Liberal Arts Review

Implication and Political reflections on the tribute system relations between Siam and China In the reign of King Naresuan

Samran Phondee — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This article aimed to analyze the ethics and political reflections that arise from the relationships in the literary system between Siam and China during the rule of the monarchy. Which was found that in the reign of King Naresuan, the monarchs had sent the Wanli emperor the tribute for surrendering (B.E.2135/ A.D.2591). A series of such ambassadors submitted a proposal from Ayutthaya to help China wage war with Japan. Those offerings were important both in trade and politics, such as in trade. He aimed to profit from trade in the tribute system to restore the economy to the country while the political field believed that it needed to receive either help or support from China in waging a war with Myanmar. Although the offer was later rejected, the effort also reflected the historical context of the period in many dimensions. The following examples were stated in this relation, 1) the trade benefits of the alliance with China were still of great importance to Ayutthaya; 2) the image of Ayutthaya in the eyes of the Chinese aristocrats improved; 3) China began to see Ayutthaya’s political importance as greater; and 4) King Naresuan was displeased with the Chinese refusal of Ayutthaya's offers.

Thai Expatriates’ Perspectives of Service Quality in Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) Hotel

Thareethip Laowirojanakul, Phitak Siriwong — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The purpose of this research was to 1) study managerial concepts of alternative state quarantine (ASQ) hotels regarding good service quality from the viewpoint of Thais living abroad before returning to Thailand and 2) develop a grounded theory of ASQ hotels’ service quality from the viewpoint of Thais living abroad. This is a qualitative study to derive a theoretical conclusion from the experience of Thai nationals living overseas who had previously stayed at ASQ hotels. The researcher chose purposive sampling techniques and collected data by using in-depth interviews, documentary studies, observation, and note-taking in March 2021. The key informants were 16 Thais who had lived abroad for a year and visited Thailand at least once. The study showed that the service quality of ASQ hotels consists of 10 dimensions; 1) Hotel 2) Hotel’s product 3) Health 4) Wellness 5) Hotel’s guestroom 6) Hospitality 7) Hygiene 8) Hi-technology 9) High safety and 10) Host. In addition, it appeared that these 10 elements can be classified based on four dimensions; assurance, trustworthiness, responsiveness, and customer insight, which are recommended for the hotel business to reach the expected service quality for Thais. This includes meeting their expectations for both tangible and intangible services. Moreover, ASQ hotel service quality was found to correlate with customer’s expectations, perceptions of service quality, satisfaction and decision-making. Finally, it is concluded that the higher overall service quality perceived by Thais, the more likely they are to be satisfied and consequently recommend the hotels’ hospitality services.

Self- Acceptance Experiences of Dependent Older Adults

Jantika Limpongstorn, Arunya Tuicomepee — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to examine self-acceptance experiences of dependent older adults. Key informants consisted of five older adults who require assistance from others to perform independent activities of daily living. Data was collected via in-depth, semi-structured interview. Findings revealed three main themes of self-acceptance experiences. Theme 1 “declining health caused dependency” included four subthemes: 1.1) declining health resulted from illness and aging, 1.2) limitations in daily living led to dependency, 1.3) feelings of frustration worry and discourage when cannot do the activities like before, and 1.4) feeling uncomfortable in being a burden. Theme 2 “relationships and spiritual anchor helped one to make peace with themselves when relying on others” included two subthemes: 2.1) care and concern from other people and 2.2) religious practices and spiritual anchor. Theme 3 “understand existing changes, able to embrace dependency, and self-acceptance” included two subthemes: 3.1) realize and understand existing changes and eventually be able to embrace dependency and 3.2) accept oneself and embrace the changes.

Apply the Wisdom of Fabric Dyeing With Resin to Aesthetically Pleasing Handicrafts

Duangjai Utchin, Khajornsak Nakpan — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This research article utilizes traditional fabric dyeing handicrafts in application with resin. From research, the resin has the properties of natural glue with a chain of carbohydrate molecules that are adhesive and water-insoluble. This molecular structure resembles carbohydrates in the flour used to manufacture bioplastics in food coatings, packaging, clothes, et cetera. The researcher foresees this resemblance of properties, hence adapting resin to create bio-resin (resin) that can coat natural dye, allowing better adhesion to the fabric threads. Also, resin or Karaya Gum, is an acid acting as an emulsifier, so it could likewise support synthesis of the bio-resin. The fabric dyeing process with resin is water-saving, consequently reducing water pollution by-products. Furthermore, the researcher found that applying the wisdom of fabric dyeing with resin promotes handicraft aesthetics (hand, head, heart) in the creativity of hand-dyed fabric. There are three fabric dyeing guidelines: 1) The creativity of being conscious of the environment. 2) The creativity of rational thinking from nature. 3) The creativity of self-dependence to discover a moment of mindfulness.

Guideline Enhancement for Responsible Behavior of Tourists in Low Carbon Tourism towards Sustainability in Baan Tham Suea Community, Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi Province

Ratchukorn Jonvirat, Suwadee Bunmajarinon, Thanawat Pechphan — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The objectives of this study were: 1) to study the responsible behavior of tourists in low carbon tourism and 2) to provide guidelines for enhancing the responsible behavior of tourists in low carbon tourism towards sustainability in Baan Tham Suea Community, Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi Province. The research was conducted as quantitative research through an in-depth interview, and the key informants were 35 individuals from five sectors: community, tourists, academia, governments, and tour operators. The purposive sampling method was used to analyze the data through thematic analysis. The study found that 1) the responsible behavior of tourists in low-carbon tourism consists of choosing low carbon tourism activities, conserving energy, complying with the rules of the community, decreasing the amount of waste, selecting local products, and 2)guidelines for enhancing the responsible behavior of tourists in low carbon tourism towards sustainability include promoting valuable tourist experiences through low carbon tourism activities and giving back to the community and environment, promoting the use of alternate energy sources and efficient energy management, promoting interpretation and education about low carbon tourism, promoting waste management, and promoting the use of resources in the local community.

Innovation Development FROM Folk Art to Promote the 2st Century Learning Skills of Students in Ban Wang Saphung School, Wang Saphung Sub-Dsitrict, Wang Saphung Dsitrict, Loei Province

Patthira Phon-ngam, Nasrung Konvimon — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The innovation development from folk art to promote the 21^st century learning skills of students in Ban Wang Saphung School, Loei Province was a research and development project. Target groups included teachers and administrators at Ban Wang Saphung School, community scholars, experts and wisdom teachers, and students totaling 50 participants. Data collection was done through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and brainstorming. Content analysis was used for qualitative data analysis. Results of innovation development from folk art included 3 innovations: 1) folk song innovations, 2) folk dance innovations and 3) folk music innovations. Results of bringing the innovations to trial for 1 semester (4 months) through new activities that had not been implemented before in schools were as follows: 1) In terms of folk song innovations, the students were assigned to form groups to compose folk songs and perform performances from folk songs. 2) In terms of the folk-dance innovations, there were two activities: (1) folk drama performances, and (2) presentation of costumes from folk dancing arts. 3) In terms of folk music innovations, there were 2 activities: (1) teaching folk music with modern technology and (2) folk music creativity contest. After bringing the innovation to trial with students, it produced good results. Students became creative in composing folk songs, designing costumes and designing folk dance performances. They had teamwork skills and could use technology creatively.

The Biography of Lokakṣema in the Gaoseng zhuan: the first translation of Chinese Mahāyāna Sūtras

Prapakorn Bhanussadit, Wilaiporn Sucharitthammakul, Maythee Pitakteeradham — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This article has endeavored to provide a deeper understanding of the biography of Lokakṣema [支樓迦讖] as found in the Gaoseng zhuan, the earliest translations of Chinese Mahāyāna Sūtras. It not only has presented a Thai translation of Lokakṣema's biography but also has delved into the crucial facets of his life, shedding light on the authentic texts attributed to him. This comprehensive exploration has served as a valuable resource for those engaged in the study of Lokakṣema's biography in Thai, offering fundamental insights into early Chinese Buddhism and the pivotal role played by Lokakṣema in establishing Mahāyāna Buddhism in China. The article has employed content analysis, drawing from primary sources, ancient Chinese scriptures, and contemporary research by scholars specializing in Lokakṣema's biographical content. The findings have revealed Lokakṣema's origins in the Yuezhi region and his arrival in China between 147-189 CE. Notably, he collaborated with the Indian monk Zhu Foshuo, and his teachings left a lasting impact, exemplified by his disciple Zhi Liang. Scholars, past and present, have relied on information from Chinese scriptures and specific translation styles to authenticate Lokakṣema's texts. The Mahāyāna sūtras translated by Lokakṣema have attested to his pioneering role in introducing Mahāyāna Buddhism to Chinese society and have served as models for subsequent translations. Studying Lokakṣema's life has provided valuable insights and has provided a basis for deeper investigations into the methods and mechanisms employed in translating Mahāyāna Buddhist scriptures during the Eastern Han Dynasty. This, in turn, has significantly enriched our comprehension of the evolution of Mahāyāna Buddhism within the context of China.

The relationship between the Architectural Plans of Wat Ratcha-Orasaram and Mahayana Buddhist literature-XIYOUJI

Wachirawit Tungtananuwat — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigates the intricate relationship between the architectural plans of Wat Ratcha-Orasaram and the Mahayana Buddhist literature, XIYOUJI. Using methods of architectural investigation and iconographic interpretation, the study reveals significant correlations between key temple elements such as Phra Ubosot, the trio of stone sculptures, Chedi Rai, the Vihara housing the reclining Buddha, the standing Buddha Vihara, and the sermon pavilion, which are accompanied by narratives from XIYOUJI. Through a detailed examination of the four principal Buddha images in accordance with the Trikaya principles and iconographic criteria, this study reveals nuanced symbolism. In the Temple's inner precinct, Kamphaeng Kaew, the reclining Buddha represents Amitabha Buddha (Sambhogakaya), while the Anantakun Buddha image in the Phra Ubosot symbolizes Sakyamuni Buddha (Nirmanakaya). While, on the Temple's outer precinct, the standing Buddha in Abhaya Mudra posture in the northern Vihara represents Amoghasiddhi Buddha (Sambhogakaya), and the Phutthachai Sitthithammanat Buddha image in the sermon pavilion is identified with Metteyya Buddha (Nirmanakaya). According to the findings, The King Rama III intended to bring all four Traditional Thai art of the principal Buddha images in accordance with Theravada Buddhism, but with hidden meanings for the Dhyani Buddha and Manusi Buddha in accordance with Mahayana Buddhism. In addition, XIYOUJI 's story was incorporated into Wat Ratcha- Orasaram 's design and decoration.

Reflections of the Marginalized in Thai Novels, from 1997 to 2022

XU ZHILAN, Patcharin Buranakorn — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This research article aims to analyze reflections of the marginalized in eight Thai novels, published during 1997 – 2022. Methodologies of qualitative research; concepts of reflections study and studies of the marginalized are applied in analysis of the texts and their meanings.

The eight novels studied reflect four aspects of the marginalized, including statuses; living; moral and ethics; and human rights. For statuses, the texts present a convict; a cripple; an oppressed; a broken-home child; a Vietnamese refugee; a woodsman; a fishing crew; a masseuse; and a driver. For living, most of the marginalized do not own residences; encounter insufficient food problem; work unskillful jobs; and less regard of education. For moral and ethics, the marginalized is hard working; responsible; helpful to others; grateful and considerate. For human rights, the marginalized is violated on economic rights; life and body; educational rights; rights of transport; and sexes. The studied novels also reflect reactions of the marginalized on complaining for their economic rights; rights on food and health; and rights to be employed. Meanwhile, the society reacts by showing protection the marginalized on human rights; and offering rights in accessing state facilities and helps.

The Study of the Features of the Syymbols used to represent Thai Tones in Thai Language Teaching Textbooks for Foreigners at Fundamental to Basic Levels in different purposes of use

Suwatchai Khotchaphet — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

The purposes of the research paper are to 1.) study the characteristics of the Thai tone mark symbols found in Thai textbooks for foreign learners at the fundamental and beginner levels, 2.) compare the differences between the Thai tone mark symbols found in the textbooks, and 3) analyze the relationship between different purposes of use in textbooks and Thai tone mark symbols. The results of the research showed that there were eight types of symbols representing Thai tone marks that appeared in textbooks. They are as follows: 1.) the use of the international phonetic alphabet (IPA) to represent tones, 2.) the use of zero forms, 3.) the use of the combination of dots and underlines, 4.) the use of a combination of dots, underlines, and diagonal strokes, 5.) the use of arrow symbols, 6.) the use of straight lines and curves, 7.) the use of acronyms, and 8.) the use of numbers. Comparatively, the study reveals that the International Phonetic Alphabet was the most widely used. Furthermore, it discusses the various types of Thai tone mark symbols and the several objectives of their application in each textbook. Lastly, results of the study also that the International Phonetic Alphabet continued to be used most frequently to represent tone marks in textbooks, particularly those used for learning and teaching.

Chao Phraya River and the study of Thai for Tourism for Chinese Learners

Zhang Xidan, Nition Pornumpaisakul — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This article’s objective is to study the importance of the Chao Phraya River as a significant medium for the study of Thai Language for Tourism among Chinese learners. The researcher has analyzed and collected data from three sources which are 1) the Thai textbook of Chinese learners, 2) the Chinese learners’ questionnaire, and 3) the fieldwork in the Chao Phraya River area. The result shows that Chao Phraya River is mentioned in Thai Fundamental Textbook III (黄进炎, & 林秀梅, 2009) for Chinese learners. This suggests that the learning about Chao Phraya River is one of the significant topics in teaching and learning Thai language in China. According to the questionnaire, Chinese learners suggest adding more content about traveling in the Chao Phraya River area. In addition, due to the fieldwork study on the Chao Phraya River, the researcher finds that both shores of Chao Phraya have several remarkable tourist attractions, which can be spotted from distance and located nearby the piers, which are Yannawa Temple, The Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), The Royal Palace, Wat Rakhang Khositaram Woramahawiharn, Wang Lang Market, ICONSIAM Department Store, and Asiatique the Riverfront. They are located near six piers, which are Sathorn Pier, ICONSIAM Pier, Wat Arun Pier, Tha Chang Pier, Wang Lang Pier, and Asiatique Pier. All these seven landmarks are important in the study of Thai Language for Tourism among Chinese learners in three aspects: historical, architectural, and social of the Thai lifestyle by the river. They help Chinese learners improve and develop Thai Tourism skills and get to know better about Thailand.

Representations of Thai Women in Reincarnation Thai Drama Series During 2008-2023

Yang Chan, Jansuda Chaiprasert — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0700

This article aims to analyze the representations of Thai women in time-travel drama series from 2008 to 2023 A.D., by studying different statuses of female characters in both past and present societies and principally uses the theory of representation. The findings show that the representations of Thai women in the past and the present societies have both similarities and differences, also representations of female characters in a particular aspect are noted. For the observed representations that are the same in both past and present societies, the following four statuses are noticed: 1) representations of grateful, obedient daughters and/or granddaughters and vice versa, 2) representations of caring, attentive wives and troublesome wives, 3) representations of devoted, understanding mothers and forceful, autocratic mother, and 4) representations of compassionate, gentle single women. For the different representations of Thai women in both past and present societies, statuses of single women are clearly distinguished. Single women in the past were mainly efficient housekeepers, while single women in the present are well-educated, not focused on household affairs, and they are brave and independent. Regarding representations of Thai women in particular aspects, in the past they are shown in a relationship of masters and servants. When they are mistresses, Thai women are respectful and efficient rulers. When they are maids, some are very faithful and obedient to their masters, while others are rebellious. In the present society, representations of Thai women show professional, devoted officers who are responsible for their careers, as well as challenging the rules.