NIDA Case Research Journal

Paradigm Shift in Gender Equality Development Policy in Thailand: Parity versus Differences

Jaray Singhakowinta — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This paper aims to examine the recent paradigm shift in Thailand’s gender equality development policy, moving from a focus on parity (equal treatment) to recognizing and addressing gender differences. Despite significant progress in women’ s development through policies and programs aimed at promoting gender equality and empowerment, gender inequality and discrimination remain significant issues in Thailand. The study employs Michel Foucault’s discourse analysis (1970, 1972,1991) and Luce Irigaray’s critical thoughts on gender differences in neoliberal capitalism (1985, 1995) to analyze the construction of “women” in Thailand’s recent National Action Plan for Women Development (2023-2027). The findings suggest that the policy’s focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment is a gender-blind practice that fails to consider the different roles and diverse needs of women.
Consequently, the national plan maintains the status quo and does not necessarily transform the unequal structure of gender relations in Thailand. The paper concludes
by emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach to gender equality policy that recognizes and addresses the complex intersections of gender with other forms of social differentiation.

Has Thailand Succeeded in the War on Drugs?

Tongyai Iyavarakul — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research case outlines the fundamental questions concerning the direct and indirect effects of drug eradication policy. While proponents argue that the war on drugs is successful in deterring the illicit drugs use and production and drug-related crimes, opponents are skeptical in the effectiveness of the policy in reducing the drug market and warn against the possibility that such policy may even exacerbate drug-related problems. The study further unravels the seemingly unrelated lessons from prohibition policies in the United States, Mexico, the Philippines, and Thailand and unifies the findings amongst these countries with fundamental concepts in microeconomic theory such as partial equilibrium analysis and price elasticity of demand. Empirical evidence of demand for Methamphetamine in Thailand from the author’s own research is also discussed.

Sustainable Transformation Strategies for Mitigating Socio-Economic Challenges of Rural to Urban Migration in Developing Countries. A Case Study: Garment Factories in Hlaing Thar Yar Township, Yangon City, Myanmar

Hnin Htet Htet Htun, Mokbul Morshed Ahmad — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Significant socio-economic challenges were presented by the rapid urban expansion in developing countries, which was further exacerbated by rural-to-urban migration. This paper investigated Myanmar's policies and community development initiatives (CDIs) in relation to the obstacles encountered by internal migrants, including housing, employment, and legal rights and the socioeconomic challenges faced by rural-to-urban migrants in Myanmar, focusing on garment industry workers in Yangon. These migrants encountered significant challenges including precarious employment, inadequate housing, and limited access to essential services. Current policies and initiatives failed to adequately address these challenges, perpetuating cycles of poverty and vulnerability. The research employed mainly qualitative methodologies and some quantitative approaches to support, including household surveys, in-depth interviews with 20 migrant workers in garment factories, and 8 key informant interviews with NGO and CSO representatives. The findings exposed critical gaps in current policies and initiatives, emphasizing the necessity of inclusive regulatory reforms to reduce migration-driven inequalities and foster resilient urban development. The study's insights into the socio-economic challenges of migrant workers were crucial for comprehending the dynamics of rural-to-urban migration and emphasized the necessity of comprehensive strategies to address structural disparities, such as equitable labor practices and affordable housing. The findings also represented the deficiencies in government and NGO initiatives to adequately address the needs of migrants and recommend the ongoing assessment and modification of strategies to facilitate the integration of internal migrants into the broader community.

The Impact of Augmented Reality on Interior Purchase Intentions: A Study in Vietnam

Hau Le — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Augmented reality (AR) technology, integrating virtual elements into the physical environment, offers promising avenues for marketers to engage consumers. Despite the AR market's anticipated growth and adoption across industries, its influence on consumer behaviour in shopping, particularly in Vietnam, remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by quantitatively examining the effects of AR applications on customer dimensions - product knowledge, attitudes, and purchase intentions compared to traditional website-based product experiences. Drawing data from a survey of 402 respondents in Vietnam, comprising both experimental and control groups, this research investigates AR's impact on shopping behaviour, with a focus on Generation Y consumers. The findings indicate that the AR application is seen as both enjoyable and useful, significantly increasing purchase intentions when compared to traditional website experiences. Although product attitude does not emerge as the main factor driving purchase intentions, the immersive AR experience and the unique product knowledge it offers are identified as key influencers. This study enhances our understanding of AR's potential to improve the shopping experience in Vietnam and offers valuable insights for marketers aiming to leverage AR technology to effectively engage consumers.