THAKSIN University, Songkhla

Welcome Back Students

By jamesstaley | May 18, 2012

Well, the summer is over and it is time to start back with the new school year, 2555. Welcome back to all Seniors, Juniors, Sophomores, and a special welcome to our new Freshman class!

Topics: Miscellaneous | No Comments »

Visitations for Krabi Trang HDY 22-24 Jan 2012

By jamesstaley | January 13, 2012

Visitations for Krabi/Trang/Hat Yai Interns January 22-24, 2012
Sunday 22 January 2012
1600 Leave Thaksin University
2000 Arrive in Krabi Town (Spend the night there)

Monday 23 January 2012
0930 Arrive at Krabi Airport
1. นางสาวสุธาสินี เฉลิมวงค์
2. นางสาวอรทัย ทองดี

1. นางสาววิพัตรา ไชยชาติ
2. นางสาวพัลลภา ใจบุญ

NO VISIT PLANNED FOR RAYAVADEE RESORT ON THIS TRIP!!

1. นางสาวจันจิรา วุ่นแก้ว
2. นางสาวกมลชนก ชยประสิทธิ์

1130 Team 1 will visit at Orchid Resort AoNang

1. นางสาวมณีรัตน์ หมวดฉิม
2. นางสาวนูรีซัน สือนิ
3. นางสาวพรทิพย์ โต๊ะโดย
4. นางสาวชลธิชา หมวดมะ
5. นายมะสับบรี สาหวี
6. นายวินัย สาเหล็ม
1330 Team 1 Tourist Police in AoNang

1. นางสาวอัจฉรา วุฒิกานนท์
2. นางสาววรางคณา ขวัญทองยิ้ม

1200 Team 2 Arrives at Sheraton Hotel

1. นางสาวประกายมาศ บุปผา
2. นางสาวชนันภรณ์ เหลืองใย
3.นางสาวพัชรินทร์ สุนทรไชย
4.นางสาวนภสร ศรีสวัสดิ์
5.นางสาวบุษราคัม แก้วกูล
6.นางสาวจรรยา คงนิล

1400 Team 2 Arrives at Sofitel Hotel

1. นางสาวสุดารัตน์ แสงเขียว

Tuesday 24 January 2012

0930 Arrive Trang Airport

1. นางสาวสุพัตรา คนใหญ่
2. นางสาวสาริกา สนดี

1300 Arrive at Hat Yai Airport

1. นายนาซีร เนสะแหละ
2. นายศักดิ์นรินทร์ ชัยสวัสดิ์

Topics: News | No Comments »

Building Character Through Local Wisdom in South Thailand

By admin | November 26, 2011

Building Character Through Local Wisdom in South Thailand

Academic Presentation for:

Seminar Activity, 13^th IMT-GT Varsity Carnival

University of Medan, Northern Sumatera, Indonesia

24-30 November, 2011

THAKSIN UNIVERSITY, SONGKHLA, THAILAND

Hwanman, Manoch (Mr.) tol_noch@hotmail.com

Noowong, Pornsak (Mr.) pornsak_bo@hotmail.com

Phumdet, Angsuma (Ms.) angsubonnie@hotmail.com

Pohtae, Saroh (Ms.) saroh.pohtae@hotmail.com

Waedaramae, Ar-e-soh (Ms.) beautyaugust@hotmail.co.th

Abstract: The focus of this paper is to investigate and describe issues of local wisdom found in customs, beliefs, and traditions which modify and shape the character of individuals in South Thailand. The authors explore several diverse aspects of a multicultural, multilingual, multiracial society and cite examples of how character can be strengthened, modified, and improved by a traditional, and often non-formal, education process as opposed to a rigid western style of learning.

Key words: local wisdom, South Thailand culture, building character, IMT-GT Academics

South Thailand encompasses a wide variety of cultures, races, religions, languages, beliefs, and traditions. The individual groups of this rich society are comprised of Muslim Malay, Buddhist Thai and Buddhist, Christian, and Taoist Chinese. People in South Thailand have lived in peaceful coexistence for generations. Many traditions, beliefs, and rituals include lessons in local wisdom that have been handed down; modern civilization has inherited, cultivated, and preserved these beliefs and teachings which serve as the medium used for building people’s morals and virtues in society. “Education in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts. In its narrow, technical sense, education is the formal process by which society deliberately transmits its accumulated knowledge, skills, customs and values from one generation to another.” Aspects of local wisdom are rarely taught in a formal manner; normally lessons are presented and absorbed by the population very informally, often so subtly that the learners may not even recognize that their character has been formed by local wisdom.

Because the society of South Thailand is mainly agricultural, much local wisdom is handed down by the oral tradition of telling stories rather than reading books. Local wisdom used to raise children starts when mothers sing lullabies to their children at bedtime. The content of these lullabies contains morals and virtues. For example, they teach the children to know the goodness of their mothers by singing nang mae or the mother song to them. This lullaby teaches the children to be humble and grateful to their mothers, even before they can talk. Also, it teaches the children to love their mothers. Singing lullabies can create or strengthen bonds between family members.

When children are older, they begin to take part in character building by playing games and participating in local competitions. For example, morn sawn pa or hide the cloth is played by children sitting in a circle facing the inside. One person walks behind the players and drops a cloth behind one of the participants. If the person sitting in the circle doesn’t realize that there is a cloth behind him/her, the person walking around the circle will hit the chosen one with the cloth. This game teaches people to be observant, active, and careful. Since it is never played with malice, the game also teaches friendship.

Another example of character building through games is with the game Ngu Kin Hang or The Snake Eats The Tail. In this game, the players, separated into two groups, stand in a line like a snake. Each group has a mother of the snake to protect its tail. This game teaches responsibility through the actions of the mother; it also demonstrates leadership skills. The individual members will learn about trustworthiness, harmony, and stewardship. The players also must respect the chosen leader. Local games can build character in an informal and non-invasive way.

One famous local tradition, also known in Malaysia and Indonesia, is flying kites. This activity teaches many good characteristics to the player, such as self-control, flexibility, good concentration, and patience as the player must anticipate and follow the changing winds. Also the player will learn to face and deal with problems spontaneously as they arise.

Finally, as children become adults, they may learn character building through the local competitions of boat racing, which are known to foster harmony within local communities. Boat racing demands a lot of practice; therefore, the participants have to be brave, responsible, patient, perseverant, and enthusiastic. In addition, they must display selflessness as they have to spend a great deal of their free time practicing. Moreover, the rowers have to learn to trust and rely on each other. Finally, it isn’t only about teamwork, but also about sportsmanship. Winning is only desirable if it is done fairly.

Like other regions, South Thailand has many folktales and as children become older, they hear many local and regional examples of stories, most of which are related to myths about the naming of the venue or lifestyle in general. For example, one famous folktale from Trang, a province on the west coast of South Thailand, is called sam pao petra or a kind of ship common in that area. In this story, a poor couple lives with their son near the coast in an area called Petra Island. The poor son manages to marry above his status to a rich lady but has never told her of his poor heritage. When she finally demands to meet the in-laws, the son pretends not to know his parents when they greet him and then he sails away from them. His disappointed parents curse the ship which subsequently sinks. This folktale teaches children to be grateful to and at the same time proud of their parents. Children learn that people who ignore or abandon their parents will not be successful in life.

Folklore is another character-building local wisdom, to which all young people in South Thailand are exposed. The most famous folklore tradition in South Thailand is Nora, a dance-drama based on showing respect to ancestors in the Nora lineage. The name Nora comes from the name Manora, which is from an Indian legend about mystical creatures which are half-bird, half-human. Nora has become a symbol of Southern ethnically Thai people and is performed at many rural fairs as well as in villages. As Nora is a family activity, it helps to forge a tight bond between the family members and in the community. It is a strong belief based on a continuing relationship between the descendants and their ancestors, who can both answer prayers and punish. Before every public performance, the Nora performers must pray to their ancestors. This teaches them to be grateful, respectful, gentle, and humble people. Nora performance demands that the performers be responsible, patient, perseverant, and disciplined because of the many difficulties in the performance, such as the heavy and uncomfortable costume, the strict rules to follow, and the specific dialog to remember.

A second folklore tradition, which is also considered to be a symbol of the South, is Nang Talung or shadow puppet plays. Normally there are only one or two players in the shadow puppet show. They not only control the puppets but also speak the dialogue, sing the songs, and sometimes play the music at the same time. This traditional folklore performance teaches the players good concentration, to be active and sagacious. In addition, in its performances Nang Talung uses both traditional folktales, as well as current events. The main purpose is to entertain, but sometimes the players perform a story which relates to the present situation making use of political satire and social reflection. In order to perform well, the players must be up-to-date and able to see things in a wider perspective.

Southern Thais are well known for their local handicrafts, which can also be viewed as character building activities. Thailand has a government-sponsored program called One Tambon (Community) One Product or OTOP. Each community concentrates on one product which is expertly produced with local materials. Weaving, either of traditional cloth or products made from natural grasses, reeds, and vines, is one example. Others are fish products, fruit and vegetable products, coconut shell products, and batik cloth. The production of these items requires one to be creative; the people can take simple products and increase their value with a good idea. Group members must pay attention to detail; they must work wholeheartedly. Even though the products are of high quality, the price is often very reasonable. The villagers have learned to be honest with their customers. Because OTOP products are made within a group, the villagers develop a community spirit. They have to teach and help each other so they become more generous with their time and ideas. When they receive income, they have to share with each other; consequently they have to be honest and fair people.

Still another way of building character can be observed in cooking and preparing food. Thais are world famous for their delicious food, which uses a wide variety of ingredients. Some southern Thai foods are influenced by foreign cultures, such as those from southern India, Malaysia, and Indonesia because the South borders on both the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east. Southern Thais are well known for showing kindness and friendship to others; thus, contact with foreign countries came naturally and easily. Because of bountiful aquatic resources in the area, many people in South Thailand are fishermen. Fishing teaches patience, perseverance, and teamwork. Preparation of fish and fish products can also modify and strengthen character.

One way that character is built by food preparation can be illustrated by using an example with shrimp paste which is widely used in South Thai cooking. Making shrimp paste is not really easy and it must be fermented for a month. Moreover, the producer of shrimp paste not only has to be patient but also determined because of the length of time involved. Also, he has to be fair and honest; good shrimp paste quality is judged by the appropriate ratio of ingredients: it should use a ratio of 8:1 for shrimp to salt. Following this procedure, the producers will be proud, honest, and fair with their customers; they will gain the customers’ respect and loyalty by supplying them with a superior product.

Furthermore, due to the abundance of fish in the South, people have learned to preserve the fresh fish by preparing special products such as in budu or fish sauce southern style or salted fish. These methods teach the producers self control. They must be patient and work exactly. They need good understanding that too much or too little salt will spoil the product.

Religious beliefs and traditions play an important role in character building. Buddhists believe that one of the most auspicious events in the life of a Thai man is buat phra or ordination as a Buddhist monk. This coming of age ceremony is regarded as an act of making great merit dedicated to their parents. By ordaining, they show respect and love for their parents. Moreover, being a monk makes them patient, gentle, humble, and levelheaded because they have to pray, ask for alms, and observe religious precepts every day. On the other hand, no other social class in Buddhist Thailand has a higher social ranking than the monkhood. Monks merit higher social respect than any other group, including doctors, teachers, and politicians.

Other religious traditions may teach respect, goodness, and humility. One example of this is the daily collection of alms by the Buddhist monks. Generous donations by patrons of most temples make a daily collection of food unnecessary. However, monks are obligated to collect alms because the donor of the food gains merit. After the collection of alms, anyone can join the temple for breakfast and the abundant foods are shared with the poor. Another tradition is the wrapping of stupas containing Buddha relics with orange colored cloth. These traditions teach virtue and faith.

One celebration of South Thailand with religious overtones is Rod Nam Dam Hua Phu Yai or pouring blessed water over the hands of the elders. It is a custom which involves the elders receiving their blessings with gratefulness on Thai New Year’s Day. In order to show respect and love, sweet Thai fragrances are added to the water and poured over their outstretched hands. In turn, the children are blessed with happy and prosperous lives. These activities help bridge the generation gap and show mutual respect and understanding.

Another essential festival of South Thailand is Sart Duen Sib or The Tenth Lunar Month Festival. Buddhists believe that the spirits of deceased relatives and those of sinful people living in hell are temporary permitted by The King of Hell to leave. They are allowed to meet their relatives in the evening of the first day of the waning moon and return on the fifteenth day of the waning moon of the tenth lunar month. During this festival, people join in merit-making activities such as preparing special desserts to help the spirits in the other world. This celebration helps people express their respect and gratitude towards their ancestors and keeps families united.

Some examples of local wisdom and its lessons for people can be observed in the everyday life of Thais. One example is the wai or traditional greeting by raising one’s hands pressed together in front of the face or chest. The simple gesture of the wai is more complex than it seems, showing who has the higher and lower social status of the two parties involved in the greeting. It also shows the level of respect that the two parties have for each other. It is done to recall the blessings of and to show respect to parents, teachers, and sacred items or relics; the use of the greeting shows humility and devotion. Additionally, many proverbs used in the South of Thailand aim to teach people to be honest, humble, and kind. Some teach people, especially women, to have good manners. For example, the proverb named kai tuean or wild chicken teaches young and unmarried women to be industrious and responsible for doing chores and housework.

Many aspects of local wisdom modify and reinforce the traditional gender-specific roles to be assumed by men and women in society. Men are usually given precedence because it is believed they should play the leading role in family life. They are taught that the virtues appropriate to their duties in society are trustworthiness, perseverance, selflessness, and generosity. On the other hand, Thai women should follow the lessons of brahmacari or virginity. It is believed that women must preserve their purity, have good manners, and be good housewives. These teachings imply that women should be courteous, generous, gentle, humble, and patient.

Local wisdom involving politics can also be observed in some situations in South Thailand. Because of its strategic location, and the conflux of races and religions, Southern Thais have learned the importance of peaceful coexistence. They can only modify the behavior of others through patience and gentleness, friendship and generosity. Because of the great distance from the central government in Bangkok, Southerners have learned to love freedom and fairness and in the process have become more independent and taken on the responsibility to govern themselves.

Children today become the adults of tomorrow. It is our duty to educate them in the best possible manner, not only in academics, but also in building character. Local wisdom in South Thailand can be found in songs, folktales, folklore, traditions, religions, politics, and even in food preparation. One of the doctrines of the Thai King, HRH Bhumibol Adulyadej is “In the country, there are both good people and bad people.” Local wisdom can help teach the difference between good and bad; it can teach kindness, patience, goodness, generosity, friendship, love, unity, enthusiasm, teamwork, and independence. Most of all local wisdom, both implicit and explicit, can teach us to live peacefully within our society and with our neighbors in a complex world in which this virtue is becoming increasingly rare.

References

Alwasiliah, A Chaedaar. “Preaching not enough to stop radicalism.” The Jakarta Post. 28 Sep 2011. Retrieved [6 Nov 2011] from http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/09/28/preaching-not-enough-stop-radicalism.html
Ban Suan Porpeang. Retrieved [6 Nov 2011] from http://www.bansuanporpeang.com/blog
Basketry. Retrieved [5 Nov 2011] from http://www.fortunecity.com/marina/greenwich/1374/lipow.html
Blog Group Central Thailand, Southern Thailand. Retrieved [7 Nov 2011] from http://www.bloggang.com/viewdiary.php?id=banrakthai&month=08-2008&date=22&group=9&gblog=2

· Buddhism in Thai Life, Second Edition. Bangkok: The National Identity Board, PM’s Office, 1982.

· Chadchaidee, Thanapol (Lamduan). Thailand in my Youth, Second Edition. Bangkok: Bangkok Book House, 2011.

· Chadchaidee, Thanapol (Lamduan). Fascinating Folktales of Thailand, Fifth Edition. Bangkok: Bangkok Book House, 2011.

“Character Building Workshop.” Writers’ Village University. Retrieved [3 Nov 2011] from http://www.writersvillage.com/character/
Chumpangpan, Pratum. Southern culture. Bangkok: Suwiriyasard, 2548 [2005]

· A Collection of Thai Stories and Tales. Retrieved [8 Nov 2011] from http://elibrary.nfe.go.th/group3/4/53-1333.pdf

Davies, Leah, M.Ed. “Building Character in Students.” Retrieved [3 Nov 2011] from http://www.kellybear.com/TeacherArticles/TeacherTip5.html
“Development of the Students’ Ethics and Morality.” The EFA 2000 Assessment: Country Reports: Thailand. Retrieved [2 Nov 2011] from http://www.unesco.org/education/wef/countryreports/thailand/rapport_2_2.html
“Education.” Wikipedia. Retrieved [3 Nov 2011] from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education
“Education Based on Character Building.” [Author unknown]. Presented by International Relations Department, Thaksin University, Songkhla. [2 Nov 2011]
Guelden, Marlane Dr., American anthropologist. Personal interview in Songkhkla. November 2011
Huitt, W. (2004). “Moral and Character Development.” Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved [11 Nov 2011] from http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/morchr/morchr.html
Jadasan Online Furniture Stores. Retrieved [3 Nov 2011] from http://www.jadsan.com/product.aspx?shop_id=10&product_id=129&position=24
“Local Wisdom Supports Character Education.” University of Muhammadiyah Malang. 4 May 2011. Retrieved [11 Nov 2011] from http://www.umm.ac.id/en/umm-news-2012-local-wisdom-supports-character-education-.html
Padmanugraha, Asih Sigit (2010) “Common Sense Outlook on Local Wisdom and Identity: A Contemporary Javanese Native’s Experience.” In: International Conference on “Local Wisdom for Character Building”, 29 May 2010, Yogyakarta State. Retrieved [6 Nov 2011] from http://eprints.uny.ac.id/3703/
Pinyo Furniture. Retrieved [6 Nov 2011] from http://www.pinyofurniture.com/product-th-0-338860
Poom Panya Pak Tai. Retrieved [4 Nov 2011] from http://poompanyapaktai.freevar.com/index2.html
Provincial Star OTOP. Retrieved [8 Nov 2011] from http://www.thaitambon.com/ProvincialStarOTOP/PSO-LP13/Nakhonsithammarat-PSO1L.htm
“Reeds [for Weaving].” Go to Know. Retrieved [7 Nov 2011] from http://www.gotoknow.org/blogs/posts/233516

· Senawong, Pornpimol. Thai Ties : Social customs and cultural traits that tie all Thais together. Bangkok: Samaphan Publishing Co. Ltd., 2005.
·
· Songkhla Information. Retrieved [5 Nov 2011] from http://songkhlainfo.org/paper/75

Shadow Puppetry. Retrieved [7 Nov 2011] from http://www.gotoknow.org/blogs/posts/427903

Soul of Thailand. Retrieved [6 Nov 2011] from http://wisdom-thai.com/history.html

· Surasit, Nases. Essay on Thailand. Bangkok: D.K.TODAY, 2007.

· TID News. Retrieved [6 Nov 2011] from http://www.thaiindexnews.com/2011/04/blog-post_8950.html)

“Tradition and Culture.” Thailand in Brief. Retrieved [4 Nov 2011] from http://thailand.prd.go.th/ebook/inbrief/page.php?cid=14

· Traditions of South Thailand. Retrieved [6 Nov 2011] from http://www.culture.nstru.ac.th/lifestyle/sart_thai.html

“Virtues of Good Character.” Focus Adolescent Services. Retrieved [7 Nov 2011] from http://www.focusas.com/CharacterEducation.html

· de Wilde, Patrick and Christine le Diraison. Thailand. Bangkok: Asia Books, 1989.

Topics: News, Student Writers | No Comments »

IMT-GT 13th Varsity Carnival in Medan

By jamesstaley | November 25, 2011

About 125 TSU students and teachers are attending the sports competitions, art, culture, and academic exchange at University of Medan in Indonesia. The academics team is presenting their paper tomorrow. Please look at this page for a copy of their academic presentation about Building Character through Local Wisdom tomorrow!

Topics: James, News | No Comments »

51 English Majors Job Training

By jamesstaley | November 21, 2011

This is an example of the form to be used supplied by Aj Isara.

Topics: Miscellaneous | No Comments »

Classification of Occupation of Southern Thais

By admin | September 21, 2011

A classification essay by Pallapa Jaibun.

The south of Thailand is natural beauty and historical riches. There are famous attraction places and also have luxurious places to stay. As well know that south of Thailand have outstanding natural beauty and located near the Andaman Sea. In addition, the south of Thailand have abundant places both sea side and land side. The southern people can choose a job in the several types because the south region have rich natural sources. Consequently, the occupation of southern Thais can be classified into three main categories such as tourism service industry, fishery industry, and agriculture.

The first category of southern Thais’ occupation is tourism service industry. The south and the island in Thailand are famous attraction places. There are lots of tourists that visit to the southern of Thailand. There are many places such as Patong Beach or Ao-nang. Due to a large number of tourists, it is also have to develop about the tourism service in the area. The tourism service industry increases grow up all the time. The tourism can be effective of creating job opportunities and increasing local income. So it make people who live in southern of Thailand have more income. There are many tourism service that help people have a job and make their life the better.

The second category of southern Thais’ occupation is fishery industry. Southern Thais have been making fishery for a long time. In the past, they go on the sea to catch fish for eating in their daily life is that they are live from hand to mouth for living. They are very simple ways of living. But at present, the fishery industry plays a significant role in Thailand’s economy. A large amount of people are employed in the industry, in sectors such as fishing and processing, and in numerous related industries such as cooling, freezing, packaging, ice making and shipping. These are product come from the Andaman Sea. Thai people have been fishing for several centuries. The majority of people in the south are fishery due to the area is adjacent to the sea.

The last category of Southern Thais’ occupation is agriculture. This category is very important to our life and our country. Not only Southern Thais work this job but the other regions in Thailand also do it too. The product of agriculture is important issue. Thai people have been done agriculture in several years ago. The ground of the south is sand soil that it is less bountiful. It is not appropriate to grow some of plant. There are many plants of agriculture in south of Thailand such as rice farming, rubber farming, fruit farming, coconut farming, and palm oil farming. These are also important economic crop. Most southern Thais base their income living on agriculture more than other occupation.

In conclusion, the southern of Thailand have more rich natural sources which make southern Thais have a job and make them living better. Tourism service industry, fishery industry, and agriculture are the main categories of occupation of southern people in Thailand. The south of Thailand is good place for stay and has many jobs that you can find it in the south.

Topics: Student Writers | No Comments »

Classification of Reasons for not Coming to Class

By admin | September 18, 2011

Here is an interesting essay by Sawittree Thongrak.

Why the most Thai students do not like coming to class? Education is very important for Thai student that get encourage from the government. However, many students disregard to study in class because they think that it is just a small quadrilateral room only. Each student have many reasons that different both imperative and nonsensical. I am one of student who do not like coming to class, so I would like to classify reasons for not coming to class to improve myself and advise friends. There are many reason that the most of Thai students not coming to class, I classified into three majors reasons are valid, good, and unacceptable.

The first reason for not coming to class is valid. Many students have urgently reason because it was something unexpected such as lost relatives, car accident, and heavy disease (coma). All these, I can not know that it will be happen and it is a reason that I can not unexpected. However, when it happened and it make me do not come to class, I must explain my fact to make teacher believe and accept my reason. For example, I can not coming to class because my father was die, but the teacher understand me because I have true reason. Although, sometimes I can not coming to class is a long times, I usually connected to teacher by e-mail or letter for explain my reason. If I have valid reason, teacher will not angry or give you do some work and forgive me.

The second reason for not coming to class is good. It is the reason that I have which it depends on that my teacher will be believe me or not believe. Sometimes, it is the plea such as traffic jam, heavy rain, and illness. Teacher do not know that what happen to me which I not have the testimony to show him, I have just a spoken word, so it can not make the teacher believe me. I remember when I study at high school it have heavy rains, so it make me feel not want coming to class. As a result, a teacher beat me in front of classroom, it make me ashamed and remember to this day. During the rainy season, it make most of Thai students not like coming to class because good climate. It is the rainy seasons which make student lazy get up from the bed. Some students have a lot of responsible. For example, I doing housework before go to school and help my parent in market early morning in everyday. A popular reason that most student tell the teacher is illness. You should not lie the teacher in the thing that not happen to you. The teacher may hate you, if he knows that you lie.

The last reason for not coming to class is unacceptable. It is reason which teacher can not accept and disbelieve. There are a lot of reason that unacceptable such as get up late, lazy, don’t finish homework. Now, technology is the first reason that why I do not like to come to class. Some students is online Facebook all of night which make them laze to coming class in the morning. Some student addicted games computer and lie a teacher too. In additional, when many friends not coming to class usually the teacher to angry. In some subject, teacher do not strict, it make some student be spoiled. Another reason is student have boyfriend while they are study, they are usually persuade not coming to class. The parents need to closely supervise to their students and give time for them.

In conclusion, there are many factors that make me not like coming to class. I believe that if you have reason, teacher will not scold. Students will have learning through classroom, but it get from teacher. Therefore, teachers have to strict and organize for them. Moreover, school is very important and is like a second home, it makes development my skill and have many knowledge, you have to coming to class every times for a good education and a better future.

Topics: Student Writers | No Comments »

Classification of Writing Classes at Thaksin University

By admin | September 15, 2011

Another classification essay by Atchara Wutikanon

How many levels of writing classes at Thaksin University do you think there are? In English major, every student has to learn many writing classes on their curriculum because they are the main subject. Each writing class that they learn has a difference between the difficulties in writing forms. These writing classes are also provided for different levels of study in English major in order to match with their knowledge. English writing classes are classified according to their level of difficulty.

The first level of English writing classes at Thaksin University is basic level. This level consists of Basic Writing course and Narrative and Descriptive Writing course. They are provided for the sophomores in English major. In this level, students begin to study how to write a paragraph, and they will also practice writing various types and structures of sentences and paragraphs. Moreover, the teachers who teach in these courses will teach students to brainstorm their ideas and organize their ideas into a rough outline in order to write a good paragraph. Besides brainstorming and organizing, they are also taught to use correct and appropriate language on their paragraph. In addition, students have to learn the principles and forms of narrative and descriptive writing. They have to focus on the though process and also make style of writing to be interesting in Narrative and Descriptive Writing course. Furthermore, students are taught to use transitional words and link words and sentences into a paragraph. This basic level of writing classes can lead you to higher level.

The second level of English writing classes is intermediate level. The intermediate level is higher than basic level because it is added the difficulty in its contents. This level will lead students to write an essay. Students will study how to write an essay and basic plan of a typical five paragraph essay such as introduction, body, and conclusion. Moreover, they will learn how to write the thesis statement of the essay. In Thaksin University, Expository Writing course is provided in this level because students have changed their writing style from writing a paragraph to writing an essay. They have to add more information and use higher vocabularies in their essay. Furthermore, there are several writing forms that they have to write such as process, classification, and problem and solution essay. Students are taught to use analytical and critical process for writing in this level. They usually will be practiced to give the reasons to support their essay. This level requires many abilities to write more than basic level.

The last level of English writing classes at Thaksin University is advanced level. This level is the highest and the most difficult writing class in English major because writing style of this level is more difficult than basic and intermediate level, and its contents are concerned with academic information. The advanced level of writing classes consists of Academic Writing, Journalism1, and Journalism2 and the senior are provided to study these courses. In this level, English students have to learn about principles of academic writing, and they also study the formats and techniques of production of newspapers, journals, or magazines in English. They are expected to use correct grammar and formats. Furthermore, their essay should have various sentence structures. They have to link each paragraph together in order to be a unity. Linking each paragraph, students must be sure that each paragraph relates to each other. In addition, teachers who teach these courses would like students to write their term paper that is more than five paragraphs, and students have to produce their newspaper. This level is the most challenging level for students.

In summary, I can classify the writing classes at Thaksin University to three levels that are basic, intermediate, and advanced level. Students have to learn about how to write a good paragraph, and they have to focus on the though process in basic level. In intermediate level, students have to use analytical and critical process to write an essay. In addition, they have to study the principles of academic writing and study the formats and techniques of production of newspapers. Students are also required to write their term paper and produce their newspaper in advanced level. Although you have learnt these three levels of writing classes, I think these might be not enough for you, and you need to learn new things besides your classrooms and improve yourself all the time.

Topics: Student Writers | No Comments »

Classification of the Occupations of Southern Thais

By admin | September 12, 2011

This classification essay is from Winai Salem.

Do you know what popular occupations in southern Thailand are? According to the geography of the southern Thailand is quite appropriate to earn a living, so there are various careers in the south of Thailand and they are the main income of Thailand each year. Because of these merits, most people who live in the south of Thailand have good quality of life. The occupations of southern Thais can be classified into three main categories according to their income are tourism industry, fishing industry, and rubber industry.

The first occupation that I categorize from the income is tourism industry. The nature in southern of Thailand is appropriate to help and support the tourism activities that can make high revenue. The sea nature can be attractive the tourists with white sand and clear water which is hardly need to invest much of anything. Therefore, the tourism industry creates job opportunities and also makes high income for local people. For example, you can found the careers in the hotels and resorts such as waiters, waitresses, receptionists, bellboys, and others. Moreover, an outgrowth from tourism industry is the income of sellers who are concerned with this industry will get income too. Therefore, tourism industry is one of the occupations that make high income to southern Thais.

The second occupation is fishing industry. Almost all people who live near the sea and islands are fishermen. People catch fishes and aquatic in both freshwater and saltwater where is the main careers source for southern Thais. Moreover, fishing industry also has seafood processing factories. Some southern Thais work in these seafood processing factories, especially people in Songkhla. They can have much money from this occupation, and fishing industry can also make an enormous income for our country. Therefore, fishing is the big occupation of southern Thailand.

The last occupation that classified from the income is rubber industry. This occupation leads the most income to southern Thais since the rubber is the main export product in Thailand. Rubber plants are the crops that grow well in tropical southern of Thailand. The southern people who have rubber plants gardens always work this occupation because they can get much money from them near throughout the year except rainy season. Some people who do not have rubber plants gardens, they choose to be purchasers to buy rubber latex, and this is another occupation that makes much money. Rubber industry is business that creates many careers, and it is the largest income source of southern Thais including Thailand.

In summary, tourism, fishing, and rubber industry are three major categories of occupation that make high income to southern Thais. Nowadays, these occupations are the essential means to upgrade the quality of life of southern Thai greatly. But it cannot make money to everyone in the south. Therefore, the government should encourage occupations of southern Thais to be better such as promoting tourism, creating habitat for aquatic animals, or having stable price of rubber.

Topics: Student Writers | No Comments »

Visit Aj Diyaporn’s Blog

By jamesstaley | September 3, 2011

Be sure to keep up with Aj Nok’s blog at Multiply. She has interesting stories about her stay in America.

http://diyaporn.multiply.com/journal/item/338/Grange_Fair_VS_Thai_Temple_Fair

Topics: Culture UK/US, Miscellaneous | No Comments »

Free Medical Care: Ineffective Care and Service in Government Hospitals in Thailand

By admin | September 1, 2011

Jiranan Kongkaew gives her opinion about the service in government hospitals.

A cure is an essential factor in people’s living because people are ill with various diseases every day. In fact, today the medical treatment cost is more expensive; therefore, some people cannot get a cure in the hospital. Thai government has comprehended this fact and determined the policy “Free Medical Care” to help Thai people by using only their identity cards to get a free cure in government hospitals. However, free medical care in government hospitals is still an ineffective care and service.

First, free medical care decreases the effective of care. Because of free medical care, everyone wants to get a cure in the hospitals more than clinics or public health centers. The number of patients is so much that the hospitals cannot support and cure all. For example, some serious patients have to be admitted to the individual hospital because patient’s beds in the government hospital are full, and the doctors are not also available. Furthermore, the medical machines and equipments are not enough and comfortable for the numerous patients. It sometimes makes medical care does not achieve and proceed slowly. This indicates that the system of treatment must be improved until it is more effective.

Free medical care is not good service in government hospitals. The service is very important for the patients because these people need a special care. In fact, the people who want to get a free cure must be more patient for the bad service in the hospitals. They must wait in line for long time until they get a cure, and they are also patient with a bad service by the nurses. I remember when my mother asked a nurse what dates the doctor made an appointment to check her symptom, and then she talked in unfriendly and unwilling ways. My mother was dissatisfied with nurse’s act, but didn’t complain anything. Free medical care makes the treatment service not thoroughly; hence, some people are unimpressive with the bad service in government hospitals.

It is true that many Thai people agree and require free medical care in order to reduce their cure expenses. They may argue that due to their poor, free medical care becomes a necessary for their living. However, free medical care is not the best answer for Thai people. I ever heard news when some patients who got a free cure in a hospital passed away without causes. Even though the hospital treatment and medicine might be causes, the hospital didn’t accept any responsibility. Thai government needs to develop the system of free medical care becomes an effective, and makes the people trust in the care more. This shows that free medical care is still risk to Thai people to get a poor standard of care and to pass away free.

In conclusion, I think that the government should study all these problems of free medical care and find good solutions. Free medical care will be more acceptable for all Thai people. Because free medical care decreases the effective of care and service, and it is also risk to Thai people to get a poor standard of care and to pass away free, some people groups have a big argument for it. If free medical care is still ineffective, no one wants to be an unfortunate victim in the ineffective care.

Topics: Student Writers | No Comments »

Tourism Development Harms Phuket

By admin | August 28, 2011

Another good essay by Pittaya Moungpanin.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thailand has income from tourism about 233,329 million baht in 1999. Tourism is one of the main industries in Thailand. There are many provinces which are well known for tourist attractions. One of those provinces is Phuket. As a result, there is big development on tourism in Phuket. However, I strongly believe that tourism development is very harmful to the environment and Thai culture.

First, tourism development in Phuket hurts the environment and the natural resources. When the tourism is developed, it means the number of buildings is increasing. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and night clubs are built up every day in Phuket. In order to build these buildings, the investors have to cut down trees and destroy the natural resources such as forest. Moreover, they release polluted water into the rivers or the seas and throw away garbage on the land of Phuket.

Tourism development in Phuket also damages the value of Thai culture. Thai people are known as the honest and trustworthy people. Nevertheless, when there is the development on tourism, more and more foreigners visit Phuket. Phuket people try to make money as much as they can from those tourists by overcharging the price of goods and transportation. In addition, Thai women are very neat. They will not have sex with any men before marriage, but the prostitution can be obviously seen in Phuket. They are the prostitutes to serve foreign tourists. These actions exactly destroy the value of Thai culture.

It is true that tourism development in Phuket provides various kinds of jobs for Phuket people. It can decrease the number of unemployment. They can earn a lot of money from tourism. They can be tourist guides, hotel staff, or even the employees in the restaurants. However, there are more illegal workers coming to Phuket to find a job. Most of them immigrate illegally. Furthermore, human trafficking has become a big problem in Phuket. There are many people who are forced to be labors.

In conclusion, I think everyone should be aware of the problems that are caused from tourism development. Everybody should realize that tourism development in Phuket hurts the environment and damages the value of Thai culture. If we still ignore to these problems, tourism development will be harmful instead of being beneficial.

Topics: Student Writers | No Comments »

The Negative Service of Thailand Public Health

By admin | August 26, 2011

Argumentative Essay from Natwara Phonlamuang

Have you ever noticed why the number of patients has increased in hospital? And also why you have to wait for a long line for getting service? This is the consequence of free medical care policy of Ministry of Public Health that aims to give a chance for about 48 million poor people to access more in medical care by using only one identification card. This may open a good way for them. However, free medical care makes the negative change for Thailand public health system.

First, free medical care causes the substandard quality of service. Even though the government claims that people in every level of society have the same equality of medical care, there is still a gap between the rich and the poor. Obviously, rich patients always get a good service from hospital whereas poor patients who have privilege of free medical care always get an unpleasant service. I remember once when I went to hospital for pulling out my teeth, I saw a nurse who has responsibility to ask patient’s symptom acted the unimpressive manner to patients. She not only had a sullen look, but also seemed reluctant to talk to patients. I suppose it is crucial that the government make understanding to staffs in hospital to realize more about the quality of service.

In addition, the government has to carry every expense for free medical care. The statistics indicate that 570 public hospitals face with the problem of losing money from the total public hospitals of 830. Community hospitals and health centre hospitals are similarly lost money too, and this is one reason why capable doctors resign to open their own clinic. To manipulate with free medical care, the government is essential to pay compensation about 4,000 million baht a year for these hospitals. Moreover, there is a dramatic increase in a number of people who take free medical care. While people have increased, hospitals have received no income. This finally results the quality of treatment such as scanty medical equipment and poor medicine.

Many people think that free medical care is a good way to reduce poor people’s expense, and it makes them have more chance to look after their health.I understand that point of view. However, these people and I hope to see a potential in service that is efficient more than this. It is mandatory that doctors and other staffs pay attention for their patients. I remember that I heard news about a doctor forgot the medical equipment in patient’s stomach during taking an operation. In fact, the patient’s life is on hand of a doctor. If a doctor neglects to care about patients, it will result the severe damage to their life.

To sum up, I think people in society should have equal privilege for taking medical care. Free medical care in Thailand is still substandard about quality of service. It also makes the government compensate enormous money for hospitals. Perhaps the government may improve this free medical care by charging less money from people. At least, these some of money can improve the quality of service including quality of medicine and medical equipment. Ultimately, free medical care in Thailand will be superior in the near future.

Topics: Student Writers | No Comments »

Job Training Experience: A Good Chance for Students

By admin | August 23, 2011

Nurhidayu Timung shares her ideas about the job training experience.

At the present, the job training experience is necessary for students who have to train before graduate. In fact, each university provides this course for students who can learn and accustom about the work in each company or hotel how to do and for career in the future. Moreover, the job training shows the reality work with other people. Not only students have to work with the same generations, but they also work with adults which have different ideas. However, I believe that the students will get a good advantage from the job training experience for working in the future.

First, the job training experience is a way to prepare the students who in working the future. It is a good thing for students who can know the work system for working in the real their life. Furthermore, the job training helps them more be self-confident and responsible every time when they do work. They can solve every problem by themselves although the problems are hard to solve. For instance, if the students choose train at hotel, they have to meet with the guests from everywhere in the world which most of guests always complain when students are quite bad service to them. Moreover, they can adapt themselves with their work, and they will fun and happy with their working.

Then the students who will get more experience from job training which it is good chance for them, and they can’t find this experience from other place. In addition, the job training practice students know about working and learning every kind of working. For example, when the students train about the hotel, they can know the process of working how to work in the hotel. Also, they can show their abilities of working to the staffs know that they can do like them although they are only trainees. Even though, the job training is a short time, they can keep more knowledge of working for using in their work for the future.

Other students tell that some staffs in each company or hotel are not quite teaching the work to students, so they don’t know what they should do. Also, the staffs always tell that they don’t time for teach the students. However, they have to more diligent and observable for learning work by themselves when the staffs are working. Especially, they must be brave to ask the staffs because the students have to lost money for paying the tuition, but they are not fair for them to train work. In addition, they should pay more attention and patient with many pressures around them.

In conclusion, I think that the job training experience can make the students more mature for working. Furthermore, they need to train work for development their abilities and add qualifications for applying job when they finish training. Also, the job training experience practice the students know about the patience to work. If the students can pass the obstacle in training work, I believe that they will be a good worker in the future.

Topics: Miscellaneous, Student Writers | No Comments »

TSU TESOL Mini-conference Program

By jamesstaley | August 15, 2011

Interactive English Language Teaching

On behalf of the Department of Western Languages, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Thaksin University, Songkhla, Ajarn Porntip Bodeepongse has been working very hard over the past few months to arrange an English language conference held at Pavilion Hotel in Songkhla.

Keynote speakers were from the Regional English Language Office at the US Embassy in Bangkok. Ms Phanisara Logsdon and Mr Damon Anderson addressed the point of critical thinking in the classroom through a presentation entitled “Midsets: A Quick Overview”.

The afternoon sessions were headed up by Mr Tom Lavin from the British Council in Bangkok who shared his ideas about “Speaking Activities with Teen Learners.” In the adjoining room Mr Edward B Geerson from the Language Institute, Thammasat Univesity, Bangkok spoke about “Tricks, Tools and Tips in Teaching Vocabulary”.

Other guest presenters included: Mr Suwat Madej, Mr Saksuda Tongmee, Asst Prof Dr. Prangasit Sitthitikul, Mr Sa-ard Sasitharamas, Ms Jureeporn Malelohid, Ms Supanan Prommak, Ms Krittiya Sittichen, and Assoc Prof Tassanee Kirisri.

A huge thanks goes out to all presenters and participants who joined in this activity.

Topics: News | No Comments »

Thaksin Academic Week Spelling Bee Competition

By jamesstaley | August 10, 2011

On Saturday, 6th August 2011, the Department of Western Languages, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Thaksin University sponsored several academic activities for junior high schools, senior high schools and universities. The schools attending came from all over the south of Thailand.

The spelling bee competition was held for junior and senior high school teams. The first round with 15 picture/vocabulary words and then 15 pronounced words was held to select the ten teams for the final round of competition. The second round followed the same procedure as the first.

The winning teams from junior high schools were:

1. Ammartpanichnukul School

2. PSU Wittayanusorn School

3. Buranarumluk School

Top honors for the the senior high schools went to:

1. Deebuk Phang-nga Wittayayon School

2. Buranarumluk School

3. PSU Wittayanusorn School

Congratulations to all of the approximately 35 participating teams, who represented their schools in this competition and a special thanks to all the organizers and student helpers from Thaksin University who worked so hard. Hope to see you all again next year!

Topics: News | No Comments »

Effects of a Minimum Wage of 300 Baht per Day

By admin | August 9, 2011

An argumentative essay from Nopphasorn Srisawat

Having a good quality of life depends on several factors, and one of the main factors is having money. If people have high income, they can spend money to buy things they need. In fact, most Thai people are laborers that have low salaries. It is hard for them to have comfortable lives. Since they have poor lives, they want better lives from higher wages. The policy of Phua Thai Party to increase the minimum wage to 300 baht per day can respond to their desire. This policy is a hot issue among Thai people. Lots of researchers worry about the effects in the future. There are three negative effects of this policy which are political problems, social problems, and economic problems.

The first effect is about political problems. Phua Thai Party is going to be the new government. Their policy is raising the minimum wage to 300 baht per day which is expected by most of people in Thailand. If they cannot do that, there will be a big demonstration of the laborers. In contrast, if they increase the minimum wage following their policy, there might be problems too. A large number of the managers and owners from several companies will disagree since they don’t want to lose their benefits. Furthermore, there might be fighting between red and yellow shirt people again. There will be several dangerous situations in the future which could cause future in economy.

The second problem is economy. There will be an inflation problem in Thailand. If the minimum wage is increasing, the cost of everything will be rising too. Because the cost of the producing is higher, the companies will increase the prices of their products and services. Although the people can get the higher salary, they have to spend more money than the past. In addition, labor is one of the factors in producing process. As a result, the middle and small companies may have to finish their business because they cannot deal with the expensive cost of producing process. The big companies will reduce their costs of producing by decreasing a number of the laborers. Lots of employees will face the unemployed problem. The foreign investors will avoid investing in our country if they will look for investing in the country with cheaper cost of wages.

The last effect is social problem. People in the society will have a troubled life. Because of the economy, the people have less chance to be successful in their lives. Our society will be miserable. The cost of living is higher than in the past. A lot of people will have no jobs, especially laborers. Furthermore, lots of students who had an academic degree will have little chance to get jobs because the employers don’t want to pay much. They will have poor lives and be unhappy. If they don’t have enough money for spending, they might solve their problems by illegal ways such as being robbers, selling drugs, and being prostitutes. Those are terrible ways to make more money. Then our society will face other difficult problems. Crime and begging will increase. The peace of the society will disappear since the people compete to have good careers to get high salary. If the people in the society face poverty-stricken problem, it is absolutely hard to develop the country to be strong.

The government should think carefully before doing this policy. Increasing the minimum wage to 300 baht is very important. The government must realize about the following effects in the future. They can make research about the advantages and disadvantages of this policy. It might lead to many negative effects; political problems, economic problems, and social problems.

Topics: Student Writers | No Comments »

The Cause of Flooding in Thailand

By admin | August 7, 2011

Cause and Effect Essay by Kodchakorn Thaisiam

Flooding is a big problem which has been happening in Thailand a long time. Because of human action and natural phenomenon, this problem is increasing in the violence more and more. Even though flooding problem may not be important like an earthquake or a fire, but it makes a lot of damages to life and effects properties in many areas. If we try to analyze these effects, we will find three main causes of flooding; an urban expansion, deforestation, and thunderstorms.

The first cause of flooding is an urban expansion. Fifty years ago, people liked settling down near the riverside because water is an important factor in their lives. They learned how to live with nature and created their houses higher than flood level to solve flooding problem. In contrast, while the communities grow up and more populations in the city, people pay less attention to learning to live with nature. They are interested in an economics, so they don’t realize the flooding problem that is going to happen in the future. They build the houses that obstruct the river routes, and they lack a good town planning. If drainage is not effective, it can cause flood.

The second cause of flooding is deforestation. The roots are the most important part of the trees, and the trees are the most important thing for human and all animals. The roots are like a big sponge that absorbs the rainfall. When it rains heavily, the trees will keep the water under the ground at the roots. If there are less trees in the forest, we will face the extremely flooding problem. For example, the northeast of Thailand has many mobile plantations. The people cut many trees down for personal interest such as farming, hunting, and building the houses or roads. When it rains for many days, the trees cannot absorb flash flood run off into the lowland. The destruction of flooding can destroy their house and farm.

The third cause is thunderstorms. This phenomenon will happen when heavy raining has many consecutive hours near the river in rainy seasons. The level of rainwater that falls in the forest will flow to the plain in a short time. It calls flash flood. For instance, at Nakhon Si Thammarat was flooded harshly in March, 2011. Many People who lived near the river were swashed by a large wave; as a result, they had a little chance to escape, and they also needed to abandon their own houses.

In short, flooding problem is resolved, when we receive improvement at the main causes. It is an urban expansion, deforestation, and thunderstorms. Flooding might not a big problem, if everyone realized the bad effect and tried to solve it seriously. However, we can make practical use the royal though of our king to solve the flooding problem.

Topics: Student Writers | No Comments »

« Previous Entries