Opinion
Published on January 8, 2011
Our kids need better education and chances to develop individually, but we still fail to help them succeed
Today is Thai Children's Day, and kids all over the country will be out in full force, celebrating an annual event dedicated especially to them. Many organisations and recreation centres will be putting on shows and entertainment events for kids on this day, which is designed to remind us of the importance of taking care of the younger generation.
Children's Day should also make us aware that we must work harder to nurture good citizens, not only for the nation but also for the world. Kids everywhere should have access to quality education opportunities and a proper health service. They should be able to enjoy living in a clean environment, and their rights should be protected. These basic requirements are essential in bringing up our children well, and enabling them to reach their full potential.
Unfortunately, many of our children have been denied these rights that they are entitled to. Adults have so far failed to adequately address the needs of children in this country. Worse, some adults fail to provide proper protection for children. Many kids these days are exposed to harmful influences, and in the worst cases they suffer abuse and exploitation. Adults have always contributed to these problems either through direct involvement or negligence.
While many children today have access to an overwhelming overload of information through both traditional and new media, they also witness and mimic the negative behaviour of adults, day in and day out.
In our society we now see people more divided than ever before. Those with opposing views no longer bother to try to win arguments through reason. The political and social debates in Thailand are now dominated by emotion; people stick to their own opinions and they cannot be swayed by logic. These kinds of debates further deepen the wounds, without bringing knowledge or wisdom to the table.
Good education is vital in enabling our children to blossom. However, the formulaic school curriculum that we continue to impose on them is ineffective in allowing them to develop their strengths and talents.
There needs to be a new push to teach kids more about our environment and our once-strong community spirit. We must help them understand where they come from and to be proud of their heritage, while also teaching that those who are different, or who hold different views, are not a threat.
Kids should be allowed to grow and develop based on their unique abilities and preferences. In addition to academic necessity, we must enable them to adapt to an ever-changing world that has constantly changing needs and demands. The current education system is not up to this task. Our schools continue to try to fit children into a standard mould. Success is judged by material wealth, not the benefits that they can contribute to their community or society at large through the development of individual talent.
Too many children in the rural areas still struggle to receive decent and accessible education and healthcare. This is not good enough. More needs to be done to ensure that they receive these basic rights. As a result of this failing, many young people still aspire to migrate to the cities instead of working to develop the homes and communities where they grew up. And when it comes to a good and clean environment, we adults continue to exploit the resources that belong to future generations to satisfy our immediate greed.
On this special day, we need to remember that children should have the opportunity to excel in whatever field they wish. How many children today don't have access to facilities where they can develop their interest and skills in such areas as painting, music or sport? All of these activities can instil in kids the merits of hard work and discipline, essential elements in forming them into good, productive members of society.
Ultimately it is parents who are in the best position to raise their children to be responsible citizen who have the potential to develop their strengths. Our children simply need more opportunities to enable them to grow up with dignity and pride.
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Privacy Policy © 2009 Nation Multimedia Group
January 8, 2011 09:19 am (Thai local time)
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Friday, January 7, 2011
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Editorial: This quick fix for schools is failing our children
EDITORIAL
This quick fix for schools is failing our children
Published on October 21, 2010
Plan to declare English as second language in classroom ignores real problem: huge class sizes and outdated teaching methods
The debate on whether the Education Ministry should declare English as the second language in schools does not address the root cause of the problems in Thai schools. The real issue is the quality of teaching, not just of English but of all the subjects that students need to learn to be equipped for the future. Thai students already spend several hours on each subject per week in the classroom. What remains highly debatable, however, is whether schools give their students the quality time essential to learning.
The attempt to declare English as the second language in the classroom is an admirable thing and shows we are concerned over the low quality of learning. Knowledge of English undoubtedly broadens students' opportunities for learning. But it does not take a grand ambition to place English as the second language to solve the problem. Educators can tackle the issue effectively if they themselves are willing to learn and remain open-minded.
Every Thai student already studies English, but the average level of proficiency is highly questionable. Many teachers have not received training to improve their skills, or access to new knowledge. Some simply don't have the language skills to teach English. This means that many of our students are stuck with unqualified teachers day in, day out.
Although educators often claim they want to prepare students for the fast-changing world, most Thai schools still operate in the same way as their predecessors half a century ago. Typically, up to 50 students are crammed into one classroom and subjected to robotic learning by rote. Teaching methods have barely changed over the years. One change we can expect to see, though, is a drop in the quality of teachers, as their low pay means that teaching is no longer a coveted profession.
The authorities are scrambling for a quick fix. Instead of getting to the root of the problem, they prefer to announce a big-budget programme under a "sexy" title. But spending money alone will not guarantee satisfactory results. It is a shame that money is being lavished on education but producing nothing for our kids.
Rather than debating the terms of our English teaching, educators should take a direct route to improving learning by, first, focusing on limiting the class size for each subject. This puts the priority on ensuring every student receives sufficient attention from teachers. The method of learning by rote does not inspire students to excel at subjects for which they show aptitude. The current classroom environment fails when it comes to promoting either multidimensional learning or students' self-esteem. Students are often judged simply on their ability to memorise lessons, meaning that those with other talents can feel discouraged and left out.
Teachers should also receive constant training, because we owe it to our students to provide them with the best possible schooling. Improvements could also be made if public schools drew more on the resources of progressive or international schools, which are more up to date with techniques.
Meanwhile, an open-minded attitude is essential among teachers and school principals; learning is a never-ending process. Efforts to get retiree native English-speakers to assist in Thai schools have been unsuccessful largely because of the cold reception from teachers who are more concerned about their turf and ego than their students. These teachers should be sacked.
Teaching our children to become good "global citizens" should also be on the agenda. For instance, they should be taught about conserving energy and the impact they can have on the environment. But responsibility and citizenship are not sufficiently addressed. Instead, youngsters only hear adults asking for their rights but refusing to be accountable.
And most importantly, students should be given belief in their capacity and ability. Rather than promoting youngsters' self-actualisation, schools tend to punish students who don't perform well in the robotic model of learning. Meaningful knowledge is sidelined in favour of teaching students to fit into a mould by achieving good grades.
Thai students need to learn more about their geography and history to see how this physical and cultural background has shaped them. This will then enable them to understand themselves better. In contrast, currently they are usually forced merely to memorise information without learning how to think with it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Privacy Policy © 2009 Nation Multimedia Group
October 25, 2010 02:57 am (Thai local time)
www.nationmultimedia.com
This quick fix for schools is failing our children
Published on October 21, 2010
Plan to declare English as second language in classroom ignores real problem: huge class sizes and outdated teaching methods
The debate on whether the Education Ministry should declare English as the second language in schools does not address the root cause of the problems in Thai schools. The real issue is the quality of teaching, not just of English but of all the subjects that students need to learn to be equipped for the future. Thai students already spend several hours on each subject per week in the classroom. What remains highly debatable, however, is whether schools give their students the quality time essential to learning.
The attempt to declare English as the second language in the classroom is an admirable thing and shows we are concerned over the low quality of learning. Knowledge of English undoubtedly broadens students' opportunities for learning. But it does not take a grand ambition to place English as the second language to solve the problem. Educators can tackle the issue effectively if they themselves are willing to learn and remain open-minded.
Every Thai student already studies English, but the average level of proficiency is highly questionable. Many teachers have not received training to improve their skills, or access to new knowledge. Some simply don't have the language skills to teach English. This means that many of our students are stuck with unqualified teachers day in, day out.
Although educators often claim they want to prepare students for the fast-changing world, most Thai schools still operate in the same way as their predecessors half a century ago. Typically, up to 50 students are crammed into one classroom and subjected to robotic learning by rote. Teaching methods have barely changed over the years. One change we can expect to see, though, is a drop in the quality of teachers, as their low pay means that teaching is no longer a coveted profession.
The authorities are scrambling for a quick fix. Instead of getting to the root of the problem, they prefer to announce a big-budget programme under a "sexy" title. But spending money alone will not guarantee satisfactory results. It is a shame that money is being lavished on education but producing nothing for our kids.
Rather than debating the terms of our English teaching, educators should take a direct route to improving learning by, first, focusing on limiting the class size for each subject. This puts the priority on ensuring every student receives sufficient attention from teachers. The method of learning by rote does not inspire students to excel at subjects for which they show aptitude. The current classroom environment fails when it comes to promoting either multidimensional learning or students' self-esteem. Students are often judged simply on their ability to memorise lessons, meaning that those with other talents can feel discouraged and left out.
Teachers should also receive constant training, because we owe it to our students to provide them with the best possible schooling. Improvements could also be made if public schools drew more on the resources of progressive or international schools, which are more up to date with techniques.
Meanwhile, an open-minded attitude is essential among teachers and school principals; learning is a never-ending process. Efforts to get retiree native English-speakers to assist in Thai schools have been unsuccessful largely because of the cold reception from teachers who are more concerned about their turf and ego than their students. These teachers should be sacked.
Teaching our children to become good "global citizens" should also be on the agenda. For instance, they should be taught about conserving energy and the impact they can have on the environment. But responsibility and citizenship are not sufficiently addressed. Instead, youngsters only hear adults asking for their rights but refusing to be accountable.
And most importantly, students should be given belief in their capacity and ability. Rather than promoting youngsters' self-actualisation, schools tend to punish students who don't perform well in the robotic model of learning. Meaningful knowledge is sidelined in favour of teaching students to fit into a mould by achieving good grades.
Thai students need to learn more about their geography and history to see how this physical and cultural background has shaped them. This will then enable them to understand themselves better. In contrast, currently they are usually forced merely to memorise information without learning how to think with it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Privacy Policy © 2009 Nation Multimedia Group
October 25, 2010 02:57 am (Thai local time)
www.nationmultimedia.com
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Portraying Asia as the villain will backfire on the US
Opinion
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDITORIAL
Published on October 14, 2010
American politicians using China and India as scapegoats for job losses are playing a dangerous and divisive game
Political spin with a short-term focus can leave the public mired in misinformation. Unfortunately, US politicians are trying to capitalise on ordinary Americans' anxiety over an unemployment rate of 9.6 per cent by scapegoating China and India as the cause of job losses.
The tactic is designed to connect with Americans during the mid-term elections, as economic recession tops the list of the country's concerns. However, the misleading election propaganda could create misunderstandings with the US's trading partners, especially those in Asia, which is being portrayed as the villain.
Over the past few weeks, a series of political ads on television has singled out China and India for costing America jobs. For instance, Zack Space, the Democrat Congressman for Ohio, who describes himself as "standing up against a Chinese government that has devastated American workers", accuses his Republican opponent of supporting free-trade policies that have caused a loss of US jobs to China. Earlier this year, Bill Halter lost a Democrat primary in Arkansas after his rival's TV ad featured South Asians thanking Halter for sending jobs to India.
Political messages like these can leave a negative impression among American's trading partners. The attacks on Chinese workers are counterproductive to the American attempt to pressure Beijing to re-value the yuan and thereby reduce the price-competitiveness of Chinese products. India's government recently expressed its disagreement with the US decision to raise the visa fee for Indian workers in the US. None of this bodes well for the US's effort to double its exports in the next five years to create some 2 million new jobs at home.
In short, such political misinformation will not improve the US economic situation. Jobs in India and China outsourced by the US may not be adversely affected by such sentiments, as their number is likely being exaggerated by the politicians.
More importantly, these messages foster anti-foreigner sentiment among ordinary Americans at a time when they are suffering from the recession. They can easily buy into the belief that they are entitled to vent their anger towards "outsiders". But blaming outsiders is no solution for a society that promotes the harmonious co-existence of people from different races. Minorities among America's rich mix of different ethnic backgrounds could in turn become scapegoats in a hostile atmosphere of blame.
Like anywhere else in the world, less competitive companies and industries in the US will find it difficult to survive. As such, American workers deserve better solutions from their politicians, such as new retraining programmes, rather than being given a caricature of workers overseas stealing American jobs.
The fact is that the motivation of several multinational companies for relocating their plants overseas has not been to capitalise on cheap labour but rather to penetrate foreign markets. Japanese and American automakers have set up assembly plants in Thailand mainly so as to sell their vehicles in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
American politicians should also make their constituents aware of the realities of global trade. Americans need to be reminded that they are also benefiting from this intertwined business environment, as cheap imports to the US benefit consumers, boost domestic consumption and curb inflation.
Many foreign companies have also made their presence felt in the US and created jobs for the locals. For instance, India-based pipe producer Welspun recently decided to expand its operation in Little Rock, Arkansas. Meanwhile, Wal-Mart stores in China contribute to the performance of its headquarters in the US.
Instead of looking for scapegoats, US politicians should be focussing on real solutions to their employment problems - for instance, working with other countries for a successful conclusion to the Doha Round of global trade talks. And instead of accusing each other of being too sympathetic to China or India, and promoting a hostile environment of confrontation, Republicans and Democrats should instead urge their constituents to learn more about people from different backgrounds. As the Chinese proverb says, "If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will win every battle."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Privacy Policy © 2009 Nation Multimedia Group
October 14, 2010 09:57 am (Thai local time)
www.nationmultimedia.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDITORIAL
Published on October 14, 2010
American politicians using China and India as scapegoats for job losses are playing a dangerous and divisive game
Political spin with a short-term focus can leave the public mired in misinformation. Unfortunately, US politicians are trying to capitalise on ordinary Americans' anxiety over an unemployment rate of 9.6 per cent by scapegoating China and India as the cause of job losses.
The tactic is designed to connect with Americans during the mid-term elections, as economic recession tops the list of the country's concerns. However, the misleading election propaganda could create misunderstandings with the US's trading partners, especially those in Asia, which is being portrayed as the villain.
Over the past few weeks, a series of political ads on television has singled out China and India for costing America jobs. For instance, Zack Space, the Democrat Congressman for Ohio, who describes himself as "standing up against a Chinese government that has devastated American workers", accuses his Republican opponent of supporting free-trade policies that have caused a loss of US jobs to China. Earlier this year, Bill Halter lost a Democrat primary in Arkansas after his rival's TV ad featured South Asians thanking Halter for sending jobs to India.
Political messages like these can leave a negative impression among American's trading partners. The attacks on Chinese workers are counterproductive to the American attempt to pressure Beijing to re-value the yuan and thereby reduce the price-competitiveness of Chinese products. India's government recently expressed its disagreement with the US decision to raise the visa fee for Indian workers in the US. None of this bodes well for the US's effort to double its exports in the next five years to create some 2 million new jobs at home.
In short, such political misinformation will not improve the US economic situation. Jobs in India and China outsourced by the US may not be adversely affected by such sentiments, as their number is likely being exaggerated by the politicians.
More importantly, these messages foster anti-foreigner sentiment among ordinary Americans at a time when they are suffering from the recession. They can easily buy into the belief that they are entitled to vent their anger towards "outsiders". But blaming outsiders is no solution for a society that promotes the harmonious co-existence of people from different races. Minorities among America's rich mix of different ethnic backgrounds could in turn become scapegoats in a hostile atmosphere of blame.
Like anywhere else in the world, less competitive companies and industries in the US will find it difficult to survive. As such, American workers deserve better solutions from their politicians, such as new retraining programmes, rather than being given a caricature of workers overseas stealing American jobs.
The fact is that the motivation of several multinational companies for relocating their plants overseas has not been to capitalise on cheap labour but rather to penetrate foreign markets. Japanese and American automakers have set up assembly plants in Thailand mainly so as to sell their vehicles in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
American politicians should also make their constituents aware of the realities of global trade. Americans need to be reminded that they are also benefiting from this intertwined business environment, as cheap imports to the US benefit consumers, boost domestic consumption and curb inflation.
Many foreign companies have also made their presence felt in the US and created jobs for the locals. For instance, India-based pipe producer Welspun recently decided to expand its operation in Little Rock, Arkansas. Meanwhile, Wal-Mart stores in China contribute to the performance of its headquarters in the US.
Instead of looking for scapegoats, US politicians should be focussing on real solutions to their employment problems - for instance, working with other countries for a successful conclusion to the Doha Round of global trade talks. And instead of accusing each other of being too sympathetic to China or India, and promoting a hostile environment of confrontation, Republicans and Democrats should instead urge their constituents to learn more about people from different backgrounds. As the Chinese proverb says, "If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will win every battle."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Privacy Policy © 2009 Nation Multimedia Group
October 14, 2010 09:57 am (Thai local time)
www.nationmultimedia.com
Sunday, October 3, 2010
end of telegraph service
OFF THE BENCH
Witness to history, telegraph service set to shut down
Published on April 19, 2008
Jeerawat Na Thalang
The Nation
During a recent visit to the Central Post Office on Bangrak Road, officials there proudly told me about the history of the post office building, which has been deemed to be part of the nation's cultural heritage.
"There's a bomb underneath the car parking lot," an official said, pointing to the parking space in front of the building. The bomb was dropped during World War II but it did not explode. Officials didn't know how to retrieve the bomb without setting it off, so they left it there after the war ended.
The monolith building was designed according to old European architectural styles and its floor is decorated with tiles from Italy. The tiles may have darkened over the years but they give a vintage look to the interior of what is known as both the Bangrak Post Office and the Central Post Office, Bangkok South.
The building has witnessed the fast-changing pace of communications technology, from the old days when postmen wore neatly ironed shirts with shining stripes and rode bicycles to deliver mail to more modern times when people on different continents can communicate via email within seconds.
From next month, this old building will witness another historical event in the evolution of technology. The telegraph service will cease to exist, with a new generation turning to new methods of communication like e-mail.
Telegraph was once one of the most popular ways to send quick messages. People used the telegraph wire to deliver hot news, such as the results of a job interview, news of a recent death or claims for debt payment. At its peak, from 1987 to 1992, more than 500,000 messages were sent by telegraph each month. But that number has declined to some 8,000 this month. CAT decided to close down the service because the cost of maintaining it was not worthwhile.
The telegraph service came to Thailand in 1875. At that time, both the French and the British offered to construct telegraph lines in Thailand. The French offered to connect the line to Saigon, while the British wanted to run a line from Bangkok to Tavoy, Burma. King Rama V eventually turned down the offers from both countries and decided that Thailand would construct its own line. Thailand launched its first line in the East, connecting Bangkok and Samut Prakan. The service was later expanded to Prachin Buri to connect with the Indochinese line in Battambang in Cambodia and Saigon in Vietnam. Later on, the service was expanded throughout Thailand.
The telegraph was in fact part of several historical events. On January 17, 1928, the Post and Telegraph Department launched the international radiotelegraphy line for the first time by using a short-wave transmission machine to send a signal to Berlin. King Rama VII sent a telegraph to the Thai ambassador in Berlin saying:
SIAMESE MINISTER BERLIN
GREETING AM GLAD TO BE ABLE TO SEND FIRST MESSAGE DIRECT BANGKOK BERLIN RADIO
PRAJADHIPOK R
During World War II, the international telegraph service - which came through Manila - was halted in December 1941. Later on, the Thai government tried to negotiate the re-launching of the service via a neutral country. On April 6, 1942, the international telegraph service was reopened as the service was connected via Geneva, Switzerland.
Postal staff said that when they were students at the Post and Telegraph School, Morse Code class was their toughest because they had to memorise how to send the code accurately. An urban legend at the school had it that some telegraph experts could receive and memorise four messages at the same time before delivering them all later.
Officials said they received incomprehensible messages frequently, which they suspected were sent by lovers. Unfortunately, quite a number of the messages sent were death notices.
"It combined the art of finger-tapping and the accuracy of the code," said Saneth Pangsapha, the 59-year-old head of the Bangkok South Post Office in Bangrak. He demonstrated how to tap the code with his flexible wrist. "Telegraph is very classic. It requires both technical skill and a human touch," he said while complaining that his wrist has turned "dusty" because he cannot move his fingers to tap the code as fast as he used to.
These days, the telegraph service section consists of 25 staff members, a reduction from some 300 when the service was more popular. The telegraph section is located on the upper floor of the Bangrak Post Office. Morse Code is no longer applied. Officials use a computerised system to send telegraphs.
Consumers can, however, fill out the telegraph forms, which they can collect from the ground floor of the post office. Pieces of the brown paper form available in a box obviously shows that the form has not been reprinted in years.
Many years ago, the telegraph office wanted to change the image of the telegraph service. "People were frightened when they received a telegraph. They thought chances were good they were about to receive death news," said Kanissorn Tongsap, another post office official. The post office introduced the idea of telegraphs sent for "friendship and goodwill". However, the campaign was not quite successful as people turned to other types of technology to send messages, such as SMS.
Thailand is not alone in closing the service, as other countries have also ended the service recently. "The other factor forcing us to close the service is that spare parts needed for telegraph equipment are no longer available," said Kanissorn. Some countries such as France, however, used telegraph services during the Iraq War because the services were deemed safer. Who knows, the abandoned telegraph poles along several main roads may be dusted off and used again.
Members of the public are invited to join the telegraph exhibition in the final week of April at the Central Post Office in Bangrak.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008...n_30071069.php
Witness to history, telegraph service set to shut down
Published on April 19, 2008
Jeerawat Na Thalang
The Nation
During a recent visit to the Central Post Office on Bangrak Road, officials there proudly told me about the history of the post office building, which has been deemed to be part of the nation's cultural heritage.
"There's a bomb underneath the car parking lot," an official said, pointing to the parking space in front of the building. The bomb was dropped during World War II but it did not explode. Officials didn't know how to retrieve the bomb without setting it off, so they left it there after the war ended.
The monolith building was designed according to old European architectural styles and its floor is decorated with tiles from Italy. The tiles may have darkened over the years but they give a vintage look to the interior of what is known as both the Bangrak Post Office and the Central Post Office, Bangkok South.
The building has witnessed the fast-changing pace of communications technology, from the old days when postmen wore neatly ironed shirts with shining stripes and rode bicycles to deliver mail to more modern times when people on different continents can communicate via email within seconds.
From next month, this old building will witness another historical event in the evolution of technology. The telegraph service will cease to exist, with a new generation turning to new methods of communication like e-mail.
Telegraph was once one of the most popular ways to send quick messages. People used the telegraph wire to deliver hot news, such as the results of a job interview, news of a recent death or claims for debt payment. At its peak, from 1987 to 1992, more than 500,000 messages were sent by telegraph each month. But that number has declined to some 8,000 this month. CAT decided to close down the service because the cost of maintaining it was not worthwhile.
The telegraph service came to Thailand in 1875. At that time, both the French and the British offered to construct telegraph lines in Thailand. The French offered to connect the line to Saigon, while the British wanted to run a line from Bangkok to Tavoy, Burma. King Rama V eventually turned down the offers from both countries and decided that Thailand would construct its own line. Thailand launched its first line in the East, connecting Bangkok and Samut Prakan. The service was later expanded to Prachin Buri to connect with the Indochinese line in Battambang in Cambodia and Saigon in Vietnam. Later on, the service was expanded throughout Thailand.
The telegraph was in fact part of several historical events. On January 17, 1928, the Post and Telegraph Department launched the international radiotelegraphy line for the first time by using a short-wave transmission machine to send a signal to Berlin. King Rama VII sent a telegraph to the Thai ambassador in Berlin saying:
SIAMESE MINISTER BERLIN
GREETING AM GLAD TO BE ABLE TO SEND FIRST MESSAGE DIRECT BANGKOK BERLIN RADIO
PRAJADHIPOK R
During World War II, the international telegraph service - which came through Manila - was halted in December 1941. Later on, the Thai government tried to negotiate the re-launching of the service via a neutral country. On April 6, 1942, the international telegraph service was reopened as the service was connected via Geneva, Switzerland.
Postal staff said that when they were students at the Post and Telegraph School, Morse Code class was their toughest because they had to memorise how to send the code accurately. An urban legend at the school had it that some telegraph experts could receive and memorise four messages at the same time before delivering them all later.
Officials said they received incomprehensible messages frequently, which they suspected were sent by lovers. Unfortunately, quite a number of the messages sent were death notices.
"It combined the art of finger-tapping and the accuracy of the code," said Saneth Pangsapha, the 59-year-old head of the Bangkok South Post Office in Bangrak. He demonstrated how to tap the code with his flexible wrist. "Telegraph is very classic. It requires both technical skill and a human touch," he said while complaining that his wrist has turned "dusty" because he cannot move his fingers to tap the code as fast as he used to.
These days, the telegraph service section consists of 25 staff members, a reduction from some 300 when the service was more popular. The telegraph section is located on the upper floor of the Bangrak Post Office. Morse Code is no longer applied. Officials use a computerised system to send telegraphs.
Consumers can, however, fill out the telegraph forms, which they can collect from the ground floor of the post office. Pieces of the brown paper form available in a box obviously shows that the form has not been reprinted in years.
Many years ago, the telegraph office wanted to change the image of the telegraph service. "People were frightened when they received a telegraph. They thought chances were good they were about to receive death news," said Kanissorn Tongsap, another post office official. The post office introduced the idea of telegraphs sent for "friendship and goodwill". However, the campaign was not quite successful as people turned to other types of technology to send messages, such as SMS.
Thailand is not alone in closing the service, as other countries have also ended the service recently. "The other factor forcing us to close the service is that spare parts needed for telegraph equipment are no longer available," said Kanissorn. Some countries such as France, however, used telegraph services during the Iraq War because the services were deemed safer. Who knows, the abandoned telegraph poles along several main roads may be dusted off and used again.
Members of the public are invited to join the telegraph exhibition in the final week of April at the Central Post Office in Bangrak.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008...n_30071069.php
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Internet can be beneficial if used correctly
EDITORIAL
Published on July 24, 2010
The government wants to improve online access, but it must ensure that content and quality are promoted too
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva plans to make the cost of Internet access more affordable for Thais as part of the government's plan to bridge the digital divide. But the plan to give Thais more online access should be conducted through a multi-pronged approach.
The objective should not only focus not only on access to the Internet, but on how Thais should be able to utilise the benefits of online information. People must be able to capitalise, not only for their own good, but for others, too.
Internet access does not guarantee to make us smarter. Writer Nicholas Carr has made an interesting argument that the Internet can make you dumb. In his book "The Shallows", he says that the Internet can make us less attentive, reduce our capacity for deep thought, and thus make us less intelligent.
It is debatable whether the Internet will make you smarter or dumber. But the benefits of online information will certainly depend on how users apply that information. If Thais use the Internet to source information to enhance their knowledge and worldly view, that can only be a positive benefit.
That will not be the case, as Carr argues, if the Internet distracts our attention with unnecessary alerts and e-mails. His argument goes that people who multi-task tend to be less creative and productive than those who concentrate on one thing at a time. We should not be slaves to Internet distractions, but we should learn to use it wisely.
The rapid rise of the Internet in Thailand shows that Thais are eager to become a part of the global online community. Yet many Thais are not fully aware of "netiquette" or the danger of compromising their Internet passwords. A recent controversy over a social website is a case in point.
Reducing the fees for broadband alone is not enough to ensure that we become smarter. Users should be aware of the limitations of information that goes online, and be cautioned about the lack of verification for certain information that can appear and disappear online in a short space of time.
Knowing a second language is also a plus for Internet users. English is currently the most popular online language, followed by Chinese and Spanish. It will not hurt if Thai Internet users strive to improve their proficiency in some of these international languages.
Besides, online information in the Thai language remains limited. Therefore, if the government wants to promote the good use of the Internet, it should encourage users to search for information by promoting an online library in Thai, so that people can upload quality literature and educational material. Literature with expired copyright should be available for a new generation to read and appreciate in numerous languages. The beauty of the Thai language is certainly hard to find in modern pulp fiction.
Information technology provides a massive opportunity for those who can appreciate the benefit that comes with it. An increase in online access can help Thailand to become an information society. No one should be left out of this opportunity to learn through this medium. Finland recently became the first country in the world to make broadband access a legal right for its citizens. Other countries with capacity may soon follow suit. Thailand cannot fall behind.
Of course, there are many who prefer traditional media for learning and communication. But if the government wants to promote Internet access, we should ensure that the taxpayers' money that it plans to invest for broadband will make us all smarter.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Privacy Policy © 2009 Nation Multimedia Group
September 10, 2010 01:09 am (Thai local time)
www.nationmultimedia.com
Published on July 24, 2010
The government wants to improve online access, but it must ensure that content and quality are promoted too
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva plans to make the cost of Internet access more affordable for Thais as part of the government's plan to bridge the digital divide. But the plan to give Thais more online access should be conducted through a multi-pronged approach.
The objective should not only focus not only on access to the Internet, but on how Thais should be able to utilise the benefits of online information. People must be able to capitalise, not only for their own good, but for others, too.
Internet access does not guarantee to make us smarter. Writer Nicholas Carr has made an interesting argument that the Internet can make you dumb. In his book "The Shallows", he says that the Internet can make us less attentive, reduce our capacity for deep thought, and thus make us less intelligent.
It is debatable whether the Internet will make you smarter or dumber. But the benefits of online information will certainly depend on how users apply that information. If Thais use the Internet to source information to enhance their knowledge and worldly view, that can only be a positive benefit.
That will not be the case, as Carr argues, if the Internet distracts our attention with unnecessary alerts and e-mails. His argument goes that people who multi-task tend to be less creative and productive than those who concentrate on one thing at a time. We should not be slaves to Internet distractions, but we should learn to use it wisely.
The rapid rise of the Internet in Thailand shows that Thais are eager to become a part of the global online community. Yet many Thais are not fully aware of "netiquette" or the danger of compromising their Internet passwords. A recent controversy over a social website is a case in point.
Reducing the fees for broadband alone is not enough to ensure that we become smarter. Users should be aware of the limitations of information that goes online, and be cautioned about the lack of verification for certain information that can appear and disappear online in a short space of time.
Knowing a second language is also a plus for Internet users. English is currently the most popular online language, followed by Chinese and Spanish. It will not hurt if Thai Internet users strive to improve their proficiency in some of these international languages.
Besides, online information in the Thai language remains limited. Therefore, if the government wants to promote the good use of the Internet, it should encourage users to search for information by promoting an online library in Thai, so that people can upload quality literature and educational material. Literature with expired copyright should be available for a new generation to read and appreciate in numerous languages. The beauty of the Thai language is certainly hard to find in modern pulp fiction.
Information technology provides a massive opportunity for those who can appreciate the benefit that comes with it. An increase in online access can help Thailand to become an information society. No one should be left out of this opportunity to learn through this medium. Finland recently became the first country in the world to make broadband access a legal right for its citizens. Other countries with capacity may soon follow suit. Thailand cannot fall behind.
Of course, there are many who prefer traditional media for learning and communication. But if the government wants to promote Internet access, we should ensure that the taxpayers' money that it plans to invest for broadband will make us all smarter.
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Privacy Policy © 2009 Nation Multimedia Group
September 10, 2010 01:09 am (Thai local time)
www.nationmultimedia.com
EDITORIAL Is Japan losing faith in Thai economy?
Published on September 3, 2010
Political turmoil, unskilled labour, Map Ta Phut chaos may be reasons why investors are looking elsewhere
Thailand could lose out on new Japanese investments; we need to identify what is wrong with our business climate and urgently put things right.
According to Watchara Panchet, the Thai Trade Representative, it is possible that Thailand could miss out on a new wave of Japanese foreign investment. Watchara was commenting after a recent Japanese trip during which he was told that Thailand is not on Japan's list of public-private partnership (PPP) priorities. The list encourages Japanese investors to engage in infrastructure development projects in other countries.
Watchara, quoted by Thai Rath newspaper, says that Tokyo has listed nine countries under its PPP initiative, including our Southeast Asian neighbours Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia. He admitted it was alarming indeed to find out that Thailand was not part of Japan's immediate foreign investment plans.
Japan has long been one of the biggest investors in Thailand. Over the years, the Japanese investment record here has been demonstrably impressive, with long-term interest a priority factor, along with a solid commitment to continually transfer technology to local staff. One of the successes has been the Thai automobile assembly industry, which has successfully developed because of the presence of Japanese car companies since the 1970s. At that time it became too expensive for Japanese investors to keep certain manufacturing facilities at home, so they looked to promising investment opportunities abroad - of which Thailand was one.
Since the yen has strengthened recently to 84 versus the US dollar, it makes sense again for Japanese investors to look overseas. With the yen rising to a 15-year high, the Japanese now see continuing cooperation with developing countries as essential to maintaining competitiveness.
Aside from relocating industrial plants to more competitive locations, the Japanese government's cooperation in infrastructure projects also provides opportunities for its companies to engage in infrastructure development in emerging economies. Other Asean members such as Vietnam and Malaysia are aware of this and have been vigorously attracting Japanese investment, because they see technology development as national priorities.
If Thailand is really losing its charm for Japanese investors, that would be bad news indeed. Over the past 40 years, Thailand has successfully followed Japan's "flying geese" development model, and has taken great strides up the technological ladder. Thais have become familiar with the Japanese business culture, and have welcomed the employment security that this culture has traditionally brought with it. The new wave of Japanese investment suggests that Japanese businesses are moving towards environment-friendly operations, energy efficiency and effective waste management. These are areas in which Thailand has a strongly shared interest with Japan.
Thailand may now have to ask the question: What has gone wrong in the economic relationship with Japan? Possible answers include under-qualified human resources - an issue often raised by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, and a reason why some investors shy away from these shores. Another recent factor is the unpredictable political environment which, as we have seen, has been severely disruptive to business operations. Yet another problem is political and legal indecisiveness in dealing with issues that are critical for foreign investment. The most obvious current example is the stalled expansion of the Map Ta Phut industrial estate.
Watchara's Japanese counterparts told him that Thailand's absence from the PPP list is because the two countries already have well-established business connections, and the Japanese feel that Thailand might not require new initiatives in the form of PPP. Watchara replied that Thailand is still open for foreigners to participate in industrial and infrastructure projects.
If the exclusion of Thailand from Japan's PPP list is indeed because our existing business and economic ties are well-established and solid, then we might not have to worry too much about losing out to our regional competitors. But if the case is otherwise, then we need to find out why Japanese investors might be losing confidence, and then urgently put in place measures to rectify the situation.
The answer to the above question will tell us not simply how to continue to attract Japanese investment; it should also reveal more deep-rooted problems in our economic environment and existing business practices. If we can identify the symptoms, we must then come up with solutions as to how Thailand can still attract sustainable investment that is not detrimental to the environment and which creates meaningful, long-term employment opportunities for Thais.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Privacy Policy © 2009 Nation Multimedia Group
September 10, 2010 01:00 am (Thai local time)
www.nationmultimedia.com
Political turmoil, unskilled labour, Map Ta Phut chaos may be reasons why investors are looking elsewhere
Thailand could lose out on new Japanese investments; we need to identify what is wrong with our business climate and urgently put things right.
According to Watchara Panchet, the Thai Trade Representative, it is possible that Thailand could miss out on a new wave of Japanese foreign investment. Watchara was commenting after a recent Japanese trip during which he was told that Thailand is not on Japan's list of public-private partnership (PPP) priorities. The list encourages Japanese investors to engage in infrastructure development projects in other countries.
Watchara, quoted by Thai Rath newspaper, says that Tokyo has listed nine countries under its PPP initiative, including our Southeast Asian neighbours Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia. He admitted it was alarming indeed to find out that Thailand was not part of Japan's immediate foreign investment plans.
Japan has long been one of the biggest investors in Thailand. Over the years, the Japanese investment record here has been demonstrably impressive, with long-term interest a priority factor, along with a solid commitment to continually transfer technology to local staff. One of the successes has been the Thai automobile assembly industry, which has successfully developed because of the presence of Japanese car companies since the 1970s. At that time it became too expensive for Japanese investors to keep certain manufacturing facilities at home, so they looked to promising investment opportunities abroad - of which Thailand was one.
Since the yen has strengthened recently to 84 versus the US dollar, it makes sense again for Japanese investors to look overseas. With the yen rising to a 15-year high, the Japanese now see continuing cooperation with developing countries as essential to maintaining competitiveness.
Aside from relocating industrial plants to more competitive locations, the Japanese government's cooperation in infrastructure projects also provides opportunities for its companies to engage in infrastructure development in emerging economies. Other Asean members such as Vietnam and Malaysia are aware of this and have been vigorously attracting Japanese investment, because they see technology development as national priorities.
If Thailand is really losing its charm for Japanese investors, that would be bad news indeed. Over the past 40 years, Thailand has successfully followed Japan's "flying geese" development model, and has taken great strides up the technological ladder. Thais have become familiar with the Japanese business culture, and have welcomed the employment security that this culture has traditionally brought with it. The new wave of Japanese investment suggests that Japanese businesses are moving towards environment-friendly operations, energy efficiency and effective waste management. These are areas in which Thailand has a strongly shared interest with Japan.
Thailand may now have to ask the question: What has gone wrong in the economic relationship with Japan? Possible answers include under-qualified human resources - an issue often raised by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, and a reason why some investors shy away from these shores. Another recent factor is the unpredictable political environment which, as we have seen, has been severely disruptive to business operations. Yet another problem is political and legal indecisiveness in dealing with issues that are critical for foreign investment. The most obvious current example is the stalled expansion of the Map Ta Phut industrial estate.
Watchara's Japanese counterparts told him that Thailand's absence from the PPP list is because the two countries already have well-established business connections, and the Japanese feel that Thailand might not require new initiatives in the form of PPP. Watchara replied that Thailand is still open for foreigners to participate in industrial and infrastructure projects.
If the exclusion of Thailand from Japan's PPP list is indeed because our existing business and economic ties are well-established and solid, then we might not have to worry too much about losing out to our regional competitors. But if the case is otherwise, then we need to find out why Japanese investors might be losing confidence, and then urgently put in place measures to rectify the situation.
The answer to the above question will tell us not simply how to continue to attract Japanese investment; it should also reveal more deep-rooted problems in our economic environment and existing business practices. If we can identify the symptoms, we must then come up with solutions as to how Thailand can still attract sustainable investment that is not detrimental to the environment and which creates meaningful, long-term employment opportunities for Thais.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Privacy Policy © 2009 Nation Multimedia Group
September 10, 2010 01:00 am (Thai local time)
www.nationmultimedia.com
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
This is still a land of bitter division
EDITORIAL
Published on September 8, 2010
Thailand's economic figures look good, but we will remain a country of extreme wealth and poverty until our politicians develop a conscience
The benefits of the recent economic recovery are not being distributed to the majority of Thai people. An Assumption University poll released last Sunday shows that people who earn less than Bt10,000 per month have found their income decreasing. In short, income distribution is still a major challenge that the government must address.
The good economic figures this year have been founded largely on the vibrant export sector, but in the Assumption poll, respondents from 12 selected provinces said they had earned less compared to the previous quarter. Most said that their income barely covered their expenses. Two-thirds of them have no monthly savings at all.
The survey results give a more realistic picture of the Thai economy. The government has been excited at the economic growth figures but makes little effort to understand if this growth is actually meaningful to ordinary people. The Thai economic structure is still a failure, with the rich getting richer while the poor get poorer. As well as this, there is insufficient effort to foster contribution from the better-off sections of society to enable everyone to grow together. The massive budget earmarked to empower rural people is likely to be ill-spent.
Instead of superficial economic figures, the government should focus on providing educational and employment opportunities to the people who need them most, in order to ensure that long-term economic prosperity is attainable by all, especially for those in rural areas. If we cannot do this, an increasing number of people will continue to migrate to the big cities, exacerbating the problem of urban poverty.
Recently-released figures from the Finance Ministry reaffirm the size of the problem. Overall income distribution is now much worse than in 1992. The top 20 per cent of the richest people in Thailand account for 54 per cent of the country's combined revenue, while the poorest 20 per cent account for only 4.8 per cent of the country's total income.
Of Thailand's 64 million people, only 9 million submit tax payment forms to the Revenue Department. Of this number, only 2.3 million actually pay taxes, while the other 7 million are exempt from paying taxes because they receive tax benefits. Of the 2.3 million taxpayers, only 60,000 pay the highest progressive tax rate of 37 per cent.
These figures prove that only a small middle class is contributing to the welfare of the whole country. It is also worrying that Thailand is now ranked internationally as the 50th worst country in terms of income distribution.
These problems are unlikely to be solved if the Thai economy continues to follow this direction, where the people with good connections get all the opportunities, leaving the rest out in the cold. Thailand could easily move up from its shameful position on the worst income distribution list, but it's going to take great political will and sacrifice on the part of the wealthy to achieve this.
While the big cities have been growing, the rural areas have been largely ignored. Politicians in rural provinces don't care about sustainable, long-term initiatives to improve the well-being of their constituents. They think only of personal short-term gain when they should be developing their constituencies to make communities more self-reliant. These politicians are a burden on the state and the people. They aim only at seizing funds that will compensate them for money spent during the election season. They become richer while leaving their constituencies poorer and more dependent on handout money.
The Thai political crisis stems largely from this uneven income distribution and unfair access to opportunity, especially in education. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said many times that the government will bridge the gap to reconcile the division in the country. So far, no concrete action has been taken. What we have seen is the old vicious circle of massive spending approved for big projects in which a small group of businesses receive lucrative concessions. Development budgets are designated to rural areas but fall into the hands of corrupt politicians and officials. Little is being spent to enhance the strengths of the people of this country. The result is that many people leave their homes to do menial jobs in cities while also relying on government subsidies and welfare.
Political reform will never be successful unless this uneven wealth structure is corrected. The failure to distribute wealth and promote local strengths and competitiveness will only lead to future political conflict. Corrupt politicians should be ashamed of living in palatial houses in the rural provinces while many in their own constituencies are struggling with grinding daily poverty. A prosperous and sustainable society can only thrive if there is cooperation and fair access to education and economic opportunity.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Privacy Policy © 2009 Nation Multimedia Group
September 9, 2010 06:44 am (Thai local time)
www.nationmultimedia.com
Published on September 8, 2010
Thailand's economic figures look good, but we will remain a country of extreme wealth and poverty until our politicians develop a conscience
The benefits of the recent economic recovery are not being distributed to the majority of Thai people. An Assumption University poll released last Sunday shows that people who earn less than Bt10,000 per month have found their income decreasing. In short, income distribution is still a major challenge that the government must address.
The good economic figures this year have been founded largely on the vibrant export sector, but in the Assumption poll, respondents from 12 selected provinces said they had earned less compared to the previous quarter. Most said that their income barely covered their expenses. Two-thirds of them have no monthly savings at all.
The survey results give a more realistic picture of the Thai economy. The government has been excited at the economic growth figures but makes little effort to understand if this growth is actually meaningful to ordinary people. The Thai economic structure is still a failure, with the rich getting richer while the poor get poorer. As well as this, there is insufficient effort to foster contribution from the better-off sections of society to enable everyone to grow together. The massive budget earmarked to empower rural people is likely to be ill-spent.
Instead of superficial economic figures, the government should focus on providing educational and employment opportunities to the people who need them most, in order to ensure that long-term economic prosperity is attainable by all, especially for those in rural areas. If we cannot do this, an increasing number of people will continue to migrate to the big cities, exacerbating the problem of urban poverty.
Recently-released figures from the Finance Ministry reaffirm the size of the problem. Overall income distribution is now much worse than in 1992. The top 20 per cent of the richest people in Thailand account for 54 per cent of the country's combined revenue, while the poorest 20 per cent account for only 4.8 per cent of the country's total income.
Of Thailand's 64 million people, only 9 million submit tax payment forms to the Revenue Department. Of this number, only 2.3 million actually pay taxes, while the other 7 million are exempt from paying taxes because they receive tax benefits. Of the 2.3 million taxpayers, only 60,000 pay the highest progressive tax rate of 37 per cent.
These figures prove that only a small middle class is contributing to the welfare of the whole country. It is also worrying that Thailand is now ranked internationally as the 50th worst country in terms of income distribution.
These problems are unlikely to be solved if the Thai economy continues to follow this direction, where the people with good connections get all the opportunities, leaving the rest out in the cold. Thailand could easily move up from its shameful position on the worst income distribution list, but it's going to take great political will and sacrifice on the part of the wealthy to achieve this.
While the big cities have been growing, the rural areas have been largely ignored. Politicians in rural provinces don't care about sustainable, long-term initiatives to improve the well-being of their constituents. They think only of personal short-term gain when they should be developing their constituencies to make communities more self-reliant. These politicians are a burden on the state and the people. They aim only at seizing funds that will compensate them for money spent during the election season. They become richer while leaving their constituencies poorer and more dependent on handout money.
The Thai political crisis stems largely from this uneven income distribution and unfair access to opportunity, especially in education. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said many times that the government will bridge the gap to reconcile the division in the country. So far, no concrete action has been taken. What we have seen is the old vicious circle of massive spending approved for big projects in which a small group of businesses receive lucrative concessions. Development budgets are designated to rural areas but fall into the hands of corrupt politicians and officials. Little is being spent to enhance the strengths of the people of this country. The result is that many people leave their homes to do menial jobs in cities while also relying on government subsidies and welfare.
Political reform will never be successful unless this uneven wealth structure is corrected. The failure to distribute wealth and promote local strengths and competitiveness will only lead to future political conflict. Corrupt politicians should be ashamed of living in palatial houses in the rural provinces while many in their own constituencies are struggling with grinding daily poverty. A prosperous and sustainable society can only thrive if there is cooperation and fair access to education and economic opportunity.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Privacy Policy © 2009 Nation Multimedia Group
September 9, 2010 06:44 am (Thai local time)
www.nationmultimedia.com
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