Journal of Letters

Front Matter

Arthit Jiamrattanyoo — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Summer Rainfall Characteristics in Upper Northeastern Thailand Using Weather Radar Data

Nawin Sermsook — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to investigate and analyze spatial and temporal characteristics of daily rainfall which include rainfall amount, proportion of areas with heavy (35-90 mm/day) and extreme (>90 mm/day) rainfall intensity, numbers of extreme rainfall clusters, average size of extreme rainfall clusters, and orientation of extreme rainfall areas in the upper northeastern region of Thailand during the summer season (March to May) from 2017 to 2020. Rainfall data were obtained from Sakon Nakhon weather radar station. Radar reflectivity was converted to hourly rainfall amount using Z-R relationship for northeastern Thailand. It was found that the spatially variable bias correction method, using rainfall observations at five ground stations, produces more accurate results compared to the mean field method (RMSE = 2.20 mm/hour). The results showed that all rainfall characteristics tended to increase from March to May. During the pre-monsoon period, especially in March, daily rainfall amount in the study area was quite low (1.59 – 4.14 mm/day). Heavy and extreme rainfall occurred in a few small-size clusters. In April, average rainfall amount and maximum rainfall became higher than other periods (718.13 – 800.82 mm). Moreover, proportion of heavy and extreme rainfall areas increased from March and showed relatively large variability over 4 years (SD of average daily rainfall = 5.16 mm/day). These findings indicated a likelihood of severe summer thunderstorms to occur in this period. In May, rainfall amounts and a number of extreme rainfall clusters increased (371.63 square kilometers per day on average) as a result of widespread rainfall over the study area due to southwest monsoon influences and low-pressure troughs (ITCZ). The second half of May exhibited the heaviest rainfall period with a large number of extreme rainfall clusters or a few clusters with extensive spatial coverage.

Application of Metres for Sentimental Purposes in Sanskrit Literature:

Aroonwan Kongmebhol — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Currently, research on the relationship between metres (chandas) and literary sentiments (rasa) in classical Sanskrit poetry is quite meagre. This research aims to investigate the application of metres for sentimental purposes in Sanskrit play entitled Ratnāvalī of King Śrī Harṣa Vardhana. The research subject highlights selected thirteen stanzas, each of which the sentiment is apparent, from the Ratnāvalī. The methodology of the research consists of a textual translation from Sanskrit to Thai as well as an analysis on the literary sentiments, the schemes of metres, including properties of vowels and consonants used in the metres. The research framework is founded upon Nāṭyaśāstra, particularly sections involving metres and sentiments. The study found that the metrical stanzas most frequently convey Śṛṅgāra Rasa (erotism), followed by Karuṇa Rasa (pathos), Adbhuta Rasa (wonder), Rāudra Rasa (anger), Vīra Rasa (heroism) and Bhayānaka Rasa (horror) respectively. The metrical form of each verse varies in nature, i.e., the total number of syllables, the difference between short and long syllables (laghu and guru), the rhythm, and frequency of these syllables. These features significantly correlate with the expression of rasa. Additionally, the qualities of vowel and consonant sounds used in the verses contribute to the melodiousness and poetic appreciation. All of these elements align with the principles of Nāṭyaśāstra. It could be said that while considering the relationship between the rhythms of the metres and the emotions expressed in the poetry, King Śrī Harṣa Vardhana deliberately applied specific metres to some particular stanzas.

From Plague to Cholera:

Suwasadee Photpun — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article aims to explore the history of cholera in Thailand from 1820 to 1959, focusing on disease prevention and the evolving treatment methods for cholera patients across different historical periods. The article argues that knowledge about pathogens and the discovery of Vibrio cholerae as the cause of cholera did not lead to significant changes in cholera prevention and treatment methods before the mid-20th century. Methods like maintaining hygiene, implementing quarantine, and treating the disease with Western medicine and intravenous saline infusions were already known and utilized before the acceptance of germ theory and before the discovery of bacteria as the cause of cholera. These practices continued to be developed and applied, except in the case of vaccine production resulting directly from the discovery of Vibrio cholerae. However, despite the widespread adoption and administration of vaccines for prevention, their efficacy remained questionable. Furthermore, this article suggests that cholera prevention and treatment in Thailand was closely linked to advancements in medical knowledge in the Western and colonial world. This connection meant that Thailand both received knowledge about cholera and its prevention and treatment methods from the West, and served as a crucial site for generating significant knowledge about cholera, including new patient treatment methods, with the active participation of Thai doctors and researchers, which also contributed to the international medical circle.

African Surrealism in Federico García Lorca’s Poeta en Nueva York:

Narut Chaosakun — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of Federico García Lorca’s surrealist poetry concerning the Black ethnic group, focusing specifically on the poems “Norma y paraíso de los negros” and “El rey de Harlem” from his collection Poeta en Nueva York. The study employs the perspective of Afrosurrealism, an artistic and literary movement that emerged later in the United States, integrating an understanding of the distinctive surrealist symbols and “poetic logic” characteristic of Lorca’s surrealism. This analysis elucidates the intersection between the contextual background and the underlying ideas of the two poems, derived from Lorca’s personal experiences, and the Afrosurrealism concepts related to racial identity and the experiences of African Americans in New York. Furthermore, the study highlights how Lorca employs surreal symbols to critique the social injustices faced by Black individuals and to revive a consciousness of Black identity, thereby challenging the oppressive and intoxicating white civilization that obscures the cultural roots of Black people.

The Impact of Parents’ School Choices Towards Schools and Students:

Krittin Klaimee, Petchpilai Lattanan — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Parents typically select the most suitable school for their children based on socioeconomic factors and geographic factors which impact on the ease of travel. With the decline in the student-age population and ongoing urban changes, schools have been significantly impacted, prompting them to adapt to the increasing competition. These impacts not only affect the schools themselves but also the students. This study aims to examine the impact of parental school choice decisions on secondary schools and students in inner Bangkok through in-depth interviews with teachers and focus group discussions with students. The findings reveal that schools with different service areas have dissimilar effects from parental school choices. These effects include number of students enrolled, in-school socio-economic segregation, and school area management. Most schools in urban areas are facing limitations in developing school services. Students' daily lives intersect with their school, its surrounding community, and the territorial pass between home and school. These interactions impact on physical, social, emotional, and mental domains, shaping students' perceptions of and attachments to these spaces, which vary depending on different types of school service area.

A Comparative Study of Animal Proverbs in Myanmar and Thai Languages

Thet Su Mon, Sunantha Thetsuk, Su Su Khin — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The objectives of this study are to: 1) analyze and compare animal proverbs in Myanmar and Thai, and 2) analyze the values that are reflected in animal proverbs in Myanmar and Thai. The research methodology used for this study was qualitative. According to objective 1, the study's findings can be divided into three categories: 1) Myanmar and Thai proverbs that are similar and use the same kinds of animals; 2) Myanmar and Thai proverbs are similar and use different kinds of animals; and 3) Myanmar and Thai proverbs are similar and use non animal things. The findings of the analysis of values expressed in proverbs can be divided into two categories: 1) negative values, such as taking advantage of others through power, actions of those who are uneducated and unwise, dishonesty, disregarding counsel, inadequate planning, and negligence; and 2) positive values such as wisdom, good leadership, and intelligence. The study shows that people in Myanmar and Thailand are closely intertwined with agriculture and nature. As a result, they are familiar with animal behaviors and commonly use animal comparisons to reflect human characteristics, habits, and values. Therefore, the usage of animals in proverbs shows moral lessons that are simple to comprehend and directly relevant to people's daily social interactions.

Phra Malai of Wat Thewa Sangkharam:

Jaturong Phiromya, Phatchaya Luangdaeng, Kriangkri Thongsri — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research article aims to 1) analyze the Phra Malai manuscript of Wat Thewasangharam from a paleographic perspective, and 2) examine the interrelationship between this manuscript and the local society and culture of Kanchanaburi. A qualitative research methodology was employed, incorporating fieldwork data collection and documentary analysis and synthesis. The findings indicate that 1) the Phra Malai manuscript of Wat Thewasangharam is a Buddhist didactic text inscribed on white Thai folding books (samut thai khao), written in Khmer–Pali and Khmer–Thai scripts, and recorded in both Pali and Thai. The script characteristics correspond to the early to mid-Rattanakosin period, spanning the reigns of Kings Rama I to V, with the use of both full and subscript characters. Paleographic analysis reveals the use of Khmer–Pali, Khmer–Thai, and Thai scripts. The text is composed as chant poetry in six melodic modes: chan, choet, rap, mangkorn, wasant, and ekabot. When analyzed according to modern prosodic classification, the composition consists of 507 stanzas of kap yani 11, 248 stanzas of kap surangkhanang 32 (kap 32), 19 stanzas of kap chabang 16, and 10 stanzas of unidentified poetic forms resembling wasantadilok chan but deviating from conventional rules of heavy and light syllables. The manuscript was commissioned by Mae Phum and inscribed by Phra Thera Mai, with the primary purpose of instructing audiences on the law of karma, encouraging merit-making, almsgiving, moral discipline, and meditative practice, as well as imparting knowledge of hell and heaven. 2) In terms of its relationship with the local society and culture of Kanchanaburi, the Phra Malai manuscript of Wat Thewasangharam reflects the author’s worldview in five dimensions: the perceived meritorious benefits of transmitting and sustaining Buddhism in accordance with the roles and status of the Buddhist community; the influence of Buddhist culture in surrounding communities; the transmission of Buddhist literary traditions from Bangkok through monastic educational networks during the reign of King Rama V; the integration of traditional conventions with socio-cultural change mediated by educational practices in the same period; and the visualization of hell realms derived from the Phra Malai narrative as interpreted by mural painters.

Knowledge Transfer for Improvement of Local Administrative Organizations Capacities in Flood Hazard Risk Management using Participatory Geographic Information System at Dan Makham Tia, Kanchanaburi

Komsan Sriboonruang, Nirut Jorncharoen, Malinee Kumkrua — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to (1) create risk and vulnerability maps of flood hazard using participatory geographic information systems in Dan Makham Tia District, Kanchanaburi Province, (2) transfer knowledge on flood hazards risk management based on data from the flood risk and vulnerability maps to local administrative organizations ; and (3) transfer the action plans based on the maps to improve the capacities of local administrative organizations in flood hazard risk management. The sample groups were officers of Charakhe Phuek Subdistrict Administrative Organization, disaster prevention and mitigation volunteers, public health volunteers, rescue workers, and disaster victim households. The research framework included geographic information system, vulnerability analysis, and systematic knowledge transfer. The results show that the flood hazard risk and vulnerability map consists of 3 components in data analysis which are disaster risk, flood vulnerability, and flood adaptability. For knowledge transfer on flood hazard risk management, the participants were most satisfied with the media and technologies in knowledge transfer (average score of 4.91), followed by the instructors, applicability of knowledge, and training content with the scores of 4.90, 4.88, and 4.87 respectively. Three action plans at each stage of disaster management, i.e. pre-disaster, disaster, and post-disaster, were transferred to local administrative organizations to improve their capacities in flood risk management.