Similarities Between Australia And Thailand
Introduction:
It is important that we know that we share this world and are connected to it. We all have our suburb community, school communities, our state community, and national community, but most of all we are all apart, little or big, black or white, female or male, African or Australian, we are all apart of this bigger picture, the global community. I think that it is important that we aren't to consumed in national pride to not except global pride. It's important that our smaller communities help each other to keep the peace. For example after the Hati earthquake, all different types of countries pitched in and gave money to help them get back on their feet. It is important that both Australia and Thailand look out for each other and …show more content…
stay connected. Overall without connections there would be no such thing as friends, family or relationships. We all need to stick together to make life on earth, just that little bit better.
Social:
Thailand's society: There are many different social contrasts between Australia and Thailand.
One of the main differences I saw and witnessed on the big experience was that Thailand had more class divide. There were luscious temples and beautiful houses for the rich, living in the cities. Although as you went further out of the city and into the rural Thai villages there were only rustic huts and bamboo or floor beds. The lives of these Thai people were so different. It is apparent that there is 41% more class divide in Thailand than Australia. In Australia with the exception of a small few (about 13%), most people have nice houses, a room to themselves, running water and many more luxuries. Although in Thailand you were either in the small percentage of absurdly rich people or in the population of people scrapping by on almost little to …show more content…
nothing.
As we first got of the plane we were greeted by a brightly colour, lovely decorated bus. The bus has colourful seat covers, beautiful blinds and a bright red carpet funning up the aisle. As we drove along the roads and you look out the windows, you would see traditional gold Buddha’s, lanterns and brightly coloured food. Although we had just come from Australia, where all lines are clean and slick, blue, black and white are our most used colours. This difference was exceptional; the Thai people had such colour in their lives, whilst we sit in black and white office looking rooms.
Contrast to Australia: Another cultural difference which is apparent whilst traveling throughout Thailand was that women were treated with much less respect and seem to be a completely lower class to the males. In Australia it is socially unacceptable and frowned upon to yell out ‘sexy lady, hey come here’, while in Thailand you couldn't down the street without hearing multiple men yelling at women. In my experience it felt awkward, uncomfortable and patronised, this cultural difference utterly shocked me.
Historical:
The histories of Thailand and Australia are very different, which have now created a difference in their societies today. Thailand and Australia have had very different histories.
Australia's history: Australia's first settlers were the indigenous aboriginals.
The aboriginals were thought to have first came about 50,000 years ago. Then in 1770, captain James Cook landed and declared the land Terra Nullius, which meant that there was no human life on the island, there was no recognition of the aboriginals in Australia. This part of our history, has brought up many problems. This brought along racism against Aboriginals, which today we still struggle to free our community of. We have foundations such as 'close the gap' that aims to completely dominate racism, and close the age expectancy gap between Aboriginal Australians and Non-Aboriginal Australians. In terms of wars Australia fought in WW1 and WW2, but never experienced intense wars with neighbouring countries or civil wars. In political history, Australia was made into a collection of colonies until 1901 when it became a democracy, which it has stayed like until
today.
Thailand's history: Although in Thailand it is a completely different story. Thailand has suffered from wars fighting for independence against the Khmer empire, conflict with neighbouring countries, and more. Thailand’s ruff past has created holes in their economy and society. Thailand experienced a lot of trouble with drugs, especially opium . In the 1980’s opium trade became prominent in Thailand. This impacted on the society of Thailand and because of Thailand's drug issues in the past, they still struggle with problems today. Thousands have died from drug overdoses and drug related conflict in Thailand over the years. In contrast Australia has had only little problem with drugs and drug trafficking, in comparison to Thailand.
Overall: Because of different history's these two countries have moulded into two different modern societies.
Economic:
There are many differences in Thailand and Australia, although they can connect through trade.
Thailand's economy: Thailand relies heavily on their exports and trades, their exports made up 60% of gross domestic products in 2008. This positions the economy of Thailand as the 2nd largest in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia, a distinction it has held for many years. Thailand's major export partners are China, Japan, United States of America and Hong Kong. The major import partners are Japan, China, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.Although Australia, on the other hand, economy is mainly dominated by the service sector, making up 68% of gross domestic product. Australia's main export partners are china, Japan, South Korea and India, and main export partners being, China, The United States of America, Japan and Singapore.
The Australian economy: The economy in Thailand is very different to Australia. In Thailand the average income each month is $428.60. Although in Australia the average income is $6,066 per month. Australia wages are fourteen times the amount of Thailand's. Australia has the average person owning almost 80% more money than people in Thailand. Even though Australians are paid with much higher wages, in Thailand they have a 71.93% more of a chance of being employed than in Australia. In Thailand you spend 91.54% less money on healthcare than you would in Australia. Although in Australia you may get paid more, you are required to pay more for goods and services, whereas in Thailand you are paid less and you spend less on goods and services. In 2012 Thailand's gross domestic product was at 366 billion dollars and Australia's gross domestic product was at $1.525 trillion.
Overall: The difference in the economies of Thailand really shows through. You can see that most Australians receive more expensive lifestyles, whereas in Thailand there is mainly a less expensive lifestyle and more poverty because of the differences in the two countries economy. The poor economy in Thailand is evident in their society, history, environment and politics. Overall it is important that Australia and Thailand are connected, and that both countries can rely on each other to provide help. We need to remember that we can connect through many things, one being our economy and trade.
Environmental:
The environment in Australia is very different to that of Thailand. Australia is known for its deserts full of nothing and Thailand is known for luscious rain forests, although we both share beautiful coastal views and beaches.
Thailand's environment: Northern Thailand has 3 main seasons, the rainy season, the hot season and the cold season. Between the time of November and May the weather is mainly dry, because it is the hot season. The cool season and hot season occur from around November to February and March to May. The other season, the rainy season, lasts from May to November and during which time the rainfall in most of Thailand is at its heaviest. Although in Southern Thailand, around Bangkok, they only have the rainy and dry season. Thailand's major environmental issues include pollution, declining wildlife populations, and deforestation. Thailand have said that one of their highest concerns is their environment and keeping it healthy and clean One of the biggest issues in Thailand is environmental pollution in urban areas. It has been remarkably concerned as a major problem in Thailand. Most of the environmental problems especially air pollution in urban areas are totally arisen from transportation which are caused by congestion in road networks. Thailand has implemented environmental policies to ensure that they can improve the fuel quality and reduce a rate of fuel consumption.
Deforestation has been a problem in Thailand for a while, and deforestation has become very serious. In 1961 forest cover was at 53%, then in 1998 it fell even further to forest cover being only 25%. This deforestation is not the only thing that has provided a declining wildlife population, poaching has also been threatening wildlife. Although there were 100,000 elephants in Thailand a century ago, the population of elephants in the wild has dropped to an estimated 2,000. Some other species that have been threaten are the asiatic black bear, Malayan sun bear, white-handed lar, pileated gibbon and binturong. To protect the Thai environment, the Thai government implemented passed several pieces of legislation to prevent water pollution in 1992. These laws primarily limit industrial water contamination, for example, the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environment Quality Act (NEQA) of 1992, Factories Act of 1992, Navigation in Thai Waterways Act (Volume 14 ) as amended in 1992, Public Health Act of 1992, and the Cleanliness and Tidiness of the Country Act of 1992.
Australia's environment: Although in Australia we have four seasons, summer, autumn, winter and spring. Our major environmental issues are similar to Thailand's, Australia has a major pollution problem. Australia ranks within the top ten countries globally with respect to greenhouse gas emissions per capita. Also in 2003, Australia was the 8th highest emitter of CO2 gases per capital, in the world making about 16.5 tonnes per capital. Because of our booming mining industry we had more than 150 leaks, spills and licence breaches in only the Ranger uranium mine between 1981 and 2009. In Australia there are foundations such as WWF, that help to protest for and help the environment. Both Australia and Thailand have major problems in their environments, and have different ways of trying to improve these problems.
Political:
The current political system in Australia is a democracy, whereas in Thailand political structure is a mess. The outlines of the Australian government are clear, we are a democracy. Which according to dictionary.com means that we are a "government by the people; a form of the government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system". Overall as I see it, we are still connected to the monarchy but everyone has a vote.
Thailand's messy political system: Thailand is a whole different story. Thailand was, up till the 22nd of May 2014, a constitutional monarchy. A constitutional monarchy is a form of democratic government in which a monarch acts as a non-party political head of state within the boundaries of a constitution, whether written or unwritten. But on the 22nd the Thai coup d'etat happened. The Thai coup d'etat was when the Royal Thai Armed Forces, launched a coup d'etat against the caretaker government of Thailand. Before may 22nd Thailand had been suffering of a six month long political crisis. After all of this the National Council for peace and order granted themselves amnesty and swept up all the power. The National Council for peace and order also made legislation which appointed General Prayuth, the new prime minister.
Australian politics:The politics have been clean and simple in Australia. We were made up of British Colonies which were patly self-governing, until 1901 when we became a democratic system. Other than having to deal with some, in my opinion, shocking prime ministers we have had a very smooth ride. Although Thailand, not so much. So far Thailand has had 17 different constitutions, although the basic structure has been similar.
It is important that we remember that both countries are connected and we should care for each other. For example I think that the media in Australia should be educating us on the problems in Thailand right now, so that people can understand and help the Thai people escape from their political problems.
Conclusion:
All throughout, I have been discussing the differences between Thailand and Australia, and although you can see obvious differences, both these two countries share the same general values. Both of these countries use the earth to sustain life their lives and are both are connected through relationships. Although we are all different in a special way, we all have the same underlining values, such as being humane towards the environment and other people. Sometimes in all the wars, hate and differences, we can forget that we do share this world and we are all connected, but personally I think that it is important to remember these values. Overall I think we are all just trying to enjoy living on earth, and by remembering that "we share this world and we're connected to it", we may be able to make each other's time even that little bit better. Sometimes a simple smile from a stranger can make your day that little bit better, and by sharing and being connected we send out thousands of stranger smiles.
It is important that we know that we share this world and are connected to it. We all have our suburb community, school communities, our state community, and national community, but most of all we are all apart, little or big, black or white, female or male, African or Australian, we are all apart of this bigger picture, the global community. I think that it is important that we aren't to consumed in national pride to not except global pride. It's important that our smaller communities help each other to keep the peace. For example after the Hati earthquake, all different types of countries pitched in and gave money to help them get back on their feet. It is important that both Australia and Thailand look out for each other and …show more content…
stay connected. Overall without connections there would be no such thing as friends, family or relationships. We all need to stick together to make life on earth, just that little bit better.
Social:
Thailand's society: There are many different social contrasts between Australia and Thailand.
One of the main differences I saw and witnessed on the big experience was that Thailand had more class divide. There were luscious temples and beautiful houses for the rich, living in the cities. Although as you went further out of the city and into the rural Thai villages there were only rustic huts and bamboo or floor beds. The lives of these Thai people were so different. It is apparent that there is 41% more class divide in Thailand than Australia. In Australia with the exception of a small few (about 13%), most people have nice houses, a room to themselves, running water and many more luxuries. Although in Thailand you were either in the small percentage of absurdly rich people or in the population of people scrapping by on almost little to …show more content…
nothing.
As we first got of the plane we were greeted by a brightly colour, lovely decorated bus. The bus has colourful seat covers, beautiful blinds and a bright red carpet funning up the aisle. As we drove along the roads and you look out the windows, you would see traditional gold Buddha’s, lanterns and brightly coloured food. Although we had just come from Australia, where all lines are clean and slick, blue, black and white are our most used colours. This difference was exceptional; the Thai people had such colour in their lives, whilst we sit in black and white office looking rooms.
Contrast to Australia: Another cultural difference which is apparent whilst traveling throughout Thailand was that women were treated with much less respect and seem to be a completely lower class to the males. In Australia it is socially unacceptable and frowned upon to yell out ‘sexy lady, hey come here’, while in Thailand you couldn't down the street without hearing multiple men yelling at women. In my experience it felt awkward, uncomfortable and patronised, this cultural difference utterly shocked me.
Historical:
The histories of Thailand and Australia are very different, which have now created a difference in their societies today. Thailand and Australia have had very different histories.
Australia's history: Australia's first settlers were the indigenous aboriginals.
The aboriginals were thought to have first came about 50,000 years ago. Then in 1770, captain James Cook landed and declared the land Terra Nullius, which meant that there was no human life on the island, there was no recognition of the aboriginals in Australia. This part of our history, has brought up many problems. This brought along racism against Aboriginals, which today we still struggle to free our community of. We have foundations such as 'close the gap' that aims to completely dominate racism, and close the age expectancy gap between Aboriginal Australians and Non-Aboriginal Australians. In terms of wars Australia fought in WW1 and WW2, but never experienced intense wars with neighbouring countries or civil wars. In political history, Australia was made into a collection of colonies until 1901 when it became a democracy, which it has stayed like until
today.
Thailand's history: Although in Thailand it is a completely different story. Thailand has suffered from wars fighting for independence against the Khmer empire, conflict with neighbouring countries, and more. Thailand’s ruff past has created holes in their economy and society. Thailand experienced a lot of trouble with drugs, especially opium . In the 1980’s opium trade became prominent in Thailand. This impacted on the society of Thailand and because of Thailand's drug issues in the past, they still struggle with problems today. Thousands have died from drug overdoses and drug related conflict in Thailand over the years. In contrast Australia has had only little problem with drugs and drug trafficking, in comparison to Thailand.
Overall: Because of different history's these two countries have moulded into two different modern societies.
Economic:
There are many differences in Thailand and Australia, although they can connect through trade.
Thailand's economy: Thailand relies heavily on their exports and trades, their exports made up 60% of gross domestic products in 2008. This positions the economy of Thailand as the 2nd largest in Southeast Asia, after Indonesia, a distinction it has held for many years. Thailand's major export partners are China, Japan, United States of America and Hong Kong. The major import partners are Japan, China, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.Although Australia, on the other hand, economy is mainly dominated by the service sector, making up 68% of gross domestic product. Australia's main export partners are china, Japan, South Korea and India, and main export partners being, China, The United States of America, Japan and Singapore.
The Australian economy: The economy in Thailand is very different to Australia. In Thailand the average income each month is $428.60. Although in Australia the average income is $6,066 per month. Australia wages are fourteen times the amount of Thailand's. Australia has the average person owning almost 80% more money than people in Thailand. Even though Australians are paid with much higher wages, in Thailand they have a 71.93% more of a chance of being employed than in Australia. In Thailand you spend 91.54% less money on healthcare than you would in Australia. Although in Australia you may get paid more, you are required to pay more for goods and services, whereas in Thailand you are paid less and you spend less on goods and services. In 2012 Thailand's gross domestic product was at 366 billion dollars and Australia's gross domestic product was at $1.525 trillion.
Overall: The difference in the economies of Thailand really shows through. You can see that most Australians receive more expensive lifestyles, whereas in Thailand there is mainly a less expensive lifestyle and more poverty because of the differences in the two countries economy. The poor economy in Thailand is evident in their society, history, environment and politics. Overall it is important that Australia and Thailand are connected, and that both countries can rely on each other to provide help. We need to remember that we can connect through many things, one being our economy and trade.
Environmental:
The environment in Australia is very different to that of Thailand. Australia is known for its deserts full of nothing and Thailand is known for luscious rain forests, although we both share beautiful coastal views and beaches.
Thailand's environment: Northern Thailand has 3 main seasons, the rainy season, the hot season and the cold season. Between the time of November and May the weather is mainly dry, because it is the hot season. The cool season and hot season occur from around November to February and March to May. The other season, the rainy season, lasts from May to November and during which time the rainfall in most of Thailand is at its heaviest. Although in Southern Thailand, around Bangkok, they only have the rainy and dry season. Thailand's major environmental issues include pollution, declining wildlife populations, and deforestation. Thailand have said that one of their highest concerns is their environment and keeping it healthy and clean One of the biggest issues in Thailand is environmental pollution in urban areas. It has been remarkably concerned as a major problem in Thailand. Most of the environmental problems especially air pollution in urban areas are totally arisen from transportation which are caused by congestion in road networks. Thailand has implemented environmental policies to ensure that they can improve the fuel quality and reduce a rate of fuel consumption.
Deforestation has been a problem in Thailand for a while, and deforestation has become very serious. In 1961 forest cover was at 53%, then in 1998 it fell even further to forest cover being only 25%. This deforestation is not the only thing that has provided a declining wildlife population, poaching has also been threatening wildlife. Although there were 100,000 elephants in Thailand a century ago, the population of elephants in the wild has dropped to an estimated 2,000. Some other species that have been threaten are the asiatic black bear, Malayan sun bear, white-handed lar, pileated gibbon and binturong. To protect the Thai environment, the Thai government implemented passed several pieces of legislation to prevent water pollution in 1992. These laws primarily limit industrial water contamination, for example, the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environment Quality Act (NEQA) of 1992, Factories Act of 1992, Navigation in Thai Waterways Act (Volume 14 ) as amended in 1992, Public Health Act of 1992, and the Cleanliness and Tidiness of the Country Act of 1992.
Australia's environment: Although in Australia we have four seasons, summer, autumn, winter and spring. Our major environmental issues are similar to Thailand's, Australia has a major pollution problem. Australia ranks within the top ten countries globally with respect to greenhouse gas emissions per capita. Also in 2003, Australia was the 8th highest emitter of CO2 gases per capital, in the world making about 16.5 tonnes per capital. Because of our booming mining industry we had more than 150 leaks, spills and licence breaches in only the Ranger uranium mine between 1981 and 2009. In Australia there are foundations such as WWF, that help to protest for and help the environment. Both Australia and Thailand have major problems in their environments, and have different ways of trying to improve these problems.
Political:
The current political system in Australia is a democracy, whereas in Thailand political structure is a mess. The outlines of the Australian government are clear, we are a democracy. Which according to dictionary.com means that we are a "government by the people; a form of the government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system". Overall as I see it, we are still connected to the monarchy but everyone has a vote.
Thailand's messy political system: Thailand is a whole different story. Thailand was, up till the 22nd of May 2014, a constitutional monarchy. A constitutional monarchy is a form of democratic government in which a monarch acts as a non-party political head of state within the boundaries of a constitution, whether written or unwritten. But on the 22nd the Thai coup d'etat happened. The Thai coup d'etat was when the Royal Thai Armed Forces, launched a coup d'etat against the caretaker government of Thailand. Before may 22nd Thailand had been suffering of a six month long political crisis. After all of this the National Council for peace and order granted themselves amnesty and swept up all the power. The National Council for peace and order also made legislation which appointed General Prayuth, the new prime minister.
Australian politics:The politics have been clean and simple in Australia. We were made up of British Colonies which were patly self-governing, until 1901 when we became a democratic system. Other than having to deal with some, in my opinion, shocking prime ministers we have had a very smooth ride. Although Thailand, not so much. So far Thailand has had 17 different constitutions, although the basic structure has been similar.
It is important that we remember that both countries are connected and we should care for each other. For example I think that the media in Australia should be educating us on the problems in Thailand right now, so that people can understand and help the Thai people escape from their political problems.
Conclusion:
All throughout, I have been discussing the differences between Thailand and Australia, and although you can see obvious differences, both these two countries share the same general values. Both of these countries use the earth to sustain life their lives and are both are connected through relationships. Although we are all different in a special way, we all have the same underlining values, such as being humane towards the environment and other people. Sometimes in all the wars, hate and differences, we can forget that we do share this world and we are all connected, but personally I think that it is important to remember these values. Overall I think we are all just trying to enjoy living on earth, and by remembering that "we share this world and we're connected to it", we may be able to make each other's time even that little bit better. Sometimes a simple smile from a stranger can make your day that little bit better, and by sharing and being connected we send out thousands of stranger smiles.