Journal of Arts and Thai Studies

Protest and Ilmu Teluh: Superstitious Beliefs and Rituals in Thai Youth Political Movements

2025-08-30T10:37:00+07:00

Background and Objectives: Between 2019 and 2023, Thailand witnessed waves of student- and youth-led protest movements. Although these young people are part of a new generation raised with scientific knowledge and technological advancements, many have chosen to incorporate supernatural beliefs and rituals—referred to as “ilmu teluh”—into their political activism, for example, the emergence of the “Ratsadon-muteluh”, a group which incorporates beliefs and rituals as a form of political expression.

Methods: This research studies the social phenomenon of superstitious belief and ritual practice among youth protesters using three methods: documentary analysis, non-participatory observation, and in-depth interviews (secondary data).

Results: Ilmu teluh rituals are practiced by numerous protest participants from various groups who believe that Thai society is dominated by a culture of privilege and oppression with a long-standing historical foundation, especially the Thai Royal Institution. These youth protesters perceive their political opponents, whom they label as the conservatives, to be highly credulous and devoted to superstition. As such, they therefore chose to use ilmu teluh as a symbolic tool to challenge their political opponents. Their protests targeted belief systems associated with prominent figures, while attempting to present an invented culture by reenacting rituals claimed to originate from the people instead. The protest rituals involving ilmu teluh were reenactments that did not follow the formal ritualistic principles of any particular belief system or religion, but were instead play-acting which comprises three acts: 1) the speech by protest leaders to clarify the objectives of the demonstration, 2) the role-playing as an artistic ritual to express emotions of resistance, and 3) the burning of effigies or objects as a form of symbolic communication through fire served as a climactic act in the performance. These rituals functioned both as a mechanism for moral healing and as a symbolic violence alternative to physical violence within the youth movements.

Application of this study: This research offers a framework for understanding the use of ilmu teluh rituals as a form of symbolic resistance. It serves as an analytical tool for examining youth-led cultural movements and political expressions within the context of an authoritarian society. The study is relevant to scholars, activists, and policymakers seeking to understand movements driven by beliefs.

Conclusions: Ilmu teluh rituals in Thai youth protests function as a symbolic expression that integrates political resistance with expressive culture. Through the reinterpretation and reconnection with traditional beliefs, youth protesters can use superstition as a tool for challenging authority, reclaiming public space, and expressing collective frustration. These rituals reflect a shift toward a movement rooted in the people rather than monopolized by the elites.

The Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair: Creation and Roles in Contemporary Thai Society

2025-08-29T13:29:09+07:00

Background and Objectives: Khao Wong Phrachan is a significant tourist attraction in Lopburi. Every year, during the third lunar month (Makha Bucha Day), the Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair is held for locals and tourists to pay homage to the Buddha’s footprint, and this festival has continued from the past to the present. This research aims to study the concepts behind the creation of the Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair within the context of contemporary Thai society, the factors affecting the changes of this festival, and the roles of the festival in contemporary Thai society.

Methods: This qualitative research collected data through semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis with a total of 11 key informants from the community in Huai Pong subdistrict, Khok Samrong district, Lopburi province. They were selected using purposive sampling, and the snowball or chain sampling method was also used to reach further informants. The data analysis was based on the concept of creative folklore and the role of folklore.

Results: The findings showed three issues. 1) There were five concepts in the organizing of the Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair in contemporary Thai society. They included: 1.1 the integration of traditional cultural capital with new creativity, 1.2 the accommodation of multiculturalism and the blending of beliefs, 1.3 the transformation of sacred spaces into sites of creative tourism, 1.4 the reconstruction of rituals within the framework of traditional beliefs, and 1.5 the collaborative integration of stakeholders across various sectors. 2) There were five factors involved in changes in the festival’s organization, which were: 2.1 the organizers, 2.2 the objectives of the event, 2.3 the activity formats, 2.4 the sacred objects or amulets, and 2.5 the public relations. 3) There were four roles of the Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair, which were: 3.1 reinforcing cultural beliefs and societal values, 3.2 studying and disseminating knowledge, 3.3 regulating society, and 3.4 providing entertainment.

Application of this study: This research expands the scope of creative folklore studies within the context of temple fairs in contemporary Thai society and contributes to enriching research on local traditions and belief systems in Lopburi. The findings offer in-depth insights into the factors shaping the structure and roles of the Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair. The data can be utilized to support cultural tourism management and community development initiatives.

Conclusions: The central concept behind the organization of the Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair originates from the belief in “the veneration of the Buddha’s footprint”. Over time, this belief has been blended with Thai-Chinese beliefs, particularly those related to the Buddha’s footprints and the worship of deities on high mountains. The sacred site has gradually been developed into a tourism destination for the younger generation by creating new meanings within a changing social, economic, and technological context to align with the modern era and tourism. This reflects the Khao Wong Phrachan Temple Fair’s important role in preserving religious rituals and maintaining the social and local cultural structures of Lopburi in order to retain its own identity and traditional culture. At the same time, this can further enhance the progress of local communities.

Sin: The Relationship Between Language and Ideology in the Discourse of Electronic Books Produced by Wat Phra Dhammakaya

2025-08-29T13:29:17+07:00

Background and Objectives: Beliefs about “sin” that are prevalent in Thai society are closely linked to Buddhist thoughts and a collectivist social structure. The analysis of linguistic strategies can reveal the influence of language in shaping individuals’ behavior within Thai society. This study aims to investigate linguistic strategies and analyze the discursive, social, and cultural practices within the conceptual framework of “committing sin” in the discourse of electronic books produced by Wat Phra Dhammakaya.

Methods: This research article employs Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis framework (1995) and Kress & van Leeuwen’s visual analysis approach (2006). The data were collected from the e-books produced by Wat Phra Dhammakaya, which have been disseminated via the website www.kalyanamitra.org since 2002.

Results: The findings identify four main linguistic strategies: 1) lexical choice, 2) metaphor and implication,
3) reasoning, and 4) discourse. Discursively, the manuscript production process is led by monks and distributed through the Dhammakaya Foundation. In terms of social and cultural practices, the study reveals that Thai notions of “sin” are influenced by three key concepts: 1) the understanding of “merit-sin” and “virtue and retribution” in Thai society, 2) the understanding of “suffering-happiness,” in Thai society, and 3) the understanding of “karma” in Thai society. Furthermore, the study identifies two outcomes of the ideology of “sin”: 1) sin as a mechanism for restoring justice, and 2) the construction of the concept of the realms of hell in Thai society.

Application of this study: The research findings indicate that the reproduction of traditional discourses is facilitated by communication processes in which “insiders” easily accept the authority of the discourse. The “sin” discourse which spreads in Thai society is deeply intertwined with Thai-like Buddhist thoughts and the collectivist nature of social structures.

Conclusions: The study of discourse in the electronic books produced by Wat Phra Dhammakaya provides insight into the role of language in constructing meaning and reproducing ideological frameworks. It also enhances the understanding of the role of “partial textual reproduction through adaptation for presenting in modern media” as a mechanism of socialization and its function of providing spiritual grounding and moral guidance as well as giving hope and encouragement to a group of people in society.

Lampang’s Cultural Identity: A Living Museum for Creative Tourism

2025-08-29T13:29:03+07:00

Background and Objectives: Lampang province is renowned for its rich and distinctive cultural identity, as reflected in the local way of life, architecture in the community, traditional practices, and local community beliefs. This study examines and analyzes Lampang’s cultural identity across multiple dimensions, especially those aspects that reflect its historical identity, architecture, way of life, and beliefs of the local community to analyze the potential of transforming these cultural assets into a living museum model that supports creative tourism.

Methods: This study uses a quantitative research approach. The data collection tool used in this study was a questionnaire, which was administered to a sample of 400 tourists visiting Lampang province. A mixed method sampling technique was employed, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation.

Results: The cultural identity of Lampang province has been acknowledged at a high average level, supported by several significant components. These include temples and religious sites (mean = 4.33), nature (mean = 4.32), history (mean = 4.25), and local architecture (mean = 4.23). It received the highest level of recognition and a high overall potential to become a living museum (mean = 4.17), reflecting Lampang’s distinct cultural identity—especially in the dimensions of local identity (mean = 4.28), the identity of way of life, local wisdom, and knowledge; the continuous transmission of cultural traditions; and the historical dimension (mean = 4.22), especially documented historical, cultural, and traditional heritage. At the same time, the main approach or the most important factors in promoting creative tourism are tourism experience design (mean = 4.24), community participation (mean = 4.22), and cultural identity presentation (mean = 4.19).

Application of this study: The results of this study can be applied to formulate policies and developmental guidelines for Lampang province, establishing it as a model secondary city in the upper northern region that employs the concept of a living museum to promote creative tourism, which can enhance its economic strength and preservation of local culture. This requires integrated collaboration among the public sector, the private sector, and the local communities to ensure the cultural conservation process while generating sustainable economic value.

Conclusions: This study indicates that Lampang has a distinctive cultural identity, including temples and religious sites, nature, history, and local architecture, all of which demonstrate high potential for development as a living museum. The development of Lampang as a living museum to effectively promote creative tourism should focus on key strategic approaches: tourism experience design, cultural identity presentation, along with community participation. By adopting an integrated approach, these measures will enhance the diversity and sustainability of creative tourism in Lampang.

Development of Collaborative Mechanisms and Community Network Systems for Creative Cultural Tourism: A Case Study of Nakhon Thai Subdistrict, Nakhon Thai District, Phitsanulok Province, Thailand

2025-08-29T13:29:20+07:00

Background and Objectives: Creative tourism involves travel that emphasizes engagement with and experience of a place’s cultural heritage, arts, and unique characteristics. It fosters meaningful connections between local residents and tourists through active participation in living culture, as defined by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This research aims to examine the development of community cooperation mechanisms and community networks rooted in creative cultural tourism, considering both internal and external perspectives. The study focuses on Nakhon Thai subdistrict, Nakhon Thai district, Phitsanulok province, and has three main objectives: 1) to analyze the systems of cooperation and community networks related to creative cultural tourism, 2) to explore models and approaches for fostering collaboration within community-based network systems founded on creative cultural tourism, with active participation from all sectors in the development of tourism in Nakhon Thai subdistrict, and 3) to develop strategic frameworks or policy recommendations at the community level by fostering cooperation and encourage the active participation of community networks in Nakhon Thai subdistrict.

Methods: The researcher utilized qualitative research methods, gathering data through purposive sampling via semi-structured interviews with three distinct groups of informants: 15 government officials, 5 community members, and 3 representatives from private businesses. Additionally, focus group discussions and pertinent document reviews were conducted. The data were analyzed through content analysis to synthesize findings and present the study results in a systematic and comprehensive way.

Results: The development of creative cultural tourism in Nakhon Thai district, Phitsanulok, shows collaboration between the government, local administrative organizations, communities, business sector, and educational institutions. In terms of policy, cultural preservation, infrastructural development, and tourist activities, every sector supports one another. The link with nearby provinces and universities helps increase the tourism potential. The area possessing significant cultural assets and local resources can be further developed in the long term. Success depends on community involvement at every level, necessitating decentralization of authority, support of local products, and ongoing creative activities to raise Nakhon Thai district as a sustainable cultural tourism destination in the future.

Application of this study: The policy proposals center on building local cooperation systems by means of a tourist development committee comprising representatives of the government, business sector, and community. Together, this group will plan, address issues, and methodically track results, coupling practice-based learning activities like weaving, local food, and cultural storytelling. The networks of community product manufacturers and monthly cultural markets should be supported to promote inclusive and balanced income distribution. Moreover, a cultural learning center ought to be established in cooperation with nearby universities to compile local knowledge and lead to the creation of high-value tourism.

Conclusions: The development of creative cultural tourism in Nakhon Thai subdistrict resulted from the cooperation of several sectors by emphasizing on local identity and creative activities. Important strategies include raising involvement, building infrastructure, supporting OTOP (One Tambon One Product), and effective resource management for community sustainability.

The Concepts and Elements of the Dance Creation “YAB-YUM”

2025-08-29T13:30:09+07:00

Background and Objectives: “YAB-YUM” represents the fusion of wisdom (Prajna) and compassion (Karuna). The Vajrayana sect believes that when wisdom and compassion unite in the human mind, it leads to liberation or the path to enlightenment. Therefore, this physical depiction is a Sambhogakaya form, visible in the Buddha’s person, and serves as a means of Dharma in the form of a man and a woman. This is because accessing wisdom requires compassion to ultimately achieve liberation or the attainment of Dharma. This research named The Concepts and Elements of the Dance Performance “YAB-YUM” aims to 1) present the concept of Yab-Yum iconography in Vajrayana Buddhism via the creation of works in the field of Dance Performance, and to 2) integrate the concept of Yab-Yum iconography in Vajrayana Buddhism with contemporary dance concepts, symbolism in dance performance, and site-specific art. This integration will be applied to the elements of dance performance creation: theme, dancers, choreography, sound and music, costume, and performance space.

Methods: The dance performance work is based on a qualitative research approach combined with creative research. It integrates knowledge from various conceptual frameworks, including the concept of Yab-Yum iconography in Vajrayana Buddhism, contemporary dance, symbolism in dance performance, and site-specific art. The creative process consists of the following steps: 1) studying relevant documents, 2) personal communication with related individuals, 3) fieldwork exploration, 4) analysis and creation of dance performance work, 5) review and refinement of dance performance work, and 6) presentation and independent critique of dance performance.

Results: The creative process for this dance performance piece integrates the concept of Yab-Yum iconography in Vajrayana Buddhism, contemporary dance, symbolism in the performing arts, and site-specific art. These ideas are combined with six elements of dance performance creation: 1) Theme; the dance performance is newly created under the concept of Yab-Yum iconography in Vajrayana Buddhism, inspired by the philosophical principles of Vajrayana Buddhism. 2) Dancers; knowledgeable and have skills in contemporary dance.
3) Choreography; present through contemporary dance, combined with improvisation and partnering techniques including body support, lifting to float up as well as expressing emotions and feelings. 4) Sound and music; newly compose a song from the Tibetan Singing Bowls to create concentration and calm. 5) Costume; conceptualized to reflect Yab-Yum symbolism, utilizing earth-tone colors to represent nature and simplicity. 6) Performance space, select performance space using the criteria of environment, size, and the utilization of performance spaces based on the concept of site-specific art.

Application of this study: The dance performance “YAB-YUM” represents the development of a creative work in dance that integrates philosophical concepts and symbolism in Vajrayana Buddhism into the creative process. By incorporating various disciplines and theoretical frameworks, this work introduces an innovative approach that diverges from traditional forms. This creative endeavor serves as a means to advance the field of dance by expanding knowledge and performance styles in alignment with contemporary contexts.

Conclusions: The concepts and elements of the dance performance “YAB-YUM” represent an integration of knowledge from philosophy, symbolism, and dance. This demonstrates that dance creation is not confined to the aesthetics of movement alone, but also serves as a space for philosophical communication, symbolic interpretation, and the integration of multiple disciplines—an essential approach in dance creation. Furthermore, the presentation of the concepts and elements in this performance serves as an example of how interdisciplinary dance creation can be further developed and expanded.

Higher Education Institution Libraries and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Case Study of Higher Education Institution Libraries in Eastern Thailand

2025-08-29T13:29:22+07:00

Background and Objectives: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a topic of significant interest across various sectors, including higher education institutions, due to their relevance to our way of life in the economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Currently, the SDGs are integrated into policies and plans at all levels, from individual organizations to national strategies. Higher education institution libraries play a critical role in gathering and disseminating knowledge, as well as organizing activities that contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. This research aims to explore the role of higher education institution libraries, in the eastern part of Thailand, in responding to the SDGs by analyzing key issues related to three main dimensions: 1) librarians’ understanding of the SDGs, 2) the alignment of library policies, operational plans, and activities/projects with the SDGs, and 3) the challenges and obstacles to library operations in responding to the SDGs.

Methods: This research employs a mixed-method approach to collect data from four higher education institution libraries in the eastern region. The samplings are five library executives and 24 librarians utilizing two primary methods: 1) quantitative data collection through a knowledge assessment test on the SDGs for librarians, and a questionnaire regarding the alignment of library activities/projects with the SDGs; and 2) qualitative data collection through interviews with higher education institution library administrators concerning policies aimed at driving the library’s efforts toward achieving the SDGs.

Results: The research findings indicate that higher education institution librarians in the eastern region possess a good level of basic knowledge and understanding of the SDGs. Higher education institution libraries play a central role in collecting and disseminating knowledge and information resources related to the SDGs. Regarding the obstacles and challenges faced by the libraries, these can be categorized into four key areas: 1) budget constraints for SDG-related activities, 2) librarians’ confidence in the design of activities/projects that can be aligned with the SDGs, 3) the development of library strategic plans that align with the SDGs, and 4) the search for collaborative networks to ensure that library operations are in line with the SDGs.

Application of this study: All types of libraries can utilize the findings of this research as a starting point for a comprehensive understanding of the SDGs at all levels, from administration to operational staff. Each library administrator can review his/her roles and responsibilities and do the planning of library development by integrating the SDG-related issues into the strategic issues. This includes strategic and operational approaches ranging from policy formulation to practical implementation, enabling libraries to concretely contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

Conclusions: The SDGs are a crucial issue that significantly impacts the well-being of the global population across multiple dimensions. As key institutions in human resource development, higher education institution libraries play a vital role in advancing the achievement of these goals. However, to effectively contribute to this endeavor, higher education institution libraries require clear and substantial support from institutional administrators to establish a strong foundation for sustainable operations in the future.

The Thailand Contract Project and the Teacher Production in Thailand Under U.S. Assistance (1954–1959)

2025-08-29T13:29:32+07:00

Background and Objectives: The Thailand Contract Project, implemented during the Cold War from 1954 to 1959, was a collaborative initiative between the Thai government and Indiana University, supported by the United States government. The primary objective of this project was to enhance Thailand’s teacher preparation system and improve the quality of education. Education was employed as a pivotal tool to promote democratic ideologies and counter communist influences. The collaboration involved curriculum reform, the establishment of demonstration schools, personnel exchanges, and the development of educational infrastructure. This study aims to analyze the role of U.S. assistance and its impact on the Thai education system during this critical period.

Methods: This research employs a historical methodology, focusing on the analysis of primary sources such as letters, reports, and memoranda authored by key individuals, such as Willis P. Porter, the Chief of the Thailand Contract Project. These documents were retrieved through the online archive of Indiana University. Additional sources include the official records of the Ministry of Education and the educational institutions of that period. The analysis emphasizes the study of the project’s context, objectives, implementation strategies, and outcomes, with the aim of understanding its impact on the development of education in Thailand during that era.

Results: The Thailand Contract Project played a significant role in establishing the foundation of Thailand’s education system, including the establishment of the Faculty of Education at Chulalongkorn University, the creation of teacher training colleges, and the introduction of teaching methods that balanced theory and practice. The project also strengthened the capacity of educators through international knowledge exchanges and training programs. However, urban-rural disparities and cultural differences between Thai and American educational philosophies were the important challenges that the project had to encounter.

Application of this study: The findings from this study can be used in the development of future education policies and international educational collaborations, particularly, with the consideration of adapting international concepts and strategies to align with the local context. Moreover, this project serves as an example of how education can act as a critical mechanism for fostering political cooperation and improving quality of life in the context of international relations.

Conclusions: The Thailand Contract Project is the case study showing education’s dual role as a tool for societal development and a strategic instrument in the Cold War era. While the project achieved success in laying the groundwork for Thailand’s education system, challenges such as reducing disparities and integrating foreign concepts into the local framework remained key issues. The outcomes of this project continue to influence Thailand’s education system today, serving as a foundational model for future development.

Questioning Strategies in the Interview Segments of “Puean Khang Nai” Program

2025-08-29T13:30:16+07:00

Background and Objectives: An interview is a situation of using questions to obtain the desired information. From a linguistic perspective, an interview is a discourse genre in conversations that is frequently found. It is distinct from other types of everyday conversation. An interview is a type of spoken discourse in which the participants hold unequal status, assume clearly different roles, and follow a predetermined set of topics or issues. In contrast, everyday conversational discourse typically lacks fixed topics and is characterized by equal status between participants. Therefore, the study of interview discourse involves analyzing language as it occurs in
real-life contexts or situations, where one participant controls the flow of conversation by posing questions to elicit information or narratives from the other. This research article aims to examine the questioning strategies employed in interview discourse and to investigate the functions of these strategies in the interview segments of the
“Puean Khang Nai” program.

Methods: This research is a qualitative study conducted in two phases: 1) the review of concepts related to discourse, interview discourse, speech acts, and question acts, as well as 2) a review of documents and related research on questioning strategies in interview discourse. The aim is to apply these frameworks to study questioning strategies in the interview discourse of the program Puean Khang Nai (“Friends Inside”). The data were collected from interviews on the “Puean Khang Nai” program available on the KoBoyKrush YouTube channel, which has 1.38 million subscribers. The data span from 2019 to 2023, totaling 226 episodes. A purposive sampling method was used to select 10 episodes—specifically the most popular episodes based on the top two highest “Like” counts from each year.

Results: The findings revealed seven questioning strategies: 1) leading questions, 2) repetitive questioning,
3) concise questioning, 4) polite-request questioning, 5) summarizing questioning, 6) disputing questions, and
7) hypothetical questions. In addition, the research showed that questioning served not only to elicit information from the interviewees, but also fulfilled six key functions: 1) obtaining information from the interviewee, 2) reviewing and ensuring mutual understanding, 3) raising awareness or offering insights to the audience, 4) expressing the interviewer’s perspectives, 5) verifying facts or confirming responses, and 6) maintaining a continuous sequence of events.

Application of this study: The “Puean Khang Nai” program is a public broadcast, aiming at presenting life lessons from inmates who have taken wrongful paths and are serving legal penalties. The program aims to raise awareness among viewers about living morally correct lives and instill respect for the law, which serves as a mechanism for regulating individuals in society and maintaining peaceful coexistence.

Conclusions: For the “Puean Khang Nai” program, there are seven questioning strategies: 1) leading questions, 2) repetitive questioning, 3) concise questioning, 4) polite-request questioning, 5) summarizing questioning,
6) disputing questions, and 7) hypothetical questions and there are six key functions: 1) obtaining information from the interviewee, 2) reviewing and ensuring mutual understanding, 3) raising awareness or offering insights to the audience, 4) expressing the interviewer’s perspectives, 5) verifying facts or confirming responses, and
6) maintaining a continuous sequence of events. The program aims to raise awareness among viewers about living morally correct lives and instill respect for the law.

“School”, A Space for Expression in the Anti-Corruption: Reflection Through the Production of Short Films by Students

2025-08-29T13:30:18+07:00

Background and Objectives: A film is an important communication tool. The Thai government has integrated it into its anti-corruption project through short film media, encouraging public participation, including students by producing and submitting short films for an anti-corruption film competition. It was found that student-produced films tend to reflect school-related narratives and contexts. This research article therefore aims to study the construction of “schools” as spaces for expressing anti-corruption through anti-corruption short films produced by students.

Methods: This is qualitative research, collecting data through interviews. The key informants are ten students who have previously participated in a short film competition on anti-corruption organized by a government agency. The participants were selected through purposive sampling. The study incorporates observations of anti-corruption short films and a review of relevant documents. The researcher utilizes thematic analysis as a framework for data analysis.

Results: The research results indicated that the construction of “schools” as spaces for expressing anti-corruption through the short films produced by students and by telling stories in the short film media of students show the “good person discourse”, linking the knowledge of anti-corruption discourse in schools, which can be divided into 3 types: 1. “School”, a space for nurturing good individuals for society. 2. “School”, a space for strengthening the ideology of corruption surveillance, and 3. “School”, is a space for expressing societal expectations regarding the cultivation of values against corruption. This set of knowledge often dominates the students who produce short films with the power of knowledge in anti-corruption, which is full of the state ideology that is continuous and reproduced as a result of the anti-corruption discourse.

Application of this study: The research findings can be utilized as supporting data for developing guidelines for government agencies or schools. Organizing short film competitions on anti-corruption can make students aware, foster their acceptance of anti-corruption ideologies, and encourage them to create media that contribute to attitude adjustment. This approach integrates educational policies with anti-corruption efforts, not only increasing students’ knowledge and understanding of the issue but also promoting a more transparent and just society in the future.

Conclusions: Short films produced by students serve as a medium for disseminating anti-corruption knowledge within school spaces, highlighting the relationship between schools and anti-corruption efforts. The analysis of this relationship indicates that schools can function as spaces for constructing ideologies and knowledge of anti-corruption through the short films produced by students. Students express their perspectives within the school setting, reflecting the idea that schools are arenas for anti-corruption advocacy. Their short films reflect three main narratives: 1) nurturing good individuals, 2) promoting a vigilant anti-corruption ideology, and 3) societal expectation. These themes illustrate students’ desire to express anti-corruption messages through their films within the school context. Therefore, some schools have become spaces for constructing and expressing anti-corruption ideas in the short films produced by students. The findings of this study can be further utilized as supporting information for developing anti-corruption strategies in government or school operations for children and youth, aiming to foster honest and corruption-free Thai society.

The Speech Act of Compliment of Chinese Learners of Thai: An Interlanguage Pragmatic Study

2025-08-29T13:29:05+07:00

Background and Objectives: Although compliments can foster positive feelings in listeners, giving compliments may be challenging for second language learners due to cross-cultural differences in topics and strategies. This research article aims to investigate the speech act of compliment performed by Chinese learners of Thai from the perspective of interlanguage pragmatics, considering the social status of the interlocutors.

Methods: Data were collected using a context-enriched discourse completion task. The participants included 100 Chinese learners of Thai, who are also native Chinese speakers, and 50 native Thai speakers.

Results: The research results reveal that in the cases where the speakers have equal status to the listeners, Chinese learners of Thai and native Thai speakers tend to give compliments in a similar manner, with a frequency exceeding 99%. However, in the cases where the speakers have lower status than the listeners, Chinese learners of Thai tend to give compliments with significantly higher frequency than native Thai speakers. Furthermore, when choosing to compliment, both Chinese learners of Thai and native Thai speakers preferred explicit compliment strategies over implicit compliment strategies. Nevertheless, differences in the use of certain strategies were observed, which may hinder the effective conveyance of intention, such as the use of love expressions by Chinese learners of Thai. Regarding the decision not to give compliments, the factors affecting decision-making differed between Chinese learners of Thai and native Thai speakers. Chinese learners of Thai tended to prioritize their own feelings and thoughts, as well as their linguistic limitations in Thai. In contrast, native Thai speakers placed greater emphasis on the social status of the interlocutors.

Application of this study: The research results reveal the characteristics of how Chinese learners of Thai use the speech act of compliment, which can be further applied to the development of Thai language teaching for Chinese learners.

Conclusions: The study of compliments by Chinese learners of Thai from the perspective of interlanguage pragmatics demonstrates the characteristics of performing the speech act of compliment by the Chinese learners of Thai, including their decisions on of whether or not to give compliments, the selection of language strategies for expressing compliments, and the reasons for not to give compliments. The research considers the status factors of the interlocutors, including compliments made by speakers with equal status to the listeners, as well as compliments made by speakers with lower status than the listeners. The results reveal how Chinese learners of Thai use the Thai language to convey compliment intentions, showing similarities and differences with native speakers, which can be used as a guideline for teaching and learning Thai as a second language.

An Analysis of the Translation of Chinese Adverbial Modifiers with “地” into Thai Adverbial Modifiers using “อย่าง”: Based on the Hanyu Jiaocheng Textbook

2025-08-29T13:29:15+07:00

Background and Objectives: The Thai equivalent of the Chinese adverb modifier “地” is “อย่าง”. However, previous studies have not addressed the issue of the possibility of translating Chinese adverbial modifiers with “地” into Thai adverbial modifiers using “อย่าง”, particularly based on authentic language use contexts, especially the examples from Chinese language textbooks for foreign learners. Therefore, this study aims to explore and analyze the translation of adverbial modifiers with “地” into Thai equivalents using “อย่าง”, based on the Hanyu Jiaocheng Chinese textbook as the primary source of data.

Methods: This research adopts a mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. A total of 195 phrases or sentences containing adverbial modifiers followed by “地” were collected from the Chinese language textbook Hanyu Jiaocheng. These examples were then analyzed to explore the situations in which such modifiers are translated into Thai adverbial modifiers using “อย่าง”.

Results: The findings indicate that the examples can be categorized into two groups. Group 1 includes adverbial modifiers followed by “地” that can be translated into Thai using “อย่าง”, accounting for 79.49%. Group 2 includes those that cannot be translated with “อย่าง”, representing 20.51%. In the situations where translation is possible, the adverbial modifiers typically display predicate-like characteristics. In the cases where translation is not feasible, this is due not only to the absence of such characteristics, but also to differences in the cognitive logic of native speakers, leading to differences in language use. These include the meaning of words or phrases that function as adverbial modifiers, the semantic development of vocabulary, collocational patterns, and the strictness of the alignment between linguistic form and meaning.

Application of this study: The above results suggest that most examples from this textbook can be effectively translated using “อย่าง”. This supports positive language transfer in learning Chinese as a foreign language for Thai learners. Therefore, such translation can be applied in teaching and learning.

Conclusions: By utilizing the results of the comparative analysis—specifically identifying the Thai word “อย่าง” as a functional equivalent of the Chinese particle “地”—as a foundation, this study further explores the translation of adverbial modifiers containing “地” into Thai expressions introduced by “อย่าง”. The findings reveal that most examples from the Hanyu Jiaocheng textbook can be translated using this method. For the cases where direct equivalence is not applicable, two key factors are identified: 1) the types of adverbial modifiers used, and 2) the cognitive logic of native speakers. The above findings can help build more confidence among Chinese language instructors in using these translation strategies when teaching the structural particle for adverbial modifiers “地” and the adverbial modifiers followed by “地”. Moreover, they can provide more reasonable explanation of what factors affect the translation and suggestions for translating into other linguistic forms.

A Study of Approaches to Resolving Educational Inequality in Rural Areas of China as Guidance for Thailand

2025-08-29T13:29:29+07:00

Background and Objectives: Both China and Thailand have enacted the Compulsory Education Act and face the issue of educational inequality in many areas, particularly in rural regions. However, China has implemented various methods to reduce educational disparity, such as fostering collaboration with the private sector to apply technology in solving problems and developing long-term strategic plans to develop and address these issues. These approaches could serve as potential models for improving the educational context in Thailand. This research aims to examine the policies and initiatives implemented by the Chinese government to address educational inequality in rural regions. It further explores the applicability of these strategies within the Thai context.

Methods: This research adopts a documentary analysis approach. The researcher utilizes secondary data, including academic articles, research reports, and government annual publications pertaining to urban-rural educational inequality. Data were collected through keyword searches in the CNKI database and other relevant sources.

Results: The findings indicate that China employs various and complex approaches to tackle educational inequality. At the core of this strategy lies the strict enforcement of the Nine-Year Compulsory Education Act, including the implementation of penalty mechanisms to reduce disparities related to educational security and household income. The Chinese government tries to foster interdepartmental collaboration, advancing models such as “Technology + Education” and other initiatives like the Dual Excellence Program to address the issue of unequal distribution of educational opportunities in rural areas and to ensure equitable access to free and high-quality education for people in local communities. The government also addresses power-based disparities by initiating reforms to dismantle the household registration (Hukou) system and by tackling challenges faced by ethnic minority communities in rural regions. In addressing the application of strategies to reduce educational inequality in Thailand, the researcher proposes the strict enforcement of free education laws, emphasizes public–private partnerships in the development of learning platforms, and advocates for the establishment of long-term, continuous strategic frameworks to sustainably tackle educational disparities in the long run.

Application of this study: This study may serve as a guideline for the Thai government in managing compulsory education and as a policy framework for addressing educational inequality. It contributes to the formulation of long-term strategies that integrate public and private sector efforts, with particular attention to solving the problems in rural areas. Additionally, it serves as a database for future research development and policy formulation in the education sector.

Conclusions: This article categorized educational inequality into three dimensions by integrating the conceptual framework proposed by Pinprateep (2019): (1) inequality in education related to security and income, (2) inequality in the distribution of educational opportunities, and (3) inequality in educational power relations. The article further reflects on the structural issues within the Chinese education system and presents the models employed to address China’s educational inequality. The researcher analyzes the results of the study with the intention of adapting and applying them to mitigate educational inequality in the Thai context.

Figures of Speech in the Lyric Composition of Rannaphan Yangyuenpoonchai

2025-08-29T13:30:13+07:00

Background and Objectives: Rannaphan Yangyuenpoonchai is both a talented singer and lyricist. The songs that Rannaphan Yangyuenpoonchai composed the lyrics for have been consistently popular among listeners. It has been found that figures of speech are regularly used in the popular songs. This research therefore aims to study Rannaphan Yangyuenpoonchai’s use of figures of speech in composing lyrics.

Methods: This is qualitative research. The study begins with a review of the documents and the research related to the use of figures of speech in songs or lyric literature. The study then explores the theoretical framework of imagery and its application in song literature, with the aim of adapting it to the research topic. The data for this research comprise 46 songs from five studio albums, with lyrics composed by Rannaphan Yangyuenpoonchai. The analysis focuses exclusively on the use of imagery in these works.

Results: The research results revealed that Rannaphan Yangyuenpoonchai used seven types of figures of speech in composing lyrics, with the most popular type of figures of speech being similes in 20 songs, hyperboles in 19 songs, metaphors in 9 songs, personifications in 6 songs, paradoxes in 3 songs, oxymoron in 1 song and metonymy in 1 song. Rannaphan Yangyuenpoonchai’s use of figures of speech in composing lyrics plays an important role in the songs, namely, using figures of speech in songs makes the songs more interesting than speaking directly. Figures of speech also allow listeners to imagine, see images, understand thoughts, and feel in line with the songs, and also help convey the meaning of the songs even better. Furthermore, the repeated comparisons in many songs reveal Rannaphan Yangyuenpoonchai’s unique style of using figures of speech in composing lyrics.

Application of this study: The results of this study show the use of figures of speech in the lyric composition of Rannaphan Yangyuenpoonchai, which can be further applied to study the use of figures of speech in the lyric composition of other composers.

Conclusions: There are seven types of figures of speech appearing in the songs composed by Rannaphan Yangyuenpoonchai: simile, hyperbole, metaphor, personification, paradox, oxymoron, and metonymy. The most common figure of speech is simile, probably because simile is a figure of speech that can be easily compared. It can convey meaning to create imagination and comparative understanding. In addition, Rannaphan Yangyuenpoonchai’s songs often have content about love, and similes are often used in songs with content about love. In addition, the repetition of the comparison in many songs shows Rannaphan Yangyuenpoonchai’s unique language style.

Articles on Traditional plays and Performances in the Phasom Phasan Literary Series by Prince Bidyalongkorn: Distinctive Features in Content and Language Techniques

2025-08-29T13:30:11+07:00

Background and Objectives: The Phasom Phasan literary series gathers various works of Prince Bidyalongkorn. One group of his works that stands out for both its content—closely related to the context of performing arts during the reign of King Rama VIII—and its engaging use of language consists of the articles on traditional plays and performances. This research aims to study and analyze the content characteristics and language usage in the articles on traditional plays and performances in the Phasom Phasan literary series by Prince Bidyalongkorn.

Methods: This research article is documentary research focusing on analyzing the content and language techniques used in the articles on traditional plays and performances in the Phasom Phasan literary series by literary studies approach, conducted in relation to the context of Thai performing arts during the period in which Prince Bidyalongkorn composed the work, aiming to clarify content presentation.

Results: The articles exhibit distinctive characteristics, combining both informative and critical elements. Namely, the articles aim not only to inform readers on unfamiliar traditional plays and performances during this period, but also to criticize the performing arts phenomenon that was changed in the reign of King Rama VIII. Some articles provide direct criticism of artistic performances by using language techniques to clarify knowledge and opinions, as well as to create the enjoyment of reading. These techniques include creating titles, using figures of speech, coining new vocabulary, and creating humor.

Application of this study: The research findings provide understanding and appreciation of the articles on traditional plays and performances in the Phasom Phasan literary series. The series highlights the author’s literary and art and cultural brilliance and serves as valuable literary documentation that reflects art and cultural transformations in Thailand during the reign of King Rama VIII.

Conclusions: This research article highlights Prince Bidyalongkorn’s profound knowledge and keen interest in both traditional Thai and international plays and performances. His criticisms show a dual role: as a preservationist and a supporter of any changes that are beneficial to Thai art and culture, aligning with the evolution of the performing arts in that era. This study results emphasize the value of the articles on traditional plays and performances in the Phasom Phasan literary series, being timeless and beneficial to readers of all backgrounds.

Provision for Love: Mundane Goods and Familial Affection in Eighteenth-Century England

2025-08-29T13:28:59+07:00

Background and Objectives: The provision of household consumer goods has long been a subject of study among the historians of family and gender. Previous research has focused on luxurious goods to show consumers’ social status; however, research on spending practices and everyday commodities remains scarce, and studies that explore their impact on family relationships are even more limited. This research article studies the men and women in eighteenth-century English society in the context of familial relationships and explores the meanings of familial love as reflected in the activity of purchasing goods in daily life. Thus, activities, not objects, are the main focus of this article. This article aims to consider what every day purchasing activities meant to the people in eighteenth-century England and how such activities affected familial relationships. This article shows the attitudes of the English people in that period towards familial relationships and demonstrates the meaning and key characteristics of familial love.

Methods: This article considers purchasing activities as a cultural symbolic form, which the eighteenth-century English people used to convey attitudes towards family relationships. It studies the meanings of familial love appearing in interpersonal relationships. This research article studies the personal letters of four eighteenth-century English families garnered from provincial archives in the United Kingdom, and these are original handwritten letters that have not yet been officially published. These letters offer useful information to understand the family relationships in each family studied, enabling us to understand the meaning and the importance of everyday purchasing activities to their familial relationships in a clear manner.

Results: This article suggests that mundane daily activities are worth studying. Looking at how the eighteenth-century English families provided their family members with everyday household items, we cannot deny that feeding, clothing and giving gifts were conducted with affective emotions. Shopping for family members proved to be significant moments for fostering family bonds. Likewise, gift-giving played a more active role in expressing familial love, concern, and care, rather than an expression of an informal support. It was not an object, but an everyday activity which was important to understanding the meaning of familial love. Goods acquisition in daily life and the quality of attentiveness were the important factors that nurtured familial relationships and enabled intimacy. This article proposes that familial love meant attentiveness and devotion to family members. As shown in the article, family members were attentive to one another with an emphasis on expressing those emotions in family letters.

Application of this study: This article demonstrates that mundane daily activities are issues worthy of consideration, especially when historians consider the people’s life experiences documented in personal letters. Such a reading method can pave a new way for studying mundane, everyday activities, and this approach enables historians to gain a more comprehensive understanding of people’s lives in the past. It can be useful for studying the history of everyday life in Thai Studies as well, due to the limited amount of research conducted in this area.

Conclusions: In the eighteenth century, the provision of everyday household items for family members played a vital role in maintaining and strengthening familial bonds. Everyday activities that appeared mundane may have a far greater impact on family relationships than previously thought.

Investigating Thai Local Secondary School English Teachers’ Perceptions of Climate Change and Its Classroom Teaching

2025-08-29T13:29:24+07:00

Background and Objectives: Despite Thailand’s vulnerability to climate change, the topic is underrepresented in the national curriculum. This research investigated Thai local secondary school English teachers’ perceptions of climate change and the attitudes towards teaching this topic in the classroom. It explores whether the researcher’s training program, “Climate Awareness through English Classroom Activities,” which provides practical classroom strategies, enhances the linkage between climate change and human life, and indicates the possibility of instructional implementation, will be able to increase their willingness and confidence to teach this topic.

Methods: A two-day teacher training program, “Climate Awareness through English Classroom Activities,” was organized to collect data from 25 participants through a test, two questionnaires with open-ended items, an evaluation form, and personal interviews. This research employs a mixed-method approach. The quantitative data were analyzed using a 1–10 rating Likert scale, and percentages to interpret the responses. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the quantitative findings. The qualitative data were analyzed through content-based interpretation.

Results: The results indicated that the teachers’ climate change knowledge was moderate, with an average score of 6.5 out of 10. While 96% believed they would be affected by climate change, only 27% could briefly identify its impacts. Nonetheless, all participants agreed on the importance of teaching climate change to secondary school students, demonstrating a positive attitude toward integrating the topic into English classrooms. They recognized climate change as a global issue requiring awareness. The training was reported to have positively influenced the teachers’ environmental perspectives and achieved a satisfaction rating of 4.7 out of 5. Additionally, 90% of the teachers reported a shift in their attitudes, attributing it to realizing that teaching climate change in English classrooms was less complex than they had initially thought.

Application of this study: The findings suggest that this kind of training projects can enhance English teachers’ perceptions and attitudes, as well as foster their confidence and willingness to teach climate change in the classroom. The data from these research results are beneficial to policymakers and educational strategists working to promote climate change awareness among students.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that tailored teacher training programs can significantly enhance English teachers’ perceptions of climate change and their confidence in teaching the topic. The positive shift in attitudes and increased willingness to integrate climate change into English classrooms highlight the potential for such training to effectively support climate change education. This study contributes to the development of climate change education in EFL contexts, offering practical guidelines in connecting environmental issues with English language instruction.

The Citation Analysis of Asia Social Issues Journal as Indexed in International Databases

2025-08-29T13:29:07+07:00

Background and Objectives: Journal citation analysis is a method used to study the frequency of usage of various types of publications that are cited in footnotes, reference lists, or bibliographies through statistical methods. It is based on citation counts, which quantifies the number of times a publication is mentioned or cited to determine the volume of usage of journals across different databases. This method can be used to assess the significance of a journal. It is beneficial to the editorial board of a journal, as it provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of academic journal management. Additionally, it serves as a reference index, indicating the impacts of research articles and benefits to the global research community. It represents an accepted form of peer acknowledgment from scholars and research groups within the same field. Given its importance, the researcher intends to study the status of the articles in Asia Social Issues, a journal of Walailak University, as well as analyze article citations in the Scopus database. This will provide valuable information to management or the editorial board, enabling them to plan and support the development of Asia Social Issues, by selecting the fields of articles and high-quality articles to increase citations and secure ranking in international databases. The objectives of this study are (1) to study and evaluate the quality of the articles in Asia Social Issues, by examining article citations in Scopus, and (2) to compare the details of citing articles in various aspects, including publication type (category), journal quartile score, and the authors’ affiliations (The affiliation of authors), in order to analyze the content of the articles from the journal, which have been cited in the Scopus database.

Methods: This study conducts a citation analysis of Asia Social Issues, a journal published by Walailak University. The analysis examines the number of citations of 277 articles published between 2013 and 2024. The citation data were retrieved from the Scopus database, focusing on the following attributes: article ID, publication year, author country, categories, cited years, and source, respectively. Additionally, information on the citing articles, including publisher’s name, category, quartile, percentile, and country, was also collected. The collected data were subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics. The analysis was divided into two main sections: (1) citation analysis of the articles from Asia Social Issues in the Scopus database, focusing on the age of the cited articles (article age) and content analysis, respectively, and (2) analysis of the citing articles of Asia Social Issues Journal, focusing on the category and quality of the journals (category and journal quartile score) and the countries of the authors (author country), respectively.

Results: The findings revealed that out of 227 articles, 114 articles had been cited (41.16%). The most frequently cited articles were two years old, cited 54 times (47.37%). The most cited subject area was management, with 73 citations (64.04%). Regarding citing articles, most citations (88 times, 77.19%) were from academic journals. The highest number of citations was found in Q1 journals (39 times, 34.21%). In terms of author nationality, Thai authors contributed 35 citations (30.70%), while international authors contributed 79 citations (69.30%) across five continents. The highest number of citations came from Asia (57 times, 50.00%), followed by Europe (13 times, 11.40%), North America (5 times, 4.39%), and Africa (3 times, 2.63%), respectively. The lowest number of citations was from South America (1 time, 0.88%).

Application of this study: Journal citation analysis provides significant benefits to editorial boards by identifying strengths and weaknesses in the management of academic journals. It serves as background information for enhancing article screening processes for publication and defining target audiences for journal promotion, since citations frequency reflect researchers’ need for the information.

Conclusions: Based on the citation analysis of the Asia Social Issues Journal at Walailak University, the editorial board should consider expanding article submissions in the subject areas of management, education, sociology and anthropology, cultural studies, political sciences, and psychology, respectively. Additionally, efforts should be made to enhance the dissemination of the published articles to researchers in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, respectively to increase the number of citations in publications indexed in international databases in the future.

Social Critique of Chinese Society Through the Character “Kong Yiji” in Lu Xun’s Literature

2025-08-29T13:29:34+07:00

Background and Objectives: Lu Xun’s literature has long been recognized as a powerful tool for critiquing Chinese society during the late feudal era. Kong Yiji is one of his works that reflects this effort. The character Kong Yiji is not merely a representation of a failed candidate in the imperial examination system, but symbolizes the defeated class that is driven to ruin by structural oppression and social myths. This research aims to analyze Kong Yiji’s role as a reflection of the relationship between Lu Xun’s life experience and his critique of social structures, as well as to reveal the author’s personal critical voice embedded in the text, highlighting the societal mechanisms that collectively contribute to the destruction of those who fail.

Methods: This qualitative research employed documentary analysis as the primary method. It examined the original Chinese text and its Thai translation of Kong Yiji. The content was analyzed through the lens of social critique literary theory and narrative theory, alongside the concepts concerning the relationship between the author and the text. The scope of this research focuses on three dimensions: critique of the feudal structure and the imperial examination system, analysis of narrative structure, and the author’s personal critical voice as conveyed through the text.

Results: The study finds that Kong Yiji reflects the feudal structure that oppressed the lower classes and the myths that ultimately destroyed those who clung to them. Kong Yiji illustrates a victim of both the imperial examination system and the mockery of society. The narrative structure, told through the eyes of a child at a tavern, makes the atmosphere of scorn and social judgment evident without overt criticism. Meanwhile, Lu Xun’s personal critical voice permeates the ambiance and details of the text, expressing his bitterness and life experience of accusation and failure imposed by societal structures.

Application of this study: This study can be applied in literary criticism and literary studies to deepen understanding of social mechanisms hidden in texts. It also serves as a case study for analyzing literature as a tool for critiquing power structures and societal myths, especially in the societies that continue to struggle with oppressive systems and rumors that function as tools of social execution.

Conclusions: Kong Yiji is not simply a short story about a failed examinee, but a mirror of the feudal social structure that collaborates to destroy the defeated, including the imperial examination system, public mockery, and rumors that act as social weapons. Lu Xun uses this story to expose the cruelty hidden in everyday life and to express a critical voice coming from real-life experience. The work retains its contemporary relevance in reflecting and criticizing society.

The Role of ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific towards China’s Coercive Policies in South China Sea Dispute

2025-08-29T13:30:23+07:00

Background and Objectives: The South China Sea is a vital geopolitical and economic region, serving as a major international trade route, a rich source of marine and energy resources, and a focal point of territorial disputes. The overlapping sovereignty claims in the South China Sea, particularly between China and ASEAN Member States (AMS), have intensified regional tensions, with China’s coercive policies shaping the strategic environment. In response, ASEAN introduced the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) in 2019 to promote regional stability, inclusivity, and adherence to international law. While AOIP emphasizes ASEAN’s centrality in shaping the Indo-Pacific order, its effectiveness in countering China’s assertive actions remains a critical issue. This study examines the role of AOIP in responding to China’s coercive policies in the South China Sea dispute, utilizing the framework of strategic hedging. The research aims to analyze how ASEAN countries leverage AOIP as a diplomatic and strategic framework to balance relations with China while maintaining regional autonomy and stability.

Methods: This study uses a qualitative research approach through a comprehensive analysis of secondary sources, including books, journal articles, government documents, and international news reports. By utilizing the strategic hedging framework, the research investigates ASEAN’s strategic responses to China’s maritime assertiveness, assessing AOIP’s role in mitigating tensions and maintaining regional order. Data collection involves filtering relevant literature and policy documents to understand ASEAN’s diplomatic positioning and engagement with major powers. The research also explores ASEAN’s historical interactions with China and evaluates how AOIP provides a platform for member states through the geopolitical complexities of the Indo-Pacific.

Results: The results revealed that ASEAN’s AOIP plays a limited but on the other hand, a strategic role in response to China’s coercive policies in the South China Sea. Despite ASEAN’s internal divisions and lack of a supranational authority, the AOIP serves as a diplomatic platform for negotiation and regional stability. However, it lacks a concrete mechanism to counter China’s aggression. ASEAN member states, prioritizing national interests, have adopted a hedging strategy—balancing economic ties with China while safeguarding territorial integrity. This study shows that though AOIP cannot solve the problem or dispute directly, it remains a key tool in helping ASEAN to manage regional tensions and uphold its relevance in Indo-Pacific security.

Application of this study: ASEAN can use the AOIP to strengthen diplomatic ties with both China and the United States of America, creating a space for negotiation that helps reduce the risk of conflict and promotes regional security. By balancing relations with China while safeguarding their own territorial interests, ASEAN countries can manage their complex relationships with China, particularly in the South China Sea. Additionally, ASEAN can shape international rules on maritime security and territorial disputes by continuing to develop the AOIP. This action could help set global norms for resolving conflicts like those in the South China Sea. AOIP can also be used to promote mediation, trust-building, and cooperation, helping to reduce tensions and promote long-term peace in the region.

Conclusions: This study examined the role of ASEAN’s AOIP in responding to China’s coercive policies in the South China Sea. AOIP reinforces ASEAN’s commitment to regional peace and security while balancing the influence of major powers like China and the United States of America. Through a hedging strategy, ASEAN nations try to maintain economic ties with China while safeguarding their territorial interests. Although AOIP does not directly resolve disputes, it serves as a diplomatic platform for negotiation and conflict mitigation. Despite challenges in achieving a unified stance, AOIP remains a crucial tool for helping ASEAN reduce regional tensions.

The Diversity of Social Capital from the Khmer Literature Reamker

2025-08-29T13:29:27+07:00

Background and Objectives: Reamker is a literary work that has long been closely intertwined with the way of life of the Khmer people. It serves as cultural information that reflects the values, beliefs, traditions, and rituals of local communities. Moreover, it is linked to toponyms, which are the names of many significant locations in Cambodia. For these reasons, the researcher is interested in exploring the social and cultural dimensions of Khmer society as reflected through the content of Reamker.

Methods: This research used qualitative research methodology by studying the data from the Khmer literary text Reamker, volumes 1–10, based on the edited and published version by the Buddhist Institute, the Kingdom of Cambodia. Hanifan’s concept of social capital was the main framework for this analysis, and the research findings were presented using analytical description.

Results: Although Reamker originates from Indian literary traditions, its content is deeply localized, incorporating Khmer beliefs and socio-cultural values in a harmonious manner. This integration has made Reamker widely embraced by the Khmer people and recognized as one of the nation’s most important literary works. The findings of this study reveal that Reamker reflects four key aspects of the relationship with the social and cultural dimensions of the Khmer people: 1) social capital related to local rituals and belief systems, 2) social capital embedded in royal ceremonies, 3) social capital in the field of education, and 4) social capital expressed through creative initiatives for tourism.

Application of this study: This study of Reamker reveals its relationships to various dimensions, including local rituals and belief systems, royal ceremonies, education, and tourism. These can be applied as instructional media in teaching Khmer literature within academic institutions. Furthermore, they can be used to promote cross-cultural learning by comparing the similarities and differences between the Thai literary work Ramakien and the Khmer literary work Reamker from another perspective.

Conclusions: This study of the diversity of social capital from the Khmer literary work Reamker, through the conceptual framework of social capital, reveals the cultural meanings conveying the belief systems of the Khmer people well. This has contributed to the preservation and transmission of the Reamker literary work, which is evident in the traces of social and cultural lifestyles of the people from the past to the present.

Linguistic Strategies in Public Media Discourse: A Case Study of Esports Competitions in the 19th Asian Games

2025-08-29T13:29:13+07:00

Background and Objectives: Esports, or electronic sports, is a form of individual or team sports. It is a type of sporting activity where games are used as the medium for competition. The gameplay typically resembles that of regular video games, including online strategy or fighting games, and is conducted via platforms such as consoles, PCs, or mobile devices. This research aimed to analyze the linguistic strategies used by fan page members on a Facebook fan page that featured esports during the 19th Asian Games.

Methods: This study analyzed the fan page members’ comments relating to the performances of esports athletes within public media discourse, specifically from various Facebook fan pages including TESF, Vampire Esports, Talon PH, Bacon Time, and FaZe Clan. A total of 150 utterances were collected and subjected to content analysis. The data were categorized based on linguistic strategies and subsequently interpreted to explain the emerging phenomena. The analysis was grounded in relevant theoretical frameworks, particularly discourse analysis with a focus on linguistic strategies. The findings were presented in essay form.

Results: The study identified six linguistic strategies in public media discourse presenting information about the esports competitions of the Thai national esports team during the 19th Asian Games. These included 1) lexical choices, 2) negative presupposition, 3) metaphor, 4) causal and conditional sentence structures, 5) questions, and 6) modality. Additionally, these linguistic strategies reflect the beliefs and ideologies in the context of Thai society in 3 issues: the notion that esports is merely gameplay rather than a legitimate sport; Thai national esports athletes still need to improve their skills; and esports has not yet received comprehensive support from governmental authorities.

Application of this study: This study focuses on an investigation of modern media and the results can serve as a framework for studying linguistic strategies in other forms of public media discourse across different contexts.

Conclusions: Based on a study of linguistic strategies in public media discourse, focusing on Esports competitions in the 19th Asian Games, six key strategies were identified. —such as word choice, metaphor use, and modality—that reflect three prevailing perceptions in Thai society: e-sports is not yet considered a sport, Thai athletes require further development, and government support remains insufficient. This study not only conveys information about the competitions, but also reveals the discourse and attitudes embedded in modern media, which can be applied to the analysis of other types of discourse in different contexts. The findings indicate that public media discourse surrounding esports is not merely about reporting events; rather, it reflects underlying thoughts and beliefs about esports within the context of Thai society.

Cover

2025-08-05T10:07:33+07:00

A Review of The Golden Peninsula: Culture and Adaptation in Mainland Southeast Asia (1977) by Charles F. Keyes

2025-06-24T09:35:16+07:00

Historical Background Context about the Worship of “Phra Kiu Ong Yah” in the Vegetarian Festival in Southern Thailand

2025-08-29T13:29:01+07:00

Background and Objectives: Phra Kiu Ong Yah serves as the principal deity in the Vegetarian Festival, playing a significant role in the ritual practices of Thai-Chinese communities, particularly in southern Thailand. Although prominently featured in folklore and ceremonial traditions, there remains a lack of systematic scholarly analysis linking the historical background of Phra Kiu Ong Yah to the origins and historical background context of the festival. This article aims to study the story of “Phra Kiu Ong Yah” based on the evidence from the stele inscription at the tomb of the Ming regent, Prince of Lu. Then, link the narrative to be communicated and the mission of resistance to the Qing dynasty and the restoration of the Ming dynasty carried out by secret societies. The analysis uses the couplets found in the Chinese shrine that has held the Vegetarian Festival tradition for nearly 200 years. In addition, the relationship between the worship of “Phra Kiu Ong Yah” and the Vegetarian Festival in southern Thailand is examined. Finally, insights are gained into who “Phra Kiu Ong Yah” is and how he is connected to this Vegetarian Festival in Southern Thailand.

Methods: The researcher uses historical research focusing on content analysis of the stele inscription from the tomb of the Ming regent, Prince of Lu, which refers to the Prince of Lu in the history of the Southern Ming dynasty. This includes analyzing the couplets found in the Chinese shrine that has held the Vegetarian Festival tradition for nearly 200 years, and examining the documents related to the worship of Phra Kiu Ong Yah at the Vegetarian Festival in southern Thailand. The findings are compiled and presented in the form of an analytical description.

Results: Phra Kiu Ong Yah, worshipped during the Vegetarian Festival in southern Thailand, can be traced back to Zhu Yihai, the prince of Lu, based on the analysis of the most evidence-based and credible legends. He was a descendant of the Southern Ming royal family and the 10th generation grandson of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming dynasty (Ming Taizu). This is the contextual background of the worship. However, most people understand Phra Kiu Ong Yah as a term for the Nine Emperor Gods, derived from the belief in the nine stars of the Big Dipper, which is at the forefront of the worship. In reality, the worship of Phra Kiu Ong Yah in its historical background context is a trace of secret societies in Southeast Asia whose mission was to overthrow the Qing dynasty and restore the rule of the Ming dynasty by the Han Chinese. By using the belief in the worship of the Big Dipper as a front, in order to escape the persecution by the Qing court.

Application of this study: This study result fills the gap in clarifying the question of who ‘Phra Kiu Ong Yah’ was by linking the historical background of the Southern Ming Dynasty with the worship of ‘Phra Kiu Ong Yah’ at the Vegetarian Festival in southern Thailand. The article provides valuable information for the study of the Vegetarian Festival in southern Thailand and can extend the analysis to the history of resistance to the Qing dynasty and the restoration of the Ming dynasty by Han Chinese groups who wanted to reclaim their independence.

Conclusions: The conclusion of this article shows that Phra Kiu Ong Yah has no connection with the meaning of the number 9. The association with the number 9 in communication was intended to evoke the homophonic meaning derived from the pronunciation of the number 9 in the Hokkien dialect, where the word for 9, ‘giu’ [giu3], sounds similar to ‘giu’ [giu5], meaning ‘help’. This was intended to convey the message of helping to restore the Ming dynasty from the Manchus. Furthermore, the content of the couplets found in the shrine confirms that the worship of Phra Kiu Ong Yah during the Vegetarian Festival does not derive its meaning from the foreground context of worshipping the nine stars of the Big Dipper or the nine ancient Chinese emperors. Rather, it is derived from the background context in which Phra Kiu Ong Yah is worshipped as the tutelary deity of the members of secret societies aiming to overthrow the Qing dynasty and restore the Ming dynasty. This deity is identified as Zhu Yihai, the prince of Lu, a descendant of the royal family of the Southern Ming.

Evolution of Riverside Commercial Districts in the Central Region of Thailand

2025-08-29T13:29:11+07:00

Background and Objectives: Several riverside commercial districts in Thailand were once prosperous and the centers of development in those areas. Now, they are quiet, in a state of urban shrinkage, and seeing shops close. Most of the people in these areas are elderly due to the emergence of new commercial districts along the roads. This article aims to study the evolution of riverside commercial districts in the central region of Thailand to identify the factors that cause changes in the districts.

Methods: The researcher studied and analyzed the physical aspects of the towns, the use of rivers, the forms, and the commercial roles of the districts.

Results: The evolution of the riverside commercial districts in the central region can be divided into five periods: 1) the early period from the Dvaravati to Sukhothai, 2) the traditional or feudal period from the Ayutthaya to the early Rattanakosin, 3) the prosperous or free trade period, the raft-boat trading quarters and the riverside commercial districts from the reign of King Rama IV until 1957, 4) the decline or industrial period after the Chao Phraya Dam was in operation, and 5) the revival period or the riverside commercial districts under the concept of the creative economy. The factors affecting the change in the role of the riverside commercial districts in the central region district are politics, transportation, environment, natural disasters, the economy, and society.

Application of this study: This article is useful for those interested in cultural capital, local history and wisdom, architecture, urban planning, and creative design. It can be used to further develop creative work, tourism activities, cultural communication, and the creative economy, for example, applying the information to writing novels and designing scenes for films and animations.

Conclusions: The influx of outsiders and the evolving needs of local residents have driven the transformation of the riverside commercial districts. If a district lacked effective planning, management, and governance to solve environmental, natural disasters, economic pressures, and societal problems, its residents may begin to seek opportunities from new commercial locations, possibly leading to the deterioration of the old districts, leaving them shrunken or abandoned. These phenomena have always occurred through history, but nowadays, new commercial areas are usually not located along the rivers.