Authors:Natrada Somsith Pages: 1 - 20 Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the Westerner representation in the novel 'Burapha' by V. Vinicchayakul using the approach of Representation study and Occidentalism in literature. The findings show that V. Vinicchayakul's representation of Westerners is consistent with the concept of Occidentalism, as seen through the western characters who decided to travel to Siam in order to escape the dull civilization in the West. However, when Westerners arrived in Siam, they became the outsiders in terms of look, culture, and way of thinking. The Siamese consider the Westerners as powerless people. The Westerners, too, realized they were in the wrong place and returned to the West. This portrayal gave Westerners the status of "others" in Siamese society, preventing them from assimilation. The representation is analogous to the Western characterization of Occidentalism, which tried to devalue the West while honoring the East's values and culture over the West through literature. PubDate: 2024-06-24 Issue No:Vol. 20, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Waranphat Kiranawat, Kamon Butsaban Pages: 21 - 39 Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic presents a significant crisis that requires each country to devise its own response strategies. This is evident in the differing approaches taken by North and South Korea. Hence, this study aims to examine the disparities in COVID-19 policies between the two nations in order to employ a comparative research method, this study evaluates governmental crucial responses to the pandemic. The analysis focuses on dissecting the policies and measures implemented by utilizing SWOT analysis to identify their strengths and weaknesses in each related measure. Therefore, the study result reveals that South Korea could formulate more coherent and proactive measure approaching to management in the COVID-19 crisis. PubDate: 2024-06-24 Issue No:Vol. 20, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Jirachaya Jeawkok , Alan Sadeen, Katavudh Sangarun, Maisaroh Buaitam, Sakulrat Tapsuta Pages: 40 - 62 Abstract: This study employs qualitative phenomenological research to explore the factors influencing mothers facing unwanted pregnancies at Songkhla Hospital in Songkhla and their decision-making process regarding termination between December 2022 and February 2023. The study involved eight informants, aged 17 to 42, who chose to terminate unintended pregnancies and were legally allowed to do so. Using a semi-structured interview instrument, experts reviewed the instruments. Data were analyzed through content analysis, categorizing and classifying issues. According to the study's findings, there are five distinct aspects influencing a mother's decision to terminate her pregnancy and prepare for a new beginning: 1. Physical dimension: mothers with congenital conditions impacting daily life may choose termination and adopt lifelong birth control plans to prevent future pregnancies. 2. Psychological dimension: mothers experiencing agitation and anxiety may undergo behavioral changes leading to depression. They may opt for termination, seeking treatment for depression before considering future pregnancies and using temporary birth control methods. 3. Economic dimension: unemployed mothers or those facing financial constraints may choose termination, aiming to stabilize their financial situation before considering parenthood again. They may opt for temporary birth control, work, and wait until their financial position improves. 4. Educational dimension: student mothers whose pregnancies affect academic performance may choose termination, prioritizing their studies. They may lack the maturity to raise children and return to their studies, using temporary birth control methods. 5. Family and social dimensions: mothers facing family rejection or social stigma may choose termination, utilizing temporary birth control methods and avoiding sexual relationships until they feel socially accepted. These findings can provide essential insights for mothers contemplating terminating an unwanted pregnancy. Governmental and private agencies can utilize the study's results to develop guidelines supporting mothers seeking pregnancy termination. PubDate: 2024-06-24 Issue No:Vol. 20, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Worrawoot Jumlongnark Pages: 63 - 81 Abstract: This article aims to provide an analysis of government welfare card policy using public choice theory. The study's objectives are as follows: firstly, to examine the concept of the welfare state; secondly, to explore the evolution of political economy; thirdly, to elucidate the principles of public choice theory; and finally, to apply public choice theory in analyzing the state welfare card project, employing document analysis as the study method. The findings of the study are as follows: 1. The concept of political economy has been extensively studied and can serve as a tool for analyzing government policymaking. 2. Public choice theory, by incorporating economic principles into political analysis, offers insights into politics and electoral processes. 3. The application of public choice theory in analyzing the state welfare card policy provides insight into the benefits within the Thai political system, emphasizing the necessity for exchanges between political parties and voters. The significance of this article in the academic realm lies in its contribution to expanding the knowledge base regarding the study of political economy and its application in various analytical contexts. It offers a valuable perspective on the dynamics of the state welfare card project. PubDate: 2024-06-24 Issue No:Vol. 20, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Jirasak Rakkarn Pages: 82 - 119 Abstract: This study utilizes industrial location factors to conduct a comparative analysis of the automotive industry, specifically focusing on the car manufacturing sector, in Thailand and Indonesia, two prominent car production hubs in Southeast Asia. The factors are categorized into country-level and industry-level factors to determine the superior potential between the two countries. The findings indicate that Thailand demonstrates higher potential than Indonesia in terms of country-level factors, suggesting a more favorable investment environment for car manufacturers. Thailand benefits from generous tax incentives, strong government and financial sector support, and well-developed infrastructure, all of which create a conducive environment for automotive industry investment. However, Thailand faces challenges in economic conditions and government stability compared to Indonesia. Indonesia performs well in terms of industry-level factors, attributed to factors such as substantial domestic demand, growing middle-class income, expanding industrial capacity and production, a relatively low number of competitors, and a plentiful and cost-effective workforce. Nevertheless, Indonesia's automotive industry faces a significant challenge due to a shortage of suppliers. PubDate: 2024-06-24 Issue No:Vol. 20, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Pikul Kulsawang, Eric A. Ambele Pages: 120 - 143 Abstract: The rise of English as a global language and its impact on applied linguistics has introduced intriguing and challenging perspectives on developing the practical skills of second language learners, especially in classrooms with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Proficiency in using English as a second language involves understanding the language itself and employing effective strategies to facilitate communication between speakers. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the appropriateness of these strategies and when and how learners should use them with different individuals. One aspect of communication involves strategic behavior, which becomes necessary when breakdowns in communication lead to misunderstandings or lack of understanding. Addressing such communication issues highlights the interconnectedness of various interactional pragmatic strategies (IPSs) that assist participants in achieving mutual comprehension. This academic paper explores the different IPSs to reshape the teaching and learning processes in classrooms where English is taught as a foreign language. Through a detailed analysis of IPSs, it has been revealed that certain strategies not only help overcome communication obstacles within classroom interactions but also provide insights into the cultural nuances of English usage and its users. Based on these observations, specific IPSs that should be promoted as essential strategies in English as a lingua franca classroom are discussed. PubDate: 2024-06-24 Issue No:Vol. 20, No. 1 (2024)
Authors:Narupon Duangwises Pages: 144 - 173 Abstract: This article aims to critique the way of thinking about sex and gender in the doctrine of Theravada Buddhism, which stabilises discourses of gender truths by giving males a higher status than other genders. This causes human dignity to be measured by the deficiency of masculinity. The author uses the life of Bank, a kathoey undertaker, as a case study to reflect on and question whether the sexual esteem of kathoeys in Thai society can be examined by Buddhist doctrine. The concepts of Malabou (2011) on "plasticity" and "transsubjectivation" are used as a framework for analysis. It is found that the ontology of sexual/gender in Theravada Buddhism does not contribute to the dissolution of male and female boundaries. On the contrary, Bank's gender representation and practices in the space of an undertaker's work can blend femininity and masculinity to create a new identity that is valuable and accepted by society. PubDate: 2024-06-24 Issue No:Vol. 20, No. 1 (2024)
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