Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences

Migrant cultural capital accumulation amid the first COVID-19 shock: Shan children in Chiang Mai municipal schools, Thailand

Nongyao Nawarat, Pisith Nasee, Michael Medley — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Among the measures taken by Thailand’s government in 2020 in response to the first wave of the Covid-19 epidemic was the closure of schools for the months of May and June that year, and a scheme of distance-learning for the students instead. The present study examines the impact of this crisis and the education policy response on a group of teenage students who were children of Shan migrant workers in inner-city Chiang Mai, and their nuclear families. It is based on interviews with the students, their parents, and teachers or principals from their respective schools. The questioning was influenced by previous studies of migrants in Thailand, and a theoretical framework involving Pierre Bourdieu’s conceptualisation of cultural capital; it was supposed that the students and their families would attempt to protect the children’s acquisition of cultural capital in the face of an exogenous shock to their household economy. The interviews helped illuminate how far this was the case, and the ways in which it happened. Further, in contrasting the student experiences with the way in which the distance-learning measures were announced by the Minister of Education, the paper provides evidence about ways in which modern technology solutions can overlook children’s individual learning needs, and create new disadvantages for poorer students, particularly the children of inner-city migrant workers.

Developing a cognitive ability test for Thai students

Piyawan Visessuvanapoom, Jarintorn Wintachai — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to validate a synthesized framework upon which to develop an instrument comprising indicators for measuring the cognitive abilities of upper primary school students and establish the norm for these cognitive ability scores. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are employed. In-depth interviews with 30 experts and focus groups with 10 experts are used in the qualitative study to develop a conceptual framework for students’ cognitive abilities. Meanwhile, a quantitative study was conducted to validate the framework and measurement model using 1,914 students chosen from six different regions of Thailand. The data analysis employs SPSS for Windows version 28 and LISREL12. The conceptual framework consists of 4 components and 13 indicators obtained, as follows: (1) The information processing component, which comprises (1.1) perception, (1.2) learning new things, and (1.3) applying knowledge; (2) The thinking component, which comprises (2.1) reasoning, (2.2) analytical thinking, (2.3) numerical thinking, (2.4) planning and problem solving, and (2.5) creative thinking; (3) The language component, which comprises (3.1) encoding, and (3.2) decoding; (4) The accomplishment component, which comprises (4.1) utilizing skills, (4.2) goal attainment, and (4.3) adaptability. A second-order confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the measurement instrument has construct validity and fitted well with the empirical data, χ²(49) = 64.743, p = .065, GFI = .995, AGFI = .990, RMR = .018, RMSEA = .013). Thai student cognitive abilities fall into one of four categories: developing, typical, generally exceptional, and outstanding levels.

The development of self-learning in the new normal education with online learning to enhance information and communication technology competency of pre-service teachers at the undergraduate level

Uraiwan Srichailard — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The objectives of this research were: (1) to develop and determine the appropriateness of self-learning in the New Normal Education with online learning to enhance information and communications technology competency of pre-service teachers at the undergraduate level; (2) to study the effectiveness of the developed self-learning model; (3) to measure information and communication technology competency of pre-service teachers at the undergraduate level, and (4) to compare the academic achievement of the pre-service teachers from the test scores before and after learning. This research is based on a research and development model. The sample group was pre-service teachers, comprised of 30 people, and enrolled in the course 21st Century Skills for Life and Career in the second semester of the academic year 2021 at Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University. A clustered simple
random sampling method was used. Research data were analyzed by mean, standard deviation, percentage, and statistical test by t-test. The results of the research revealed that (1) the developed self-learning model consists of the following components: (1.1) Input (learners, teachers), (1.2) Process, namely, Online Learning Module, and (1.3) Output, namely, Project Module and Evaluation Module. Appropriate evaluation by experts is at the highest level; (2) Efficiency of the developed self-learning model was equal to 83.64/82.80; (3) Information and communications technology competency of pre-service teachers was at a very good level; and (4) post-learning achievement was higher than before at the statistically significant level of .05.

Strategies of secondary schools for teaching effectiveness development based on the concept of student growth

Weerayot Ekkarat, Nantarat Charoenkul — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The aims of this study were to: (1) analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing secondary schools in developing teaching effectiveness based on the concept of student growth; and (2) develop strategies of secondary schools for teaching effectiveness development based on the concept of student growth. 258 Thai secondary schools were selected by stratified random sampling as samples, with 516 informant teachers participating. The study revealed the following strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats: (1) regarding teaching effectiveness, the strengths were expertise in the knowledge of teaching, engaging and analyzing student learning processes, and executing an effective classroom, whereas weaknesses were in encouraging a desirable learning environment, and exerting the use of appropriate instructional methods; technology provided opportunities, whereas economic, political and socio-cultural factors were the threats; (2) regarding teacher development, the strengths lay in supervision, evaluation and coaching, whereas mentoring and training were the weaknesses. Five strategies were: (1) enhancing a desirable learning environment; (2) planning appropriate instructional methods; (3) redesigning classroom management; (4) establishing approaches to monitoring student learning processes with engagement and analysis; and (5) advancing the effectiveness of knowledge.

Curriculum control and lesson planning: History teacher autonomy in different school contexts

Arif Saefudin, Wasino, Susanto, Akhmad Arif Musadad — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The curriculum is important in controlling national policies and implementing education. In Indonesia, the national curriculum is changing from the 2013 Curriculum to Merdeka Curriculum, which promotes “independent learning”. This study explores the nature of curriculum control and history teachers’ autonomy in lesson planning in different school contexts. The research draws on interviews with 12 history teachers in three different schools: Senior High School 1 Kejobong (a general-based public school), Purbalingga Public Madrasah Aliyah (a religious-based public school), and Muhammadiyah Purbalingga Senior High School (a private school belonging to Muhamamdiyah organisation). Teaching module documents were also analysed to complement the research data. The data were analysed following Hopmann’s curriculum control model by developing macrocodes (deductive approach) and subcodes (inductive approach). The research findings indicate the existence of three models of curriculum control, with overlapping characteristics among the four models observed in different school contexts. These models suggest that outcomes-based education practices influence the underlying ideological profiles of different schools. Although the education authority accommodated all three schools well, variations in history teachers’ autonomy in lesson planning were evident. In particular, history teachers’ autonomy seems closely related to the practical stage of lesson planning rather than aligned with the educational outcomes the government idealises. This research highlights how a national policy that, on the one hand, provides freedom in concept but, on the other hand, also standardises schools potentially contradicts the policy goal of promoting educational diversity.

Teachers’ background diversity on the early intervention service of special education centers in Thailand

Chanakarn Cheali, Piyawan Srisuruk, Korrawan Mongput, Pennee Narrot — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Special Education Centers (SECs) are public educational establishments whose role is to provide early intervention (EI) services to children with special needs. There are currently 77 locations throughout Thailand. A recent study found that SECs encounter teacher transfer problems every year, which affects the efficiency of their EI services. This study explored the reality of EI service and the diversity of teachers’ backgrounds on EI service of SECs in Thailand. The result of an in-depth interview form for 18 executives showed that most SECs provide services in several stages, which include general data collection, educational disabilities screening, basic abilities assessment, individualized education plan preparation (IEP/IFSP), provision services with suitable activities, progress assessment, and conducting supervision, monitoring, evaluation, and referral. The most problematic issue of EI service is the diversity of teachers’ disciplines. In addition, the result of a questionnaire for 426 teachers showed that teachers had a variety of backgrounds, especially in their graduate majors at bachelor’s degree for over 15 majors. Factors of background diversity that affect the implementation of EI service includes: health problems or congenital disease, SECs in current operation, place of service, and responsibilities, which affect each step of the EI service process at a significantly high level of 0.05. However, not all differences in teacher backgrounds will affect EI service delivery.

A virtual reality game designed to enhance empathy and acceptance for individuals with Autism: An experimental study focusing on people in a workplace

Jakkarin Thepvong, Gauze Pitipon Kitirattarkarn, Nuttanai Lertpreechapakdee — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

People with high-functioning autism are capable of working as effectively as other individuals because they are often reliable, punctual, good with routine, and have a high level of attention to detail. However, it is exceptionally challenging for people with high-functioning autism to work together with the people that do not fully understand autism. This study adopts virtual reality technology to develop a game intervention that aims to educate and enhance autism acceptance and empathy among employees. Using a head-mounted display (HMD), 35 participants between the ages of 18 and 50 were immersed in a virtual world that simulated the experiences of a person with autism. Haye’s (2013) PROCESS Model 4 was employed to analyze the data. Results suggest that VR game intervention increased users’ autism knowledge, empathy, as well as acceptance for people with autism. The study further illustrates an underlying process of how people develop acceptance for people with autism.

Pilot study of the home observation for measurement of the environment for Infant/toddlers (IT-HOME) in Thailand

Panrapee Suttiwan, Pimjuta Nimmapirat, Wathoosiri Promduang, Nancy Fiedler — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

An extensive literature documents the importance of the home environment for child development. However, only one previous study in 2003 reported the use of the Infant/Toddler HOME (IT-HOME) with rural children in Thailand. The study of the IT-HOME with extended socioeconomic groups would benefit researchers to assess child home environment systematically and relevantly for the Thai culture. In this study, psychologists administered the Thai-translated IT-HOME to a convenience sample of 89 dyads of caregivers and children, 12–35 months, from Urban/High SES (N = 30), Urban/Low SES (N = 30), and Rural/Low SES (N = 29) groups in Thailand. The internal consistency of the overall Thai-translated IT-HOME was .82. The high percent “yes” response of each item across all groups showed that all items were relevant to Thai families and culture. Among the Thai samples, the IT-HOME score of Urban/High was significantly higher than both Urban/Low and Rural/ Low. Interestingly, Rural/Low had significantly higher scores than Urban/ Low in the total score and some content domains. The overall results for the Thai participants were similar to a 1997-US sample from Washington State, but were significantly higher than the 1972-US normative data and previous 2003-rural data from northeastern Thailand. Our study suggests that the Thai-translated IT-HOME is culturally appropriate for Thai children and families. Therefore, the use of the Thai-translated IT-HOME is recommended for the standard assessment of overall quality of home environment for children in Thailand.

A Synthesis of research studies on public relations multimedia utilization within an educational institute during the COVID-19 pandemic: A comparative analysis of textual and data visualization approaches

Kuntida Thamwipat, Kanjana Namaso, Pornpapatsorn Princhankol — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study constituted a comprehensive synthesis of research conducted in the domain of public relations multimedia within an educational institute during the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic. The synthesis encompassed a meticulous examination of the research findings pertaining to the dimensions of content and media presentation, as well as the perception and satisfaction levels among the selected sampling groups concerning the employment of public relations multimedia. The investigation specifically focused on the case studies conducted at the Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The research encompassed the past two academic years (2021–2022), and encompasses a total of ten nationally and internationally published studies.The synthesized findings provided compelling evidence of the adherence of these studies to the well-established ADDIE Model. Furthermore, a diverse range of multimedia formats were identified, including infographic posters, video motion graphic clips (accompanied by supplementary activities) in seven studies, video clips in two studies, and an electronic book in one study. Expert panel evaluations consistently indicated a high level of quality in terms of both content and media presentation.The perceptual and satisfaction assessments conducted among the sample group indicated exceptionally positive responses towards the utilization of multimedia in the public relations domain. Subsequent to the synthesis of textual data, the researchers employed the Tableau platform for data visualization, facilitating an enriched presentation of analytical insights.

Prevalence and factors associated with depression among junior high school students in Laksi district, Bangkok, Thailand

Mayurat Rukkiat, Rungnapa Panitrat — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The purpose of this study was to (1) examine the prevalence of depression; and (2) the difference between depressive and non-depressive junior high school students on socio-demographic factors. Socio-demographic data and the Thai version of The Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) were used as data collection instruments. Percentage was utilized to identify the prevalence, while chi-square test was used to analyze the difference between the 2 groups. The results demonstrated that of 508 students, including male (52.6%) and female (48.4%) recruited from high schools located in Laksi district, Bangkok, approximately 32 percent were depressed with PHQ-A cutoff point ≥ 10. Among these, there were moderate (19.1%), severe (9.6%), and extremely severe depression (3%). Chi-square test demonstrated statistically significant difference between the depressive sample and the counterpart on gender (χ² = 23.937, p < .001), anxiety about academic performance (χ² = 78.316, p < .001), parental status (χ² = 10.764, p < .05), the resident’s father’s education (χ² = 5.996, p < .05), the father’s occupation (χ² = 5.996, p < .05), family financial problems, relationships between father and mother (χ² = 14.993, p < .05), relationships between students and parents (χ² = 27.979, p < .001), and relationships with friends (χ² = 14.566, p < .05). Conclusion: adolescents in junior high school frequently experienced depressive symptoms. Early detection by screening depressive symptoms should be provided. Raising awareness on monitoring depression among teachers, parents, and health personnel is required to prevent their children suffering depression. Sociodemographics should be considered for screening procedure. School-based prevention programs including universal, selective, and indicated prevention are intervention recommended for children. Mental health programs or activities to prevent or decrease depression among adolescents should be developed through depression surveillance systems. Activities raising the quality of peer/parents’ relationship with high school students may be required for buffering depression.

Virtual course based on conceptual maps and autonomous work

Lydia Rosa Ríos Rodríguez, Eldis Román Cao, Evelio Elias Orellana Orellana — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The computerization of university processes prioritizes the implementation of virtual courses in which the use of learning resources that do not repeat the face-to-face procedure is stimulated. The objective of the study is to describe the virtual course developed for the Infotechnology subject, based on the use of concept maps and autonomous work activities. The study shows a quantitative approach, with a descriptive non-experimental design. Through a survey, with a Likert-type scale, the opinion of the students on the usefulness and didactic value of the virtual course, the usefulness of concept maps to organize and present information, self-assess learning and stimulate autonomous learning were measured. The data were processed using Jamovi version 1.6. The results show the adaptation of the face-to-face Infotechnology course to a virtual teaching and learning environment, which was organized into 20 topics, made up of activities based on a conceptual map that organizes and presents the information to the student, a guide for work. Autonomous and self-assessment learning activities; For the communication of what has been learned, the student relies on PowerPoint presentations, algorithms, texts, videos and concept maps. The evaluations of those involved conclude that courses with this design achieve a teaching and learning dynamic adjusted to virtuality and favor the development of skills for autonomous learning.

Teacher survey of Science Practices Learning (SPL) in elementary schools after participating in the teacher professional programs

Winarto, Dwi Hesty Kristyaningrum, Asri Widowati, Fine Reffiane — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This paper was aimed at finding an instrument to measure science practices learning of elementary school teacher after participating in teacher professional programs. The method of the study was a survey method. The respondents of this study were elementary school teachers in the province of Central Java, totaling 578 teachers at elementary school level. This research employed a science learning practice questionnaire. The instrument was confirmed by expert judgement and empirical measurement. The Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics by calculating the percentage and level of achievement of science learning practices carried out by the teacher. The instrument was examined by implementing Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The results of the reliability test which were based on the results of Cronbach’s alpha score were .91. Dimensions EI, EE, SDC, SD learning science practices are good category. The EPK dimension for elementary school teachers is in the moderate category. The SD teacher’s IT dimension is in a very good category. The conclusion of this study is that student learning activities designed by teachers following the professional program focus on investigation, modeling and explanation, scientific discourse, connecting with daily life activities, and discussions. The implication of this research is that teacher capacity building programs have an impact on the quality of science learning in elementary schools. It is very important for the government, regional heads, and school principals and teachers to organize teacher improvement programs, especially research-based science learning.

Excellent school management approaches for enhancing students’ creative self-efficacy

Dalin Lim, Chayapim Usaho, Nipachcha Rojratanavanit — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Promoting creative self-efficacy in schools is essential for helping students develop their creativity and innovation and prepare them for the competitive climate of today’s society. This study aimed to study the priority needs of excellent school management development and to propose excellent school management approaches for enhancing students’ creative self-efficacy. The sample of the study was the 28 public high schools in Banteay Meanchey province, selected by using simple random sampling. The informants were directors, deputy directors, and teachers; in total, 215 people. The research instruments were questionnaires and evaluation forms. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, modified priority need index (PNI _modified), and content analysis. The findings revealed that, of the seven criteria for excellent school management, the Leadership criterion had the lowest priority need value, whereas the Measurement, Analysis, and Knowledge Management criterion had the highest priority need for development in order to create excellent school management to increase students’ creative self-efficacy. To improve students’ creative self-efficacy in the school, five excellent management approaches must be applied, namely, establishing a welcoming climate for students’ and stakeholders’ engagement, fostering the context of Teach for Learn more than Teach for Test, designing a future-focused strategic plan to bring about nurturing creativity, designing the new paradigm of teacher professional development, and cultivating innovative-driven leadership to foster change and execute the current status quo.

Students’ acceptance toward Asynchronous Virtual Education during COVID-19 pandemic

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Because of the global pandemic, governments around the world suspended many activities, including education. This unexpected situation made many educational institutions switch from face-to-face classes to a Virtual Education modality; neither teachers nor students were prepared. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to measure the students’ acceptance toward Asynchronous Virtual Education during COVID-19 pandemic at a public university. This study had a quantitative approach where 1,358 university students participated voluntarily. The technique for data collection was a survey, and the instrument was a questionnaire elaborated through google forms by the researchers. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to elaborate and choose the best model of the Asynchronous Virtual Education Acceptance Scale for Students (AVEASS). Main results showed that the use of Asynchronous Virtual Education had a negative acceptance of students with 51 percent. Even though students had previous experience working in virtual environments, the majority of them did not find the use of Asynchronous Virtual Education fun or interesting. Thus, it is concluded that the Asynchronous Virtual Education was not accepted by more than a half of the population of students. Therefore, it is recommended that university authorities provide more training to professors and students about the best ways of using Asynchronous Virtual Education in a more active and fun way as possible.

Parents’ preferences for children’s books and parents’ anxiety about children’s literary consumption: A story from Indonesia

Henny Indarwaty, Wisma Nugraha Ch. R., Wiwik Sushartami, Juliasih — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Some parents may think a children’s book is good, while others may not share that opinion. What is good is the core point of evaluation when parents select children’s literature. The way parents conceptualize what is good is heavily influenced by family values involving religious, cultural, and educational values. It is particular and takes cultural context such as parents’ cultural interpretation of child and childhood construct and children’s agency. This article discusses the result of in-depth interviews with eight parents who share their opinions about what is good for their children’s literary consumption. Combining theories of consumption studies and childhood studies, this article shows parents’ opinions on the characteristics of children’s books that are thought to be appropriate or not appropriate for children. The result shows that most parents in this study do not like heavily patronizing stories. This article reveals parents’ anxiety at the content of sexuality and violence in children’s books. Some parents avoid books that they think to violate their religious beliefs while others feel anxious about content that they think contaminates their cultural values.

Students’ perception on Extensive Reading (ER) through virtual book club to promote a pleasure reading

Rusiana, Nuraeningsih, Made Hery Santosa — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Book club is broadly believed to give contribution to students’ positive attitude of willingness and enjoyment in reading. Online ER book club was set up for the first year students in a higher education level to support ER class, especially to promote pleasure reading. This study aimed to delve into the students’ perception on ER book club of first semester students of the English Education Department of a private university Central Java, Indonesia. Framed within a descriptive qualitative method, a questionnaire and an interview guide were administered to the research participants. The questionnaire aspects comprise perceiver, target, and situation where ER aspects, namely, book choice, reading fluency and reading comprehension, were embedded in the items. An interview was also conducted to get more detailed facts about the book club. The findings reveal that students perceived the ER book club positively. ER book club provides fruitful and enjoyable activities for the students that promote their interest for pleasure reading and improve their English skills, particularly reading ability. Based on the findings, the writers suggest making the ER book club as a regularly sustainable program to maintain a positive culture of reading for pleasure that might lead to good reading habits.

The influence of sex education on domestic violence prevention awareness in adolescent mediated by healthy relationships

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Domestic violence is one of human society’s most severe gendered ills. Researchers have demonstrated that domestic violence (physical, sexual, and emotional) increases sensitivity to psychopathologies as well as physical morbidity. Violence can be interpreted sociologically as an act of attacking, damaging, injuring, and damaging both physically and psychologically. This article examines the effect of sex education on domestic violence prevention awareness, the effect of the healthy relationship on domestic violence prevention awareness, and the influence of sex education on domestic violence prevention awareness through healthy relationships. The method employed is quantitative, with survey methodologies and path analysis used in hypothesis testing. The research sample consisted of 135 samples selected at random using the Slovin formula. The findings revealed that sex education and a good relationship had a favorable and statistically significant impact on domestic violence prevention awareness. Then the result shows that sex education affects domestic violence prevention awareness mediated by healthy relationships. The results of this research can be an important reference for parents to provide sexual education to their children from an early age and always create harmonious and healthy relationships within the family to improve domestic violence prevention awareness.

Passion and burnout in Bangkok’s luxury hotel industry: Investigating obsessive and service-oriented effects

Chakrit Srisakun, Watit Intuluck, Surakiat Tadawattanawit — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research explores the intricate dynamics involving obsessive passion, passion to serve, and their impact on burnout within the context of luxury hotel employees in Bangkok. The study involves data collection from 505 employees in luxury hotels in Bangkok, and employs SPSS for data entry, management, and analysis. Leveraging advanced statistical methods and the PROCESS application, the research conducts a comprehensive analysis, yielding valuable insights into the influence of passion on workplace burnout. By specifically examining the moderating effects of obsessive passion and passion to serve among employees in Bangkok chain hotels, the study provides practical guidance for organizations and managers addressing professional burnout. Through a moderation analysis, the research unveils the nuanced relationship between job demands and burnout, contingent on the intensity of obsessive passion. The managerial and theoretical contributions of this research will be discussed in detail, offering valuable insights for both practitioners and scholars in the field.

Factors affecting tourism business effectiveness on the Andaman Sea coast of Thailand

Nutsana Na Phayap, Wiwat Jankingthong, Siriluck Thongpoon, Chutima Wangbenmad — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research examines factors affecting tourism business effectiveness on the Andaman Sea coast of Thailand. This study was quantitative research. 450 questionnaires from owners or executives of the tourism businesses were received. The data were then analyzed using Lisrel software. The finding of this study shows that the constructed SEM was in the appropriate criteria. It was found that competitive advantage had a positive direct effect on effectiveness, corporate social responsibility (CSR) had a positive indirect impact on effectiveness through competitive advantage, Innovation had a positive indirect effect on effectiveness through competitive advantage and social media had a positive indirect effect on effectiveness through competitive advantage.

Exploring the impact of the Thai television series on young Chinese viewers’ perceptions of Phuket, Thailand as a holiday destination and their behavioral intentions

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Film tourism research has gained prominence in recent years, yet there is a lack of studies focusing on viewers’ perceptions and behavioral intentions toward unvisited destinations. This study aims to investigate the perceived destination image of a place depicted in a popular television series and its influence on pre-visit behavioral intentions. Specifically, the case study revolves around the Thai television series “I Told Sunset About You”. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 427 young Chinese viewers who had watched the series but had not visited Phuket, Thailand. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize respondents’ characteristics, perceptions of Phuket as a destination, and behavioral intentions. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between destination image and behavioral intentions. The findings indicate that young Chinese viewers perceive Phuket as having a highly positive image, with attributes such as “beautiful scenery/natural attractions”, “pleasant”, “exciting”, and “appealing local food” significantly influencing their behavioral intentions. These insights provide valuable guidance for destination marketing organizations and tourism practitioners, highlighting the importance of collaboration with film and television producers to promote destinations effectively.

Investigating aviation safety factors and proposed conceptual model for safety behaviors among Thai flight crews: A qualitative approach

Pattarachat Maneechaeye — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to answer behavioral safety questions regarding influential factors and relationship among those factors relating to Thai flight crews’ safety behaviors, and the objective of this study is to develop a proposed hypotheses relating to factors affecting Thai flight crews’ safety behaviors for future research. Based on a sample of 21 flight crews and executives in Thailand, the result found that influential factors relating to Thai flight crew safety behaviors were organizational safety climate, fleet safety climate, aviation safety knowledge, aviation psychological safety and flight crews’ safety attitudes and personalities. Flight time was considered as a typical job experience and did not directly reflect the safety behaviors among flight crews. What reflected safety behaviors among flight crews were their own safety attitudes and personalities. Therefore, it would be proposed that organizational safety climate, fleet safety climate and flight attitudes and personalities played antecedent roles and aviation safety knowledge and aviation psychological safety played mediating roles. Future studies can possibly use the result from this study to formulate further hypotheses and apply the proposed conceptual model for quantitative analysis.

The influences of hotel characteristics on the risk impacts and effectiveness of crisis management: A case study of hotels in Phuket, Thailand

Kris Sincharoenkul, Suresh N. Kannan, Thanam Subramaniam — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Crisis management is crucial for the tourism industry due to its high vulnerability to crises, however, hotels still lack awareness and understanding to implement effective crisis management. This study aims to determine the influence of hotel characteristics on the risk impacts and the effectiveness of crisis management and to examine the mediational effect of the risk impacts on such relationships. As the main tourist destination in Thailand, Phuket was chosen as the research scope. The data were collected from 153 four- and five-star hotels with 3 managerial personnel each, and then 402 completed questionnaires were analysed using the PLS-SEM. The results revealed that location and experience in risk handling of the hotels influence both risk impacts and the effectiveness of crisis management, the ownership structure influences only the risk impacts, and the operating period and star rating do not influence them. Also, the risk impacts do not mediate the effectiveness of crisis management. The article concludes by providing both theoretical and practical implications.

The effect of change leadership on employees’ readiness to change through self-efficacy and resilience

Mira Tripuspita, Achmad Sudiro, Sumiati, Dodi W. Irawanto — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The merging of two different corporate cultures has risk to decrease company’s performance due to major organization changes impacting employees’ readiness to embrace and implement changes. This study aims to reveal the interaction of constructs that predict employees’ readiness to change within the employees of termination block in Indonesia’s upstream oil and gas industry. This study uses a relational research method with a quantitative approach. The 353 samples from 5071 populations are given 59 questions to measure the change leadership, employee readiness to change, self-efficacy, resilience, and trust in leader. The results show that the effect of change leadership on individual readiness to change is fully mediated by self-efficacy and resilience and moderated by trust in leader. Change leadership will basically increase confidence level (self-efficacy) in individuals toward change and motivate them (resilience) to face obstacles and challenges in the change. This will increase the individual’s readiness to change and is reinforced by employees’ trust toward leader.

Development of the proposed specific functional competency of HR officers in Thai government agencies

Khajornsak Sukpream, Gamolporn Sonsri — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to investigate prospective human resource officers’ specific functional competencies and behavioral indicators in the public sector. This study used in-depth interviews with human resource management personnel within and outside the central human resource management agencies of the Thai public sector, and the data were analyzed using content analysis and confirmed by the Delphi technique. The results revealed that the prospective human resource officers’ specific functional competencies and behavioral indicators were from the public sector. Moreover, the researcher suggests that the central human resource management agencies of the public sector can use the results of this study as a guideline in practice to enhance the potential of human resource officers, leading to higher professional standards in the Thai government’s human resource management in the future.

Unveiling the potential: Food safety, consumer segmentation in Thailand’s snakehead fish market

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to analyze factors influencing the decision-making process of snakehead fish consumers and to group consumers based on their behavior and preferences. Two methods were employed: factor analysis to identify decision-making factors and non-hierarchical cluster analysis to segment consumers. The target populations were selected from areas with large numbers of snakehead fish consumers. The study collected data through phone and online interviews with 472 snakehead fish consumers using stratified random sampling. The result indicated that food safety and nutrition were the primary influencing factors for snakehead fish consumption decisions. Concern about food safety when considering the cleanliness and safety of processed snakehead fish were also crucial factors for consumers. Two distinct consumer groups were identified based on demographic factors and the specific characteristics of snakehead fish desired by consumers. These findings provide insights for developing targeted marketing strategies and emphasize the importance of food safety measures and standardized production processes in the snakehead fish market. Implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is recommended to ensure consumer safety and promote the growth of the snakehead fish industry. In addition, more processed fish should be promoted to reach younger consumers.

The parenting plan, optimism, and subjective well-being among mothers of children with intellectual disability

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Mothers with intellectually disabled children expect to achieve subjective well-being so that they can best meet their children’s needs while raising them. However, empirical evidence suggests that mothers who have children with mental retardation are dissatisfied with their lives and believe that their children are a burden to the family. As a result, achieving subjective well-being necessitates parenting plan and optimism. This survey study aims to examine the relationships between parenting arrangements of a mother of children with special needs and her subjective well-being, optimism of a mother of children with special needs and her subjective well-being, and parenting plan together with optimism of a mother of such kind and her subjective well-being. Eighty-five mothers who have intellectually disabled children participated in this study. They were asked to complete a questionnaire comprising three scales: parenting plan scale, optimism scale, and subjective well-being scale. Using the multiple regression analysis, this study revealed that: (1) parenting arrangements created by a mother of a child with mental retardation have a positive effect on her subjective well-being;
(2) optimism of such mother about her child’s condition has no significant influence on their subjective well-being; and (3) the mother’s parenting plans together with optimism about her child’s condition simultaneously have a positive impact on her subjective well-being. The findings of this study provide recommendations for future research and practices.

The cult of wealth: Religious practices of life coaching and creating millionaire subjectivity in Thailand

Pattariya Khongthana — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Most studies in anthropology suggest that religious practice plays a significant role in promoting capitalism and entrepreneurship. However, this article focuses on non-religious areas and argues that life coaching programs, such as “The Mindfulness Map (fictitious name)”—a course at an institute in Thailand that teaches knowledge on developing wealth and is popular among entrepreneurs—create new forms of religious practice that promote wealth. This article uses the concept of subjectivity to understand how religious beliefs and faith support capitalist ideology. The phenomenon in which a life coaching program is rooted is the cult of wealth,” and the resulting religious practices and mystical worship give practitioners a sense of blessing and protection. Their interpretations of religious practices for wealth alleviate the sense of insecurity in Thailand’s capitalist system.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and young Thai digital natives: Exploring emotional effects through in-depth interviews and pictorial ethnography

Chulanee Thianthai, Patrapan Tamdee — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Technology seeps into every aspect of our lives and inevitably affects our emotional wellbeing. Among the most exposed to information and communications technology (ICT) are ‘young digital natives.’ This research aims to discover how Thai digital natives, ages 13–18, feel that online interaction impacted their emotional wellbeing. The researchers were able to recruit 204 young digital natives from Bangkok and Chiang Mai province for a survey questionnaire and out of this group, 96 students were selected for in-depth interview and 48 students joined in the pictorial ethnography activity. From the pictorial ethnography, the researchers showcase selected pictures drawn by junior high school students to visually deepen our understanding of how they experience emotions associated with the technological impacts on their lives. By analysis of in-depth interviews and eliciting stories through the use of these drawings, we assessed the impacts of technology on emotion, while aggregating these experiences into common themes. These include (1) a tension between a feeling of relaxation and anxiety from a feeling of time lost; (2) a fear of thinking or being perceived as different; (3) heightened feelings of satisfaction and frustration; (4) a yearning for friendship while enjoying being alone; (5) connectivity and emotional crowd mentality; and (6) a fear of initiating in-person interactions with the courage to initiate interactions online. These themes highlight how Thai digital natives who heavily use ICT technologies have changed their behaviors and their senses of ‘collectivity’ and ‘individuality’. The researchers argue that being aware of the sources of emotional changes as derived from the humantechnological interface can help them better manage their physical, social, and emotional health and well-being, balancing a quality life both on-and-off screen.

The Dilemma of cultural commodification policy of barkcloth: A study of the Kaili Community in Pandere Village, Indonesia

Nuraedah, Arif Saefudin — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

In the modern era of rapid technological development, local cultural heritage is increasingly subjected to cultural commodification. This study explores the implications of cultural commodification on bark cloth making, focusing on the Kaili community. The main objective is to analyze the cultural commodification policy surrounding bark cloth making and its transformative effects on tourism. The qualitative research methods used were in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and document analysis with the Kaili community in Pandere Village, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The collected data were then analyzed using interactive analysis, which includes data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings reveal that the Kaili community’s tradition of making bark cloth is preserved traditionally for everyday use and traditional ceremonies. The bark cloth possesses a wealth of forms, meanings, and decorations that are appealing to tourists. The Kaili community has promoted this tradition through museums, exhibitions, and cultural carnivals. Additionally, the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government actively promotes bark cloth by establishing the “Bark Cloth Tourism Village.” Packaging adjustments have been made to produce bark cloth to attract tourists. These findings demonstrate that the national policy framework enables a combination of considerations regarding the economic value and the tourism market. This research recommends that the government and the Kaili community ensure that cultural management and marketing practices involve active community participation, respect existing cultural values, and provide fair benefits to the community.

A perception of COVID-19 and self-protection behavior of Thai people in rural communities

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research was aimed to (1) study the perception of COVID-19 of Thai people in rural communities; (2) compare their perception among sexes and age groups using Q-methodology; and (3) to study their self-protection behaviors and the relationships of their COVID-19 perceptions and self-protection behaviors. The study process comprised (1) three focus group interviews, and (2) the data collection from 64 samples with balanced numbers of sexes and age groups. Three sets of research instruments were used (1) open-ended questions for focus group interview; (2) COVID-19 Perception questionnaire; a Q-sort questions developed by researchers, based on Health Belief Model and the information obtained from focus group interviews; and (3) Self-Protection Behavior questionnaire, a three-level rating scale. The results revealed that COVID-19 perception on five domains of Health Belief Model which obtained highest score were relevant with family e.g., on Perceived severity domain, “If I get COVID-19 my family will be in trouble.”; Perceived benefits, “I will do everything for the safety of my family members.” It was found that Thai people in rural communities have self-protection behaviors much appropriate in general. Women had higher Self-protection behavior scores than men and people in age-group > 60 had highest Self-protection behavior scores. Negative relationships were found between Perceived barriers and Self-protection behaviors in general and two other domains. A conclusion that Thai people in rural communities gave priority to family can be used as the key message on health campaign against COVID-19 and other emerging diseases in the future.

Moral consistency of Indonesian culture: A case of “Nyangku Ritual” in Sundanese society

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Moral consistency based upon religious teachings has been a core ethical value in almost all Eastern cultures, including Indonesia. In West Java, one of the large provinces in Indonesia, the ritual practices are performed in many cultural expressions. Due to globalization and modernization, the consistency of the value becomes decayed so that the ritual degrades into profane activities. This paper aims to analyze the moral consistency as shown in the Nyangku ritual in Panjalu, West Java. The description of the data is qualitative in nature
and obtained from observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The results of this study indicate that there are three forms of moral consistency that can be seen from desacralized activities such as; public entertainment, the economic activity shown in the form of tourism promotion activities, and political activity represented in the form of identity politics. This paper concludes that the moral consistency in the Nyangku ritual has shown a shift in meaning in society, namely, from the sacred to the profane. However, in the context of moral consistency, it is important to maintain sacred values in rituals through strengthening enculturation and adapting local traditional values and the role of local governments in making policies towards preserving local culture.

Deciphering the styles and architectural features of Korat houses from traditional central Thai houses

Karun Suphamityotin — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This research is aimed to compare the architectural characteristics between the Korat house and traditional central Thai houses, by identifying similarities and differences in their respective Architecture. The case study used in the analysis are 80 Korat houses located in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Two principles of data analysis were analyzed: morphological analysis on architectural styles and comparative analysis among samples. The study discusses and identifies the identity of Korat houses along with the interpretation by explaining the factors that affect the unraveling of the architectural characteristics of the Korat house from traditional central Thai houses under a research conceptualized framework. The results of the study concluded that Korat people have maintained some of the traditional central Thai house construction patterns, especially the use of structural system. Therefore, the Korat house has the same architectural style as the traditional central Thai house. At the same time, they have adapted some elements to the environment and socio-cultural context, thus the unraveling of architectural characteristics. As time passed, a new style was integrated to serve the needs and correspond to the changes that occurred in each historical period. It became a unique style of Korat houses. All the variables resulted in the same architectural style for both groups of houses. The variables in terms of geography, locally available building materials, values, family system, way of life, construction method, privacy needs and social interaction are factors that affect the unraveling that is clearly reflected in the Korat house architectural style.

The role of Eastern Java in the global spice trade network during the ancient period to the 17th century

Purnawan Basundoro, Andri Setyo Nugroho — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

The historiography of the Indonesian spice trade and routes places eastern Indonesia in a special position. Almost all historical studies are often discussed and concluded about eastern Indonesia, especially Maluku and the surrounding areas, as the primary spice producers and the vital node of the Southeast Asian spice trade network. Studies on archaeological data from the ancient period show that eastern Java had a significant involvement in the spice trade. This article aims to describe the role of eastern Java in the spice trade from the ancient period to the 17th century. The method used is historical research by exploring ancient sources from inscriptions, temple reliefs, and ancient literary texts from libraries and museums. Previous studies published in various books and journals are also used as references. Based on research results, spices from the eastern Java outback are transported to the city ports and traded globally. The city ports are essential to support the spice route network in eastern Java (i.e., Tuban, Gresik, and Surabaya). Those eastern Java port cities have formed global trade networks, especially in Southeast Asia.

Internationalization in higher education: Practices and processes of change between Ecuador and the Netherlands

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

In a globalized context where internationalization of higher education has become a key strategy for Higher Education Institutions, this article presents a comparative study of the internationalization processes of Ecuador and the Netherlands. Despite the advantages offered by internationalization, there are limitations and challenges related to quality, curriculum, management, culture, language, as well as bureaucratic and administrative processes, especially in countries with different educational and cultural systems. The objective of the study was to identify and compare the internationalization processes of Ecuador and the Netherlands, using a methodology based on bibliographic and documentary techniques, as well as the constant comparative method. The comparative analysis identified several thematic categories, including paradigmatic change, divergence in structural and financial transformation, commitment to the expansion of international educational activities, circumstantial analysis of restrictive aspects, emerging educational project, university autonomy as an element of independence, study opportunities, pursuit of excellence, and ethnological manifestations. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that both countries have similar educational and cultural systems, although with some differences, which allows for a direct comparison and the identification of shared best practices and challenges in the internationalization processes of higher education.

Political communication and political success: The art of effective messaging

Waiphot Kulachai, Sunthan Chayanon, Wijittra Srisorn — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0700

This paper argues that effective political communication plays a pivotal role in achieving political success in Thailand’s democratic system. It shapes public opinion, mobilizes support, and inspires grassroots movements. By effectively communicating their values, policy positions, and leadership qualities, political actors can establish a strong and compelling brand image that resonates with voters. The ability to connect with voters on an emotional level, address their concerns, and convey empathy fosters trust and loyalty. Moreover, shaping the narrative surrounding campaigns and policy proposals allows candidates to position themselves as credible and competent choices. Mobilizing support through persuasive communication strategies and engaging with diverse communication channels also contributes to electoral victories. Recognizing the importance of effective political communication, stakeholders can harness its power to strengthen democratic processes and ensure the voice of the electorate is heard. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding of the impact and effectiveness of political communication in the specific context of Thailand.