Journal of Multidisciplinary in Social Sciences

Aging, Pension System, and Economic Growth in Poland and Thailand

2024-09-04T16:54:24+07:00

This research aimed to analyze the situation of aging, the pension system, and economic growth. There were two objectives using qualitative and quantitative methodology. The first objective aimed to analyze the situation of aging and the pension system in Poland and Thailand by using comparative analysis. The study found that Poland's pension system ensures that the majority of the population receives retirement benefits by offering rather comprehensive coverage. However, in Thailand, only those who work in the formal sector are covered by Thailand's social security system. It implies that a significant proportion of the population, particularly those in the informal sector and those living in rural areas, does not have enough pension coverage. This makes it challenging to ensure financial stability as one ages. The second objective was to examine the relationship between retirement savings and economic growth in Thailand by using OLS regression. This research used time series data and applied quarterly data from Q1 2007 to Q4 2020. The regression results revealed that five variables had a statistically significant effect on economic growth in Thailand, which were Social Security Fund Article 33 (SSF33), Private Investment (I), Retirement Mutual Fund (RMF), Government Spending (G), and Government Pension Fund (GPF). The results confirm that retirement savings are important to the economy’s growth. This research also highlights the important role of pension systems in addressing the challenges of aging populations. A well-planned pension system provides financial security for retirees and supports economic growth. By comparing Poland and Thailand, this study provides valuable understanding for creating sustainable pension systems that can adapt to population changes and strengthen the economy.

Do Japanese Acquisitions Improve Target Firm Financial Performance? A Case Study in Thailand

2024-09-16T15:31:44+07:00

This paper examines how mergers and acquisitions (M&A) by Japanese firms affect the performance of local companies in Thailand. Japan is one of Thailand’s three largest acquirer countries, along with the United States and China, making this case an important one to study. The empirical analysis uses a paired t-test based on company-level financial data. The results show that M&A activity by Japanese firms leads to changes in the average values of several financial ratios and indicators, including Return on Equity. In contrast, changes in Return on Assets and Gross Profit are not statistically significant. Although further research is needed to establish causality, the observed performance shifts may be linked to cross-border transfers of intangible assets and synergy benefits gained through the M&A process. Overall, the statistical findings suggest qualitative changes in the financial items and ratios examined, following cross-border acquisitions by Japanese firms.

Utilizing Lotus through Knowledge Management for Creative Economic Development: A Case Study in Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand

2024-04-20T19:25:36+07:00

This qualitative research investigates the indigenous knowledge related to the utilization of lotus components in the Ban Khlong San Chao community, Nakhon Nayok Province, and explores the effectiveness of knowledge transfer through both in-person training and online dissemination. The study targeted 15–20 community members and implemented a structured training program divided into five phases, encompassing eight key topics on lotus utilization—from upstream cultivation processes to midstream processing and downstream commercialization. The training aimed to enhance local capacity by promoting the value-added use of lotus in various forms. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction with all five phases of the knowledge transfer activities. As a result, community members successfully developed a range of lotus-based products, including lotus varieties, lotus stem bread, lotus cookies, dried lotus flowers, and dyed lotus leaves. These products have been distributed both within and outside the community. Overall, the initiative contributed to increased household income and supported the development of a localized creative economy grounded in traditional knowledge and sustainable practices.

Promoting Healthy Street Foods and Local Economy through Community-Based Tourism in Suphan Buri Province: Innovating Social and Economic Initiatives for Tourism Enhancement in the New Normal Era

2024-07-04T13:22:16+07:00

This research aimed to (1) examine consumers’ consumption behaviors regarding healthy street food purchases, (2) investigate marketing factors influencing the consumption of healthy street foods, and (3) propose guidelines for promoting healthy street foods and strengthening the local economy through community-based tourism in Suphan Buri Province during the New Normal era. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires administered to 400 Thai tourists, while qualitative data were obtained from in-depth interviews with 100 key informants. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used to analyze quantitative data, and qualitative data were thematically analyzed to support guideline development. The findings revealed that tourists frequently purchased healthy street foods 2–3 times per week, spending no more than 200 baht per occasion, primarily between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Convenience, proximity to accommodations, cooked-to-order options, and recommendations from friends or acquaintances were key behavioral characteristics. Marketing factors significantly influenced consumption, with product quality and human interaction emerging as the strongest determinants, followed by processes, physical environment, pricing, distribution channels, and promotional activities. Based on the results, guidelines for promoting healthy street foods should prioritize vendor training and food safety compliance, environmental cleanliness and waste management, and the development of street food standards across four dimensions—health, economic, social, and cultural—to enhance community-based tourism and reinforce the local economy in the New Normal context.

Why Do Employees Want to Resign? Investigating Factors Influencing Turnover Intention: Evidence from the Beverage Company in Thailand

2024-06-06T10:38:45+07:00

This study examines how work enjoyment, the physical work environment, compensation and benefits, coworker support, supervisor support, and career growth opportunities influence employee turnover intention in the Thai beverage industry. Data were collected from 117 employees, and multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. The findings show that only compensation and benefits, as well as supervisor support, have significant negative effects on turnover intention. Interestingly, career growth opportunities were positively associated with turnover intention. These results suggest the need for organizations to align compensation practices and supervisory support with employee expectations in order to reduce turnover. The study offers insights into employee attitudes and their implications for organizational commitment, and it also outlines directions for future research.

Exploring Orchard Tourism through Products, Services, Activities, and Functional Models: A Case Study in the Tohoku Region, Japan

2024-10-16T15:45:42+07:00

This study examines the range of products, services, and activities offered by tourist orchards in the Tohoku Region of Japan and identifies the functional models used within these orchards. A qualitative approach was adopted, using data triangulation from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected through on-site observations and semi-structured interviews with representatives from thirteen local tourism orchards. Secondary data were obtained from academic articles, textbooks, and official websites. Convenience sampling was used to select the 13 orchards based on their provision of Pick-Your-Own activities, bilingual websites, and active online promotion. The findings show that all orchards in the study provide fresh seasonal fruits and offer visitors hands-on harvesting and tasting experiences. Some orchards also sell processed products, operate farm shops, produce wines, and host a variety of additional activities. The study adds new elements to existing literature - such as “relaxing in a leisure orchard area” and “home delivery” - which broaden the understanding of orchard-based tourism services. The orchards can be grouped into four interconnected functional models: 1) the Pick-Your-Own Model (PYO) combined with the Rural Landscape Model (RLM), 2) the PYO combined with the Comprehensive Recreation Model (CRM), 3) the PYO combined with the Eco-Recreation Model (ERM), and 4) the integrated PYO–ERM–CRM model. Overall, the study helps fill gaps in current research on orchard tourism and offers practical functional models that can support improved orchard tourism management in Japan, Thailand, and other destinations worldwide.

Farmers’ Application of Smart Agriculture Systems to Climate Change

2024-08-15T14:22:07+07:00

Climate change has disrupted agricultural practices worldwide, creating serious pressures on food security and environmental sustainability. This study examines how smart agriculture systems can help reduce climate-related impacts on farming, with attention to precision technologies such as IoT-based irrigation, AI-supported crop monitoring, and adaptive greenhouse management. Using a participatory action research approach, data were gathered from in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and non-participant observations. The study worked with 93 farmers across six districts in Buriram Province, Thailand, and introduced smart farming tools to address three major challenges: water shortages, pest control, and resilience to extreme weather. The results show notable improvements in both efficiency and sustainability. Smart irrigation systems lowered water use by 40%, ensuring more accurate watering based on crop needs. Greenhouse cultivation increased yields by 25%, producing an average of 530 kilograms per unit each year, with stable quality and chemical-free produce. The use of biological pest control reduced pest outbreaks by 60%, decreasing reliance on synthetic pesticides. Economically, production costs fell by 30%, and the average payback period for technology investments was about five years, indicating that these innovations are financially viable. The study also shows that collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and farmers has supported the adoption of these technologies and aligned farming practices with broader environmental goals. Overall, this research highlights the role of smart agriculture in strengthening climate resilience and promoting sustainable development in rural communities. The insights offered can guide stakeholders seeking practical and scalable solutions to current agricultural challenges.

Determinants of Financial Access for Smallholder Farmers in Thailand: Challenges, Credit Assessment Criteria, Credit Literacy, and Loan Access

2025-06-16T10:51:51+07:00

This study examines the factors that influence access to funding sources for small-scale farmers in Thailand, focusing on challenges in accessing financial resources (CAF), credit assessment criteria (CAC), credit knowledge (CL), and loan accessibility (LA). The objectives are: 1) to analyze the problems and obstacles farmers face when seeking financial support, 2) to assess the confirmatory components of the causal factors, and 3) to develop a structural equation model explaining how these factors relate to farmers’ access to funding sources. Data were collected through questionnaires from 442 small-scale farmers across 18 provinces, using stratified sampling. Structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis were used to evaluate the relationships among the four latent variables. The findings indicate that the major barriers to accessing funding are the lack of collateral, limited credit knowledge, and insufficient financial documentation. More flexible credit criteria and improved credit knowledge can substantially increase loan accessibility, while difficulty in accessing loans may further restrict farmers’ credit knowledge. The study introduces a model that can support the development of more comprehensive and sustainable financial services and policies for small-scale farmers.

Enterprise Resource Planning Implementation in Thailand’s MSMEs for Enhancing Operational Performance

2024-10-28T11:36:00+07:00

This study examines the factors that influence the successful implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and how these systems help improve operational performance among Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Thailand. The research focuses on several variables: top management commitment, user involvement, business process reengineering, project management, ERP teamwork and composition, ERP implementation, and operational performance. The sample includes 496 employees with a bachelor’s degree or higher and at least one year of experience working in MSMEs. A pilot test with 50 participants was conducted to check the questionnaire’s reliability using the Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) index and Cronbach’s alpha. Judgmental, convenience, and snowball sampling methods were used to recruit participants. Data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results show that top management commitment, user involvement, business process reengineering, and ERP teamwork and composition all have a significant effect on ERP implementation. ERP implementation, in turn, has a positive effect on operational performance. However, project management does not significantly influence ERP implementation. Overall, the study suggests that MSME managers in Thailand can strengthen business performance and competitiveness by focusing on the key factors that support effective ERP adoption.