The Unique Role That Teachers Play in Thai Culture [Season 4, Episode 49]

The Unique Role That Teachers Play in Thai Culture [Season 4, Episode 49]

Ooooh, topical! This week, Greg and Ed discuss the unique role of teachers in Thai society, where educators occupy a uniquely reverential role, often in stark contrast to western countries, where it is 'just another job.' Ed notes that the issue of how teachers are treated is near and dear to his heart, given that he has spent the last twenty years teaching Thai students.

But Ed makes clear that (in his opinion) there's a contradiction between the type of independent-minded graduates that Thailand would like to create and a traditional education system that requires this level of reverence for teachers. It's almost as if critical thinking and independent thought actually depend on disobedience (at least a little anyway).

Greg reads an interesting passage on the history of Thai education that notes that monks originally worked as teachers, which leads to his theory that some of the extreme respect afforded monks was transferred to the concept of "a teacher" as they split off into their own profession. Ed concurs and adds that Chinese culture is steeped in Confucianism's reverence for social hierarchies, and Thailand likely was affected by the spread of Chinese culture across Asia.

Either way, there's no need to listen to us - the Thai students protesting now are pretty much saying the same thing!

We also take a listener voicemail all about the best pizza in Bangkok! We're not experts, but our friends at BK Magazine have something to add.

Don't forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we'll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.

Jaksot(561)

Tourism Challenge: Comparing Thailand to Europe as a Traveler [S8.E7]

Tourism Challenge: Comparing Thailand to Europe as a Traveler [S8.E7]

While Greg is travelling in Canada, Ed interviews old friend of the podcast Jonathan about his recent trip to Europe. Jon and his Thai wife Poom spent a couple weeks on vacation, first in Paris and t...

13 Elo 202558min

The Gun Show: How a Few Thai Cannons Helped Shape History [S8.E6] (Classic ReCast)

The Gun Show: How a Few Thai Cannons Helped Shape History [S8.E6] (Classic ReCast)

We return to our Thai history series with a fascinating look at the role that several Thai cannons played in some important historical events. First, with the help of a cool blog on Thai history from...

5 Elo 202526min

Second Opinions and Jedi Lies: Stories from Bangkok's Hospitals [S8.E5] (Classic ReCast)

Second Opinions and Jedi Lies: Stories from Bangkok's Hospitals [S8.E5] (Classic ReCast)

Sooner or later, we all spend some time in the hospital, so Greg and Ed riff on their myriad experiences in Bangkok hospitals over the years. But before we get into that, we should note - due to Thail...

29 Heinä 202546min

When Jaded Expats Wrongly Predict Thai Failures [S8.E4]

When Jaded Expats Wrongly Predict Thai Failures [S8.E4]

Greg and Ed discuss something that is more common than many people think: being wrong about expecting some Thai government project or initiative to fail. It's pretty easy, as expats often fall into th...

22 Heinä 202532min

CRINGE: Tales of Trying to Fit in to Thai Culture & Failing Badly [S8.E3]

CRINGE: Tales of Trying to Fit in to Thai Culture & Failing Badly [S8.E3]

Greg and Ed discuss a few of the many 'cringe' moments they have experienced over the years in failing to fit into Thai culture or 'do the right thing' according to Thai society. Ed begins with the ...

15 Heinä 202530min

Justin Dunne on Bangkok's Red-Hot Culinary Scene [S8.E2]

Justin Dunne on Bangkok's Red-Hot Culinary Scene [S8.E2]

Greg interviews repeat guest Justin Dunne, who previously appeared on Season 6, Episode 24, discussing his cool side project 'Bangkok Haunts.' Justin's main gig is to be a legend of the Food & Beverag...

8 Heinä 202556min

Looking Back, Looking Forward: What's Next for S8 [S8.E1]

Looking Back, Looking Forward: What's Next for S8 [S8.E1]

Greg and Ed introduce Season 8 of the podcast first by looking back and all that has been achieved. Greg runs through some crazy stats, just a few of which are that there have been a total of 885 show...

1 Heinä 20251h 3min

Dating in Bangkok: Expat Women Share Their Stories - Part 1 [S7.E76] (Classic ReCast)

Dating in Bangkok: Expat Women Share Their Stories - Part 1 [S7.E76] (Classic ReCast)

Greg and Ed do a first for the the show, with a panel discussion with four guests! Why four? Well, everyone knows that cliche about Bangkok being a heaven for expat men, but we didn't know much about ...

24 Kesä 202546min

Suosittua kategoriassa Yhteiskunta

olipa-kerran-otsikko
sita
siita-on-vaikea-puhua
kaksi-aitia
i-dont-like-mondays
gogin-ja-janin-maailmanhistoria
uutiscast
poks
rss-nikotellen
antin-palautepalvelu
mamma-mia
kolme-kaannekohtaa
yopuolen-tarinoita-2
rss-murhan-anatomia
aikalisa
meidan-pitais-puhua
rss-palmujen-varjoissa
rss-haudattu
naakkavalta
mystista