Showing 1 - 5 of 5
Subject(s) (That) Matter
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 24/01/2020
» Two things that recently happened made me wonder about the definition of education in Thailand. First, a uni professor in Phitsanulok drafted a new course called "My Beloved Country" but the board rejected it, saying its purpose isn't in line with that of a general education course. The professor said his subject encourages students to "understand and appreciate their own values, as well as values of others, society, culture and nature". It sounds fine and dandy until you see his list of 18 guest lecturers consisting of controversial figures, some of whom are seen as aligning themselves with the government. So, if you disagree with them, would you be considered disloyal to Thailand or something? Second, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang ordered all schools under BMA to have their students sing the royal anthem after they sing the national anthem before classes every morning to remind them of Thailand's three pillars -- nation, religion and monarchy -- which I humbly think the kids are reminded of plenty already.
Draconian School Rules
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 13/05/2022
» As if Thai schools aren't being known to be dictatorial enough, reportedly a school in Surin has taken it up a notch with excessive rules to supposedly promote patriotism for Thailand's three pilars: Nation, Religion and Monarchy.
What has uncle Tu done wrong?
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 23/10/2020
» A Twitter account belonging to the Prime Minister Operations Center (@PMOC10) last Saturday shared eight pictures of Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha along with a question that goes, "What has PM Uncle Tu done wrong?". The question is obviously asked in a passive-aggressive and I-feel-underappreciated tone. These pictures seem to be a protest against criticism of his governance and response to throngs of people who have come out to protest against him.
Civil Partnership Bill # Marriage Equality
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 17/07/2020
» Last week, the Cabinet endorsed a bill allowing partnership registration of same-sex unions, along with related legal amendments to ensure people of all genders to have most of, if not all, the same rights as married couples.
Thailand's Miseducation
Guru, Pornchai Sereemongkonpol, Published on 06/09/2019
» The conventional notion is that you can rely on textbooks as your source of basic knowledge on a subject matter that you're interested in, but that it isn't always the case in Thailand. You see, some Thai books or educational materials don't seem to care much about being factually correct and, sometimes, politically correct, too. Here are some recent examples for your miseducation.