(The Nation) Thaksin shuts up media re. son's cheating
Vagabond
The Nation
Published on Sep 3, 2002
If there was any doubt that the Thai media could be silenced, the exam
scandal involving Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's only son last week
probably provided the most obvious eye-opener. It confirmed that government
control of the mainstream media is almost total.
The 23-year-old Panthongthae was caught red-handed with a note which
lecturers of Ramkhamhaeng University claimed he had smuggled in to help him
with his exam. A university committee was set up to determine whether the
young Shinawatra had the intention to cheat - an offence punishable by being
failed in all the subjects he had studied in the current semester.
Panthongthae has been insisting that it was all an "honest mistake".
Though the incident might seem minor - considering the fact that dozens of
students are caught cheating in exams at the country's biggest university
every semester - it nevertheless came as a big embarrassment for the prime
minister and his all-powerful Shinawatra family.
However, whether Panthongthae did attempt to cheat in the exam or not is less
relevant than how people close to the prime minister tried to have the
incident covered up by the mainstream media. As a result, there was a
deliberate news blackout of the scandal on all television stations, including
the one which still prides itself as being the country's only independent
channel. Some radio stations managed to break the story but were quickly
reined in before they were able to provide their audiences with details.
Though government control of state-owned broadcast media is nothing new,
political interference in this manner is unprecedented. Worse still, for the
first time it was extended to the print media.
Two of the country's leading mass-circulation dailies completely ignored the
scandal. One of them did not mention a word about the incident while another
deliberately buried the story as a small item in its "late foreign news"
column, quoting the Associated Press. Their readers were definitely puzzled,
considering the usual fierce competition between the two newspapers to
sensationalise.
Of course, the news blackout by the two newspapers was no coincidence. It
came at the request of people close to Thaksin who in fact had made attempts
to convince most major dailies to drop the story. Ironically, when Thaksin
came out in defence of his son the next day it was given full coverage by
both the broadcast and print media.
The attempted cover-up did not escape the attention of newspaper readers.
Assoc Professor Pornchai Theppanya, the dean of Ramkhamhaeng's Political
Science Faculty, reflected the sentiments of many when he openly expressed
disappointment at what he saw as the "neglect of duty" by the media. He
lamented the media's lack of courage to stand up to political pressure.
"It's about time the media started looking at itself. Just because someone
wanted a news blackout on the scandal, the media readily complied. The media
has to ask itself whether it still can claim to represent the voice of the
people," queried the political scientist who, like many academics, is getting
increasingly concerned by political control of the media.
Of course, Thaksin insists he knew nothing about the news blackout but made
no promise about whether he would find out if anyone close to him might be
responsible for it. Instead, he tried to suggest that his son was the victim
of a political conspiracy.
So far neither the two leading newspapers nor the TV stations which missed
out on the story have offered any explanation. Their subsequent follow-up on
the scandal was at best lukewarm and tilted toward highlighting charges that
it was politically instigated.
Ever since Thaksin came to power more than one and a half years ago, media
manipulation and intimidation has become commonplace. It has also been widely
known that Thaksin has both his private wealth and state mechanisms to either
persuade or coerce certain quarters of the mass media to tone down their
criticism of his government.
The latest scandal involving his son leaves no doubt that his grip on the
media is much tighter than anyone could imagine.
---
Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com
Comments from readers on the Nation website:
Because Thai media always buckles you need to stand on your feet let them
raid your offices
Let them crash your doors let them lock you up only then will
the world be behind you and the international weight against this tyrant
tycoon of a so-called prime minister. has anyone checked to see if Thaksin's
favorite person was Goebbels of germany who was a crack ace on media? Can't
you see he wons it all and soes what he wants, his son is a failure of a
flunky but he silences
all of you. While he condemns Taiwan he rolls out a red carpet
for Li Peng. I mean Thailand wake your sleepy buffalo asses up you are on the
road to serfdom !! Unless by some unknown miracle of a rabbit trick
Taiwan will be forced to move investment to Vietnam and Cambodia they have to
save face just like the Thais love to ...
So as long as you let this happen it will continue
-How Come ?
This is the sad realism of what Thailand has become. A center for greed and
unfair justice.
I admire the Nation for standing up and preserving our freedom of speech.
The PM and this administration can not be good for Thailand.
I. What lessons are we teaching the future generations if we continue to
accept this type of governance? That cheating is the way to become successful
not hard work and merit.
II. What type of leadership by example does this project? That it's not what
you are and what you stand for that is important but who you know and who you
are that forcasts your future.
This is not fair and equal treatment in the best interest of our Thailand,
but a gross abuse of power by a false leader.
Thailand has lost control once again to a dictator. The moral foundation of
who we are as a people is gone. Anything we build on this foundation will not
last.
One day the PM will push and bully the wrong person and that person will push
back.
Thank you for reading.
-Danuj kamolvathin
The answers are in The Revolutionary King by William Stevenson. Why is this
authorized book by the King banned in Thailand??????
-Suparb
What do you really want to know more from the media?The fact is you cheat you
die will be carried out by the Dean or not.Don't forget to follow up the
result.
-Osumo
And what a government. Mr. "Egotistical Dictator" backed up by Mr. "Vested
interests with best friend Myanmar" and Mr. "Steal a liter of milk a day."
Thanks to the internet the world can read about this incompetent, laughing
stock of a government. How about a vote of "no confidence" with this pathetic
lot.
-Rabbi Burns
Phetaroi
>From: Vagabond reto...@hotmail.com
>HARD TALK: Media buckles to full weight of govt pressure
>The Nation
>Published on Sep 3, 2002
>
>
>If there was any doubt that the Thai media could be silenced, the exam
>scandal involving Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's only son last week
>probably provided the most obvious eye-opener. It confirmed that government
>control of the mainstream media is almost total.
Ok, I'm a little bit confused here. The government's "control of the
mainstream media is almost total" and "Thaksin shuts up media". So how could
they print this rather large article?
pickle
And thats the reason I don't buy the BKK post, Nation or any other English
publication printed here in Thailand. If the media is under government
opression then don't buy their shit rag papers !!
"Vagabond" <reto...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:0001HW.B99A56D0...@news.loxinfo.co.th...
Mort
wrote:
>HARD TALK: Media buckles to full weight of govt pressure
>The Nation
>Published on Sep 3, 2002
>
>
>If there was any doubt that the Thai media could be silenced, the exam
>scandal involving Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's only son last week
>probably provided the most obvious eye-opener. It confirmed that government
>control of the mainstream media is almost total.
>
>snip<
>
>
What a piece of junk!
The journalists of The Nation are totally ridiculous. The cheating of
Thaksin's son is internationally known now.
I suppose it is what they call investigative journalism!
As The Bangkok Post says, this *scandal* is certainly the reflection
of a power struggle in Bangkok.
Regards,
Mort
Vagabond
(in message <3d74b9d4...@news.free.fr>):
> The journalists of The Nation are totally ridiculous. The cheating of
> Thaksin's son is internationally known now.
"snip"
Maybe so, but does the average Somchai Kon Thai, who does not read
English-language newspapers or any other newspaper for that matter, know
about it? If the exam incident was not reported by Thai radio or television
he probably doesn't.
To be fair to Thaksin's son... He is 22 and not elected to anything. So it
can be argued that his exam cheating is a private matter. In this sense the
embarrasement of getting caught is much greater for Shinawatra jr. than it
would be for any other student.
But then again.... It looks like the Prime Minister has chosen to display his
wholesome family in public as a way to win votes, and then they must expect
media attention also if less flattering things happen.
Vagabond
Vagabond
(in message <20020903062527...@mb-fb.aol.com>):
> Ok, I'm a little bit confused here. The government's "control of the
> mainstream media is almost total" and "Thaksin shuts up media". So how could
> they print this rather large article?
The Nation newspaper is not mainstream media, it is an English-language
newspaper read by foreigners and the educated Thai elite. The circulation of
The Nation is modest and smaller than that of the Bangkok Post. Mainstream
media that reach millions of people is the television channels and the
Thai-language radio stations and tabloids like Thai Rath.
The Nation is well known for being critical of the current government,
although by Western standards this is nothing more than you would expect a
newspaper to be. In any Thai government there is incompetence and corruption
enough to keep every journalist in the country busy - if only they would dare
write about it.
Vagabond
Lawrence
Phetaroi wrote:
It's in reference to the Thai Language media....
Larry
Mort
wrote:
>snip<
>
>But then again.... It looks like the Prime Minister has chosen to display his
>wholesome family in public as a way to win votes, and then they must expect
>media attention also if less flattering things happen.
>
>
I doubt that The Nation has ever flattered the present Prime Minister.
Several months ago, you could even see his face through a target on
their web site!
In the case of his son, it's quite possible that he looks now more
friendly to Thai people. "The boy had to cheat in order to pass his
exam and please his family that never thought of buying the precious
certificate. Despite their wealth, they are like any ordinary Thai
family, etc..."
Regards,
Mort
Heng Heng
files of every single version of all but maybe 5% of the exams from
freshman to senior year. And there were only 3 Thais (including
myself) in the house. Getting ahead and networking (sometimes
cheating) to get ahead forms some strong bonds. Among the alumnus are
more than a few congressman and countless captains of industry.
It's the sheep and those content to mill about with the sheep that
don't do whatever it takes. But hey, *pat pat*, you are all
wholesome and decent in my book.
;)
Heng
Mo...@moro.com (Mort) wrote in message news:<3d75beff...@news.free.fr>...
> On Tue, 3 Sep 2002 23:59:58 +0700, Vagabond <reto...@hotmail.com>
SNIP
tester and salma
Heng Heng <sl...@techoptic.com> wrote in message
news:bfc09d42.02090...@posting.google.com...
. Among the alumnus are
> more than a few congressman and countless captains of industry.
Well, politicians aren't known for their integrity and honesty; quite to
the contrary. And I've been amused as some "captains of industry" here in
the U.S. have been prominently featured in the last three weeks being hauled
out of buildings with their hands cuffed behind them as they were led away
to jail. No doubt other "captains" are sleeplessly waiting their turn to
"walk the plank" :-)
tester & britney & salma
WrdMizr
wrote:
>
>Heng Heng <sl...@techoptic.com> wrote in message
>news:bfc09d42.02090...@posting.google.com...
>. Among the alumnus are
>> more than a few congressman and countless captains of industry.
>
>Well, politicians aren't known for their integrity and honesty; quite to
>the contrary. And I've been amused as some "captains of industry" here in
>the U.S. have been prominently featured in the last three weeks being hauled
>out of buildings with their hands cuffed behind them as they were led away
>to jail. No doubt other "captains" are sleeplessly waiting their turn to
>"walk the plank" :-)
I have followed this thread with an increasing degree of interest.
I'm certainly no fan of Taksin, but seems folks here seem to be
applying a double standard when comparing Thai politicians to those of
the west.
Since when does the family of a politician deserve the same scrutiny
as the politicians themselves.
I remember when George W's daughter got busted for an alcohol related
offense and the press had their feeding frenzy. That angered many
people, and rightly so, since George W is the politician and not his
daughter.
Same goes for Taksin's son, IMO.
Dave Webster
WrdMizr
wrote:
>
>Heng Heng <sl...@techoptic.com> wrote in message
>news:bfc09d42.02090...@posting.google.com...
>. Among the alumnus are
>> more than a few congressman and countless captains of industry.
>
>Well, politicians aren't known for their integrity and honesty; quite to
>the contrary. And I've been amused as some "captains of industry" here in
>the U.S. have been prominently featured in the last three weeks being hauled
>out of buildings with their hands cuffed behind them as they were led away
>to jail. No doubt other "captains" are sleeplessly waiting their turn to
>"walk the plank" :-)
Tester, I guess I should take this post in the spirit it was offered
... but I'm not sure what that is. Sometimes I think your attempts to
appear glib are misdirected.
The fallout from the "activities" that led to "'captains of industry'
... being hauled out of buildings with their hands cuffed behind them
as they were led away to jail." certainly isn't "amusing" to me.
While you may find it "amusing", several hundred, or thousands, of
innocent people have lost billions of $$$ of sometimes hard earned
savings ... some to the point of losing their life savings.
Add to that the loss of confidence in the US corporations, which makes
honestly run companies suffer along with the dishonest ones, and it
has created severe problems.
Very honestly, I don't find that "amusing". Disgusting, disgraceful,
disastrous ... yes. "Amusing", not in the least.
Dave Webster
Eddoes
<traveler%nosapam&@loxinfo.co.th> wrote:
>
>Since when does the family of a politician deserve the same scrutiny
>as the politicians themselves.
>
>I remember when George W's daughter got busted for an alcohol related
>offense and the press had their feeding frenzy. That angered many
>people, and rightly so, since George W is the politician and not his
>daughter.
>
>Same goes for Taksin's son, IMO.
>
>
>
>Dave Webster
IMO the subject is that the cheater is beiing differently treated
because he is the son of thaksin.
tester and salma
I think you may have misinterpreted the "spirit" and context of my message.
At any rate, Heng Heng seemed to be saying that cheating (a form of
dishonesty) is quite common in the fraternity environ; further, that some
of them are now politicians and captains of industry. Both politicians and
"captains", based upon my knowledge and first-hand personal experience, can
be a "cut above" when it comes to playing fast and loose with the truth and
possessing a cavalier attitude with regard to a great number of subjects
normally associated with accepted Western ideals of decency and honesty.
"Rules were made for the other guy", semantical games, "bending the
truth", --all cutesy tactics employed by some of these individuals who
believe they serve them well in their attempts to maintain whatever position
they hold or to which they aspire. Therefore, I am *amused* when these
tactics sometimes backfire and these arrogant "untouchables" end up in hot
water (or cuffs). I don't think for a minute that the loses suffered by
innocents are amusing. Unfortunately, the prospect of seeing some of these
"captains" losing much of what they have and going to prison (for however
little time) will be the only "relief" many of the victims will achieve.
In short, after re-reading my message, I think it was clear that I was
amused at the sight of these arrogant bastards (and, perhaps former
fraternity boys) being humiliated on national TV and facing the prospect of
spending a number of years in a federal prison. (And glibness aside, their
indoctrination into the fraternity of "cons" will be well deserved, IMO)
tester & britney & salma & sophia
WrdMizr <traveler%nosapam&@loxinfo.co.th> wrote in message
news:9d7enu84f57ae980c...@4ax.com...
Phetaroi
>From: WrdMizr traveler%nosapam&@loxinfo.co.th
>Date: 9/5/2002 6:30 AM Eastern Standard Time
>Message-id: <du6enus374q10mijk...@4ax.com>
of gossip.
Thaksin's son may be the nicest young man on the face of the earth, or the
biggest jerk. I have no idea. But, his academic records should be private and
personal.
tester and salma
>seems folks here seem to be
> applying a double standard when comparing Thai politicians to those of
> the west.
In what way? Like you mention below, one of GWB's daughter's got busted
(actually, I think both of em have had their probs noted in the media).
Story really didn't "have legs"; didn't last long. Few cared except the
gossip hounds.
>
> Since when does the family of a politician deserve the same scrutiny
> as the politicians themselves.
I say, generally, when a member of the family engages in conduct that
impacts or reflects on the integrity of the family member who is an office
holder; for instance, if the brother of a President solicits money to
assist in "processing" an application for a pardon by a criminal. Or the
brother of a President lobbies on behalf of a country which labelled as a
sponsor of terrorism.
Fair game.
>
> I remember when George W's daughter got busted for an alcohol related
> offense and the press had their feeding frenzy. That angered many
> people, and rightly so, since George W is the politician and not his
> daughter.
>
> Same goes for Taksin's son, IMO.
I agree, unless and until he decides to hold public office. Then the issue
is one which may be legitimately addressed.
>
tester
tester and salma
Phetaroi <phet...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20020905165841...@mb-fw.aol.com...
> You're right, Dave. It's just gossip...and yes, I did look up the
definition
> of gossip.
Well, Phetaroi, I *know* you old enough to remember Don Henley's classic
"Dirty Laundry". If you missed it, you can query almost any search engine
for the title and download the words. Sums up what you're saying here
perfectly.
Chanchao
cheating", to which I would like to add the following:
>Since when does the family of a politician deserve the same scrutiny
>as the politicians themselves.
>
>I remember when George W's daughter got busted for an alcohol related
>offense and the press had their feeding frenzy. That angered many
>people, and rightly so, since George W is the politician and not his
>daughter.
>
>Same goes for Taksin's son, IMO.
Very true. However Taksin made himself the target all by himself. Suppose GWB
would have responded after his daughter was busted: "A little alchohol should
be OK for teens". Can you possibly imagine the ensuing frenzy? GWB wisely
kept a lid on it and dealt with it. Note that besides Taksin also the
University made an appalling statment saying that "cheating is just a small
matter." What confidence can anyone then still have in degrees from that
place? So both Taksin and the university blew it big time, which is why we're
still talking about this a weak after it happened.
Cheers,
Chanchao
Phetaroi
>I agree it's not a matter that should be on the front pages of the
>newspapers, but if he is let off when other students are punished,
>*that* should be on the front page of *all* the newspapers.
Fair enough, because that's really news.
WrdMizr
wrote:
Yes, that is part of my point ... he is the son of a public figure ...
but not a public figure himself ... so the press should leave him/the
issue in private.
Dave Webster
WrdMizr
>>Subject: Re: (The Nation) Thaksin shuts up media re. son's cheating
>>From: WrdMizr traveler%nosapam&@loxinfo.co.th
>>Date: 9/5/2002 6:30 AM Eastern Standard Time
>>Message-id: <du6enus374q10mijk...@4ax.com>
<snip>
>>Same goes for Taksin's son, IMO.
>>
>>
>>
>>Dave Webster
>>
>You're right, Dave. It's just gossip...and yes, I did look up the definition
>of gossip.
>
>Thaksin's son may be the nicest young man on the face of the earth, or the
>biggest jerk. I have no idea. But, his academic records should be private and
>personal.
Phetaroi, don't you realize you can be killfiled and ostracized for
agreeing with me???????? ;>)
Dave Webster
WrdMizr
wrote:
>
>WrdMizr <traveler%nosapam&@loxinfo.co.th> wrote in message
>news:du6enus374q10mijk...@4ax.com...
>> On Wed, 4 Sep 2002 13:53:39 -0700, "tester and salma" <hey...@aol.com>
>> wrote:
>snipped
>
>>seems folks here seem to be
>> applying a double standard when comparing Thai politicians to those of
>> the west.
>
>In what way?
Maybe we have read the posts on this issue differently. We seem to
have different attitudes toward several issues.
Like you mention below, one of GWB's daughter's got busted
>(actually, I think both of em have had their probs noted in the media).
>Story really didn't "have legs"; didn't last long. Few cared except the
>gossip hounds.
The fact that it got reported is the issue, IMO.
>>
>> Since when does the family of a politician deserve the same scrutiny
>> as the politicians themselves.
>
>I say, generally, when a member of the family engages in conduct that
>impacts or reflects on the integrity of the family member who is an office
>holder;
If the behavior of a son, or relative, of an office holder allows
something to alter his integrity, then he shouldn't be in office.
But that assumption " ... when a member of the family engages in
conduct that impacts or reflects on the integrity of the family member
who is an office holder;" is a pretty big if, and certainly not
automatic.
"Reflection on" the integrity of the office holder is a perception of
an observer, not a fact, and should not be assumed, IMO.
for instance, if the brother of a President solicits money to
>assist in "processing" an application for a pardon by a criminal. Or the
>brother of a President lobbies on behalf of a country which labelled as a
>sponsor of terrorism.
>Fair game.
Apples and donkeys. Criminal behavior is much different that cheating
on an exam.
>>
>> I remember when George W's daughter got busted for an alcohol related
>> offense and the press had their feeding frenzy. That angered many
>> people, and rightly so, since George W is the politician and not his
>> daughter.
>>
>> Same goes for Taksin's son, IMO.
>
>I agree, unless and until he decides to hold public office. Then the issue
>is one which may be legitimately addressed.
But then, not now.
Dave Webster
WrdMizr
wrote:
>On 4 Sep 2002 12:06:28 -0700, sl...@techoptic.com (Heng Heng) wrote:
>
>>Agree. It reminds me of my fraternity back in the US. We had test
>>files of every single version of all but maybe 5% of the exams from
>>freshman to senior year. And there were only 3 Thais (including
>>myself) in the house. Getting ahead and networking (sometimes
>>cheating) to get ahead forms some strong bonds. Among the alumnus are
>>more than a few congressman and countless captains of industry.
>>
>>It's the sheep and those content to mill about with the sheep that
>>don't do whatever it takes. But hey, *pat pat*, you are all
>>wholesome and decent in my book.
>>
>>;)
>>Heng
>>
>
>I understand what you're saying. I was even invited to join a fraternity
>because my grades were so good -- they figured I could tutor more
>important members who weren't so bright.
>
>But I see a difference between having a file of past tests so you can
>study the specific topics that are most likely to be on the exam and
>carrying notes into the exam room. As one of the letters to the editor
>of the BKK Post today notes, the exam proctors repeatedly warn students
>that taking *any* piece of paper, even unrelated to the topic of the
>exam, is sufficient cause to be given zero in *all* courses that term
>and suspended for one year. They don't warn the students just once, they
>repeat the warnings over and over (I've noticed many [most?] Thai
>students tend not to listen because they've learned over the years that
>the teacher will repeat whatever he is saying many times, so the teacher
>ends up having to repeat many times).
>
>I agree it's not a matter that should be on the front pages of the
>newspapers, but if he is let off when other students are punished,
>*that* should be on the front page of *all* the newspapers.
I agree ... very good summation, Mr. Mason.
Dave Webster
WrdMizr
wrote:
>On Thu, 05 Sep 2002 17:30:42 +0700, WrdMizr <traveler%nosapam&@loxinfo.co.th>
>wrote some stuff about "Re: (The Nation) Thaksin shuts up media re. son's
>cheating", to which I would like to add the following:
>
>>Since when does the family of a politician deserve the same scrutiny
>>as the politicians themselves.
>>
>>I remember when George W's daughter got busted for an alcohol related
>>offense and the press had their feeding frenzy. That angered many
>>people, and rightly so, since George W is the politician and not his
>>daughter.
>>
>>Same goes for Taksin's son, IMO.
>
>Very true. However Taksin made himself the target all by himself.
It's okay for Taksin to be a target for his statement's actions.
Suppose GWB
>would have responded after his daughter was busted: "A little alchohol should
>be OK for teens". Can you possibly imagine the ensuing frenzy? GWB wisely
>kept a lid on it and dealt with it. Note that besides Taksin also the
>University made an appalling statment saying that "cheating is just a small
>matter." What confidence can anyone then still have in degrees from that
>place? So both Taksin and the university blew it big time, which is why we're
>still talking about this a weak after it happened.
Agree with this as well.
Dave Webster
Lawrence
Acharn wrote:
On 4 Sep 2002 12:06:28 -0700, sl...@techoptic.com (Heng Heng) wrote:
>Agree. It reminds me of my fraternity back in the US. We had test
>files of every single version of all but maybe 5% of the exams from
>freshman to senior year. And there were only 3 Thais (including
>myself) in the house. Getting ahead and networking (sometimes
>cheating) to get ahead forms some strong bonds. Among the alumnus are
>more than a few congressman and countless captains of industry.
>
>It's the sheep and those content to mill about with the sheep that
>don't do whatever it takes. But hey, *pat pat*, you are all
>wholesome and decent in my book.
>
>;)
>Heng
>
I understand what you're saying. I was even invited to join a fraternity
because my grades were so good -- they figured I could tutor more
important members who weren't so bright.
But I see a difference between having a file of past tests so you can
study the specific topics that are most likely to be on the exam and
carrying notes into the exam room. As one of the letters to the editor
of the BKK Post today notes, the exam proctors repeatedly warn students
that taking *any* piece of paper, even unrelated to the topic of the
exam, is sufficient cause to be given zero in *all* courses that term
and suspended for one year. They don't warn the students just once, they
repeat the warnings over and over (I've noticed many [most?] Thai
students tend not to listen because they've learned over the years that
the teacher will repeat whatever he is saying many times, so the teacher
ends up having to repeat many times).
I agree it's not a matter that should be on the front pages of the
newspapers, but if he is let off when other students are punished,
*that* should be on the front page of *all* the newspapers.
Reminded me of when I used to proctor university exams. We would always have--
Roger
a few extra test papers, just in case of miscounts, etc. Well, I would give
my little speech reminding my students how strict I am about tests...To
further impress my point, I would say, "Last period, I caught a student
copying. Here is his test" I would then pick up one of the extra tests and
loudly rip it in half. There were always enough gasps to satisfy me..:)
On a more serious note, half the problem
is the multiple-answer tests that
Thai teachers love to give. Impossibly easy
to cheat, and guessing still
provides decent odds for the clueless student.
It's also impossible to
control the security of the printing process
at any university.
The only real weapon a teacher has is the
Written Test, with no multiple
choice answers. Every answer must be written
out, making it easy to spot
anybody copying answers from a stolen test....Unfortunately
most Thai
teachers teaching English in universities
hate them because written tests of
this type take more effort to create, and
the Thai teachers actually have to
think about their marking instead of just
comparing checked boxes.
Larry
WrdMizr
wrote:
<snip>
>The only real weapon a teacher has is the Written Test, with no multiple
>choice answers. Every answer must be written out, making it easy to spot
>anybody copying answers from a stolen test....Unfortunately most Thai
>teachers teaching English in universities hate them because written tests of
>
>this type take more effort to create, and the Thai teachers actually have to
>
>think about their marking instead of just comparing checked boxes.
AKA, "Essay" exams. One of the two best profs I ever had in the
university taught Economics. Told us we didn't actually need a book
for the course if we took good notes. I took 101 and 102 from him.
Brilliant lecturer, dry sense of humor and gave essay exams.
He invited any and all students to drop by his office to look through
*his* file of past exams (no 2 were ever the same) so every student
had the same advantage as the frat rats.
And verbosity counted "0" on one of his exams. He usually made brief
notes on the returned exam telling the error of our ways. But he was
also very fair. If a large number of students missed on a specific
question, he would consider that partly his fault for not doing a
proper lecture, and adjust grades accordingly.
The only B grades I was ever pleased with came from his classes.
Dave Webster
Heng Heng
Well, I studied both stateside (BA) and Thaiside (MBA)...
I didn't witness anyone caught stateside in my circle of friends or
acquaintences in the US, but have in Thailand (he and she were both
let off with a slap on the wrist and no failing grades given). One
main reason my comrades and brothers stateside were never caught was
that we didn't need to carry slips into the exam rooms; because just
the test file was an edge over 90% of the student body (and the rest
of the grade curve). Tests are never to leave the test room, but we
had every single one. And on rare occasions, we had the actual tests
that were to be given up to 12 hours before the exam. The wicked
never sleep and we were up studying to 5am-6am on more than one
occasion. You'd be surprised how unstressful "cramming" is when you
have the actual exam. :p
My unstated point was that this (IMO) is how world leaders and the
upper echelons in both politics and business, not to mention any other
field in life where you require "sound" academic credentials
(um...just about everything besides singing and acting), often come
from this foundation and method of getting ahead (whatever it takes).
Why would I want to be honest/upstanding if my role models, say...
Winston Churchill or FDR (fictitious examples) once cheated in the
same study hall that I did? (IN OTHER WORDS... right down to
the editors, owners, publishers, of any newspaper, any other high
powered critics of their high powered brethren probably included... IN
OTHER WORDS, just more hypocracy)
Of course many in this life really "do their best" in an honest
fashion, but it's been a world where '100% isn't gonna cut it' for a
long time now if you haven't noticed.
Who here's "cheating" on their taxes?
;)
Heng
Acharn <mcro...@stjohn.ac.th> wrote in message news:<l4tfnu01b6d0ei1h7...@4ax.com>...
> On 4 Sep 2002 12:06:28 -0700, sl...@techoptic.com (Heng Heng) wrote:
>
> >Agree. It reminds me of my fraternity back in the US. We had test
> >files of every single version of all but maybe 5% of the exams from
> >freshman to senior year. And there were only 3 Thais (including
> >myself) in the house. Getting ahead and networking (sometimes
> >cheating) to get ahead forms some strong bonds. Among the alumnus are
> >more than a few congressman and countless captains of industry.
> >
> >It's the sheep and those content to mill about with the sheep that
> >don't do whatever it takes. But hey, *pat pat*, you are all
> >wholesome and decent in my book.
> >
> >;)
> >Heng
> >
>
Phetaroi
>From: WrdMizr traveler%nosapam&@loxinfo.co.th
>Message-id: <n6ognuo2h6i7dpqjv...@4ax.com>
I'm willing to take that risk for the greater good. ;-)
Phetaroi
>Reminded me of when I used to proctor university exams. We would always have
>
>a few extra test papers, just in case of miscounts, etc. Well, I would give
>my little speech reminding my students how strict I am about tests...To
>further impress my point, I would say, "Last period, I caught a student
>copying. Here is his test" I would then pick up one of the extra tests and
>loudly rip it in half. There were always enough gasps to satisfy me..:)
So you fought a lack of ethics through deceit. Very clever.
eric phillips
eric phillips
Lawrence
Phetaroi wrote:
Humor, idiot.
Lawrence
Well, some humor......And a clear serious message about responsibility.
Spin that any way you choose, maam.
Larry
tester and salma
"cut it". Interesting. Never heard people brag/gloat about cheating
before. Either you never thought about how you were punishing those who
took the exams fairly because of their honesty or you didn't care. Well,
when an armed gunman tilts the playing field and robs you; or takes your
car; or empties your house, just kiss it off as a form of cheating. Okay?
tester
Heng Heng <sl...@techoptic.com> wrote in message
news:bfc09d42.02090...@posting.google.com...
WrdMizr
<er...@hn.ozemail.com.au> wrote:
>Dave , isn't there something re. "the sins of the father' ? :) >
>eric phillips
I'm a bit hazy about the rest of that story ... but Taksin certainly
has plenty and the press should be free to shout all they want about
them ...
... but not the sins of the son, IMO. :>)
Dave Webster
Heng Heng
otherwise academic discussion. As for honesty, I do value it and will
certainly reward it to those under my control (employees or whoever)
even if honesty wasn't the path to success (however we define it) that
the boss himself took (in reality, we're more discreet about these
kinds of things). Better steroids doesn't make a world class athlete
less of a champion (unless they get caught)... better bombs and guns
don't make a conquering army less victorious (unless they lose).
Hypocritical, yes. But I never said I wasn't.
And not that it matters, but, hehe... taking my car or house would
take the efforts of more than one armed gunman.
;)
Heng
"tester and salma" <hey...@aol.com> wrote in message news:<BCA1B1D4D2365453.C06DB35C...@lp.airnews.net>...
WrdMizr
>I'm not gloating, Tester. I'm just giving a realistic spin to an
>otherwise academic discussion. As for honesty, I do value it and will
>certainly reward it to those under my control (employees or whoever)
>even if honesty wasn't the path to success (however we define it) that
>the boss himself took (in reality, we're more discreet about these
>kinds of things). Better steroids doesn't make a world class athlete
>less of a champion (unless they get caught)... better bombs and guns
>don't make a conquering army less victorious (unless they lose).
>
>Hypocritical, yes. But I never said I wasn't.
Pretty damned straight (and good) answer. Southwest style. ;>)
Dave Webster