Journal of Liberal Arts, Maejo University

Enhancing and Developing in Modern Local Democracy

Pornamrin Promgird — 2024-12-24

This academic article aims to explore the concept of modern local democracy. The study reveals that, despite the long history of examining local democracy, contemporary scholarly discourse increasingly emphasizes the importance of expanding political participation among citizens and empowering them to genuinely influence the direction of their local communities. It is believed that these measures will strengthen local communities. Modern local democracy continues to challenge the centralization of state power, as it is argued that such centralization can weaken localities and facilitate arbitrary use of power. Excessive centralization in decision-making processes could ultimately threaten the survival of democracy. This article proposes strategies to enhance and develop modern local democracy by cultivating a civic culture among citizens and incorporating various forms of social innovation. The goal is to elevate political participation and deepen citizens' connection to their local communities.

Transforming Sangthong Literature into Popular Cultural Media

Watsaranan Chuthap — 2024-12-24

This academic article aims to study the transformation of Sangthong literature into popular culture media. The result shows that the transformation of Sangthong literature has resulted in the development of the format from a Jataka tale, poetry plays and foreign dramas, to the literature in the textbook. Nowadays, there are five forms of popular culture in the media; 1) novels 2) cartoons 3) contemporary songs 4) drama soundtracks, and 5) Line Stickers. In terms of the content, there is a transformation into 1) novel: the characters and stories from Sangthong literature and other literature are mixed together, creatinga novel in the form of fan fiction of Thai literature; 2) Cartoon: some episodes and the entire story have been made into cartoons; 3) Contemporary songs: the distinctive characteristics of some characters and stories have been made into lyrics, and the composers have expressed their views in some songs; 4) The drama's soundtrack has two formats: presenting a mother's love for her child and reinterpreting the story of Sangthong according to the composer's point of view; 5) Line Stickers: characters have been transformed into cartoons with words or short messages representing feelings, including images, animations, and animations with sound. In summary, the transformation of literature is a process of inheriting and creating literature to endure forever.

Psychological Well-being in the Workplace: Documentary Research

Warinthra Purinthrapiban — 2024-12-24

The purpose of this documentary research is to review the elements that affect psychological well-being in the workplace, using document analysis and content analysis methods. Data sources and search strategies were used to study relevant research on the topic of psychological well-being and strengthening the psychological well-being in the workplace from electronic databases published between 1992 and 2022, using search keywords: “psychological well-being”, “promoting psychological wellbeing in the

workplace”, “psychological well-being”, “strengthening psychological wellbeing in the workplace”. An ancestry approach was also used.

This research explored the reference lists of previously listed studies on mental well-being and improving mental well-being in the workplace by selecting works according to the specified criteria; namely quantitative and qualitative research studies of psychological well-being and strengthening the psychological well-being in the workplace. "Mental well-being” and “psychological well-being” in each of these studies are considered to be within the same scope, the literature review included 6 volumes of Thai literature and 103 volumes of foreign literature.

The review of literature indicates that there are 6 dimensions affecting the psychological well-being of employees in the workplace. These consist of: (1) self-acceptance, (2) personal growth, (3) purpose in life, (4) environmental mastery, (5) autonomy, and (6) positive relations with others. In short, psychological well-being is a crucial element that affects human everyday life, from studying and working to achieving various life goals. By studying and understanding the elements that promote psychological well-being in the workplace, we can lead to the development of potential in both work and quality of life. The results of this research can be used to develop a research conceptual framework and further research to strengthen the psychological well-being in the workplace.

Mindset, Coping, and Adaptation to the New Normal Lifestyle in a Post-COVID-19 Pandemic of Young Adult in Chiang Mai

Pinnapa Muakyod — 2024-12-24

This study aims to examine the relationship between mindset and coping and adaptation to the new normal lifestyle, as well as the influence of mindset on adaptation to the new normal lifestyle in a post-COVID-19 pandemic regarding coping as a mediator. Participants were 200 young adults, aged 20-39 years, living in Chiang Mai. The research measures include adaptation to the new normal, mindset, problem-focused strategies, and emotion-focused strategies. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, path analysis, and mediation analysis. The results revealed that mindset, coping, and adaptation to the new normal were positively related. Path analysis and mediation analysis indicated that adaptation to the new normal was directly affected by both mindset and problem-focused strategies. Furthermore, adaptation to the new normal invoked indirect effects to mindset through problem-focused strategies. In addition, problem-focused strategies partially mediated the relationship between mindset and adaptation to the new normal. The implications of this study highlight mindset and coping skills as crucial factors in the adaptation process for young adults in Chiang Mai following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Chaw Poo-Phan”: The Socio-economic Changes of the Communities around Bo Phan Khan in Suwannaphum District, Roi Et Province during 1981-2017

Narawit Daorueang — 2024-12-24

This article wants to show socio-economic change. arising from various development projects of the state, which play an important role in making a local belief of Chaw Poo-Phan change dynamically with a historical study method employed, It was found that before 1981, Poo-Phan's belief played a role as a ghost who took care of salt wells and looked after the peace of communities living around Bo Phan Khan and other communities who came to make salt such as communities in Phanomprai and Suwannaphum district, Roi Et Province and Rasisalai district Sisaket Province. Later, in 1981, after the construction of irrigation to block the Siaw river causing the salt ponds to flood and became a large basin, As a result, the community could no longer produce salt. The holy power of the Poo-Phan's faith began to loosen and changed a role as the keeper of the water source instead. However, since 2007, Chaw Poo-Phan's divine power had once again spread over a wide area. Under the context of tourism by local communities Chaw Poo-Phan therefore has a new role as a belief that inspires success in life, fortune, rank, and fame in people's lives. In addition, the Chaw Poo-Phan belief is used as bargaining power for the community to negotiate with bureaucracy, ritual leaders, and the Buddhist clergy in complex ways.

Strategies for Creating Artistic Communication through Traditional Musical Theater in the Role of Promoting Tourism in the Sam Chuck Community, Thailand

Weerinphat Booranasakawee — 2024-12-24

The research article titled "Strategies for Creating Artistic Communication through Traditional Musical Theater in the Role of Promoting Tourism in the Sam Chuck Community" aims to study the strategies for creating artistic communication within the performance scripts of traditional musical theater to promote tourism. The research employs qualitative and creative methods, including in-depth interviews with community representatives, folk artists and tourists. It focuses on developing literary artistic messages within the performance scripts of Central Thai traditional musical theater, using the Sam Chuck Market community in Sam Chuck District, Suphan Buri Province, as a case study.

The research findings reveal that the strategies for creating artistic communication through traditional musical theater in the role of promoting tourism in the Sam Chuck community involve storytelling through the following elements: 1) Plot Structure: divided into three phases - the beginning, which includes the traditional homage to the teacher and the introduction of the community's story; the middle, which features the interactions and conflicts among characters within the community; and the ending, which is the resolution of the story, marked by decisions made within the community and a farewell, along with gratitude to the audience for attending the performance. 2) Core Idea: focused on presenting the history and key attractions of the Sam Chuck Market community, which is the primary objective of this creative work. 3) Language: the dialogue is combined with "Klon Paed" poetry, structured according to traditional forms of folk songs. 4) Music: involves the use of melodies, rhythms, instruments, and traditional Central Thai folk song styles, including "E-Saew," "Ruea," and "Song Khrueang" songs. In this artistic communication strategy within traditional musical theater, the message sender not only created content but also had understand the literary structure involved in crafting folk songs and the significant context, especially the unique selling points of the community in the narrative. This approach, which effectively communicates both aesthetic and implicit meanings, allowed the audience to understand the content and grasp of the essence of traditional musical theater. Additionally, the incorporation of community stories served as a powerful tool in communicating the role of the performance in promoting community tourism activities.

Knowledge and Cultural Resource Management for Tourism of the Mon Community in Jed Riew Subdistrict, Ban Phaeo District, Samut Sakhon Province

Nootnapang Chumdee — 2024-12-24

This article aims to study the development of Knowledge and Cultural Resource Management for Tourism of the Mon Community in Jed Riew Subdistrict, Ban Phaeo District, Samut Sakhon Province. It investigates the process of knowledge and cultural resource management, and analyzes the problems and obstacles of knowledge and cultural resource management for tourism from the perspective of the community by integrating the local history paradigms with the concept of knowledge and cultural resource management framework. The researcher studies the knowledge and cultural resource management framework of Jed Riew community by considering three main components: agencies who play a key role in resource management, strategies and activities, and the goals of resource management. The study reveals that knowledge and cultural resource management of Jed Riew community can be divided into three phases: Preserving the Way of Life (1947-1997), Reviving Folk Games and Local Wisdoms (1997-2017), and Research and Study on Cultural Management for Tourism (2017-present). The objectives for the first and second phases are to revive and pass on the Mon cultural heritage to the younger generations. Thus, the process of knowledge and cultural resource management in both phases were carried out mainly by local people. However, in the third phase, external agencies and scholars have become involved to help develop the community into cultural tourism sites. Moreover, the study indicates that the current goals of cultural resource management of the Mon at Jed Riew have not yet led to the transformation of the community into a cultural tourist destination or the pursuit of economic benefits. This is due to the lack of clarity on government agencies' tourism management support plans and the local people concern that tourism activities will affect agriculture, which has been the community’s main source of income.

Semiology and Representation of Female Characters in Thai Classical Drama

Rattanaphron Suaiklang — 2024-12-24

This research examines the construction of the symbolic meanings of female characters in and presents the feminine representation in female characters from Thai classical dramas by presenting the meanings constructed from the semiotic system.

The research found that the construction of female characters in Thai classical dramas began with a naming process. The names were constructed from the social and cultural meanings of Thailand. In addition to the names used to refer to the characters, they were also constructed from the social class system. The costumes are constructed to show the characteristics, social classes, age, and role. From the analysis, the creation of symbols in the construction of characters included behaviors and dialogues, which appeared in both good and evil characters.

The presentation of the feminine representations of the characters was constructed from two social meanings, namely patriarchy and sexuality. The representations could be classified as follows: valued women, evil women, brave women, women who cherish love, devoted family women, women who are concubines, women who are leaders, smart women, women and virginity, role model women, cohabiting women, and women with diminution. The representations of women in the past had both similarities and differences from women in the present according to the changes in the era and society which are constantly changing and flowing and have led to changes in the representation of women.

The Comparative Analysis of The Soldier Representation in Organizational March Songs and Popular Songs

Nantawat Nedjaroen — 2024-12-24

This article aims to examine the representation of soldiers in an organization’s march songs and popular songs. The data of the study are 67 organizational march songs collected from Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, and Royal Thai Air Force, and 40 popular songs collected on www.youtube.com. The concept of representation, transitivity, and social actors were applied in data analysis. The result shows that there are three representations of soldiers which coexist in both organizational march songs and popular songs: a defender of the nation and the citizen; a strong person; and a person who respects the nation, religions, the king, and honor. There are two representations of soldiers which appear only in organizational march songs: a person who can work skillfully; and a person who loves organization and companion. There are three representations of soldiers which appear only in popular songs: a person who separates from the family and a lover; a low-class person; and a person who abuses duties. The result indicates that organizational march songs intentionally present only the positive representations of soldier; however, popular songs present both positive and negative representations of soldiers, which indicate the power contesting by representation construction between the military and the citizenry.

Khuen Khao Phao Khao Lam : Dynamics and Role of Khao Lam merit-making in Contemporary Thai Society

Chonticha Nisaisat — 2024-12-24

This article investigated the Khuen Khao Phao Khao Lam tradition, focusing on its dynamics and the role of Khao Lam merit-making tradition within the context of contemporary Thai society. Field research was conducted from 2022 to 2023 in the Nong Naen community, Phanom Sarakham district, and the Hua Samrong community, Plaeng Yao district, both in Chachoengsao province. The study employed theories of creative folklore and functionalism as its analytical framework. The study found that the Lao Wiang "Khuen Khao Phao Khao Lam" tradition took place on the full moon day of the third lunar month, which was Makha Bucha Day. The purposes of this tradition were to make merit by offering Khao Lam (sticky rice roasted in bamboo) to Buddhist monks and to glide the replica of the Buddha's footprint at the top of Dong Yang Mountain. This tradition spread to the Khmer community in Hua Samrong, which was located on the path to Dong Yang Mountain. Subsequently, state agencies became involved in organizing the tradition, incorporating performances and transforming it into a festival to promote tourism, and it assumed a new role as a tradition promoting tourism during Makha Bucha Day in Chachoengsao province.

Chinese Names of Thai Food Products in China: Language Characteristics and Meanings

Phenphansa Chaitheerasuwet — 2024-12-24

The objective of this research article is to study the language characteristic and analyze the meanings found in Chinese names of 4 types of Thai food products in China: rice, snacks, pastries, and dried fruits. The study draws data from 3 Chinese online selling websites: www.taobao.com www.1688.com and www.tmall.com

The analysis reveals that the product names incorporate Chinese, Thai, and English in monolingual, bilingual, and trilingual forms, with a total of seven combinations. Trilingual names are the most prevalent. Chinese is the most frequently utilized language in product names, followed by English and Thai. The number of syllables in Chinese product names ranges from 2 to 18, with 6-syllable names being the most popular. Naming the products with a single grammatical structure using the modifier-head method is most common. Regarding the meaning analysis, 13 groups of meanings were identified, all of which show a direct connection to the products in the study. These meanings provide some details about the products to consumers clearly and directly. All the product names feature compound semantic structures, with the number of meaning groups ranging from 2 to 11. None of the names consist of a single semantic unit. These names may include information about flavors, product characteristics, key ingredients, production processes, types of products, and brand names.

Role Of Lanna Folk Media Towards Well-being Promotion of The Elderly

Surachai Srinorajan — 2024-12-24

Folk media was raised from the belief system and tradition of the Lanna people as practice guidelines for people to have a long life, extend their lives, and experience good things. This is under the beliefs as guidelines for living life. Therefore, Lanna folk media play a role in promoting well-being in dimensions: physical, mental, emotional and social aspects. The research used qualitative research. Data were collected from target groups in 8 northern provinces, totaling 110 sample groups. The findings reveal that the roles of Lanna folk media can be categorized into five key functions: 1) Entertainment, involving community games to enhance the enjoyment of cultural traditional; 2) Healing beliefs, connected to mysticism and used when modern medical treatments are ineffective; 3) Life longevity practices, including long-standing rituals aimed at extending life; 4) Community organization, involving beliefs in protective spirits that strengthen community cohesion; and 5) Occupational practices, reflecting respect for nature and fostering relationships between humans, nature, and supernatural forces.

National Interest in a Relationship between India-China during 1959-2023

Nareerat Parisuthiwuthiporn — 2024-12-24

This article aimed to explore the relationship between India and China from the post-World War II (WWII) to the present (2023) and to examine factors causing at the alteration of the relationships.

The finding revealed that India, with its independence after WWII, became the primary country among other countries as the group recognized the People’s Republic of China. However conflicts arose between the two countries, leading to change in their relationship. Then, there were 3 periods of transformation: The first period reflected the breach between India and China during 1959-1990. The second period revealed the cooperation between them during 1991-2015. The third period indicated the suspicion between the two countries during 2016-2023

Status of Thai as a Second Language Research

Deeana Kasa — 2024-12-24

The study of Thai as a second language, as part of intercultural communication, represents a particularly engaging field in the era of globalization, characterized by interactions among individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. This research aims to analyze the overall status of research, synthesize content, and identify trends in the study of Thai as a second language. Data was collected from Thai Journals Online (ThaiJo) and postgraduate theses in Thailand from 2009 to 2023. The findings reveal two primary approaches within this research domain: linguistics and education. The linguistic approach focuses on analyzing the Thai language system and applying research findings to design teaching methodologies, utilizing qualitative methods and naturalistic data. Conversely, the educational approach examines various factors and instructional management using quantitative and quasi-experimental data. Both approaches show interest in a diverse range of study populations. The researcher suggests that this field will continue to evolve, presenting a broader spectrum of research topics and an increasing trend in future studies.

Islamophobia Sentiment in Pattani Municipality Communities

Oracha Rakdee — 2024-12-24

This article has two main objectives: firstly, to explore the concepts, definitions, and characteristics of Islamophobia, and secondly, to investigate the knowledge, understanding, and perception of Islamophobia and its impact. Data collection was conducted through the utilization of a questionnaire distributed among a sample group obtained via quota sampling. The sample consisted of 114 individuals, comprising both Muslim residents of the 19 communities within the municipal area of Pattani, and non-Muslim residents for comparative analysis. This study employed Bloom’s Taxonomy of learning to assess knowledge, understanding, and the Pyramid of Hate to examine the impact of Islamophobia.

The research findings reveal that Islamophobia, defined as the hatred or fear of Islam or Muslims, symbols of the Islamic religion or Muslims, can be categorized into three levels: 1. Individual level (Hidden): where individuals do not express Islamophobic behaviors openly; 2. Individual level (Active) where individuals express Islamophobic behaviors openly individually or in a group; and 3. structural level which involves discrimination against Muslim or Islam through policies, regulations, rules, and laws.

The study on knowledge, understanding, and perception of the impact of Islamophobia found that the sample group in Pattani Municipal District has limited knowledge, understanding, and awareness of the affects of Islamophobia. There were no significant differences in knowledge, understanding, and perception of the impact based on religion. However, educational variables particularly Master Degree and Islamic Studies of Tsanawiyah significantly affected the levels of knowledge, understanding, and perception among the sample group.

Journal of Liberal Arts, Maejo University Vol.12 No.2 (July-December 2024)

วารสารศิลปศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยแม่โจ้ — 2024-12-24