Journal of Liberal Arts, Maejo University

Analysis of Beliefs and Rituals Presented in the Chicken Bone Scriptures of the Zhuang Ethnic Group of the Zhuang Ethnic Group

arphon thiragun, Pollavat Praphattong — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to investigate and analyze the beliefs and rituals depicted in the Chicken Bone Scriptures of the Zhuang people. It adopts a qualitative research approach, focusing on documentary data study. The literature scope utilized is based on the textbook of Chicken Bone Scriptures authored by Huang Shifa, a renowned healer among the Ancient Ye people. The theoretical framework employed includes literary value analysis, socio-cultural significance, structural functionalism and cultural ecology perspectives. The research methodology involved in-depth interviews with four informants, followed by data analysis and summarization.

The findings reveal that within the content of the Chicken Bone Scriptures, there are predominantly predictive statements in each narrative, indicating auspicious or inauspicious outcomes. There are admonishments and suggestions for corrective measures aimed at providing comfort to recipients of predictions and aiding decision-making in various matters. The Chicken Bone Scriptures of the Jwong people reflect, 1) beliefs in ancestral spirits, resulting in rituals of worship, spirit sending ceremonies, and divination rituals using chicken bones, 2) beliefs in elements, resulting in ceremonies invoking prosperity, and 3) beliefs in moral conduct, resulting in rituals for building ancestral graves.

The Social Habitus of Thai Students to becoming Thai Style’s Political Conservative Perspective.

Punnathon Srisen — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Since the social movement of new generation of Thai people turned up in 2020, they showed concern about their future under the traditional social structure which was led by dictatorship government. Moreover, they perceive unfair legislative system and desire democracy. However, there are still some Thai students who currently trust in the dictatorship government and support old political groups of elites. They prefer conservative ideology to progressive ideas. Even though the progressive trends are still going on, these trends cannot affect their thoughts and attitudes. Therefore, this research will analyze how selected participants’ behaviors and political thoughts are produced. Fifteen students in Chiangmai were selected for in-depth interviews using the oral history method, with participants identified through peers labeling. According to Norbert Elias’s concepts, social configurations can impact student’s habitus, consisting of self–control, self–image and
we-identity which develop through learning about social configurations along with Thailand’s history textbooks throughout student’s lives.

Naming New Hybrid Caladium: Linguistic Characteristics, Semantic Domains, and Cultural Significance

Krit Suranakkharin, Apalai Suksamran, Pit jitpakdee — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research has four objectives: (1) to support the Royal Plant Genetic Conservation Project initiated by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, (2) to examine the linguistic characteristics of names for hybrid caladium cultivars, (3) to explore their semantic domains, and
(4) to investigate the beliefs and values reflected through these names. Using an ethnosemantic approach, the study analyzes 822 caladium names registered with the Thai Caladium Society from 1982 to 2024. Findings identify three linguistic aspects of caladium naming: phonological features, with names commonly having three, four, or two syllables, often using alliteration and assonance; lexical features, including partial repetition, varied linguistic registers, and deliberate spelling variations; and semantic features, such as related words, synonyms, and occasional negative connotations. The names’ meanings are categorized into 19 semantic groups, reflecting 12 core Thai cultural values. These findings highlight how language, culture, and societal values shape the naming of hybrid caladium cultivars.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Quasi-Experimental Designs in Promoting Sustainable Waste Separation Behavior Through Waste Management Websites

Wasin Liampreecha, Suttida Chaisri, Sariya Kruayim — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research investigates of the effectiveness of a quasi-experimental research design in promoting sustainable behaviors through a waste management website, with a focus on the Generation Z’s perception. The research objectives are to study the influence of a recycling waste management website on participants' perceptions in various aspects, to examine the effects of website useage experience on participants' perceptions, and to explore the relationship between the perceived effectiveness of online resources provided on the website and participants' recycling behaviors. The sample consisted of 49 participants in the waste management website activity, selected through convenient sampling from high school students participating in a technology transfer to the community project. The research instrument was a pre and post website usage questionaire. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare outcomes before and after intervention. The results revealed that participants' perceptions, usage experience, and recycling behaviors increased significantly at the 0.001 level after using the website. The research hypothesis was confirmed that digital platforms such as websites can promote awareness and sustainable behaviors. This study contributes to the understanding of how digital interventions can promote environmental sustainability, particularly among tech-savvy younger generations. These insights are beneficial for policymakers and environmental organizations in developing digital platforms to promote sustainable waste management.

The Formation of Thai New Words from Foreign Languages: A Case Study of the Royal Institute’s New Words Dictionary

Suwan Lianghiranthaworn — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study aims to investigate the patterns of new Thai word formation involving foreign language elements, as documented in The Dictionary of New Words by the Royal Institute of Thailand, Volumes 1 to 3. The analysis reveals eight distinct patterns of word formation. The most prevalent is transliteration, which includes three subtypes: full-word transliteration, partial-word transliteration, and the transliteration of abbreviations or acronyms. The second most common pattern is compound formation, with eight subtypes: Thai-English compounds, English-Thai compounds, English-English compounds, Thai-Chinese compounds, Chinese-Thai compounds, Chinese-Chinese compounds, English-Chinese compounds, and Chinese-English compounds. The third pattern is special formation, comprising four subtypes: the creation of multi-syllabic words or phrases incorporating foreign language elements, the formation of rhyming words or phrases, phonetic adaptation of loanwords to resemble Thai words, and word fusion. The fourth pattern is semantic translation. The fifth is reduplication. The sixth category includes two equally frequent patterns: coining of new terms and affixation. The final and least frequent pattern is word blending.

The Relationship Between Community Capital and Community Strength in the Special Economic Zone Area of Sakaeo Province

Caloemphong Jansukar, Wannee Deoisres, Chaiyon Praditsil — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to study the existing community capital and resilience, as well as their relationship and the influence of the community capital on resilience in the Special Economic Zone of Sa Kaeo Province. The sample consisted of 416 household heads residing in Phak Kha Subdistrict, Wattana Nakhon District, and Tha Kham, Ban Dan, and Pa Rai Subdistricts, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, obtained through multi-stage random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires developed by the researcher, comprising a general information questionnaire, a questionnaire on enduring community capital divided into five aspects—social, environmental, human, cultural, and economic—and a community resilience questionnaire, The content validity indices were .90 and .82, while the reliability coefficients were .92 and .89. respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis.

The study revealed that the community capital in the Special Economic Zone of Sa Kaeo Province was high in the social aspect (M=3.49, SD=0.43), followed by moderate levels in
the environmental (M=3.40, SD=0.40), human (M=3.08, SD=0.49), cultural (M=2.95, SD=0.45), and economic (M=2.85, SD=0.55) aspects. The level of community resilience was moderate (M=3.33, SD=0.31). Correlation analysis indicated a statistically significant positive correlation between
each aspect of community capital and community resilience (r=.31-.75, p<.01). The five aspects of community capital collectively predicted 47.7% of community resilience, with environmental capital having the greatest impact (Beta=.575, p<.001), followed by human (Beta=.160, p<.001), social (Beta=.146, p<.001), and economic (Beta=.025, p<.05) capital, respectively. Cultural capital did not show a statistically significant influence on community resilience.

The Ritual of Offering to Chao Pho Maha Yak Sam Phan Ton at Wat Si Lom, in Lampang Province: Symbolic Communication

Piyapong Wangkeeree, Uamporn Thipdet, Bandit Thipdet, Vajrindra Kaencandra — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This article analyzes the beliefs reflected through symbols in the ritual of offering to Chao Pho Maha Yak Sam Phan Ton (the Three Thousand Giants), at Wat Si Lom, Wiang Nuea Subdistrict, Mueang District, Lampang Province. The study employed folklore and folklife methodologies, gathering data from both documentary sources and fieldwork, including interviews with qualified informants. The collected data were then analyzed to examine beliefs through symbols, including individual behaviors and objects that appear in the ritual, in line with relevant theories on symbolism. The findings are presented through descriptive analysis.

The study reveals that the ritual of offering to the Chao Pho Maha Yak Sam Phan Ton (the Three Thousand Giants) reflects underlying beliefs through five symbolic aspects: beliefs about the ritual performers, beliefs about the ritual location, beliefs about the timing of the ritual, beliefs about the ritual objects, and symbolic behaviors during the ritual. These symbols not only signify the community's reverence for Chao Pho Maha Yak Sam Phan Ton (the Three Thousand Giants) but also convey moral lessons and reflect the collective worldview of the local people.

Russian Worldviews about Idioms Related to the Numerals One to Nine

Parit Aroonoast — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research investigates Russian worldviews about 206 idioms related to the numerals one to nine collected from electronic sources and a dictionary of idioms. The study is based on a tripartite framework with three categories: human, natural, and supernatural power. Results were that idioms most frequently reflected worldviews about people, subcategorized as relatives and human life. By contrast, idioms reflecting nature and supernatural powers were less common. Different numerals were related to societal context, such as seven, considered lucky because of its links to Orthodox Christianity. Other numerals are associated with the human body (such as two with ears and five with fingers), Russian history, and creative works by writers and artists. These associations reflect unique characteristics of Russian culture. However, the meanings of numbers in idioms are not fixed and do not necessarily refer to broader usage. They may vary depending on the context, such as time, systems, ideas, situations, or events.

Sacred Objects for Prosperity: The Sanctification of Objects through the Worship of the Samphan-Ton Giant Spirit

Pattariya Khongthana, Kengkij Kitirianglarp — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

The phenomenon of worshiping sacred objects for wealth is an intriguing subject in the study of Thai religious culture. This research examines the conditions that give rise to the worship of the Samphan-Ton Giant Spirit for prosperity and explores how the Samphan-Ton Giant Spirit, as a sacred object of wealth, exerts power beyond human control. The objectives of this study are: (1) to examine the conditions and contexts that lead to the worship of the Samphan-Ton Giant Spirit for wealth, and (2) to understand how the Samphan-Ton Giant Spirit functions as a powerful sacred object for prosperity that surpasses human authority. This article applies the conceptual framework of "cults of wealth" and the Object-Oriented Ontology (OOO) approach to explain the "Sacred objects for prosperity" from the perspective of the object itself. It aims to contribute to the understanding of the subject-object relationship, particularly how sacred objects have the potential to connect individuals with the Samphan-Ton Giant Spirit. This article employs fieldwork methods through ethnographic research, including participant observation and interviews with devotees who visit to pay respects to the Samphan-Ton Giant Spirit, as well as with temple officials. The researcher argues that economic changes have transformed the carrying of sacred objects into a form of hope. Consequently, the miraculous powers attributed to worship emphasize wealth and prosperity. Moreover, the religious experiences of devotees contribute to understanding the relationship between humans and sacred objects in daily life. Therefore, examining the worship of sacred objects for wealth while moving beyond the belief that religion is merely personal superstition reveals that humans are not central to managing economic uncertainty. Instead, they rely on sacred objects as non-human entities that possess greater power than humans to enhance competitiveness in a capitalist market.

Health Behaviors for Well-being of Karen Group: Traditional Rituals and Mental Health across Four Cultures

Ikuma Tomita, Piyaphun Nunta — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

In recent years, mental health issues among Thai youth have been increasing. This review article explores the relationship between mental health and indigenous rituals from various regions, examining how these rituals contribute to mental well-being. This study aims to suggest solutions for maintaining and enhancing well-being by utilizing the local knowledge of ethnic minority groups. It applies the “Eight Dimensions of Well-being model”, which offers comprehensive perspectives on well-being, to the traditional rituals of the Sámi, the Navajo, the Ainu, and the Karen groups. Data were gathered from various academic sources, ethnographic studies and historical record. The findings indicate that these rituals strengthen the emotional and mental dimensions of well-being for both participants and other involved. Based on these insights, the study suggests establishing “safety nets” to enhance well-being and activating the supportive functions embedded within existing cultural practices. One expected outcome of building these safety nets is the reduction of social security costs through a grassroots initiative that does not rely on large-scale fiscal spending.

The Relationship between Historical Events and Legislation on the Creation of Knowledge from Archaeological Excavations

Sitanun Suwunnasin — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

I aim to suggest that social hierarchies and social networks of the government have a lasting impact on the creation of archaeological knowledge as reflected through the policies of the ruling class and government during historical events, the enactment of relevant legislation, and the archaeological employment system that responds to government policy. I use the Actor-Network theory to answer the main question of this research: How do the actors in archaeological excavations create archaeological knowledge? I followed the government by tracing the history of the state’s creation of archaeological concepts, along with the study of relevant legislation and regulations.
It was found that the development of Thai archaeological concepts was mainly based on the ideas of aristocrats. Archaeology was used to respond to political policies. The public was not the main actor that affected the creation of archaeological knowledge. In addition, the establishment of the archaeological outsourcing system between the government and the private sector, and the enactment of legislation that focused on defining meanings rather than issuing regulations on the process of knowledge creation, had impacts on other actors who are working in the fieldwork, causing them to produce knowledge that was not concerned with the disappearance of archaeological data from the urgent operations in the fieldwork.

Phya Kong Phya Phan: The Role and Transmission of Local Culture

Wasamone Peansamer, Pathitta Pupaniad — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This academic article examines the role and transmission of Phya Kong Phya Phan folktale as a tool for cultural communication. The study reveals the folktale's significance in explaining the names of villages and towns linked to the narrative, reflecting community values, and featuring in local rituals and festivals. Initially transmitted through oral storytelling Phya Kong Phya Phan, like other traditional folktales, initially relied on oral storytelling. As the tale gained popularity, it was later recorded in written form and has since been creatively adapted into modern formats. Furthermore, the tale is also integrated into the Thai language learning standards of the Ministry of Education to ensure its widespread transmission to new generations. The study of the Phya Kong Phya Phan folktale highlights its influence in contemporary society. Notably, proposing ways to applying local history for contemporary local development, such as the use of the folktale to enhance local tourism and resisting state and external economic pressures. This underscores the value of the folktale as a crucial cultural mechanism for sustaining the stability and continuity of local culture.