was published, therefore this article is reflective of my school experience.

[Faye Wood]

Hi Kate,

This is such an interesting article! Having experienced both a very interactive learning environment and a passive learning environment myself, I 100% agree on the importance of engaging students in their work and fostering that love for learning and taking action in your own education. Additionally, I think it is important to note that both my educational experiences were not necessarily in wealthy places and therefore it is definitely possible to provide students with interactive learning environments at a low cost!

[Charles Moore]

This is an interesting article about the Thai education system. I am excited to learn all about the Thai education system and hope to be working in this system, so I am happy to read all about it. Thank you for posting about something that will be so pertinent to my life.

[Ana Gupton]

I chose to read an article titled “Thai LGBTQ+ Couples Register Marriages As Law Gives Them Equal Status,” which explored the long-standing efforts of rights activists in Thailand to achieve marriage equality. Historically recognized as a conservative society, Thailand has seen members of the LGBTQ+ community face significant discrimination. However, on January 23, 2025, the country made a landmark decision by enacting a marriage equality law, becoming the first in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.

The article reported that by the end of the week the law was enacted, more than 1,832 same-sex couples had tied the knot nationwide, with over 1,000 couples registering their marriages at district offices. A celebratory event at a Bangkok shopping mall saw 185 couples officially register their unions. This new legislation not only grants marriage rights but also ensures equal rights for all partners, encompassing joint assets, tax benefits, inheritance rights, and survivor benefits.

As a traveler to Thailand and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, the country’s stance on same-sex marriage significantly impacts my experience. Coming from the United States, where same-sex marriage has been legal for a decade, I have largely been shielded from discrimination based on my sexuality. Knowing that my first trip outside the U.S. will take me to a nation that embraces same-sex marriage provides me with a sense of comfort and acceptance.

[Author]

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