An Analysis of Democratic Lifestyles in Thai Language Textbooks for Elementary School Level

Abstract

The objective of this article was to explore and analyze various forms of democratic
lifestyle in Thai language textbooks for elementary school level. The methodology involves
documentary research regarding democratic lifestyle in an attempt to define the analysis criteria.
The analysis focuses on the Thai language textbooks published by the Office of Basic Education
Commission, Ministry of Education, used in Prathom 1-6 levels in order to find messages that
reflect the three forms of democratic lifestyle. The three forms include personal ethics, social unity
and intellectuality. For the purpose of this research, related data were statistically analyzed for
frequency and percentage. The findings of this research is the statements of the textbooks reflect
the forms of democratic lifestyle relating personal ethics the most, followed by social unity, and
intellectuality respectively. When details of each form are considered independently, it is found
that personal ethics contains the following elements: speaking manners, polite speaking, and
appropriate speaking for space and time. Social unity, in turn, includes public benefits and publicmindedness. Finally,

intellectuality includes using personal wisdom, reasoning and correctness in
decision making in order to solve problems.