An interesting article from the Bangkok Post:
What makes us proud of our country? At the Education Ministry, our patriotism is judged by how much we can memorise national history in textbooks as sacred fact written in stone.
That is why they are extremely worried about the future of patriotism here.
Despite the emphasis on rote learning to enforce conformity and to kill a questioning mind, the education authorities believe our children still cannot parrot well enough.
The future is bleak when many students still do not know about Pantai Norasingh, a popular folk hero who symbolises loyalty to the monarchy. Worse, the educators lament, many still do not know about King Naresuan who freed the Thais from Burmese rule.
The protracted save-the-country theatre at Government House does not convince these bigwigs that there is no shortage of ultra-nationalism here.
The spiralling southern violence cannot make them see that the crux of the problem lies in their version of nationalism, which states that only the dominant Buddhist Thais own the country. Nor can they see that if they insist on pushing this down the throats of the ethnic Malay Muslims, peace will remain out of reach.
Hence their plan to make children across the country parrot more of what they define as national history, what they equate as patriotism, which boils down to a dangerous racist nationalism in a conflict-ridden society where respect for cultural plurality remains indispensible for peace.
When I told my 12-year-old daughter of the Education Ministry's plans for her history classes next year, she screamed at the idea.
"Why do they want to put us through more boring hours? Why do they think we will love the country by remembering about battles, blood and death? Why is history so full of killing and scary events? What is the point of making us remember so many difficult names and dates? I just don't see any use of it."
Playing devil's advocate, I said we need to know about historical roots to know who we are so we can move forward confidently. The boredom may stem from how history classes are conducted, I suggested.
She defended her teacher vehemently. "We're allowed to do open-book quiz in class, which is fun. But the materials are boring."
"So what do you want to learn?" I pressed.
Civilisations, she said. Old civilisations in all parts of the world. How the pyramids were built, for example. When I pointed out that pyramids are not Thai, she just shrugged her shoulders.
When I asked if she wanted to learn how different geographical landscapes shaped different cultures and civilisations, how an ancient civilisation based on the salt industry in the Isan Plateau rose and fell, how it was replaced by principalities in the river basins which prospered from rain-fed rice cultivation, how different ethnicities in the region lived alongside one another since prehistoric times in this region and, closer to home, how true it was that Bangkok's roots were essentially Chinese - she cut me short.
"Anything, mummy. Anything is better than what it is now."
However boring, ultra-nationalism has still succeeded in seeping in to poison kids' minds. My daughter, for one, truly believes that Thailand once owned parts of our neighbouring countries, making us the greatest in this region.
"Because the textbooks say so."
Like most Thais, she feels Burma is fierce and heartless, Cambodia cannot be trusted and Laos is inferior to Thailand - because the history textbooks teach her so. And since national history only has room for ethnic Buddhists, she considers it an alien notion that other ethnic minorities must have equal rights to the dominant ethnic Thais in a democratic society.
She is only 12, I told myself. If others can rise above such ugly nationalism to understand how it makes us cruel and heartless, my girl can do it too, one day.
The Education Ministry may want to tighten the chains of racist nationalism, but any mother who cares for her children's humanity and peace in an increasingly tense multi-cultural world, will never give up the fight for it.
Neither will I.
Source: Bangkok Post
Thoughts: If the education ministry are going to distort the truth to promote further nationalism it should be a serious concern of any parent (especially non-Thai) that are having their children educated in Thailand. Nationalism breeds xenophobia which breeds hatred and violence and in my humble opinion is something the world can do without.
Education and nationalism in Thailand
Education and nationalism in Thailand
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
When you look at clearly it is a very disturbing MO. Subjects such as world history, or even unbiased Thai history are almost non-existant. Geography, pretty much the same, most gape in disbelief at the world map. There are others too.
Maybe that's why the super expensive end of the educational spectrum is doing well(ie international schools in Bangkok, expensive EP courses at private school etc). I hear from many parents(Thai, Asian and western) that a wider scope is much needed and they don't mind paying a fair extra wack to get it.
As the famous quote goes "A country that doesn't know it's history is doomed to repeat it."
Think this might be appliable here, sadly. Running round in circles is common on many issues, nothing learnt over time.
Don't think they need anymore nationalism and xenophobia here, got enough already, however deluded/brain-pickled/controllable it makes them.
Dangerous road to go down. Everyone should be concerned about it if that's what the MoE is currently 'up to'.
Maybe that's why the super expensive end of the educational spectrum is doing well(ie international schools in Bangkok, expensive EP courses at private school etc). I hear from many parents(Thai, Asian and western) that a wider scope is much needed and they don't mind paying a fair extra wack to get it.
As the famous quote goes "A country that doesn't know it's history is doomed to repeat it."
Think this might be appliable here, sadly. Running round in circles is common on many issues, nothing learnt over time.
Don't think they need anymore nationalism and xenophobia here, got enough already, however deluded/brain-pickled/controllable it makes them.
Dangerous road to go down. Everyone should be concerned about it if that's what the MoE is currently 'up to'.
Resolve dissolves in alcohol
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sandman67
- Rock Star
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- Joined: Wed Jul 11, 2007 6:11 pm
- Location: I thought you had the map?
Mrs S, although being quite a sharp cookie, has sod all awareness of any issue around Geography and History outside Thailand. She always asks me about the documentaries I watch, and Im always surprised how little basic learning she has had. She has no knowledge of any other culture than her own.
She didnt even know who HH the Dalai Lama was...(not just what he looked like but who he actually was....ie the head of a major section of the Buddhist faith)..and for a Buddhist Id say that was a sad sad sign of lack of real education. I was just amazed.
She also has those drilled in perceptions that are flagged in the article. Thats really bad.
Another factor in the enforced ignorance regime is the lack of ANY substantive TV content on mainstream Thai TV that shows other countries and cultures other than pop programming drivel .... even the news programs are 99.9% thai-centric. Its all just brainless soaps and game shows.
As Ive posted before, Mrs S and I changed her lads school in BKK when he got a bad report about being disruptive in class. When we saw his teacher and headmaster it turned out what he was doing was asking questions in class..... asking questions. Mrs S did the usual polite nod nod smile act...I went spare and said they were both an embarrassment to the teaching profession. I was so angry with them.
Now I pay to send him to a better school....but the learning is still probably from govt "approved" source books and by rote.
There really seems no escape.
She didnt even know who HH the Dalai Lama was...(not just what he looked like but who he actually was....ie the head of a major section of the Buddhist faith)..and for a Buddhist Id say that was a sad sad sign of lack of real education. I was just amazed.
She also has those drilled in perceptions that are flagged in the article. Thats really bad.
Another factor in the enforced ignorance regime is the lack of ANY substantive TV content on mainstream Thai TV that shows other countries and cultures other than pop programming drivel .... even the news programs are 99.9% thai-centric. Its all just brainless soaps and game shows.
As Ive posted before, Mrs S and I changed her lads school in BKK when he got a bad report about being disruptive in class. When we saw his teacher and headmaster it turned out what he was doing was asking questions in class..... asking questions. Mrs S did the usual polite nod nod smile act...I went spare and said they were both an embarrassment to the teaching profession. I was so angry with them.
Now I pay to send him to a better school....but the learning is still probably from govt "approved" source books and by rote.
There really seems no escape.
"Science flew men to the moon. Religion flew men into buildings."
"To sin by silence makes cowards of men."
"To sin by silence makes cowards of men."
While painting the Wat huahin May/june this year with my thai wife we had many thai people,( rich and poor) from BKK,Huahin and surrounding areas,asking us many questions as to why we were doing this.
My answer to them was......... because we want to do it and it needs to be done.
We recieved many a thankyou with plenty of smiles,and even a few donations.
At times we were swamped by the army/police wandering around watching us work,and asking the same questions.
Most of the people we saw went and prayed in the Wat,or were at the Wat for funeral/weddins. all proclaiming to be buddhist.
Now on one ocasion,when i replied as to why we were working at the Wat,to some big bod from BKK,who had arrived in his Merc, his Smile changed,and Laughing he said,Oh you not do it to bring you good luck.
No i said and we do it for free.
People did not seem to understand this,they were surprised we did it for free.
I asked why do you go to the Wat and pray? Good luck and money was the answer i got.
I am an easy going bloke,takes a lot to wind me up, but on this occasion i got moody so to speak.
I said part of buddhism is not about praying for money and luck,its about giving .
I told him i was from England,was poor and that i wanted to do this,and wanted nothing in return.
Thai education needs to teach about the history of the world,thailand is not the centre of the universe, Farangs are not $£ machines,We are human beings who happen to love Thailand,We dont all want to buy up their country and own all of the land, or build half a dozen houses.
Its not just the currant children at school that need their eyes opening its most of the population.
A particular girl that works bar visited the Wat everyday,asking questions about me,and why we were painting,My wife replied saying why.
This girls commets were the same, ie how much am i being paid and i only do it for luck.
She also said to my wife,why your husband want you? your not beautiful.
( i did not know this was said to my wife until 2 days later)
Gawd give me strenght.
Education is a thing wonderful ........If you can get it.
My answer to them was......... because we want to do it and it needs to be done.
We recieved many a thankyou with plenty of smiles,and even a few donations.
At times we were swamped by the army/police wandering around watching us work,and asking the same questions.
Most of the people we saw went and prayed in the Wat,or were at the Wat for funeral/weddins. all proclaiming to be buddhist.
Now on one ocasion,when i replied as to why we were working at the Wat,to some big bod from BKK,who had arrived in his Merc, his Smile changed,and Laughing he said,Oh you not do it to bring you good luck.
No i said and we do it for free.
People did not seem to understand this,they were surprised we did it for free.
I asked why do you go to the Wat and pray? Good luck and money was the answer i got.
I am an easy going bloke,takes a lot to wind me up, but on this occasion i got moody so to speak.
I said part of buddhism is not about praying for money and luck,its about giving .
I told him i was from England,was poor and that i wanted to do this,and wanted nothing in return.
Thai education needs to teach about the history of the world,thailand is not the centre of the universe, Farangs are not $£ machines,We are human beings who happen to love Thailand,We dont all want to buy up their country and own all of the land, or build half a dozen houses.
Its not just the currant children at school that need their eyes opening its most of the population.
A particular girl that works bar visited the Wat everyday,asking questions about me,and why we were painting,My wife replied saying why.This girls commets were the same, ie how much am i being paid and i only do it for luck.
She also said to my wife,why your husband want you? your not beautiful.
( i did not know this was said to my wife until 2 days later)
Gawd give me strenght.Education is a thing wonderful ........If you can get it.
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The understudy
- Ace
- Posts: 1293
- Joined: Fri Jun 13, 2003 12:16 pm
- Location: Hua Hin, Bangkok, Berlin, L. A. rotating
Hi There Y'all!!!
This reminds me of my very first 2 Semesters @ Stamford International Univ. Hua Hin CAmpus.
When a Teacher asked a question or wants the Student to ask a questions. The Students has to participate by raing their hands. That's Class participation German style. Me comming "fresh outta Plane from Germany" often when a quesrtion was asked or them instructors demand answers of course each time I raised my Hands.
Other than me no other Thais in my class raised their hand or questioned the Teacher. I had been accused of being "Hyper Active"! In the Eyes of the Thai Students. I kept raisin my hands when questions are demanded or to be answered the German Style until the middle of the second Semester I reluctantly stopped and adapted my self to the Thai Style of learning.
Another example: ENG 213 "Critical Thinking".
about three quarters of Thai Students finished with C- to D in this class alone!
I like these responses that where submiited to the writer? and they totally nailed the point!
"Good article. It's great to see that there are other people in Thailand who know that the Education Ministry kills off critical thinking skills to create a docile obeying population."
"Interestingly, despite the almost total disparity between the two countries, Thailand and Japan have precisely the same problem with rubbishy school history books.
"As a teacher in a Thai government school, I agree completely with this article. The promotion of racism and nationalism is a major part of the Thai school curriculum. The Education Ministry is terrified that Thai children might learn to think critically, especially to think critically about Thailand's feudal society. The schools are very effective at doing what they were intended to do: turning intelligent, creative children into stupidly obedient soldiers and laborers. For parents, there are two answers. If you are wealthy, send your kids to international schools. If you are not, they you must bring your children home, and educate them yourself, perhaps with help from private tutors where needed. For teachers, however well meaning we are, there is little we can do within the Thai school system."
Who can possibly argue with Khun Sanitsuda's piece? It is self evidently true, and so long as tired, bigoted old men run our countries and education systems they will impose their tired bigoted old ideas on our kids."
Your's The understudy!!!
This reminds me of my very first 2 Semesters @ Stamford International Univ. Hua Hin CAmpus.
When a Teacher asked a question or wants the Student to ask a questions. The Students has to participate by raing their hands. That's Class participation German style. Me comming "fresh outta Plane from Germany" often when a quesrtion was asked or them instructors demand answers of course each time I raised my Hands.
Other than me no other Thais in my class raised their hand or questioned the Teacher. I had been accused of being "Hyper Active"! In the Eyes of the Thai Students. I kept raisin my hands when questions are demanded or to be answered the German Style until the middle of the second Semester I reluctantly stopped and adapted my self to the Thai Style of learning.
Another example: ENG 213 "Critical Thinking".
about three quarters of Thai Students finished with C- to D in this class alone!
I like these responses that where submiited to the writer? and they totally nailed the point!
"Good article. It's great to see that there are other people in Thailand who know that the Education Ministry kills off critical thinking skills to create a docile obeying population."
"Interestingly, despite the almost total disparity between the two countries, Thailand and Japan have precisely the same problem with rubbishy school history books.
"As a teacher in a Thai government school, I agree completely with this article. The promotion of racism and nationalism is a major part of the Thai school curriculum. The Education Ministry is terrified that Thai children might learn to think critically, especially to think critically about Thailand's feudal society. The schools are very effective at doing what they were intended to do: turning intelligent, creative children into stupidly obedient soldiers and laborers. For parents, there are two answers. If you are wealthy, send your kids to international schools. If you are not, they you must bring your children home, and educate them yourself, perhaps with help from private tutors where needed. For teachers, however well meaning we are, there is little we can do within the Thai school system."
Who can possibly argue with Khun Sanitsuda's piece? It is self evidently true, and so long as tired, bigoted old men run our countries and education systems they will impose their tired bigoted old ideas on our kids."
Your's The understudy!!!