Journal of Mekong Societies

A GIS-Based Study of Spatial Patterns in the Changes in Lexical Usage at the Level of Individual Semantic Units in Northeastern Thailand: Integrating Geography and Linguistic Techniques

Sirivilai Teerarojanarat, Kalaya Tingsabadh, Phinnarat Akharawatthanakun — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines spatial patterns in the changes in lexical usage within Thai dialects, focusing on individual semantic units. A dataset of 42 semantic units collected between 1979 and 2002 in Thailand’s Northeastern region was used as the input for the study. The lexical items in each semantic unit were classified as either “Central Thai” or “Non-Central Thai.” The analysis integrated geographic knowledge and Geographic Information System (GIS) data with linguistic techniques to perform spatial comparisons across semantic units. Results of the study are presented in two formats: 1) 42 maps illustrating the changes in lexical usage between 1979 and 2002, each corresponding to a semantic unit, and 2) a table summarizing the percentage of changes for each unit. The main finding indicates that across all semantic units analyzed, “no change” was most commonly observed in the eastern part of the study area, highlighting the stable usage of Non-Central Thai in this region. Furthermore, in cases where “change” was detected, the concentration was found mostly in the southwestern region of the study site, where Nakhon Ratchasima and its neighboring provinces are located. According to the patterns of change observed, it can be summarized that 1) some semantic units show the diversity of spatial change patterns, and 2) some semantic units have similar geographic patterns while others exhibit unique ones. In this regard, the study confirms the advantages of combining GIS and linguistic techniques, providing researchers with the ability to observe the spatial patterns of change.

Dating Written Thai by the Diachronic Data of Comitatives /dûaj/ and /kàp/

Karnwiruch Nuchpraharn — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This research proposes periodization of written Thai by comparing the evolution of two comitative prepositions, /dûaj/ and /kàp/. The methodology is to rearrange the diachronic data using the AntConc toolkit and to consider the usage in three dimensions: orthography, syntax, and meaning. The results show that written Thai should be separated into three periods: Old Written Thai (OWT, 13th to 16th century), Middle Written Thai (MWT, 17th to 19th century) and Modern Written Thai or Standardized Written Thai (SWT, 20th century to the present day). This result may differ from previous research, which periodizes by the dominant cities or the capital cities. In terms of orthography, the two words changed the position of the vowel and tone marker from the second to the first alphabet in the early 19th century. In OWT, /dûaj/ is the general preposition of comitative and other related meanings, while /kàp/ is common as a noun phrase conjunction and a goal marker. The two words, /dûaj/ and /kàp/, overlapped in MWT and eventually /kàp/ became dominant for comitative functions in the mid 19th century and tended to overcome more functions of /dûaj/ in the future.

The Color of Green: Metaphorical Meanings in Thai and Chinese

Cuiyun Shen, Rattana Chanthao — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Metaphor functions not only as a rhetorical device, but also as a cognitive framework for understanding concepts. This study investigates and compares the metaphors associated with the color green in Thai and Chinese, utilizing data from the Thai National Corpus (TNC) and the BLCU Corpus Center (BCC). Applying the contemporary theory of metaphor (CTM) from cognitive linguistics, the analysis identified 139 metaphors for green in Thai, categorized into five main meanings and nine sub-meanings, with anger emerging as the most prevalent sub-meaning. By contrast, the analysis of Chinese revealed 59 metaphors, divided into four main meanings and ten sub-meanings, where marital infidelity was identified as the most common sub-meaning. Overall, Thai people utilize green metaphors more frequently than do their Chinese counterparts; however, in both languages, green metaphors carry predominantly negative connotations. This study highlights both similarities and differences in the metaphors of green between Thai and Chinese, reflecting the intrinsic properties of the color as well as the social histories, geographical contexts, and cultural perceptions unique to each group.

Screams Across the Mekong: A Horror Film Exploration in Five Nations

Sirin Chakamanont, Thawisak Hongcharoen, Nutthariya Chinapatthanawong — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Horror films serve as powerful cultural artifacts through which societies express anxieties, preserve folklore, and negotiate moral complexities. This qualitative study investigates horror cinema across five Mekong nations—Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam—through a comprehensive comparative cultural analysis framework. The research examines how these films reflect and engage with local spiritual beliefs, historical traumas, societal concerns, and the tension between tradition and modernity. By analyzing 15 culturally significant horror films selected based on regional relevance, box office performance, and IMDb ratings, the study identifies recurring themes including death, spiritual retribution, karmic justice, isolation, gender dynamics, and the disruptive impact of technology on traditional belief systems. The methodology employs qualitative content analysis grounded in semiotic and narrative theory, triangulating film content with scholarly literature, film reviews, and cultural-historical sources. This approach reveals how Mekong horror films function as both entertainment and pedagogical tools that interrogate ethical dilemmas, preserve collective memory, and critique social structures. The study addresses a critical gap in global horror scholarship by offering the first comprehensive cross-national analysis of Mekong horror cinema, demonstrating how these films contribute to national identity formation, regional cultural dialogue, and global cinematic discourse. The findings underscore the role of horror cinema in preserving cultural identity while engaging with contemporary social dynamics, revealing shared regional anxieties alongside nation-specific narrative strategies.

Folk Beliefs in Constructing Social Representation of the Thai Chinese in the Context of Proculturation

Huiying Wang, Warunee Wang — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines Thai Chinese beliefs, particularly those involving the deities Pun Tao Kong and Guan Gong, in northeastern Thailand. Qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews and participant observation, were used to explore the process of Thai Chinese proculturation within the host society. The findings demonstrate that while early Thai Chinese folk religious practices functioned primarily as mechanisms for ethnic identity preservation, these communities subsequently underwent a transformative process in which universal spiritual aspirations were synthesized with indigenous merit-making traditions, thereby reconstituting their social representation within the local cultural landscape. To facilitate deeper integration into the host society, Thai Chinese communities have engaged in both diachronic and synchronic reconstructions of Pun Tao Kong and Guan Gong belief systems by symbolically recontextualizing temple-based activities and ceremonial practices. The evolution of these folk beliefs marks a paradigmatic shift from earlier forms of cultural distinction toward greater cultural shareability and mutual accessibility. The physical spaces associated with these belief systems have increasingly served as platforms for social welfare and charitable initiatives, benefiting the broader local community and fostering reciprocal cultural exchange between Thai Chinese and indigenous traditions. Thai Chinese folk religious practices have been successfully incorporated into local cultural resources, making substantial contributions to Thailand’s cultural development, tourism sector, and philanthropic infrastructure. This reciprocal relationship exemplifies how proculturation processes generate mutually beneficial outcomes for multicultural coexistence, wherein cultural preservation and cultural innovation occur simultaneously, creating advantages for all participants within the heterogeneous cultural milieu.

Implementing CLIL in Myanmar: Upper Secondary Content Teachers’ Perspectives and Readiness Across Urban and Rural Settings

Sandar Htay, Sutida Ngonkum — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigated the perspectives of upper secondary content teachers regarding Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and their willingness to implement it in Myanmar. Six science teachers using English-language textbooks—three from an urban setting (Yangon) and three from a rural setting (Mau-bin)—participated in the study. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews after teachers were introduced to CLIL concepts, the 4Cs framework, and sample teaching materials. The findings indicated that urban teachers held positive perspectives on CLIL and showed strong willingness to adopt CLIL-based practices, viewing the approach as beneficial for enhancing content understanding, English use, student motivation, and critical thinking. By contrast, rural teachers expressed more cautious and varied perspectives, citing concerns related to limited English proficiency, large class sizes, examination-oriented assessment, and insufficient training. Overall, the teachers’ willingness to implement CLIL was shaped by contextual constraints and perceived instructional readiness. The study highlighted the need for systematic and context-sensitive CLIL training to support effective implementation in Myanmar’s upper secondary content classrooms.

Constructing Tom Identities in Interaction: A Conversation Analysis of the YouTube Show, “Talk with Betty”

Krongkwan Siri, Pavadee Saisuwan — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The representation of Thai toms—individuals assigned female at birth who embrace a masculine identity and are attracted to women—has been limited and often confined to stereotypes, particularly regarding masculine expression. The emergence of new media provides a fresh platform for Thai toms to share their experiences. Using conversation analysis as a framework, this article examines interactions between Thai toms on the Thai YouTube interview-based show “Talk with Betty,” with a particular focus on narratives surrounding their identity realization and coming-out practice. The findings reveal that Thai toms’ identities are heterogeneous, as demonstrated by conversational features. Coming out is constructed as an unnecessary practice. Thai toms’ identities revolve around expressions of both masculinity and femininity, which contrasts with the stereotype that they adhere exclusively to masculinity. Through interactions between the host, Betty and tom guests, they share a mutual understanding that creates solidarity amongst Thai toms.

Integrating Technology and Craftsmanship to Develop a Thai Fruit Carving Knife Using Design Thinking

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study aimed to develop the design model of a fruit carving knife which has desirable properties based on the needs of Thai skilled carvers by using design thinking that integrates aesthetics, functionality, and cultural identity. The study utilized a mixed methods research technique. Initially, 40 fruit carving experts were interviewed in-depth about the use of fruit carving knives, with data evaluated through content analysis to define user needs and design criteria. Guided by the design thinking stages of empathize, define, ideate, and prototype, a knife design model was developed, featuring the following physical and functional aspects of blade and grip: 1) a 50 mm straight blade with a cutting angle of 17-30 degrees made of high-carbon steel for maintaining sharpness and rust resistance, and 2) a round lightweight grip made of aluminum decorated with contemporary Thai patterns using laser techniques. User satisfaction with the developed design model was evaluated by 80 participants using a structured questionnaire. The results indicated high levels of satisfaction across blade performance, grip ergonomics, and aesthetic design, with overall satisfaction rated at a very high level. The findings demonstrate that the design thinking process is effective for developing craft tools that respond to user needs while supporting cultural preservation and practical use in both professional and educational contexts.