Journal of Social Work

Comparative Study on the Social Welfare Law in ASEAN

Punyawaj Traijutakarn — 2023-12-28

This article aims to present a comparative study of the social welfare laws of ASEAN Member States; and to provide recommendations on the improvement of those social welfare laws to make them more efficient for the ASEAN Member States. By using qualitative research, and descriptive analysis, a comparative study of the social welfare laws of ASEAN Member States will lead to develop of recommendations and to improve social welfare laws of ASEAN Member States.

The results show that each ASEAN Member States has fundamentally different legal systems due to background of history, religion and culture. However, the consideration of equality of people remains a fundamental principle reflected in the constitutions of ASEAN Member States. The primary law of social welfare law exists in only 3 out of 10 states, namely Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. However, ASEAN Member States have legislated other laws concerning social welfare which involves the issue on education, healthcare, housing, labor and employment, criminal justice and other issues. In addition, the existing social welfare laws also cover children, youth, women, the disabled, the elderly, beggars, family, LGBT groups, human trafficking, the poor and the destitute, disaster victims, minorities and ethnic groups, refugees, migrants and other target groups. Unfortunately, some ASEAN Member States do not achieve to cover all target groups.

Forming Partnership Networks for Firearm Violence Reduction in Thai Society

Piyaporn Tunneekul — 2023-12-28

This study aimed at building the networks responsible for raising the campaign for reducing violence related to firearms as well as proposing the guidelines in improving and correcting “Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives, Fireworks and Imitation Weapons Act B.E.2490 (1947)”to make it appropriate for Thai society at present. This research also used in-depth interview and activity setting to result in building the networks responsible for reducing violence from firearms. It was found that the legal issues that need to be amendment in classification of firearms people can legally possess, penalty or punishment, fees, rules/procedures in issuing firearms license, and the approaches/ firearms-storing places with safety. As for network building, two pilot networks were created, namely the Nakhon Ratchasima province network and the Chumphon province network. Building these networks depend on setting activity organization as exchanging knowledge via seminar, using games responsible for strengthening relationship among any involved networks, in line with utilizing knowledge tests and the proposal of group ideas towards how to build the networks in reducing violence related to any forms of firearms that can lead to sustainable success.

The Capacity Development Evaluation of Women Occupational Groups of Women and Family Development Learning Center

Phenprapha Pattaranukrom — 2023-12-28

The objectives of this study aimed to survey and evaluate the operational performance of capacity development of women occupational groups, to classify the women occupational groups according to their capacity, and to prepare policy recommendations for elevating the capability of the women occupational group, whose most of the members are elderly people. The study was conducted on the basis of quantitative and qualitative study designs. As for the quantitative study, a questionnaire was used as the instrument for collecting data from 274 women occupational groups participating in the training for occupational skills development with 8 Women and Family Development Learning Centers.The qualitative study was conducted using group discussion and interviews with 32 groups and 3 management executives.

The results from the survey and operational performance evaluation of the capacity development of women occupational groups in communities were derived from 3 quality indicators, namely, the occupational training process of women occupational groups in communities, people participating in occupational training in communities, and the trainers themselves. Results of the capacity development of women occupational groups in communities revealed that this process enabled people participating in the training to gain more knowledge and skills, including generating more careers and income, ensured the products of the groups were assigned certified product standards, the preservation of art and local wisdom, strong family relationships, the promotion of women's roles and their self-esteem, and the strengthening of communities. As for capacity evaluation results of the occupational training program, this data stemmed from 4 main aspects, namely, the context or environment evaluation, input evaluation, process evaluation, and output evaluation, with evaluation results displaying high levels in all aspects. Evaluation results and classification of women occupational groups in communities according to their capacity in 5 aspects found leadership, management and production development to have high levels of capacity while membership and marketing displayed moderate levels of capacity. Factors rendering the groups stable and strong were leadership, group unity, promotion and support from government agencies, working capital, and products carrying strong identity.

Guidelines on Promotion and Development of Women Capabilities using Action Research: Country Park 15 water Hyacinth Processing Group, Bang Toei Sub-District, Sam Khok District in Pathum Thani

Pinhathai Nunuan — 2023-12-28

This research article has three main objectives. First objective, to study the issues, needs and roles of women groups. Second objective, to provide promotion and development toward women potential through conducting action research with water hyacinth processing group, Mooban Country Park 15, Bang Toei Sub-District, Sam Khok District, Pathum Thani Province. Third objective, to collect data via group discussions and interviews with 20 women group members, observing participation and conduct activities with women group to support and develop potentials and extract lessons learned, analyzing data from contents derived from in-depth data from each activity with women group members. The members include group leader, community leader, women group members, external women network members and non-formal and informal education center network. Data will be a descriptive-based presentation. The research found that the group’s products have uneven manufacturing standards due to the different skills and expertise of the members based on different training and experience they received. The group members presented the need to develop skills of group members, conduct field studies at sites the members want to study the processing skills, adding value to the products. As for the roles of the group’s women, it is found there is a collective search for raw materials and markets to sell products produced by the members. Promotion and development of potential will be provided to women group via education, lessons, field visits, training on product processing, and online marketing. The development of guidelines on promotion and development of women potential is done by collective group process in set up questions and finding solutions and needs, presenting group’s work guidelines on group, and extracting lessons periodically. The group’s lesson learned has found that exchanging knowledge with the network, organizations, external agencies that meet the group’s needs will help the group find a method of work that allows group members to gain the opportunity to adjust a method of work tailored to each member. The proposal on promoting and supporting women group is to create confidence in the potential and ability of the members and involve them in every procedure, seeking network on promotion and development inside and outside the community and expand to collective action network in a form of partnership.

The Reduction of Violence in Thai Society by International Standards: RESPECT for Women's Equality

Sumonthip Chitsawang — 2023-12-28

This study, entitled "The Reduction of Violence in Thai Society to Align With International Standards: Respect for Women's Equality" has several objectives: to investigate the problems, causes, and effects of violence in Thai society, to study the implementation of the international standard Violence Reduction Guidelines: Respect for Women's Equality (RESPECT) in collaboration with relevant agencies appropriate for the Thai social context and to suggest guidelines for preventing and resolving problems of violence in order to integrate international standards for reducing violence within the Thai social context.

The research methodology consists of mixed research including documentary research, quantitative and qualitative research, and participatory action research. The sample group consisted of 2,400 people, 400 inmates, and a unit for the prevention and solution of violence in Ko Kha Subdistrict Municipality, Ko Kha District, Lampang Province. The quantitative research analyzed the 0data using percentage, mean and standard deviation statistics. For qualitative research, content analysis was used.

The study found that in 2021, Thailand was the 47th most violent country in the world. Major problems of violence in Thai society during the COVID-19 situation include suicide, family violence, violence against children and women, violence against children and young people, and the use of violence by children and adolescents. The main causes of violence are economic problems, mental health problems, values, and norms related to violence, alcohol, drugs, and firearms problems, with the impact of damage from violence accounting for 4 percent of Thailand's Gross Domestic Product. Violence reduction according to international standards and applied to the context of Thai society requires public relations to raise awareness and advance the RESPECT approach to women's equality, based on the World Health Organization and United Nations standards on reducing violence against women, in collaboration with key actors and representatives of relevant agencies and drive to reduce violence in Ko Kha Subdistrict Municipality, Ko Kha District, Lampang Province.

Research recommendations include the urgent policy formulation of a national agenda for reducing violence, the implementation of policies and measures to address violence against women according to the Respect for Women's Equality Guidelines (RESPECT), and the promotion of best practice or model areas for reducing violence in society and applying the Respect for Women's Equality (RESPECT) guidelines to reduce other forms of violence in Thai society.

Learning and Tactical Development of Border Trade between Laos and Thailand

They Vansy — 2023-12-28

The purpose of this research is to investigate the acquisition of knowledge and the strategic development of border trade between Laos and Thailand. In-depth interviews, focus groups, and brainstorming sessions were some of the major qualitative inquiry methods that were used in this study. According to the findings, border trade conditions before the epidemic included the fact that there were not many shop owners in the area, and the process of crossing the border for temporary workers was simplified as a result. During the epidemic, there was a complete shutdown of foreign trade. The risks taken by entrepreneurs was very high. Thus, the Lao and Thai commercial processes had to be followed. This incorporated strategies from both the public sector and the private sector, often known as entrepreneurial strategies. This study investigated the viability of several approaches to the expansion of border trade at checkpoints between Laos and Thailand. The discussion addressed its practicability and sense of urgency, trade regulations at the border, appropriate trade regulations between the two nations based on knowledge of electronic trade, and creative bringing based on the market for cultural artifacts aimed at tourists in both nations.

Undergraduate Readiness to Study Online: A Case Study of the Faculty of Social Administration, Thammasat University

Thongsiri Kamdaeng — 2023-12-28

The objectives of this research were to study 1) Readiness for online learning among undergraduates at the Faculty of Social Administration (FSA), Thammasat University; and 2) Factors affecting readiness to study online by FSA undergraduates. Quantitative research was done. Data was collected by online questionnaire. Samples were 424 FSA undergraduates on the Rangsit, Lampang, and Tha Prachan campuses. Results were that 1) sample readiness for online learning was at a high level, primarily due to student ability to search for information by Internet and secondly, through knowledge, ability, and skills in using different online learning programs; and 2) factors affecting FSA undergraduate readiness to study online included instructors primarily. FSA instructors were able to convey lessons and education online at a high level, followed by teacher-student interactions during online courses, in decreasing order of significance.

Aesthetic Perception to Create Appropriate Welfare for Upper Primary School Children: A Case Study of Baan Sri Thammarat Children's Welfare Home

Pongsaton Pongsaton Nakaim — 2023-12-28

The purpose of this research was to study aesthetic perception and needs of recreational welfare through aesthetic perspective of upper elementary school children at Ban Sri Thammarat Home for Boys. This qualitative research used an online interview of a sample population of 6 male children aged between 10 - 12 years comprising of 2 children in Grade 4 aged 10 years; 2 children in Grade 5 aged 11 years; and 2 children in Grade 6 aged 12 years.

According to the interview and the analysis of activities provided by the shelter, the study revealed that children's aesthetic perceptions in shelters have close relations to the form of provided activities. It was also found that the participants were able to perceive the surrounding aesthetics and describe them in words. This perception resulted in child development, and preferences. Different forms of aesthetic perception lead to their learning progress and determine the needs of different forms of recreational welfare.

Factors Affecting Emotional Intelligence of Juveniles Offenders: A Case of Juveniles Sentenced to Attend Training at a Child and Youth Training Center

Sasikarn Putkeaw — 2023-12-28

This study examines the emotional intelligence of juvenile offenders and the factors affecting the different emotional intelligence of juvenile offenders by using quantitative methodology. The population of this study was 56 juvenile offenders, consisting of 44 young men and 12 young women. Which suggested a sample of 48 people, Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistics.

The study found that children and youth with different family statuses have different self-control, decision making and problem-solving abilities. Children and youth with have different intellectual abilities (IQ) have different emotional intelligence (EQ) in decision-making and problem-solving abilities. However, different levels of education have no effect on differences in emotional intelligence.

Results of studies on external factors found that children and youth who were adolescents raised under different parenting styles. There are with EQ have different in responsibility and motivation. Children and youth with different peer relationships. There are with EQ have different in responsibilities and motivations. However, environmental factors had no effect on emotional intelligence.

Book Review: Welfare State 3.0: Social Policy After the Pandemic

Watchara Pechdin — 2023-12-28

Dr. David Stoesz has masterfully crafted a policy analysis of formal social welfare in the United States that not only stands as a beacon of accessible knowledge but also unfurls a rich tapestry of comprehensive insights, informed perspectives, incisive critiques, and alluring storytelling. His work not only dissects the intricacies of social welfare but also weaves them into a captivating historical narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, turning pages with curiosity and fascination. Throughout 12 chapters of the book “Welfare State 3.0: Social Policy after the Pandemic.”, the reader will be addressed the uncertainties of welfare development and its accuracy and reliability on providing successful interventions from the USA case study.

Greenwashing through Criminology Perspective

Wanatsanan Kanthawong — 2023-12-28

This article aims to create knowledge about “greenwashing” by presenting the phenomenon of greenwashing through the perspective of criminology. Greenwashing is an environmental issue in the 21st century, which involves the use of various claimed marketing tactics by companies to create an environmentally friendly image. These tactics included: 1) the hidden trade-off, 2) no proof, 3) vagueness, 4) irrelevant information, 5) spurious comparisons, 6) fibbing, and 7) worshiping false labels.
The study found that greenwashing is an effective tool to create a positive environmental image, achieved through social institutions and mainstream media by using marketing, advertising, public discourse, and friendly environmental public relations. However, greenwashing has negative impacts, including: 1) non-traditional threats, 2) natural disasters, 3) failure to achieve greenhouse gas reduction targets, and 4) declining business credibility.Analyzed greenwashing through criminology perspective, it can be categorized as an “Economic crime” committed by companies seeking to deceive consumers through misleading advertising that presents a false image of being environmentally friendly. This can lead to consumer fraud. In addition, “Environmental crime” committed by humans who directly harm the environment and seek benefit from natural resources such as air, water, soil, plants, and wildlife, is common in greenwashing. The offenders of greenwashing were 1) individuals as white-collar criminals; and 2) legal entities committed by companies or organizations. This research provides important recommendations as follow: creating knowledge about greenwashing; developing standards for reviewing policies related to environmental friendliness; establishing task force and law enforcement agencies; providing education and understanding to consumers as part of their responsibility; and fostering ongoing environmental awareness and consciousness.