ASSIGNMENT 2: ARTICLE ANALYSIS

[Ethan Howarth]

The Article: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/how-is-thailands-education-system-dealing-with-its-youngest-lese-majeste-suspect/
The article discusses a 15-year-old girl in Thailand, known as “Yok,” who holds the record as the youngest person charged with insulting the royal family, has been barred from attending Triamudomsuksapattanakarn School. Yok accuses the prestigious Bangkok school of ignoring her basic rights. The school, however, has remained firm in its decision, stating that she is no longer a student. Athapol Anunthavorasakul, an educator at Chulalongkorn University, believes that the school’s silence and tough stance represent a form of violence. Yok was arrested in March for participating in a rally advocating for reform of the royal defamation law. She spent 51 days in custody before being released into the care of friends and activists. When she attempted to register for the new semester at Triamudomsuksapattanakarn School, she was denied entry because she was not accompanied by a parent or guardian, as required by the Child Protection Act. Athapol suggests that the school’s discrimination against Yok may stem from viewing her as an activist rather than a troubled child. He argues that the school could have responded differently, considering Yok’s circumstances and inability to contact her parents.

As someone travelling to Thailand, this article provides insights into the country’s sociopolitical climate and education system. It sheds light on the challenges surrounding freedom of expression and activism in Thailand. The article also explores the tension between conforming to traditional norms and advocating for personal freedoms within the education system. It highlights the rules and challenges within Thai schools between discipline and personal freedoms which will help me understand the local educations system’s expectations and how to approach the role with cultural sensitivity.

[Chantelle Chambers]

I really enjoyed the article you picked and the ways in which it relates to me also being a solo female traveller. I loved reading and learning about the women who are in the business industry and the opportunities/ hardships they can face. this is a global issue, which i believe needs to be highlighted more often. Its great to hear improvements on the statistics regarding Thai women in the business sector. I loved the part you said about empowering young people through education, this is my own personal goal as i understand the importance of educating young people. I also understand that having an education, ensures more opportunities in life. Thus, picking this article brings attention to the problems of not having equally both globally and in job all roles.

[Saira Farid]

https://www.eiu.com/n/thailand-tourism-industry-adapting-to-changing-times/
“Thailand’s tourism industry: adapting to changing times”
Thailand’s tourism industry is recovering in 2022, but international arrivals are unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2024. The country’s zero-covid policy in China, which is set to extend into 2023, and the global economic outlook are causing Thai authorities to adjust their tourism strategy. This will reduce their over-dependence on a few source markets and diversify their target customer groups. The tourism sector will continue to recover in the medium term, contributing to GDP growth and foreign-exchange revenue. From October 1st when Thailand lifted their ban international arrivals reached 4.4 million compared to the annual 380,000 pre-pandemic. In July and August, the entry requirements for international travellers were gradually lifted, leading to a recovery in international arrivals.
However, Thailand’s tourism sector remains far from pre-covid levels, with monthly arrivals exceeding 1 million people in July and August. The government’s annual target of 10 million arrivals is possible if the upward trend continues in September-December, and the peak season for inbound tourism starts in November. The recovery in 2022 has been driven by arrivals from the Association of South-East Asian Nations states (37% of the total) and European countries (24%). The US and Russian tourists accounted for 4% and 2% of the total, respectively. Hotel occupancy also recovered to 47% in July, but not much has changed from before the pandemic. The zero-covid policy in China has changed the composition of international arrivals to Thailand, requiring the country to rely less on mass arrivals and become greener. Thailand’s prestigious reputation has shifted due to the pandemic and changing global circumstances. The prolonged zero-covid policy in China means that mass tourist arrivals from China will not return soon, and European tourists, including those from Russia, may be constrained by adverse economic circumstances. The gloomy economic outlook in the US and many developed economies also casts a pall over the demand for leisure travel in the country.
This article relates to me as a tourist traveling to Thailand from the UK as it seems majority of the tourism in Thailand post pandemic has been from other South-East Asian Nation states, which may indicate that moving forwards as aforementioned Thailand will educe their over-dependence on a few source markets and diversify their target customer groups which we may see reduces focus on Western countries, this will be interesting to see as someone travelling from a Western country.

[Saira Farid]

I really enjoyed reading your summary of your chosen article as it sheds light on a topic many tourist/teachers outside of Thailand may be unaware of including myself, especially as someone who will be teaching in a school it has opened my eyes to issues that Thai students may face day to day such as challenges surrounding freedom of expression and activism which someone coming from the West may not have considered to be a challenge. It will definitely help me have some sort of insight into what the education systems expectations are as well as mentioned go into my teaching role with cultural sensitivity.

[Niamh Walters]

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/6/21/a-new-generation-of-women-set-to-shake-up-politics-in-thailand
The article highlights the historic election in Thailand, which saw the progressive Move Forward Party win the most seats in parliament. The election results reflect a radical shift in the country’s political landscape, with voters demanding a total overhaul of the political system, which has long been dominated by the military and monarchy. In Chiang Mai province, traditionally a stronghold of the Pheu Thai party, Move Forward won seven out of 10 seats, campaigning on a platform of deeper reforms. The election also showcased a generational turnover and increased gender diversity, with seven of the ten elected candidates being in their 30s, including five women. The director of the Gender and Development Research Institute, Ruengrawee Pichaikul, notes that 96 women were elected this year, representing 19 per cent of the seats in the lower house of parliament, slightly more than in the 2019 election. Move Forward led with 36 women elected, followed closely by Pheu Thai with 29. While progress has been made, women still face challenges in politics, including sexual violence and online bullying. However, there is hope that as Thailand continues to democratize, more women will become involved in politics. The article emphasizes that the new generation of voters in Thailand is driving this change and that women have gained more trust and recognition as capable politicians. The three women mentioned in the article are Phuthita Chaianun from the Move Forward Party, Srisopha Kotkhamlue from Pheu Thai, and Karanic Chantada, also from Move Forward. They share their motivations for entering politics and their goals for addressing various issues, such as rewriting the Constitution, income inequality, property rights, and social welfare. Overall, the article suggests that the election results in Thailand represent a significant shift towards progressive and reformist politics, with a new generation of young politicians, including more women, taking centre stage. However, challenges remain, and the conservative establishment’s acceptance of the election results is crucial for the successful formation of a government that can bring about the desired changes. In this respect, Gemma’s summary offers insight into considering the potential ramifications of the recent pro-democracy results, and awareness of Thailand’s history regarding the fluctuation between dictatorship and democracy will be crucial when visiting, both in terms of personal safety but also gaging the political climate and opinion of locals.

[Josephine Coulibaly]

Article: https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2602978/survey-finds-thais-willing-to-spend-higher-amounts-online
The article is an insightful read that delves into the growing popularity of online shopping in Thailand. The article highlights that online shopping has evolved from being a mere trend to a common practice among Thai consumers, and this trend is not expected to go away anytime soon. As someone who frequently shops online in the UK, I find this information particularly interesting and relevant to me as a traveller to Thailand. It assures me that I can easily purchase anything I need online during my stay there.
One interesting point that the article brings to light is that the number of consumers purchasing through social media platforms has surged from 62% to 80% in the past year. This is a significant increase and demonstrates how social media is becoming a preferred shopping channel for consumers in Thailand. Additionally, the insights shared by Drakon Sirakovit, the chief strategy officer at Wunderman Thompson Thailand, suggest that the online shopping experience will become even more seamless in the near future. As brands and retailers strive to offer a unified shopping experience across various channels, consumers can expect to enjoy a hassle-free and convenient shopping experience that is tailored to their needs.
In conclusion, this article underscores the fact that online shopping is a prevalent and convenient practice in Thailand. This aligns well with my online shopping habits, and I am excited to see how the online shopping experience in Thailand will continue to evolve and improve over time. As the country continues to embrace technology and innovation, travellers like me can rest assured that they will be able to access all the products and services they need with ease during their stay in Thailand.

[Elyce Croker]

Related article: https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/southeast-asia/thailand-monarchy-teenager-protest-release-b2342055.html
The article ‘Thai teen detained for ‘insulting’ monarchy released after 50 days’ explores the repercussions of the lese-majeste law, specifically relating to the case of a 15-year-old girl. It begins with a discussion of the details relating to this particular case, mentioning the date of and reasons behind her arrest before considering what the arrest of a minor for violating this law means on a wider scale. The article concludes that this arrest acts as a deterrent, highlighting the severity of this law by showing that even children are expected to adhere to this custom and respect the Thai royal family. Finally, this article ends with a brief discussion of the lese-majeste law and the recent prosecutions made as a result of violations of this law.
As someone traveling to Thailand, this article reinforces what I have learnt about the importance of the royal family in Thailand. I must therefore make sure to respect both the Thai royal family and the royal family in my own home country as royalty is clearly an essential and well-respected aspect of Thai life. Those visiting the country must therefore respect this custom, ensuring that they do not violate this law out of respect for the Thai culture.

[Elyce Croker]

Hi Gemma,
I like your article summary, it is very informative and provides a concise background needed to understand the political climate in Thailand without being overwhelming. You also provide useful statistics, showing the facts of the article without making the reader go into the article for these important details.
Finally, you conclude your summary with a comment on the importance of this article for travellers, something I completely agree with as an understanding of the political climate is useful when travelling in any country

[Josephine Coulibaly]

Hi Elyce, I enjoyed reading your thoughtful reflection on the importance of respecting the Thai royal family and the lese-majeste law while traveling in Thailand. Your post resonated with me as a tourist visiting Thailand because it reminded me of the significance of understanding and respecting the cultural values of the country I am exploring. I think that being aware of the laws and customs can enhance your experience and help you connect with the locals.

[Vanessa Zuva]

Article:
Here is the history, the life’: the shrine holding out against the gentrification of Bangkok
‘https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jun/27/here-is-the-history-the-life-the-shrine-holding-out-against-the-gentrification-of-bangkok?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

The article expresses the damning effects of gentrification in relation to a culturally significant place. The locals of Chao Mae Thap Thim fear that the increase in modern infrastructure will lead to the eventual loss of their rich culture, traditions and their overall identity as a distinct community. The article makes special reference to Chao Mae Thap Thim’s shrine situated in Bangkok which is dedicated to the sea goddess, Mazu. Already, the shrine is surrounded by a construction site, foreshadowing its demise. Additionally, it’s caretaker Penprapa Ployseesuay is facing eviction by the PMCU (the property arm of Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University), with the final decision on the matter expected on 31 August 2023.

Although the increase in modern building around the shrine is reflective of gentrification taking place all across Bangkok, the shrine holds great symbolic significance, as many would seek refuge within the shrine during the Second World War. As such, the people’s familiarity with it can be traced back through many generations; their family histories are directly intertwined (and in some cases influenced by) the shrine’s history. This is also demonstrated through students’ commitment to fighting on behalf of the locals – where they want to learn more about their culture and history, this seems to be in jeopardy.

This article emphasises the need for the preservation of Thai history and culture. As a visitor to Thailand, it is extremely important that I respect this. Although I am unable to gentrify a community through mass building projects (the way described in the article), I have a duty to respect the culture, rather than to treat it with disregard. This includes making an effort to learn the language and being generally open-minded. Many tourists expect countries they travel to to adapt to them, but this mindset can be hurtful and is contrary to the aim of preserving Thai cultures and traditions. Instead, we should aim to assimilate within new societies we find ourselves in, maximising our travel experiences.

[Vanessa Zuva]

Hi Connor,

Honestly, having grown up in England, I was also shocked to learn that it is taboo to speak about the monarchy in Thailand, let alone to criticise it! I really like your take on the article – the need to be culturally sensitive as a non-native, even when met with customs and practice that you may not necessity agree with, is important to observe. This is out of respect for the culture (a sentiment that the article I posted about echoes). It is neither realistic nor dignified to attempt to change this by discussing topics that others are uncomfortable discussing.

I also appreciate the growing importance of youth in Thai politics. I can draw parallels with young people and the impact they have when they are involved in politics, for example, in relation to the topic of climate change activism. This observation really empowers young people to familiarise themselves with the political climate of today, with the knowledge that they can make a difference.

Thanks,
Vanessa

[Hattie Altaparmakova]

This is a good summary of the main topics in the article, especially regarding the structure of the education system and the main focuses of the Thai national curriculum. This is useful to me given that I will be teaching English when I am in Thailand so it is valuable to understand the structure that my job will be part of. The most interesting part to me was the part that discussed Thailand as a learning society, and the way that even outside of the classroom, society and infrastructure is set up to encourage learning for all ages. (In response to reply 22210)

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by Hattie Altaparmakova.

[Hattie Altaparmakova]

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/01/just-four-pupils-left-how-the-sea-rose-up-on-a-thai-village?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

This is an interesting article concerning the consequences of climate change on Thailand, through a focus on the village of Ban Khan Samut Chin, about 10km from Bangkok. The rising sea level has exacerbated shore-line retreat, and this village has suffered worse than anywhere else in Thailand, with about 2km disappearing in the last 75 years. Although this is difficult to picture, the article illustrates the human impacts of this, with the village’s population roughly halving and the school now being left with only 4 pupils, as families left the village as their homes and workplaces became submerged.

The article also discusses the ways in which the residents of the village have tried to protect themselves and their village, by planting mangroves, elevating buildings on concrete stilts, and building bridges – which they are financing through tourism due to a lack of government funding. It seems to show a lot about the persevering and resourceful nature of the Thai people in the face of such difficult circumstances, and it also has made me realise how serious the climate crisis is for people in other parts of the world, even if it does not seem as present in the UK.

I would really recommend this article for someone about to travel to Thailand, as it shows a lot about the challenges faced by and the character of rural villages, and is also an important reminder of how essential it is to aim to be more environmentally friendly in our daily lives.

[Emma Grummitt]

Thailand: Southeast Asia’s ‘weed wonderland’ – BBC News
29th April, 2023
Last June Thailand legalised cannabis for recreational use. Since this point many businesses have sprung up in more international areas such as Bangkok to make the most of this new booming business. Yet the attitude towards Cannabis in contemporary Thailand compared with the attitude of just a year ago is surprising to say the least. In 2022 possession of Cannabis could get you five years in jail. Even now, many drug related crimes are still punishable by the death penalty.
However, with the new law has come confusion and a legislative mind-field. The act of decriminalisation was part of the 2019 manifesto pledge of the new liberal government and it proved popular with voters as it was believed to provide a good cash crop for lower income farmers. Yet the pace of change has far outstripped the abilities of Thai authorities to regulate the new industry resulting in some extremely lax implementation of what little legislative controls there are.
The regulation of marijuana in Thailand is largely motivated by political concerns, with the opposing conservative right-wing shadow government threatening to re-criminalise if they regain power in the elections in May and limiting the powers of the current government to pass any concrete regulations while they are in office.
Thailand has an interesting history with Marijuana as the plant was used somewhat extensively for recreational purposes by the Northern hill tribes. It was not till the US involvement in the 1960s, and sweeping wave of conservatism across southeast Asia around the same time, that a new, and incredibly more prescriptive, drug policy was put into place. Yet the recent and dramatic relaxation of the laws surrounding Cannabis is still proving a cultural shock to many Thai citizens. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the future of the marijuana industry in Thailand very much hangs in the balance.

[Josie Law]

“The rebel women defying a powerful all-male clergy to become Buddhist monks”
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-04/thai-women-rebel-monks-defying-clergy-ordination/101286826

This article highlights the struggle of some women in Thailand to be ordained as Buddhist monks. In Thailand, only men are permitted to be ordained as Buddhist monks, and there is no history of female monks in Thailand. A 1928 order explicitly forbids women from becoming monks, with the country not recognising female monks or novices. Thailand has around 250,000 male monks, compared to only 270 female monks. These female monks, or ‘bhikkunis’, were ordained through travelling to other countries, such as Sri lanka or India. According to tradition, the Buddha initially refused to ordain any women, but was convinced by his stepmother and a disciple. Women were allowed to become nuns, but many rules were imposed to keep them subordinate to male monks. Some theorise that these heavy rules (garudhammas) were imposed later, and had nothing to do with the Buddha. You can read more about these rules here ( Why can’t women become fully ordained in most Buddhist traditions?).

The article I have chosen to analyse describes the experiences of women who desire to become Bhikkunis, but have no way of doing so due to the gender disparities in Buddhism in Thailand. One woman, Ekachai, says sexism is deeply rooted in Thai culture, and Buddhism is not exempt from this. Temples for male monks (Bhikkus) are given special privileges and funding from the Thai government, including free travel, and the right to wear the saffron-coloured robe that widely signals a Buddhist monk. One issue with getting the Supreme Sangha council to discuss legitimising female monks is that in Thai culture, women are supposed to be tame and obedient. Those who campaign for gender equality in the monastery might be seen as loud and outspoken, and therefore not taken seriously. The women interviewed in the article describe their hopes for the future, and hope that their dreams of becoming Bhikkunis will be realised.

The validity of those ordained as Bhikkhunis elsewhere is a matter of debate. His holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has said that he supports the imposition of full ordination for women, as well as many other prominent Buddhist leaders. As a woman, I am greatly interested in obtaining gender equality in organised religion. Despite not being religious myself, I think it important that we challenge established gender norms, and question whether they have a place in our society. There is still a question about whether the Buddha discriminated against women, or whether these rules were implemented later by those with other interests. Buddhism is very interesting to me as a religion, and I completed a module on it as part of my second year studying Philosophy. I hope to learn more about Buddhism whilst in Thailand, and how it might change in the future.

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