Thai Social Science Journal

Global Citizenship among Thai Citizens: Insights and Future Directions

2025-11-10T15:04:08+07:00

This research article is part of the research project From Thai Citizens to Democratic Global Citizens for Sustainable Development. It pursues three objectives 1) to examine the characteristics of global citizenship among Thai citizens 2) to investigate key factors influencing the development of global citizenship awareness, and 3) to propose strategies for strengthening global citizenship among Thai people to support sustainable development. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, collecting questionnaire data from 1,500 Thai participants aged 18 and above, complemented by document analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders. The study assessed global citizenship across three dimensions: knowledge, engagement, and expression. The findings indicate that Thai citizens demonstrate a moderate level of global citizenship awareness. Despite a sound understanding of the interdependencies between national and global matters, their commitment to the global community and subsequent actions for the collective global good remain limited. Differences in global citizenship levels among respondents are attributed to age, education, occupation, government policy, and cultural context. The study found that existing Thai environmental policies lack substantive and procedural stringency, consequently affecting the continuity and seriousness of implementation. Furthermore, Thailand's educational system for fostering Global Citizenship Awareness remains unclear, lacking conceptual clarity, standardized processes, and coherent administrative direction. Accroding to the fidings, this article proposes that cultivating Global Citizenship Awareness requires establishing a clear framework, process, and indicators within the basic education curriculum. Crucially, teachers' capacity and understanding must be developed to effectively integrate global citizenship concepts into instruction. This will serve as a crucial foundation for driving long-term sustainable development policies.

Legal gaps in the supervision of Thai temple property and guidelines for reforming the monk inspection system

2025-12-01T14:26:35+07:00

This study investigates the legal gaps in the governance of temple assets in Thailand, focusing on the authority of abbots and lay administrators (waiyawachakorn), and the structural deficiencies that allow unchecked use of temple funds. It aims to analyze the weaknesses in current legal frameworks and propose legal reforms to enhance financial transparency and accountability within Buddhist temples. The research employs qualitative methods through documentary analysis. Findings reveal that existing legislation, particularly the Sangha Act B.E. 2505, lacks clear provisions on mandatory accounting, financial reporting, or external audits. This legal ambiguity allows abbots to exercise absolute control over temple finances without effective oversight. At the same time, the role of waiyawachakorn lacks legal authority to monitor or intervene in financial decisions. Furthermore, there is no centralized or standardized regulatory body to ensure compliance or conduct financial audits of temples.The study proposes three levels of reform: (1) amending existing laws to mandate financial disclosure and accounting obligations for temples, (2) establishing an independent agency to audit temple finances and investigate suspected misuse, and (3) developing participatory oversight mechanisms at the community level to create internal checks and balances.

Educational Inequality among Thai Children: A Comparative Study between Rural and Urban Areas

2025-09-11T15:44:04+07:00

This article examines the issue of educational inequality between rural and urban children in Thailand through a critical structural analysis of social and educational policies. The study argues that educational disparities are not the result of individual abilities but stem from social, economic, and policy structures that fail to meet the specific needs of children in rural areas. Differences in educational resources, including teacher quality, learning materials, and learning environments, significantly hinder rural children's opportunities to develop their full potential compared to their urban counterparts. Furthermore, the analyzes the negative impacts of educational inequality on rural children's life prospects, including reduced access to employment opportunities, income disparities, and social insecurity, alongside psychological effects such as diminished self-esteem and motivation. These factors contribute to a persistent cycle of poverty and social inequality in Thailand. The article proposes policy recommendations focusing on structural changes, emphasizing the development of teacher quality and educational resources in rural areas, promoting community and family involvement in education, and leveraging information technology to bridge educational gaps. These proposals aim to ensure equitable educational opportunities for all children in Thailand, enabling them to realize their potential regardless of geographic location or social status.

The Impact of Social Media on Attitudes and Social Behavior in Thai Society

2025-10-01T14:45:48+07:00

Abstract

Social media has become an essential part of people's daily lives worldwide, including in Thailand, particularly in an era where digital communication plays a significant role in shaping societal direction and behavior. Social media usage in Thai society has transformed interpersonal and group communication in various dimensions. It is not only a tool for connection and entertainment but also a platform for expressing opinions, exchanging information, and participating in social, political, and cultural processes. In the political arena, social media plays a crucial role in encouraging political participation among Thais, especially the youth who utilize online platforms as a tool for communication and political activism. This participation has significantly influenced political attitudes and social beliefs. Regarding social behavior, social media has greatly impacted the formation and maintenance of interpersonal relationships. People can easily and quickly communicate with friends, family, and communities. However, it has also led to a decline in face-to-face communication. The preference for online communication over physical meetings can weaken family and community relationships.The effects of social media usage can be both positive and negative. To manage and mitigate the negative impacts of social media, it is essential to promote users' ability to verify information before believing or sharing it, as well as raising awareness of the potential consequences of inappropriate usage. Additionally, supporting education and learning about responsible and mindful social media use is crucial to enable Thai society to utilize social media as a tool for development and fostering positive relationships.

Impacts of Migration and Cultural Integration in Thai Society

2025-10-29T07:44:15+07:00

This article examines the impacts of migration and the process of cultural integration within Thai society from an ethnographic perspective, emphasizing power relations, identity transformation, and cultural adaptation amid ethnic and cultural diversity. The study analyzes the context of both internal and international migration, focusing on migrant groups that play significant roles in Thailand’s current economy and society, as well as the factors influencing settlement patterns and ethnic distribution. The economic impacts of migration are dual-faceted: migration contributes to labor market enhancement and economic growth at local and national levels, while also exerting pressure on infrastructure and local employment opportunities. Social and cultural effects include the emergence of dynamic cultural exchanges and diversity, yet accompanied by tensions and conflicts, especially where power imbalances and cultural discrimination persist. Policy recommendations highlight the importance of participatory decision-making involving migrant and ethnic communities, fostering genuine understanding and acceptance of cultural diversity. Development of infrastructure and public services tailored to local contexts, alongside promoting cooperation among government, civil society, and local communities, are essential to building a strong and sustainable multicultural society in contemporary Thailand.