When it comes to the exploration of politics and the nuances of governance, diving into political instability, the welfare state, the social policies to name a few, allows us to learn more and understand the classification of the Kingdoms as democracies and/or non-democracies. In the case of Norway and Thailand, a history of unique political landscape and complexity helps us address the varying degrees of practices applied towards strengthening or weakening these countries. Consequently, this blog post will discuss the key differences through the compare and contrast framework to get a better understanding of both the Kingdom of Norway and the Kingdom of Thailand. 

Norway: Land of the midnight sun

The Norwegian political system advocates for universal healthcare, free education and a robust welfare state. For a very long time, the Kingdom’s success has been attributed to its institutional framework. By prioritizing healthcare, Norway ensures a fulfilled life and a system that dedicates itself to preventive care and public initiatives. The focus on health promotion not only reduces the costs of the long run, creates autonomy but improves the citizens overall-well being. In order to ensure that the burden of universal healthcare is equally shared amongst the citizens of the Kingdom, the government funds it through taxation (Tax burden equals 38.6% of GDP.) It demonstrates the country’s long term commitment, despite the citizens socioeconomic status proves its determination to offer high-quality services and a place to create an improved life. However, social policies expand beyond healthcare. Norway social welfare programs, provides a safety net for individuals and reduces poverty rates – the 2023 economic index of freedom states that “the labor market lacks flexibility but the non salary cost of employment is not high. The latest inflation rate is 3.5%.” Amongst family support and unemployment benefits, there is a combination of prosperity and the fuel for solid foundation, investment in public services to continue maintaining the country’s strong economy. Furthermore, the country has been operating under a parliamentary system which simply means a system of democratic governance of a state where the executive derives its democratic legitimacy from its ability to command the support of the legislature, typically a parliament, to which it is accountable. Consequently, enabling its citizens to exercise their rights all while benefiting from the legal options available. The country’s property rights have been above average (98.9) and the government integrity (96.2) Additionally, it is customary for citizens to participate in political processes, including voting and civil society organizations, which asserts their involvement in democratic practices. By valuing social inclusion and providing equal opportunities, it fosters a sense of community. Although the citizens of Norway uphold a wide range of benefits, it has only been made possible because of the government’s ability to take accountability and create a land of just and prosperous nation.

Thailand: Land of the Monarchy 

In contrast to Norway, Thailand’s political landscape has not been an epitome of democracy, but rather a complex struggle. Although it is a parliamentary (bi-cameral) democracy with constitutional monarchy. In Thailand’s brief article, it elaborates and says, “The institution of the monarchy in Thailand is in many ways unique. Not only does it have a history going back more than seven hundred years, but it has also managed to preserve its relevance in the contemporary world. A constitutional monarchy since the promulgation of the Kingdom’s first constitution in 1932, the institution today continues to command deep, universal respect and serves as a guiding light and unifying force for the country, a focal point that brings together people from all backgrounds and shades of political thought and gives them an intense awareness of being Thai.”

For years, the democratic governance has experienced a significant amount of challenges. The division among political factions have prolonged the political stalemates and the different cycles of unrest for the population. Although the Kingdom continues to exhibit some of the democratic elements, such as the establishment of a sitting elected government, the schemes of the non elected parties threaten the realization of the true democratic ideal and potential. For years, laws and regulations have constantly been implemented to limit criticism, leading to a shrinking space for political discourse. Additionally, the military coups (1947, 1948, 1957, 1971..) and the restrictions on freedoms and civil liberties impeded the growth of a vibrant nation. It obstructs effective governance and the lack of a broad based consensus adds on to the many challenges. 

While in Norway the rule of law creates an enjoyable leadership and protection through the law, in Thailand the rule of law is weak and the limited judicial independence raises questions about the fairness of legal proceedings. There is an existent lack of impartiality and because of the lack of accountability and fear mongering, military appointed governments are not subject to the same level of scrutiny. Therefore, the series of abuse perpetuates – the right to a peaceful assembly and the need for citizens to express their grievances has often been met with violence. The frequent use of excessive force and arrests are tactics used to suppress and discourage political mobilization. Although Thailand’s citizens face humongous intimidation and harassment for broadcasting against the unfair treatment of their human rights and a stiff climate, the country has made remarkable progress in economic development. From a low-income to a middle income Kingdom, Thailand’s economy grew to 7.5% and created opportunities for millions of citizens to get out of poverty. Children are able to gain an education and health insurance is now covered. In the world bank article, it asserts, “Thailand has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty from 58% in 1990 to 6.8% in 2020 driven by high growth rates and structural transformation.” 

Norway exemplifies a convergent, established and well-put democracy, while Thailand remains on the path to democratization struggling and welcoming both progress and setbacks. While both of these countries have their unique political systems and contexts, it is crucial to recognize the complexity and fragility of democratic systems. By acknowledging their differences, we can better analyze the importance of fostering and nurturing democratic institutions as well as the promotion of political participation, social policies, military establishment to say the least. The engagement with the multifaceted nature of democracy might just create an equitable world for both of our Kingdoms. 

Citations

1. “Norway.” Norway Economy: Population, GDP, Inflation, Business, Trade, FDI, Corruption, www.heritage.org/index/country/norway. Accessed 8 June 2023. 
2. “Category:Military Coups in Thailand.” Wikipedia, 15 Nov. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Military_coups_in_Thailand. 
3. “Overview.” World Bank, www.worldbank.org/en/country/thailand/overview. Accessed 8 June 2023. 
4. “”Thailand in Brief.” Thai Embassy Thailand in Brief Comments, thaiembdc.org/about-thailand/thailand-in-brief/. Accessed 8 June 2023. 

Can Universal Basic Income help reduce the unemployment rate and increase opportunities for the less fortunate? 

For a long time, I had researched this topic. I spent hours learning by reading books and asking questions to fellow classmates. In order to provide subsequent answers to this question and educate my audience of five people, I compiled findings from different places (online, in person research.) Through the various findings, I was able to learn and teach the importance of Universal Basic Income and present the different effects produced on the various economic classes.

Take a seat and let me help you understand by doing a summary the basics of UBI.

Nearly a century after the great depression, citizens from different parts of the United states are facing extreme living conditions due to the inability of receiving adequate income. With poverty being rampant among the population, the US government partakes in endeavors to control social cases such as homelessness and unemployment rate. Thus, this project will examine the correlation, both direct and indirect, between the implementations of UBI programs and the rates of poverty. 

Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a grant offered monthly at a sufficiently high level in order to enable a life that is free from financial insecurity. 

It is a policy at the root of many debates on reducing poverty and enabling sustainable welfare. Many researchers believe UBI is a part of the future collective. However, over the past few decades, its role in ameliorating the rates of homelessness, and unemployment has been overlooked. Although in the past, in certain regions of the United States, the government attempted to initiate programs to provide continuous monetary support to the citizens, it has only been a success in Alaska in the forms of the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), where the native seniors, who received additional sources of UBI had seen a decline in poverty rates (Garcia, Moore 2012). Meanwhile, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people and households lost their source of incomes and struggled to stay afloat amidst the crisis. To remediate the problem, the American government provided monetary support of $1,200 through stimulus checks in April 2020 and later, $1400 in March 2021. 

Social issues are multidimensional. Disabled who suffer from a lack of economic security are more affected by the Universal Basic income and the inability to receive opportunities to engage and be an active part of the community. Additionally, given that poverty engenders many societal crises, we see it play out through resources, policies, infrastructures that are at the disposal of the working and the lower classes. It is possible that UBI will integrate an eco-friendlier framework for the working and lower classes through the redistribution and accessibility of resources. Although some conservatives do not support the idea, the UBI has revealed itself more pros than cons when entertaining the working class. Aside from the political and moral considerations for the UBI, it increases fairness in society and consecutively creates a safe space for men and women battling domestic abuse situations to leave the relationship without fear of material destitution. It brings access to education and training purposes as well. The working class is more flexible to take on risks that could not have been possible otherwise. Furthermore, the pregnant woman can take time off and the old man feels more comfortable retiring. All of these examples represent a chance given to the working class in order to continue living a normal life. 

Low families result in minimum wage employment or unemployment most of the time, this demonstrates the practicability of UBI and how favorable it turns out to be for the crucial financial difficulties that one must encounter. Although there is no certitude to UBI as a long term game plan, recent events show how beneficial its implementation would be for reducing the poverty rate amongst marginalized groups. While this initiative greatly impacts major social issues such as homelessness and unemployment, it is imperative to highlight that the extra income would certainly help a plethora of American households throughout the country. As a result of implementing and maintaining a UBI program, the lives of millions of citizens are improving. 

To further understand UBI, I was able to gather participants through an app called reddit in order to gain information about the main differences in their lives pre-Covid 19 and post covid-19. Twenty five participated by responding to the quick survey that determined if they were eligible or not. The criteria were that they had to be at least the age of 18, they had to be citizens or residents of chicago and california and fluent in english. The participants were given a questionnaire and a brief document explaining the purpose.

Independent Variables

Unemployment pre and post covid-19 in Chicago and California will be utilized in order to see its effect on the necessity for UBI programs.

Effects of design on study

Two variables manipulated

(Rise in poverty) x (age) + (income

Dependent variables

Perception of the necessity of UBI programs to reduce poverty will be based on the age and income of the participants who live in Chicago and California (pre COVID) & in California (post covid-19).

Sample:

25 participants were gathered using a survey.

Qualifications:

18+, US citizens and/or residents (green card holder) living in California and Chicago and fluent in English

Plan of Analysis:

The 25 participants received a Starbucks gift card and an AMC gift card and a statistical analysis of whether the UBI implementation is a making a huge a difference or not

Expected results. 

Rise in poverty  

Poverty increased after Covid-19 but the use of UBI programs considerably has helped young adults much between the ages of 18 to 23 with necessities such as clothing and food as they are battling unemployment and living with roommates/parents. However, from the ages of 24+ it does not make much of a difference

Age and Income

Adults from the age of 24+ are attributed more expenses and responsibilities (such as families, children, rent, food etc..) more than young adults from the ages of 18 to 23

Others/overall

Research question will be supported. People between 18 to 23 are less poor, meanwhile people for the age bracket of 24+ are stagnant within this economy and inflation.

Questions asked by the audience such as

1. Do you believe that something bigger than the UBI should be researched and implemented?
2. What if they were to offer money to all and not base it on qualifications, would it be fair to all?
3. Why is it hard for the government to support its citizens?
4. Why are there so many qualifications for UBI if we are all suffering from poverty and unemployment?

brought a different perspective and encouraged analyzing as a group the importance, the pros and the cons of Universal basic income, as well as the next steps towards improving our quality of life and a more proactive future for our families. It certainly was different than being a student myself but as a teacher for that day, I had the pleasure of sharing my expertise and truly guide people towards understanding it themselves.

If you would like to learn more about UBI as well, feel free to share comments or ask questions down below!

Citations

1. Hamilton, & Martin-West, S. (2019). Universal basic income, poverty, and social justice: a moral and economic imperative for social workers. Social Work, 64(4), 321–328. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swz028

2. Berman. (2018). Resource rents, universal basic income, and poverty among Alaska’s Indigenous peoples. World Development, 106, 161–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2018.01.014

3. Gentilini, Grosh, M., Rigolini, J., & Yemtsov, R. (2019). Exploring Universal Basic Income: A Guide to Navigating Concepts, Evidence, and Practices. World Bank Publications. https://doi.org/10.1596/978-1-4648-1458-7

4. Mukbaniani, Nana, “Essays on Universal Basic Income” (2021). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/4321

At the dawn of the nations

Norway and Thailand are two countries with different political systems and geo-historical backgrounds. While Norway, renowned for its welfare state, is a parliamentary democracy system with a constitutional monarchy, Thailand, the Land of the Free,  has a record of accumulated coups and is currently under a military-backed government. In the following lines, using the geo-historical framework, this essay will discuss the forms of government of Norway and Thailand and draw a parallel on how they are similar but differ tremendously through their structures and political history.

Although Norway is a constitutional hereditary monarchy, it has a unitary parliamentary government where power is divided between the legislative branch, the Storting, and a judicial branch with the king being symbolic entity and the prime minister and the cabinet detain more power. Historically, it was not until 1905 did Norway become a sovereign state after having been in a union with Sweden for almost a century. Before this, however, it became a state through procedures of consolidation and unification in the 9th century during the rulership of Harald Fairhair. Whereas Thailand, is a unitary and parliamentary democracy with a more limited politcal power structure and welfare provisions. Its constitutional monarchy serves as a focal point that unifies people from various backgrounds through immense sense of pride for being Thai. 

However they may differ in terms of political stability and practices, both Norway and Thailand put an emphasis on social welfare and education as a top priority. Additionally, the Norwegian nation-state qualifies as such because of its distinct homogenous population and strong Norwegian nationalism and cultural heritage. These attributes have play a pillar role in the government that prioritizes provision services and citizen engagement. Likewise, Thailand has a history of military interventions and instability that has made it challenging to establish a stable democratic form of government. However, contrary to Norway, there are more ethnic minorities in Thailand, which from a civic perspectives is a strength for international relations since it opens doors to a culture promoting and protecting minority rights and fosters cultural diversity and diplomacy. 

Overall, both states are similar in the types of government they have despite their history. Where Norway is reputable for being a welfare nation-state, Thailand continues to take strategic initiatives that solidify its policies and state-ness.

Sources

1. History of Norway. (2023, May 21). In Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Norway
2. “ Thailand in brief.” Royal Thai Embassy, https://thaiembdc.org/about-thailand/thailand-in-brief/.
3. “Film om korleis Noreg styres – regjeringen.no.” Regjeringen.no, 14 January 2019, https://www.regjeringen.no/en/the-government/the-government-at-work1/the-government-at-work1/id2564958/. 
4. Madsen, Michelle. “The Story of the Denmark-Norway Union.” Life in Norway, 11 January 2022, https://www.lifeinnorway.net/denmark-norway-union/.

When it comes to monitoring how well a country’s economy is performing, tools such as GDP, GDP/Capita, GINI Coefficient, and HDI (definition in upcoming paragraphs) – to name a few, allow us to learn more about different countries and their growth evolution. In the case of Norway and Thailand, a history of high quality of life for their citizens and being among the top nations due to their steady economic growth stirs up conversations around the policies and initiatives their governments take to maintain such results. Consequently, this blog post will discuss some key indicators and statistics through the compare and contrast framework to get a better understanding of both the Kingdom of Norway and the Kingdom of Thailand. 

A brief introduction to Norway and Thailand

The Kingdom of Norway is a Northern European country with a total area of 385,207 square kilometers (148,729 sq mi). The Norwegian population as of January 2023 is 5,488,984. The official capital is Oslo formerly known as Kristiania and the official language spoken is Norwegian. Known for its authentic heritage, natural landscapes, and famous northern lights, Norway is reputed for being in the top 15 best countries to live in. Similarly, the Kingdom of Thailand, whose capital is Bangkok, is located in Southeast Asia at the center of the Indochinese Peninsula and is known for its incredible life expectancy and wide range of benefits. The Thais, natives, or inhabitants of Thailand speak Thai and also understand English and are approximately 71.6 million people (2021) with the land being 513,1210 square kilometers (198,120 sq mi). 

Economic Statistics and Wealth Indicators

The Gross Domestic Product(GDP) is a key tool used to measure the size of a country’s economy while the GDP per capita measures the economic output of a nation per person. According to the World Bank national accounts, Norway had a GDP of 482.2 billion USD and a GDP per Capita of 89,154.28 USD. Furthermore, Thailand had a GDP of 505.9 billion USD and a GDP per Capita of 7,066.19 USD as of 2021. Although Norway has favorable statistical rates for employment, compared to its counterpart Thailand, the unemployment rates are lower in the latter. Because the cost of living is significantly smaller in Thailand, you are 73.4% less likely to be unemployed as well as 22.0% less likely to live below the poverty line compared to Norway as of 2018. Though the GDP statistics show a clear upward trend in the two nations’ revenue, it is imperative to take a closer look at the wealth distribution among the different economical classes. The fundamental wealth indicator that calculates how equal a country’s distribution of income is called the GINI Coefficient. The GINI Coefficient is an index score between 0 and 100 (0% to 100%). “The higher the GINI, the greater the gap between the incomes of a country’s richest and poorest people ”. For Norway, the Coefficient score is 27.6, making it the second lowest income inequality state after government taxes and transfers across the OECD –

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development founded by governments of 37 democracies to develop policy standards to promote sustainable economic growth. Meanwhile, for Thailand, the GINI Coefficient was reported in 2021 as 34.9. However, the GINI ratio alone cannot accurately depict income distribution and inequality in a country. When looking at the expenditure expenses for each country, you are 60.5% less likely to spend on education in Thailand than you would in Norway. Additionally, Norwegian citizens spend 63.8% (about 10.5% of their total GDP) more on healthcare than Thailand. With the Human Development Index or HDI metric, scientists have attempted to quantify a country’s achievements based on three basic human development categories: a long and healthy life, knowledge, and a decent standard of living. 

Standard of Living, Knowledge, Quality of Life 

Rather than looking at the economic growth of a country as the sole determinator of sustainability, including Human Development metrics favors a more accurate prognosis in the country’s infant mortality, life expectancy, literacy rates, and levels of primary education. With an HDI number of 0.961, Norway ranks second while Thailand ranks 66th at 0.800 according to the Human Development Reports. The life expectancy in Thailand in 2023 is 77.74 years. However, the current infant mortality rate for Thailand in 2023 is 6.665 deaths per 1000 live births, a 3.15% decline from 2022. Also, the infant mortality rate for Thailand in 2022 was 6.882 deaths per 1000 live births, a 3.07% decline from 2021. Otherwise, for Norway, the life expectancy is 82.94 years yet the current infant mortality rate in 2023 is 1.705 deaths per 1000 live births, a 4.05% decline from 2022 which is 1.777 deaths per 1000 live births, a 3.89% decline from 2021. Although Thailand has a lower cost of living, Norway has a noticeably lower rate of infant mortality rate and a higher life expectancy. As mentioned previously, education plays a pillar role in both countries’ development. In Norway, the literacy rates are 77%, and children and young adults have the right and obligation to complete primary and lower secondary education. Because classical studies are standard, after completion, the people are eligible for further studies or a vocation. In contrast, the literacy rate in Thailand is 94.10% as reported in 2021. Education in Thailand is largely a government responsibility and is upheld from early on. This starts with two to three years of kindergarten followed by six years of primary school from May to March for both primary and middle school. 

If you have been curious as to what life outside of the US holds, based on these recently discussed statistics of Norway and Thailand, perhaps the odds look better from outside than inside. The question boils down to whether or not, you believe paying $12 USD for a dozen eggs and having a mondially feared military is better than living past 75 years with significantly less worries about having a better quality of life. 

Sources 

1. “Norway.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Apr. 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norway. 
2. Human Development Index (HDI) by Country 2023, https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/hdi-by-country. 
3. “Norway – Human Development Index – HDI 2021.” Countryeconomy.com, Follow Us, https://countryeconomy.com/hdi/norway. 
4. “Norway Infant Mortality Rate 1950-2023.” MacroTrends, https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/NOR/norway/infant-mortality-rate. 
5. “Thailand.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2 Apr. 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand. 
6. “General Information about Education in Norway.” Nokut, https://www.nokut.no/en/norwegian-education/general-information-about-education-in-norway/. 
7. “Thailand – Human Development Index – HDI 2021.” Countryeconomy.com, Follow Us, https://countryeconomy.com/hdi/thailand. 
8. “Education System in Thailand.” Thailand Education System, https://www.scholaro.com/db/countries/thailand/education-system. 
9. Gini Coefficient by Country 2023, https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/gini-coefficient-by-country. 
10. “Norway Compared to Thailand.” MyLifeElsewhere, https://www.mylifeelsewhere.com/compare/norway/thailand. 
11. 11. Nations, United. “Specific Country Data.” Human Development Reports, https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/specific-country-data#/countries/THA

Hey..

I don’t think we’ve met!

I am Ann. I am a Junior at John Jay college of criminal justice currently obtaining a BA in Political Science and a certification in Fraud examination.

I did not grow up knowing exactly who I want to be and where I would like to end up . Although I did not, it always fascinated me to be surrounded by those who had an idea very early on in life. They would share bits and pieces of themselves and throughout different conversations, it would make sense. As I am getting older, I am learning that being interested in acquiring a bit of knowledge in all that I can represents me and the path I am creating for myself the most. Have I quite figured out what that truly means? Not quite..but I am dying to find out.

However, with this blog, I will be sharing historical moments with you all dazzled with a hint of creativity. Let me take you through a not so subtle adventure with these different assignments such as:
– Participation + Class meetings

– 10 Minute blog post

– Final Slide

– Online open book midterm

– Online open book final exam

– Weekly blogs

– Photo essay

Are you looking forward to it? so am I, See you next time.