JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN TECHNOLOGY

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Delayed Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Among Stateless People in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Kasesuda Denben — 2026-02-05

Delayed tuberculosis (TB) treatment is a significant public health challenge in Thailand and a key factor contributing to the continued transmission of TB. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of delayed treatment among pulmonary TB patients who are stateless people in Chiang Rai Province. A quantitative, cross-sectional study design was employed. Purposive sampling was used to select 166 pulmonary TB patients who are stateless and registered for treatment in Ministry of Public Health hospitals in Chiang Rai between October 1, 2022, and March 31, 2024. Data were collected using a questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.89. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze general data, and multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to identify significant factors associated with treatment delay, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The results showed that 57.83% of the participants were male, with an average age of 55 years. A total of 64.76% had no formal education. The prevalence of treatment delay beyond 30 days was 63.25%, with an average duration of 93 days from the onset of showing symptoms to treatment initiation. Multivariate analysis revealed two statistically significant factors associated with delayed treatment (p < .05): low levels of TB-related attitudes (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] = 3.71, 95% CI = 1.41–9.78) and not seeking care at the nearest health center (ORadj = 5.13, 95% CI = 1.84–14.31). Based on these findings, proactive interventions should be implemented for stateless people and non-Thai nationals from neighboring countries. Recommended strategies include community-based active case finding, TB education and awareness programs, and the development of local health collaboration networks to facilitate timely treatment, reduce TB prevalence, and effectively prevent transmission in border areas.

The Development of an Agility Test for Volleyball Players in Demonstration Schools under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation

Chinchutha Bunthao — 2026-02-05

There have not been any standardized tests or normative criteria used specifically developed to assess agility unique to the sport of volleyball. This research aims to construct a test, test its validity and construct agility norms for volleyball players of the demonstration schools under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI). The study was divided into two phases. The first phase was conducted to determine the quality of the research instrument. The content validity was assessed by using the Index of Item Objective Congruence (IOC) evaluated by five experts; concurrent validity was examined by determining the correlation with an agility test; and reliability was assessed through a test–retest method with a one-week interval, administered to 20 volleyball athletes aged 16–18 years who were obtained by purposive sampling; and the objectivity by correlating the scores from 2 testers. The second phase of the study was to create the agility norms for volleyball players of the demonstration schools with a population of 237 volleyball players. The statistics used for data analysis were mean, standard deviation, Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient, and T-score. The findings revealed that the agility test for volleyball athletes in demonstration schools under MHESI had content validity congruence index values (IOC) between 0.8 and 1. It showed a very high level of criterion-related validity (r = 0.89 and 0.82). The test also demonstrated a high level of reliability (r = 0.84 and 0.81) and a very and the objectivity correlation coefficient indicated a very high level of correlation (r= 1). The established normative criteria for the agility test developed by the researchers can be used to evaluate the agility of volleyball athletes.

Synthesis of Competency Framework for Information and Communication Technology and Digital Literacy Skills for Teachers and School Administrators for Development of Adaptive Digital Technology System

Charuni Samat — 2026-02-05

In the digital era, enhancing educators' competencies in information and communication technology (ICT) and digital literacy is a critical factor in driving educational quality. However, Thailand currently lacks a clear and systematic competency framework for assessing and developing these essential skills. This gap has led to fragmented and inconsistent professional development efforts. The objective of this research was to synthesize a competency framework for ICT and digital literacy skills for teachers and school administrators. The study employed a documentary research design combined with expert consultations. The target groups included: (1) twelve experts participating in focus group discussions and (2) seven experts evaluating the proposed framework. The research instruments comprised document analysis forms and expert evaluation forms assessing appropriateness and consistency. Data were analyzed through content interpretation and analytical description. The findings revealed that the synthesized teacher competency framework consists of six domains: (1) basic digital technology operations, (2) ethical and legal use of digital technology, (3) digital technology for instructional design, (4) digital technology for learning management, (5) digital technology for assessment and evaluation, and (6) digital technology for professional development. The school administrator framework consists of five domains: (1) basic digital technology operations, (2) ethical and legal use of digital technology, (3) digital technology for managing school systems and structures, (4) digital technology for human resource management and performance evaluation, and (5) digital technology for professional development. Expert evaluations indicated that the proposed frameworks were highly appropriate and consistent. These frameworks can serve as a foundation for developing adaptive digital systems for effectively assessing and enhancing the digital competencies of teachers and school administrators.

Corporate Governance and Sustainable Development: An Analysis of Their Relationship and Impacts on Business Performance in Thai Industrial Estates

Kittiya Jitardhan — 2026-02-05

This research aims to investigate the structural relationship between corporate governance, strategic resource management, and sustainable development affecting business performance in Thai industrial estates, particularly in the Eastern Economic Corridor. The key research problem is the lack of in-depth understanding of the relationship mechanism among these variables in the context of this special eastern economic zone. This study analyzes the causal relationships of corporate governance, strategic resource management, sustainable development, and business performance. A quantitative methodology is employed. Data were collected from 215 senior executives within industrial estates and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings reveal that (1) corporate governance has a direct positive influence on sustainable development and business performance, (2) strategic resource management serves as a critical mediating variable between corporate governance and sustainable development, and (3) the integration of governance practices and sustainability strategies contributes to creating long-term competitive advantages for businesses. These findings can be used to formulate sustainable industrial development policies and strategies. The organizational executives are encouraged to develop balanced performance indicators across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Moreover, this study serves as a guideline for regulatory agencies in designing appropriate promotional and supervisory measures. Future research should expand the study to specific industries and other areas to compare policy implications.

Behavioral Science Applications for Improving Waste Fee Collection Efficiency: A Case Study of Phayao Municipality

Atittaya Duangamphai — 2026-02-05

This study aims to examine the current challenges and measures related to municipal solid waste fee collection in Phayao Municipality which faces financial constraints, public misconceptions, and a cost burden that exceeds its revenue. The objective is to apply behavioral science-particularly Nudge Theory-to develop more effective mechanisms for waste fee collection. The research employed an experimental design within a qualitative framework, utilizing semi-structured interviews with municipal executives, relevant officers, and community leaders. Two communication-based behavioral interventions were piloted: the public dissemination of waste collection routes and payment channels, and the distribution of bilingual payment-confirmation stickers to annual fee payers. The study identified two major dimensions of the problem: the citizen dimension, which involves a lack of civic awareness, misunderstandings of fiscal responsibility, and negative perceptions of public service; and the governmental dimension, which includes limited resources, outdated fee collection systems, and administrative mechanisms misaligned with the local context. Results from the intervention showed that the sticker-based measure significantly influenced citizen payment behavior, increased short-term revenue, and fostered positive social incentives. It is recommended that municipal policy structures be revised to strengthen civic understanding and that successful behavioral measures be expanded to other municipalities or integrated into broader policy frameworks-especially in contexts where resource constraints and limited public cooperation hinder sustainable waste management

Guidelines for Implementing the Policy to Increase Vocational Student Enrollment in Educational Institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Ratchaburi Province

Sukanya Sudararat — 2026-02-05

This study focuses on studying guidelines for implementing the policy to increase vocational student enrollment in educational institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Ratchaburi Province. The objectives were 1) to study the implementation of the policy to increase vocational student enrollment, 2) to compare teachers’ opinions based on gender, education level, and work experience, and 3) examine approaches for implementing the policy to increase vocational student enrollment of the educational institutions in the area. A mixed-methods research design was employed in two phases. Phase 1 involved examining and comparing the implementation of the policy to increase vocational student enrollment using the quantitative approach. The sample was 191 teachers from educational institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Ratchaburi Province, stratified random sampling based on institution size. The research instruments were a questionnaire with content validity, IOC values between .67-1.00, a reliability value of .949. The data were analyzed by using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Least Significant Difference (LSD). Phase 2 involved investigating approaches for implementing the policy to increase vocational student enrollment. A qualitative analysis was employed in this phase. The key informants consisted of five individuals: one vocational education director or deputy director, one supervisor from the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, one member of a vocational education institution committee, and two university lecturers. The research instrument used was a semi-structured interview, and data were analyzed through content analysis. Results revealed that 1) the implementation of the policy to increase vocational student enrollment by educational institutions under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission in Ratchaburi Province was at a high level, both in overall and in each individual aspect. The highest mean frequency was in the aspect of policy standards and objectives, and the lowest mean was about policy resources. Results of 2) the comparative analysis of teachers’ opinions, classified by gender, educational level, and work experience, revealed overall statistically significant differences at the .01 and .05 levels. 3) Six approaches for implementing the policy are proposed as follows: 3.1) In the aspect of policy standards and objectives, roles and responsibilities of stakeholders should be clearly defined. The institution should develop operational manuals and continuously monitor progress using key performance indicators. 3.2) In terms of policy resources, there should be flexibly in planning and allocation of manpower. This could be done by reducing unnecessary workloads, and strengthening external partnerships to supplement limited resources. 3.3) With regards to inter-organizational communication and enforcement activities, consistent communication should be maintained through online tools and collaborative mechanisms with communities should be established to enhance operational efficiency. 3.4) Regarding the characteristics of agencies responsible for policy implementation, there should be a clear monitoring and evaluation system, regular progress reporting, and the designation of responsible personnel accompanied by a structured follow-up plan. 3.5) In terms of economic, social and political conditions, systematic collaboration with external agencies should be established, with clearly demonstrated outcomes and the provision of incentive-based benefits. 3.6) In terms of practitioners’ attitudes, goals should be communicated clearly, resources should be provided, participation opportunities should be created, and trust is promoted through monitoring systems and platforms for knowledge sharing.

Policies and Plans for Communication Management to Improve the Quality of Life of the Elderly Governed by Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization

Abdolloh Ekakkaraphibal — 2026-02-05

Improving the quality of life of the elderly is a key responsibility of provincial administrative organizations and must be communicated through policy formulation and planning. Accordingly, this study aims to examine: (1) communication management needs; (2) the formulation of communication management policies; and (3) the development of communication management plans for enhancing the quality of life of the elderly governed by Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization. The study employs a mixed-methods research design. The population consisted of 258,784 aging adults. A sample of 400 participants was selected using Yamane’s (Taro Yamane) formula with a margin of error of .05 and selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. As for the qualitative inquiry, 36 key informants who were involved in communication management policy were purposively selected. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. Results showed that the overall need for communication management was at a high level (= 4.16, S.D. = 0.66). The preparation of communication management policy involved listening to public opinions, analyzing the obtained information to draft the policy, requesting approval, and announcing it according to the organization's regulations. The formulation of communication plans consist of six key components. First, the contents must be related to news, knowledge and entertainment. Second, they must comply with rules and roles prescribed by law. Third, the dissemination contents must be done through both traditional and modern media. Fourth, relevant officials must have knowledge about the aging society. Fifth, a network must be established and operated continuously. Finally, both communication managers and communication recipients need to be followed up and evaluated. Through this, the research findings could be put into practice so that communication management to develop the quality of life of the elderly is truly in line with their needs.

Developing Students in Driving Public Policy: A Case Study of Makham Tia Subdistrict of Happiness, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province

Siriporn Pengjan — 2026-02-05

This study examined the integration of participatory public policy processes into academic instruction through the case of “Makham Tia: The Land of Happiness.” The initiative was adopted as a real-world case study in the Public Policy course (925-211), utilizing a social laboratory approach to enable undergraduate students to design and implement public policies that respond to community needs. The objective of the study was to enhance students’ understanding of public policy development through the application of action research, emphasizing collaborative learning between students and the community. The study population comprised 125 undergraduate students, 500 residents of Makham Tia Subdistrict, and 25 members of the Makham Tia Happiness Club. Research instruments included questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, project evaluation forms, and participatory observation. Data were collected between July 2024 and June 2025. Through this process, students developed and implemented ten policy projects following the public policy design cycle, consisting of seven stages: (1) problem identification, (2) problem prioritization, (3) policy formulation, (4) policy setting, (5) policy decision-making, (6) policy implementation, and (7) policy evaluation. The findings revealed three major outcomes. First, there was a significant improvement in students’ knowledge and understanding of public policy processes, particularly in relation to participatory engagement with communities and practical fieldwork. Second, the social laboratory proved to be an effective platform for experiential learning, successfully connecting academic theory with policy planning and implementation. Third, the development of the “Makham Tia Happiness Model” demonstrated how participatory processes can guide the design of community-centered public policies aimed at sustainable well-being. This model serves as a prototype for effective participatory public policy education, illustrating how academic–community collaboration can simultaneously strengthen student competencies and foster localized policy innovation.

Development of Information Management Innovation Using Google Applications to Support Learning and Teaching in the Digital Age for the Border Patrol Police Schools in Southern Border Provinces

Jarunee Karee — 2026-02-05

In an era in which digital technology plays a crucial role in educational management, the adoption of information tools for administration and learning management has become essential particularly for Border Patrol Police Schools in the Southern Border Provinces, which lack effective support systems. This research aimed to: 1) study the conditions, problems and needs for information management innovations to support teaching and learning, using a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with 12 teachers from Border Patrol Police Schools in Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat; 2) develop an information management innovation with Google Site and Google Sheet based on the ADDIE Model; and 3) assess the teachers’ acceptance of the developed innovation through a quantitative research inquiry. The quantitative phase involved a sample of 85 teachers from 12 Border Patrol Police Schools, selected through stratified random sampling by province (Yala, Pattani & Narathiwat). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire which aimed to elicit information regarding the teachers’ acceptance in the application of the developed innovation to support the teaching and learning of the schools in this digital era. The results revealed that the overall conditions and problems of information management were at a moderate level, while the need for innovation in all aspects was at a high level. The developed innovation primarily utilized Google Sites and Google Sheets following the ADDIE Model principles. Teachers’ overall acceptance of the innovation was at a high level. When considering specific factors in descending order of mean scores, the highest-rated factors were: performance expectancy, perceived usefulness of information technology, system acceptance, and support from supervisors. These findings serve as a guideline for teachers and stakeholders to further develop information management innovations using Google Applications to support teaching and learning in the digital era.

Understanding Class Engagement Patterns among Thai Undergraduate EFL Students: Insights for Enhanced Learning Support

Kanasin Tunsakul — 2026-02-05

To better understand how Thai undergraduate students engage with an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) class, this research explores English class engagement patterns among Thai undergraduate EFL students to provide insights for optimal learning support. The study employed a mixed-methods approach with 47 purposively selected participants enrolled in an English course during the 2023 academic year. Quantitative data were collected using the Student Engagement Instrument (SEI) at midterm and at the end of the semester, measuring behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions of engagement. Findings indicated overall positive engagement trends, with improvements observed across behavioral, emotional, and cognitive dimensions throughout the semester. Qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews further shed light on factors influencing engagement, highlighting the impact of interactive teaching methods, classroom environment, and personal motivation. The study identified issues such as language barriers and instructional clarity and offers practical recommendations for enhancing student engagement in English language education settings.

Thai EFL Learners' Needs of English for Office Administration: A Learner-Centered Needs Analysis

Asama Tasanameelarp — 2026-02-05

This study investigated Thai EFL learners' needs in learning English for office administration contexts through a comprehensive learner-centered needs analysis. Employing a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, the research involved 116 students who completed questionnaires assessing perceived difficulty and priority needs, followed by semi-structured interviews with 15 participants to explore perspectives in greater depth. Quantitative findings revealed that learners perceived grammar ( = 3.65), vocabulary ( = 3.55), and writing skills ( = 3.49) as most challenging, while prioritizing telephone communication ( = 4.92), basic office vocabulary ( = 4.88), and interpersonal skills as highest needs. Qualitative analysis identified four major themes; anxiety surrounding telephone communication, formality challenges in professional writing, confidence and fluency barriers, and specific learning support requirements. Key findings indicate that effective ESP curricula should prioritize communicative competencies, incorporate authentic workplace materials, and address cultural and pragmatic dimensions of professional communication. The study contributes to ESP theory by demonstrating the value of learner-centered approaches to needs analysis and provides practical frameworks for curriculum design in office administration contexts. Implications include restructured skill priorities, and confidence-building pedagogical approaches that better prepare Thai students for office environments.

The Economic Impact of International Migrant Workers in Thailand

Wonlope Khumpradith — 2026-02-05

This study investigates the impact of international migrant workers on Thailand’s GDP by employing an extended Cobb-Douglas production function that disaggregates labor into native, high-skilled migrant, and low-skilled migrant inputs, using data from 2007 to 2023. Based on secondary time-series and panel data, the findings confirm the dominant role of capital in driving GDP, while labor contributions vary by skill level and sector. Notably, high-skilled migrant labor is typically associated with a positive and statistically significant output elasticity across multiple model specifications. In contrast, low-skilled labor shows a more limited effect in long-run aggregated data but exhibits sector-specific relevance in short-term, quarterly models. The results highlight the importance of skill-based migration strategies to enhance productivity and long-term development.

Development of a Culturally Responsive Curriculum for English Language Learners in Higher Education

Wasita Neerapan — 2026-02-05

งานวิจัยนี้ใช้วิธีการวิจัยและพัฒนา เพื่อพัฒนาและประเมินหลักสูตรที่ตอบสนองต่อวัฒนธรรมสำหรับนักศึกษาภาษาอังกฤษเป็นภาษาที่สอง ในระดับมหาวิทยาลัยในจังหวัดอุดรธานี การวิจัยนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อแก้ไขปัญหาเฉพาะของผู้เรียนหลากหลายวัฒนธรรมในภูมิภาคโดยการบูรณาการบริบทวัฒนธรรมท้องถิ่นเข้ากับมาตรฐานการเรียนรู้ภาษาอังกฤษระดับสากล การเก็บรวบรวมข้อมูลดำเนินการผ่านแบบสอบถามประเมินความต้องการ (n=156) การสัมภาษณ์แบบกึ่งโครงสร้างกับอาจารย์ผู้สอน (n=12) และการสังเกตการณ์ในห้องเรียน หลักสูตรที่พัฒนาขึ้นได้รับการทดลองใช้เป็นเวลาสองภาคการศึกษากับนักศึกษาระดับปริญญาตรี 78 คน ที่มาจากหลากหลายภูมิหลังทางวัฒนธรรม วิเคราะห์ข้อมูลด้วยสถิติเชิงพรรณนา การทดสอบค่าที แบบอิสระและแบบจับคู่ การวิเคราะห์ความแปรปรวนร่วม และการวิเคราะห์สหสัมพันธ์ ข้อมูลเชิงคุณภาพวิเคราะห์ผ่านการวิเคราะห์เชิงธีมอย่างเป็นระบบ ผลการวิจัย พบว่า นักศึกษามีพัฒนาการด้านความสามารถทางภาษาอังกฤษเพิ่มขึ้นอย่างมีนัยสำคัญ โดยมีคะแนนเฉลี่ยเพิ่มขึ้น 22.4% (p<.001) และตัวชี้วัดความสามารถข้ามวัฒนธรรมที่วัดด้วยแบบสำรวจการพัฒนาข้ามวัฒนธรรม แสดงผลการพัฒนาอย่างมีนัยสำคัญ ผลการวิเคราะห์เชิงคุณภาพเผยให้เห็นการเพิ่มขึ้นของการมีส่วนร่วมและแรงจูงใจของนักศึกษาเมื่อการสอนบูรณาการเนื้อหาที่เกี่ยวข้องกับวัฒนธรรม การวิจัยนี้สนับสนุนวรรณกรรมเกี่ยวกับการสอนที่ตอบสนองต่อวัฒนธรรมในบริบทการสอนภาษาอังกฤษเป็นภาษาที่สอง และให้กรอบแนวคิดเชิงปฏิบัติสำหรับการพัฒนาหลักสูตรในสภาพแวดล้อมการศึกษาหลากหลายวัฒนธรรมในประเทศไทยและบริบทเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ที่คล้ายคลึงกัน

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Nitsri Sangduen — 2026-02-05

Creating Tailored Experiences for Thai LGBTQIA+ Tourists to Achieve a Competitive Advantage in the Context of Hotel Businesses in Thailand

Pornnapa Thanapotivirat — 2026-02-05

This academic article aims to propose a guideline for creating tailored experiences for Thai LGBTQIA+ tourists to achieve a competitive advantage in the context of the hotel business in Thailand. The article presents a set of interrelated concepts that link tourist experiences with hotel business services. Information has been synthesized from relevant documents, textbooks, academic articles, and research papers. The conceptual foundation includes 1) LGBTQIA+ tourist behavior, 2) tourist experience design in the hotel business context, 3) service marketing strategies, 4) brand equity of products and services, 5) service quality and 6) perceived customer value. These concepts serve as tools for understanding the needs of Thai LGBTQIA+ tourists and for enhancing their travel experiences. This approach is useful for hotel business operators to apply in improving their services by creating memorable experiences, embracing diversity, ensuring equality, delivering flawless service, and offering distinctive features. These factors help build customer confidence, strengthen perceived value, foster satisfaction and loyalty toward the brand and service, encourage word-of-mouth recommendations, and promote repeat visits.

Special Interest Tourism: Motivation, Types of Tourism Activities and Tourist Behaviors

Chalongsri Pimonsompong — 2026-02-05

This academic article aims to explore the underlying motivations that drive demand for special interest tourism by integrating three core theoretical frameworks. The first framework is Maslow’s eight-level hierarchy of human needs, which had been progressively developed during 1954 and 1970. These needs include: physiological needs essential for survival; safety needs related to personal security, family, and property; needs for love and a sense of belonging; needs for esteem and recognition from significant others and society at large; self-actualization - the realization of one’s full potential; cognitive needs, encompassing perception, understanding the process of analytical thinking, information management, reasoning, and intellectual development; aesthetic needs - the appreciation of beauty and profound emotional experience; and self-transcendence - the pursuit of a meaningful life beyond the self and a sense of connection to the sacred or spirituality. The second framework concerns individual travel motivations and deep personal interests proposed by Agarwal, Busby, and Huang (2018), namely: psychological motivation, emotional motivation, cultural motivation, and personal development motivation. The third framework relates to types and behaviors of special interest tourists, also proposed by Agarwal, Busby, and Huang (2018), which include: novelty-seeking tourists who are bored with routine experiences and seek change; active tourists who have clear and specific interests; expert tourists who possess a high level of knowledge and skills derived from their special interests; and enthusiast tourists who are highly devoted and deeply committed to their interests. To achieve the research objective, an in-depth integrative synthesis of the three frameworks was conducted. The findings indicate that needs and motivations at levels 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of Maslow’s hierarchy are key drivers of special interest tourism. Such tourism is characterized by creative forms of activities, and tourist behaviors vary across multiple dimensions according to economic status, social and cultural backgrounds, local contexts, and government tourism promotion policies.