Journal of Arts and Thai Studies

The Creation of Identity Color Palettes Using Natural Dyes for the Product Development of the Roi Rak Weaving Community, Pathum Rat District, Roi Et Province

Kamonsiri Wongmuek — 2025-01-19

Background and Objectives: Communities in the Roi Et province possess unique identities; however, these identities have yet to be clearly articulated to foster recognition or to add value to community brands and products. This research aimed to develop identity color palettes and evaluate the identity color palettes of the Roi Rak community in Pathum Rat district, Roi Et, derived from natural dyeing processes.

Methods: This research is a qualitative study. Data collection employed purposive sampling to select participants, focusing on members of community enterprises, including community enterprise leaders, committee members, elderly network representatives, and local wisdom keepers, to ensure the relevance and diversity of the data. The methods included in-depth interviews with the community enterprise leader and 16 committee members, as well as focus group discussions with 7 members. Data were analyzed using content analysis, categorizing key terms to identify themes, which were subsequently used to create an evaluation framework for assessing the suitability of identity color palettes. Experts were selected based on the following criteria: over 10 years of experience in handwoven textiles for fashion, expertise in designing colors and patterns for handwoven fabrics, proficiency in transforming handwoven fabrics into fashion products, and familiarity with direct experience of working in the Hong Hae community, Pathum Rat district, Roi Et.

Results: The research categorized identity color palettes into 4 thematic groups: 1) culture and tradition, 2) signifaicant locations, 3) social capital, and 4) natural resources capital. From these themes, three color palettes were developed for each, resulting in a total of 12 palettes. The palette that received the highest suitability evaluation from experts was "Thung Kula Ronghai," under the theme of signifaicant locations, with a mean score of (X̅=4.47, S.D.=0.71. This palette consisted of off white from raw cotton, yellow from myrobalan, brown from padauk, and green from my robalan mixed with indigo. Expert feedback suggested adding a sky blue shade to enhance the palette’s appeal, especially for handwoven fabrics targeting younger, working-age audiences. In addition to "Thung Kula Ronghai," 11 other palettes were created, reflecting various dimensions of the community's identity. While these did not achieve the highest evaluation score, all exhibited high average scores and potential for development into naturally dyed handwoven fabrics. These fabrics not only contribute to environmental conservation but also show beauty and embody cultural heritage and the community's way of life. Furthermore, they offer opportunities to enhance product value and generate sustainable income for the community.

Application of this study: The established color groups reflect the community's identity across various dimensions, offering the potential for application in the production of naturally dyed hand-woven fabrics. This approach not only contributes to environmental conservation but also enhances the value of the products, thereby fostering sustainable income generation for the community.

Conclusions: The Roi Rak community enterprises, located in Pathum Rat District, Roi Et Province, reflects the deep connection between the community's way of life and its social and cultural capital. A study identified 4 key themes that encapsulate the community's feelings, thoughts, and way of life: 1) culture and tradition, 2) significants locations, 3) social capital, and 4) natural resources. These themes serve as the foundation for creating color groups that represent the community's unique identity. Among these, the Thung Kula Ronghai color palettes, representing important places with emotional value, scored the highest in community preference. In addition to Thung Kula Ronghai, 11 other distinct color palettes were developed, each reflecting different dimensions of the community's essence. These color palettes collectively embody the rich heritage, traditions, and identity of the Roi Rak community enterprises.

Folklore in Bannang Sareng Wedding Ceremonies: Unity, Universality, and Functional Replacement in Modern Muslim Societies

Warid Charoenrad — 2025-01-20

Background and Objectives: Bannang Sareng is a community where there is intense interaction between traditional local cultural ideas and Islamic principles. This characteristic appears clearly in the folklore of wedding rituals. This folklore plays a part in maintaining local society with a complex structure of duties. However, there is still a lack of analytical study of the connection between folklore and social structural systems. The purpose of this research is to analyze the functional structure system, including functional unity. functional internationalism and the functional replacement of folklore in the Muslim wedding ceremony of the Bannang Sareng community, Yala Province. To present a model for using folklore information to maintain local society. and is a record of important folklore information of the Bannang Sareng people as cultural heritage.

Methods: This research employed a qualitative methodology by collecting data from fieldwork at 4 wedding ceremonies between January and April 2024, using participant observation, interview, group discussion, and also related documentary data. The researcher analyzed the data obtained from the data collection according to the objectives and scope of the research using descriptive analysis methods. Then the researcher checked the completeness of the analysis results to see whether the research questions are clearly and purposively answered or not to collect additional information for detailed and in-depth data analysis. All data were then analyzed according to the research objectives using the functional structure concept.

Results: The research result indicated that the folklore expressed through Bannang Sareng wedding ceremonies has reflected the functional unity from three types of integrated relations: 1) power relation; 2) kinship relation; and 3) public resource use relation. In the aspect of the functional universality of social system, the research found that their wedding ceremonies have expressed 2 types: 1) explicit function, including people assembling for labour and brainstorming, brides and grooms’ identities announcement and affirmation, raising funds for wedding hosts, identifying brides and grooms’ principles and guidelines, creating blessing and auspicious atmosphere, making recreation; 2) hidden function has been including making peaceful atmosphere, dissolving conflict, showing one’s competencies and pride in local arts. In the aspect of the functional replacement of social system, there are two types including, 1) the functional replacement throughout the concept of modern Muslim societies, and 2) the functional replacement to fit in modern life. The research result reflected the role of folklore in the structural system of the Bannang Sareng community which can be seen as the modern Muslim society.

Application of this study: This research result shows that the functional and structural role of folklore in wedding ceremonies to modern Muslim societies is a significant way to analyze and apply the Folkloristics idea to peacefully preserve cultural identity in a diverse society. In addition, this research result is recording the important folklore data of Bannang Sareng people for cultural heritage.

Conclusions: The analysis of folklore in the Muslim wedding ceremony of the Bannang Sareng community, which is a modern Muslim social system, using the structural and functional concept, found that the Bannang Sareng community is a social system consisting of folklore about wedding ceremonies as a minor component. These folktales are related to various things, including the power relationship between Allah and humans, the kinship relations among community members and the usage of public resources. These have created a functional unity that maintains the stability of the modern Muslim social system. The study’s result also found that the folklore in the wedding ceremony of the Bannang Sareng people is has a functional universality. These appeared as both explicit and hidden duties. In addition, it was found that there have been functional replacements according to the concept of modern Muslim social system and functional replacements to be consistent with the current way of life. Due to the latter, it may cause the extinction of some folklore. Finally, the results of this study can be extended for practical use, especially in modern Muslim societies.

Development of Digital Cultural Heritage Management: Lessons and Guidelines from Local Museums in Chiang Mai Province

Phisutthilaksana Boonto — 2025-01-20

Background and Objectives: The Navanurak and Museum Pool platforms are digital archive and museum guide system that play a vital role in managing and digitizing cultural heritage data. These platforms have been developed, transferred, and operated by the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) in collaboration with local museums in Chiang Mai Province since 2018. This research aims to: 1) study the lessons learned from the management and digitization of cultural heritage data in museums through the case studies of the museums in Chiang Mai Province that utilize these platforms, and 2) study to find the guidelines for developing digital cultural heritage data management for local museums in Thailand.

Methods: This study employed qualitative research methodology, collecting data through relevant research literature, platform usage, and in-depth interviews. Then the data was analyzed using comparative analysis and triangulation method to ensure reliability. The research sites comprise six local museums in Chiang Mai Province, selected based on the following criteria: being managed by temples or communities, the readiness of staff, having more than 50 artifacts, being in operation for more than one year, and having no digital collection management system. The study involves 45 key informants, consisting of 5 platform designers and developers, 8 museum staff with minimum one-year experience, 12 community volunteers, and 20 students who completed training in museum operations and platform usage.

Results: The implementation of the Navanurak and Museum Pool platforms of the local museums in Chiang Mai province represents a collaborative effort between NSTDA, museum staff, community volunteers, and lecturers and students from Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. It has enabled the digitization of at least 50 cultural heritage items, including objects and their related contexts, for each museum through four main processes: selecting museums and providing digital skill and knowledge training, managing objects, digitizing and importing data into the digital system, and disseminating and conducting research for further development. The success factors depend on the distinctive characteristics of artifacts, digital competencies of personnel, community participation, and utilization linkages, while maintaining digital data security. The research findings indicate that while technology serves as a tool, the community remains the crucial driving force in conservation efforts and sustainable museum management. This led to three strategic recommendations: 1) guidelines for developing appropriate digital collection platforms for local museums, 2) guidelines for collaboration with local museums in Thailand, and 3 guidelines for collaboration with Rajabhat Universities group. All these recommendations emphasize the development of systems and collaborations appropriate to the context of local museums.

Application of this study: Recommendations for the development of digital cultural heritage management are the lessons derived from fieldwork, specifically from local museums in Chiang Mai Province. These guidelines can be utilized in formulating strategies, planning operations, and budgeting for the agencies which are responsible for platforms, local museums, educational institutions, and organizations with similar contexts. This approach aims to facilitate the management of museums and cultural heritage in the digital era, ensuring appropriateness to the context of local museums in Thailand.

Conclusions: The Navanurak and Museum Pool platforms are tools for managing the digital cultural heritage collections of local museums. However, achieving sustainability requires the creation of a museum ecosystem through the integration of collaborative efforts among experts with diverse skills and knowledge. This integration fosters shared ownership, leading to a greater sense of awareness in preserving cultural heritage and museums.

Monitoring the Immigration Situation of Migrant Workers in Thailand during the Years 2013 and 2023

Supharerk O-in — 2025-01-20

Background and Objectives: International labor migration is a crucial factor driving the economic development of various countries. In Thailand, there has been a substantial influx of migrant workers, particularly following the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic. To enhance the understanding of the patterns and characteristics of the distribution of migrant workers entering Thailand, this makes the researcher feel interested in studying the migration situations and distribution of migrant workers within the country during the years 2013 and 2023. The focus is on analyzing the spatial distribution and occupational characteristics of migrant workers from CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam).

Methods: This research adopted a quantitative approach, beginning with an analysis of the reported data on migrant workers registered with the Department of Employment between 2013 and 2023. The data were presented in the form of descriptive statistics using frequency distribution tables. The findings were then analyzed through the theoretical framework of migration laws and international labor movement theories.

Results: The results indicated that the number of migrant workers has shown an increasing trend, rising from 1,183,835 in 2013 to 2,613,373 in 2023, an increase of 1,429,518 workers. The primary factor behind this rise is the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the Thai government in 2018, which facilitated the formal importation of labor from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, leading to a significant increase in the number of migrant workers. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2020), the number of migrant workers decreased but rebounded as the pandemic situation eased. The majority of migrant workers are in Bangkok, with 607,540 workers, accounting for 23.25% of the total. This is followed by Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, and Chonburi, with Yasothon having the fewest migrant workers at approximately 533. Regionally, in 2023, Bangkok and its metropolitan area had the highest number of migrant workers, followed by the Eastern and Southern regions, while the Northeastern region had the fewest. Focusing on the CLMV group, the study found that in 2023, the majority of migrant workers came from Myanmar (1,708,739 workers, 62.66%), followed by Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, respectively. Most of these workers are employed in the industrial sector, followed by the service and agricultural sectors.

Application of this study: The findings of this study can be applied to better understand the migration situations and distribution of migrant workers during the period from 2013 to 2023. Additionally, it provides a foundation for understanding the employment patterns of migrant workers, particularly those from the CLMV group, who have come to work in Thailand. This knowledge can be used as a framework for planning future professional skill development for these migrant workers. This study can serve as a basis for relevant agencies to support the planning of professional skill development and the management of migrant workers to align with labor market demands. However, the study is limited to data on officially registered migrant workers and does not include unregistered or undocumented migrants.

Conclusions: Over the past decade, from 2013 to 2023, Thailand has experienced a significant increase in the number of migrant workers, primarily from Myanmar. The majority of these workers are unskilled and are predominantly employed in the manufacturing, construction, and agricultural sectors. The spatial distribution of migrant workers indicates a concentration in large provinces with high economic activity, resulting in fewer migrant workers relocating to peripheral urban areas. So, to ensure sustainable labor development, Thailand must implement policies for managing and upskilling migrant workers to equip them with the necessary skills to adapt swiftly to changes and meet the demands of the domestic labor market. Such measures are essential for fostering the country’s economic stability.

Thai Yuri/Girls Love Novels as Popular Fiction: A Case Study of 23.5 When the Earth Spinning Around

Nanphatchaon Phumithammarat — 2025-01-20

Background and Objectives: Since the late 2010s, gender and sexual diversity in Thailand has emerged as a socio-political force and significant material for creative writing and media production. Until the early 2020s, yuri works, commonly known as Girls Love (hereafter, GL), depicting female homoeroticism, developed alongside Boys Love (BL) or Y (Yaoi), which has been prominent in both media and academic discourse. This research thus aimed to analyze Thai yuri/GL works as popular fiction by focusing on their characteristics and positionality within popular culture with reference to Blue’s 23.5 When the Earth Spinning Around as a case study.

Methods: This research is classified as qualitative research. The Thai yuri or GL novels were analyzed by close reading with a linkage to the popular culture appearing in the novels, and the framework of popular fiction studies, proposed by Bernice Mary Murphy, was applied.

Results: The analysis of 23.5 When the Earth Spinning Around in comparison to the convention of Japanese yuri with the convention of girls’ school revealed that the definition and scope of the works of two cultures are synchronized. The plot serves as the primary driving force of the text, adhering to the convention of popular romance. In terms of character design, like the popular Japanese yuri, Thai yuri/GL works do not depict the tachi/neko dichotomy, which aligns with the butch/femme manifestation. The novel, instead, reinterprets the ojōsama/moekko trope from Japanese yuri. The novel restricts the expression of love between characters to kisses and touches. The novel transforms the trope of a girls’ school into a coeducational school, symbolizing the conflict between heteronormativity and female homosexuality, which is, however, embraced by the girls’ community in school. The yuri novel offers hope for a change in social reality through queer optimism. When locating the novel within popular culture, it demonstrates that yuri is a popular fiction, widely accessible through online platforms and bookshop chains. Literary festivals are likewise an intersection of yuri in the literary industry, screen culture, and fan culture.

Application of this study: The research findings are beneficial to the study of Thai yuri, or GL, in the literary and media industries. It also serves as a foundation for the study of Thai popular fiction of different genres and works of women authors.

Conclusions: A study of Thai yuri/GL novels as popular fiction reaffirms their alignment with Bernice Mary Murphy’s ideas of popular fiction in terms of the generic classification, literary formulas, and readership. Furthermore, business and technology incubate this cluster of works. In the context of popular culture and the commercialism of the genre, 23.5 When the Earth Spinning Around adopts the generic convention of a girls’ school in Japanese yuri, paralleling the spirit of activism in Thailand since 2020. Thai yuri/GL novels are situated in convergence culture and the creation of yuri couples through the coupling practices within the fan/industry interaction, which have been inspired by the Thai BL’s success since the 2010s, in terms of the industrial implementation. The research findings should serve as a foundation for future research on Thai yuri/GL and popular culture in Thailand, as well as from transnational sources.

The Construction of Gay Films in Vietnam between 2007 and 2020

Parinya Chimbanlang — 2025-01-20

Background and Objectives: Films featuring LGBTQ content are frequently banned or subject to severe criticism in numerous countries due to the perceptions of inappropriateness. However, in Vietnam, a socialist country, there is notably less opposition to films depicting homosexuality. This shift can be attributed to the government's efforts to address the human rights issues concerning LGBTQ individuals, including the proposal of the first gender equality-focused draft legislation in 2012. This legislation marked a significant milestone in promoting the rights, freedom, and positive images of LGBTQ individuals at a later time. This research article aims to study the social perspective regarding the construction of gay films in Vietnam between 2007 and 2020.

Methods: This qualitative research analyzed the scripts of Vietnamese gay films released between 2007 and 2020, focusing on 19 films featuring gay male characters as main protagonists, which had to be mainstream films released in theaters. They were analyzed using a conceptual framework based on the film narrative structure consisting of five key elements: 1. plot, 2. theme, 3. conflict, 4. character, and 5. scene. The study aimed to explore the meanings conveyed through these narrative elements, focusing on the overall portrayal within the films. Additionally, the concept of the social construction of reality was employed as a theoretical framework to discuss how Vietnamese films convey and present "truth" regarding gay films, how societal perspectives influence the construction of Vietnamese gay films, or what mechanisms are behind the construction of these films.

Results: The study found that: most of the Vietnamese gay films released between 2007 and 2020 were created under the influence of binary opposition, showing that social institutions played a role in producing knowledge and regulating societal members to conform to rules aligning with social norms. Gay films were constructed using the framework of social and cultural dimensions, such as 1. valuing heterosexual love, 2. valuing masculinity, 3. prejudice against LGBTQ relationships, and 4. the influence of Confucianism on the sexual moral system. However, the construction of gay films in the early period, between 2007 and 2015, reflected negative perspectives, often linking gay men to social danger (Tệ nạn xã hội), in line with the stereotypical mindset of the Vietnamese society (Stereotype age). Over time, the perception of the gay community began to change. Influenced by the real world, this affected how to construct films, leading to more diverse representations in the films produced after 2016. This shift resulted in the creation of a new awareness in the society.

Application of this study: This study serves as a framework for understanding how Vietnamese films convey and present the truth of gay men within society, how they are constructed based on the societal and cultural perspectives, or what mechanisms are behind the construction of these films. Furthermore, the study provides insights into the various social and cultural dimensions appeared in these films. Future research could expand on this work by exploring the Vietnamese gay series or non-mainstream films, assessing whether their representations align with or differ from those found in other media.

Conclusions: Gay films in Vietnam between 2007 and 2020 were influenced by binary opposition, reflecting the social value system that organizes the opposition between men and women, with social institutions playing a role in producing knowledge and guiding members to conform to societal norms. However, these gay films evolved from presenting stereotypes associated with social evils to fostering new awareness, following the 2012 review of legal rights for homosexuals in Vietnam. This shift led to changes in the depiction of gay themes after 2012. As a result, the representation of gay characters began to normalize, reflected in storylines, themes, and characters that challenged mainstream beliefs and resisted past stereotypes.

“Beipiao” : The Chinese Social Reflections through the Chinese Series Remembrance of Things Past《我在他乡挺好的》

Onkanya Rojanawanichkij — 2025-01-21

Objectives: This research aimed to analyze Chinese social reflections through “Beipiao (北漂)” people in the Chinese series ‘Remembrance of Things Past《我在他乡挺好的》, ’ which is based on real social conditions to understand contemporary Chinese society.

Methods: This research article employs a qualitative methodology, with data gathered through an analysis of four female characters who represent Beipiao people. The data was collected from a series broadcast on YouTube. The analysis is based on the concepts of the Beipiao group and the social reflections depicted through series, films, and literature. The findings are presented through a descriptive analysis.

Results: The researchers found that there are 8 aspects of Chinese social reflections: 1) the struggle to work in the capital for a better life, 2) job competition, which involves slander and pressure, 3) exploitation by employer, 4) family values, where the values from the parents’ perspective differ from the characters, 5) disparities in social welfare rights different, 6) confidence in the quality of healthcare in the capital, 7) emphasis on material objects to create an image under the influence of the environment, and 8) friendship among Beipiao people, who support each other in time of hardship, wish each other well, and think of each other. These reflections can be divided into two issues: those that represent social problems and those that do not. Additionally, the researchers found that the social reflections in the series illustrate the phenomenon of change among four groups of Beipiao people under the pressure of the surrounding oppressive society: (1) those who succeed, (2) those who are striving to improve their quality of life, (3) those who change their mindset and return to their hometowns, and (4) those who choose to end their lives.

Application of this study: The social reflections help to understand contemporary Chinese society. The study result serves as a crucial data source for social planning and development, helping to address social issues systematically and concretely.

Exploring Research Trends in Thai Learners Studying Korean via Topic Modeling and Keyword Network Analysis

Hyeseon Jeong — 2025-01-20

Background and Objectives: The Korean language education in Thailand has increasingly spread. Research on Thai learners studying Korean has also been continually conducted. The number of students majoring in Korean at the undergraduate level and subsequently pursuing graduate studies in Korean, Korean literature, and Korean culture has also increased, leading to the dissemination of master’s and doctoral theses. This study aims to study the trends and current situation of research on Korean language teaching and learning for Thai learners using Topic Modeling and Keyword Network Analysis. By doing so, the study aims to present important information and suggest guidelines in developing Korean language teaching and learning in Thailand.

Methods: This study examined 283 research papers and theses on Korean language education for Thai learners published between 1998 and September 2024. The dataset includes 149 theses, 93 KCI-indexed articles, and 41 TCI-indexed articles. The data were collected using the keywords relating to Korean language education for Thai learners from RISS (Research Information Sharing Service) and Thai Journals Online. Then Topic Modeling and Keyword Network Analysis was used to analyze topics and research patterns.

Results: The Topic Modeling Analysis revealed that the research topics about curriculum and textbook development have consistently been of interest until now. In addition, the topics about language skills, including pronunciation, grammar, and pragmatics have been raised as research issues in various aspects. Especially, after 2020, there has been an increase in publishing the research papers on teacher training and learner-related factors such as anxiety and learning strategies. The Keyword Network Analysis showed the words "comparison," "use," "pattern," and "process" were used in many research topics.

Application of this study: The continuing interest in curriculum and textbook development from the above study results highlights the need for diverse educational information tailored to the characteristics of Thai learners. Additionally, the growing focus on individual learner factors reflects the necessity of addressing learners' challenges and creating learning environments and effective teaching methods. In addition, the results of the Keyword Network Analysis suggest the necessity of conducting more cross-cultural studies that align with the special characteristics of Thai learners and applying these findings in educational settings.

Conclusions: This study examined trends in Korean language education research for Thai learners, highlighting the importance of adapting to Thailand’s changing educational landscape. As Korean language education progresses in secondary and higher education, continued research and practical applications are essential. The rising interest among Thai students emphasizes the need for tailored instructional materials, innovative strategies, and learner-centered approaches. Integrating digital learning and addressing specific linguistic challenges will enhance the learning experience. Bridging theoretical research with classroom practice can ensure that Korean language education remains effective and responsive to the diverse needs of Thai learners better.

Exploring Iconographic Concepts: Analyzing Body Movements in Creative Dance at Phanom Rung Temple, Thailand

Dharakorn Chandnasaro — 2025-01-20

Background and Objectives: This research article forms an integral part of a comprehensive study titled "An Analysis of Creative Dance from Iconographic Concepts in Buri Ram Province with Laban Notation's Theory." The primary aim of this study is to systematically investigate and analyze the intricate movements of the human body in creative dance performances through the lens of Laban Movement Analysis (LMA)—a well-established theoretical framework widely recognized in the field of dance studies.

Methods: The study focused on four fundamental components of LMA: Body, Effort, Shape, and Space. For the Body component, it was found that, based on the Bartenieff Fundamentals used for scrutinizing the dynamics of individual body parts, the fundamental movements and the choreographic sequences are the bodily expressions that can convey cultural narratives. For the Effort component, this was dissected through its contrasting elements—Flow (free versus bound), Weight (strong versus light), Space (direct versus indirect), and Time (sudden versus sustained)—leading to a nuanced understanding of the dancers' emotional and cognitive expressions. For the Shape component, it was shown that the moving body adapts to external stimuli, environmental contexts, and interactions with other dancers. In addition, it was found that bodily configurations reflect attitudes and emotions, particularly in relation to the Phanom Rung Temple's iconography. For the Space component, there have been movement trajectories within defined spatial dimensions and pathways, reflecting the interpretation via the temple's architectural layout and enhancing the narratives and the concepts through dancing dimensions.

Results: The analysis shows the complex orchestration and relationship of bodily elements that not only demonstrate the dancers’ technical skills but also reveals a profound connection via the temple's cultural and historical narrative. This intricate interplay between body movement, symbolism, and spatial dynamics shows the dancers' physical embodiment can convey the temple's stable cultural heritage by iconographic interpretation.

Application of this study: This study makes a significant contribution to the fields of dance anthropology and movement studies, offering a deeper understanding of dance as a medium for cultural storytelling. In addition, it provides valuable insights that can be applied in university-level teaching within Dance or Performing Arts programs, and serves as a reliable academic reference for future research endeavors.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) can clearly explain the intricate relationship between bodily movement and cultural identity in creative dance performances at Phanom Rung Temple. By dissecting the body movement process into its fundamental components—Body, Effort, Shape, and Space—the research can capture both the technical complexity and the profound expressiveness of movements that reflect the temple’s various cultural and historical heritage. The dancers’ physical movements are shown to serve as a “living archive,” transmitting historical narratives and cultural memory through each gesture and spatial design. Moreover, the analysis highlights how dance functions as a form of cultural diplomacy, bridging local traditions with global audiences and reinforcing the dance’s role as a powerful medium that help preserve, interpret, and develop the cultural heritage to make it have a contemporary feel sustainably. Ultimately, the application of LMA in this context not only deepens scholarly understanding of dance anthropology but also offers a valuable analytical framework for examining the enduring power of creative dance in communicating cultural heritage.

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Journal of Arts and Thai Studies — 2025-01-19

Book Review: “Library Transformation Strategies”

Chokthamrong Chongchorhor — 2025-01-21

Before the King Rama I Monument: A Case Study of the Decision-Making Process of the Royal Elite in the Creation of the Monument of King Rama I and Phra Phutthayodfa Bridge during the 150th Anniversary of Bangkok Celebration

Pakawut Thaweeyot — 2025-01-21

Background and Objectives: This article aims to study the thought processes and decision-making of the committee responsible for constructing the royal monument to honor King Rama I, also known as the Phra Pathom Borom Rachanusorn, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Bangkok. The study highlights that, although the committee was composed of members of the royal family and high-ranking ministers close to the absolute monarchy, representing the conservative faction, their diverse educational backgrounds and personal experiences influenced their perspectives. Consequently, they incorporated modern Western ideas, such as the creation of public utility structures, into their considerations for the Phra Pathom Borom Rachanusorn monument, specifically the Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge.

Methods: The study utilized historical methods, focusing on the analysis of primary documents from the King Rama VII archives related to the construction of the Royal Memorial by the Royal Secretariat Department, stored at the National Archives of Thailand. In addition, secondary sources concerning the construction of the Royal Memorial and the Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge were also examined. The findings were compiled and presented in both descriptive and analytical formats.

Results: The educational background and personal experiences of the committee influenced their thought processes, as seen in their approach to constructing the monument of King Rama I. King Prajadhipok (Rama VII) issued a royal command to form a committee to consider building a monument to commemorate the great kindness of King Rama I during the 150th anniversary celebration of Bangkok. The committee, consisting of members of the royal family and high-ranking ministers close to the absolute monarchy, representing the conservative side proposed three different approaches: The first approach was to construct a statue directly honoring the monarchy. This proposal was supported by senior royals with backgrounds tied to the traditional monarchy, many of whom were sons of King Rama IV. The second approach was to build public utility structures, such as bridges or buildings to house the statue, which would enhance the monarchy’s image and provide economic benefits. This approach was supported by the new generation of royals, the children of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), and the ministers educated abroad. The last approach was to collect funds for charity or public benefit, encouraging public participation in honoring the monarchy. This idea was not supported by senior royals but was favored by the younger generation, who later amended the proposal to use the collected funds for both a royal statue and public utility projects. Ultimately, King Prajadhipok decided to build the Phra Pathom Borom Rachanusorn Monument alongside the Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge, which would connect Bangkok to Thonburi. This decision aligned with the approach of the new generation of royals and demonstrated a blending of royalist tradition with modern Western ideas, such as the creation of public utility structures.

Application of this study: This study fills the gap in explaining the construction of the monument of King Phra Phuttha Yodfa Chulalok the Great (Rama I) by connecting the committee's decision-making and thought processes to their educational backgrounds and personal experiences. In this regard, the article provides valuable information for the study of Thai social history and may contribute to a deeper analysis of the history of ideas.

Conclusions: The conclusion of this study highlights the decision-making process behind the construction of the first royal monument to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Bangkok, reflecting the complex ideologies among the leaders of the absolute monarchy. Some groups focused on honoring the monarchy through symbolic monuments, while others aimed to create public benefits that reinforced the monarchy’s legitimacy through public structures, such as the Phra Phutthayotfa Chulalok Bridge. The study’s results suggest that, although the creation of physical symbols emphasized the importance of the ancestors, the ideological conflict between conservatism and modernism played a crucial role in shaping the project. Ultimately, King Prajadhipok's final decision not only reflected the supreme power of the absolute monarchy but also demonstrated a compromise between honoring the monarchy and responding to public expectations in an era of change.

A Paradigm Shift in Policy-making: The Evolution of Thailand's Anti-Communism Strategy through Prime Minister's Office Order No. 66/2523

Warangkana Nibhatsukit — 2025-01-21

Background and Objectives: This article studies the historical and political significance of the Prime Minister's Office Order No. 66/2523, a landmark directive that transformed Thailand's approach to communist insurgency. This study analyzes how international geopolitical shifts, particularly in Sino-American relations and regional dynamics, combined with domestic factors to catalyze a fundamental change in Thailand's counter-insurgency strategy. The order marked a crucial transition from military suppression to a more nuanced "politics leading military" approach that recognized communist sympathizers not merely as security threats but as citizens influenced by political ideologies and state-induced grievances.

Methods: Utilizing historical research methodology and drawing on both primary and secondary documents, this article traces the evolution of Thai anti-communist policies from the 1960s to the early 1980s. The research particularly focuses on how external factors - including the U.S. strategic realignment in Asia, China's pragmatic turn under Deng Xiaoping, and Vietnam's regional ambitions - interacted with domestic political developments to create both the necessity and opportunity for making the unprecedented policy in anti-communism.

Results: Key findings demonstrate that Order 66/2523 represented more than a tactical shift in counter-insurgency; it reflected Thailand's growing diplomatic maturity in leveraging changing international dynamics to address domestic challenges. While the order facilitated the reintegration of former insurgents and their sympathizers, it also served broader strategic purposes in Thailand's regional positioning. This analysis contributes to understanding how domestic policy innovation can emerge from the intersection of international pressures and local imperatives, offering lessons for contemporary approaches to political reconciliation and security challenges.

Application of this study: This analysis provides insights into the development of Thai military doctrine and civil-military relations. It demonstrates how external and internal factors combine to drive policy evolution, with implications for understanding modern counter-insurgency approaches.

Conclusions: While Order 66/2523 marked an important shift in official policy, its success built on pre-existing conditions. The study challenges the superficial perspective about the order's impact while acknowledging its significance in Thai military concepts about political solutions to the security challenge problem. This analysis not only contributes to a deeper understanding of Thailand's political maneuvers during the critical Cold War juncture but also underscores the complex interplay between domestic policies and international relations. The study demonstrates how a successful and creative policy often emerges from a combination of international opportunities with domestic imperatives, offering the thoughts that can be adapted to contemporary challenges in political reconciliation and security policy.

Understand and Find a Mechanism to Enhance the Power of App-based Food Delivery Riders in Thailand

Nakarin Charoenloasiri — 2025-01-21

Background and Objectives: To explore new possibilities for finding spaces that can support the opportunity for dialogue and exchange among food delivery workers on digital platforms, which will strengthen their collective efforts to demand rights for the group, instead of establishing a union that is not recognized by law. This is because food delivery workers are currently controlled by digital technology rather than working in traditional physical workplaces. In the case of Thailand, food delivery workers are not classified as employees with social protection rights and do not have the legal right to form a union or demand rights under labour laws. As a result, their voices are ignored, and they lack bargaining power to demand better working conditions.

Methods: The study employed a method of reviewing relevant academic documents, gathering data on the environment related to app-based food delivery workers, and synthesizing this information to explore the possibilities based on the actual conditions experienced by individuals in this occupation.

Results: Although digital platforms disrupt the working conditions of food delivery workers, they can also serve as new public spaces for fostering community and advocacy. These online spaces enable workers to share experiences, discuss challenges, and collectively push for better working conditions and labour rights. By facilitating open dialogue and mutual support, these platforms can strengthen their collective voice, empowering workers to advocate for changes in their work environment.

Application of this study: Food delivery workers can increase their bargaining power for labour rights by utilizing online spaces, as these can be free spaces from hierarchical legal structures. This can lead to demands arising from the consensus of the food delivery workers in the online system, empowering their collective voice to negotiate and protect their labour rights with authorities.

Conclusions: Establishing an online platform as a communicative space for food delivery riders is crucial for addressing the challenges they face, particularly their lack of bargaining power. This digital public space will serve as a vital forum for riders to share experiences, discuss common issues, and collectively determine goals, thereby fostering a sense of community and solidarity. By facilitating open dialogue and mutual understanding, such a platform empowers riders to advocate for improved working conditions and more labour rights. Ultimately, this participatory mechanism not only enhances their ability to negotiate with agencies but also strengthens their collective voice, promoting a sustainable and supportive work environment.