Communities In Southern Thailand Research Articles

Spatial-economic Transformation, the Covid-19 Pandemic, and Possible Futures in Rural Southeast Asia

This article delves into the effects of the continuing structural economic transformation on the economic and development geography of Southeast Asia. An important question that will be addressed is to what extent the shift from agriculture and fisheries to manufacturing and services is not only contributing to urban economic growth, but also to rural poverty reduction. The 1997-8 Asian Financial Crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic have demonstrated that the process of urbanization is not linear. Rural areas appear to be more meaningful than anticipated in the quest for achieving livelihood security. This article discusses findings of qualitative fieldwork conducted in farming and fishing communities in Southern Thailand and Northern Vietnam amidst the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020; a year in which both countries managed to deal with the pandemic relatively well. But how were farmers and fishers affected by the pandemic and what does it reveal for achieving living standards? Based on the empirical results it discusses the implications for rural Southeast Asian futures as well as efforts to reduce spatial disparities and foster more balanced national geo-economies.

Attitudes towards Kratom use, decriminalization and the development of a community-based Kratom control mechanism in Southern Thailand

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) is an indigenous plant of Southeast Asia, which has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Despite local communities in Southern Thailand viewing Kratom as a traditional remedy and not as an illicit drug, Thailand criminalized Kratom in 1943 which has led to tensions between government authorities and local communities. This study employed a mixed-method design to explore alternative ways to decriminalize Kratom, using a Participatory Action Research framework to develop a community charter to better manage Kratom in Tambon Namphu, a rural sub-district in Southern Thailand. Quantitative data consisted of face-to-face surveys with 457 Tambon Namphu residents, 104 students and teachers and on-line self-complete surveys conducted with 1,058 people outside Tambon Namphu. Qualitative data were collected using focus groups, in-depth interviews and through public forums conducted with Tambon Namphu residents. Survey results indicate that most participants agreed with decriminalization of both Kratom cultivation and consumption and typically reported positive attitudes towards people who use Kratom. The most common reasons for supporting Kratom decriminalization were Kratom's perceived benefits for work productivity and health. People had more positive attitudes towards the consumption of fresh Kratom leaves than Kratom decoctions which were deemed more harmful. Participatory action research methods were used to pilot the development of a community consensus framework for Kratom control in Donsai, a village of 127 households. Following successful piloting, the community consensus framework on Kratom control was adopted in Donsai, adapted across Tambon Namphu and then extended to cover 135 villages across Thailand.

Household Smoking Situations and Factors Associated with Smoking Cessation among Adult Men in Coastal Fishing Communities

Objective: To investigate household smoking situations and factors associated with cessation, focusing on adult male smokers in low socioeconomic coastal fishing communities in southern Thailand. Materials and Methods: An epidemiological community cross-sectional approach was conducted in 371 adult male smokers aged between 20 and 60 years. A self-administered questionnaire was applied to gather the data. Demographic characteristics, household smoking, smoking history, smoking behaviors, and pulmonary symptom data were collected by the community research assistants. Statistical computing was performed with R studio, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The household smoking prevalence was 23.5%. Most smokers were categorized as having high pack-years, and the lowest age at first smoking was ten years old. Imitation and impetuous behaviors were the major leading causes of becoming a new smoker. The number of cigarettes smoked daily was the highest among individuals with more than 20 pack-years. Eighty-four-point-one percent of smokers desired to quit smoking for personal health reasons. Smokers in the 51 to 60 years age group were 49.62 times as likely as adolescents to cease smoking. Participants who first started smoking when they were older than 17 years of age had a 3.56-times higher chance of quitting smoking than those who started smoking when they were younger than 15 years of age (95% CI 1.51 to 8.37). Conclusion: The smoking situation in the coastal fishing communities of the southernmost provinces of Thailand is a worrisome problem. Smoking prevalence remains high, with prevalence increasing with age, and newer smokers starting at younger ages. A high proportion of smokers intended to cease smoking. Therefore, smoking cessation programs would be essential in the present study area. Keywords: Smoking situation, Cessation, Coastal fishing community, Southernmost Thailand

Survey on neutralizing antibodies against Zika virus eighteen months post-outbreak in two southern Thailand communities

BackgroundIn 2016 and 2017, Zika virus (ZIKV) infection outbreaks occurred in two communities in southern Thailand. This re-immerging infection can widely spread by mosquito bites and cause serious complications in a central nervous system among children born to infected mothers. Thus, they should be protected. This study aims to (1) To determine the prevalence of neutralizing ZIKV antibodies in the post-outbreak areas among the general population and pregnancy women residing at various distances from the houses of the nearest index patients; (2) To examine the cross-neutralizing capacity of antibodies against ZIKV on other flaviviruses commonly found in the study areas; (3) To identify factors associated with the presence of neutralizing ZIKV antibodies.MethodsThe two post-outbreak communities were visited at 18 months after the outbreaks. We enrolled (1) 18 confirmed ZIKV infected (index) cases, (2) sample of 554 neighbors in the outbreak areas who lived at various distances from the index patients’ houses, (3) 190 residents of non-outbreak areas, and (4) all pregnant women regardless of gestational age residing in the study areas (n = 805). All serum specimens underwent the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). Ten randomly selected ZIKV seropositive and ten randomly selected seronegative specimens were tested for dengue virus serotypes 1–4 (DENV1–4) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) antibodies using PRNT90. Serum titer above 1:10 was considered positive. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with seropositivity.ResultsOut of all 18 index cases, 9 remained seropositive. The seroprevalence (95% CI) in the two outbreak areas were 43.7% (35.9–51.6%) and 29.7% (23.3–36.0%) in general population, and 24.3% (20.1–28.8%) and 12.8% (9.7–16.5%) in pregnant women. Multivariate analysis showed that seropositivity was independent of the distance gradient from the index’s houses. However, being elderly was associated with seropositivity. DENV1–4 and JEV neutralizing antibodies were present in most ZIKV-positive and negative subsamples.ConclusionProtective herd immunity for ZIKV infection is inadequate, especially among pregnant women in the two post-outbreak areas in southern Thailand.

The social determinants of health of the Urak Lawoi\u2019 of southern Thailand

BackgroundTraditionally, most Western models of health viewed sickness and disease as a product of individual factors such as personal behaviors and genetic predisposition; consequently, healthcare interventions were largely focused on fixing the individual, with little attention placed on contributing external factors. The WHO’s “Social Determinants of Health” (SDH) framework, however, takes a broader ecological perspective that suggests that interventions must occur at multiple levels in order for good health to be achieved on an equitable basis. This model views health as a function of many circumstantial and environmental factors that are continuously and simultaneously interacting across multiple domains. These factors include structural mechanisms, such as laws and policies; socio-economic conditions, such as education and occupation; and intermediary circumstances, such as living and working conditions. Utilizing the SDH framework as a guide, this qualitative study sought to identify which specific determinants are most significant and present the greatest risk to the health and well-being of the Urak Lawoi’ (UL), a “sea nomad” group indigenous to southern Thailand.MethodsInterviews, household surveys, and focus group discussions were utilized to gather primary data from 71 subjects in three different UL communities in southern Thailand. In addition, a comprehensive literature review of relevant international mechanisms, national laws, and national policies was conducted. All data collected was analyzed and coded utilizing HyperRESEARCH.ResultsIn all three communities, education and livelihoods were found to be the most critical determinants. Additionally, land grabbing and living conditions were identified as dire issues on Ko Lipe. The law and policy review revealed several deviations between international mechanisms and national laws and policies in both enshrinement and enforcement, with the Royal Thai Government (RTG) often overlooking the interests of the UL when formulating laws and policies.ConclusionsThe above-mentioned determinants, along other structural and intermediary determinants, are synergizing, thereby placing the UL at increased risk of poorer health and health outcomes compared to other Thais living in the same vicinities. To rectify this, the RTG must reform national laws and policies that harm the UL, and civil society must hold them accountable. Several recommendations are offered to achieve a better future for the Urak Lawoi’.

Rezim Baru Monarki Thailand: Antara Darurat Militer Dan Kesejahteraan Sosial Di Wilayah Selatan

Muslim communities in Southern Thailand have experienced in discrimination among in economic, social, and politics. This condition has even occurred in the last seven decades under King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who was known to be wise king. Basically, King Bhumibol as the head of state always stated that social welfare approace is the best way to solve the problem, but almost every Thai Prime Minister as the head of government unfortunately always uses a militaristic approach that triggers social resistance. Since King Bhumibol died, Thailand has faced with the potential crisis for two reasons. First, Maha Vajiralongkorn as a successor, he is considered have different charisma with his father because he is very glamorous and have controversial lifestyle. Secondly, the absence of King Bhumibol, who has been a counterweight to the state made the Thai military more often coups. This conditions give impact to Muslim communities in the South who always live with uncertainty condition with two possibilities. First, Muslim communities have a better life under the new monarchy regime with social welfare and humanity approaches. Secondly, the condition of the Muslim communities will remains stagnant under the controversial king with continued by martial law.

Screening for Elevated Blood Lead Levels and Related Risk Factors among Thai Children Residing in a Fishing Community.

The present study explored environmental and behavioral factors associated with elevated blood lead (Pb) levels in 311 children (151 girls and 160 boys), aged 3–7 years, who lived in a coastal fishing community of the Pakpoon Municipality, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. The geometric mean for blood Pb was 2.81 µg/dL, ranging between 0.03 and 26.40 µg/dL. The percentage of high blood Pb levels, defined as blood Pb ≥ 5 µg/dL, was 10.0% in boys and 13.9% in girls. Parental occupation in producing fishing nets with lead weights was associated with a marked increase in the prevalence odds ratio (POR) for high blood Pb (POR 17.54, 95%; CI: 7.093, 43.390; p < 0.001), while milk consumption was associated with 61% reduction in the POR for high blood Pb (POR 0.393, 95%; CI: 0.166, 0.931; p = 0.034). High blood Pb was associated with an increased risk for abnormal growth (POR 2.042, 95%; CI: 0.999, 4.174; p = 0.050). In contrast, milk consumption was associated with a 43% reduction in POR for abnormal growth (POR 0.573, 95%; CI: 0.337, 0.976; p = 0.040). After adjustment for age, the mean (standard error of mean, SE) values for blood Pb were 6.22 (0.50) μg/dL in boys and 6.72 (0.49) μg/dL in girls of parents with an occupation in making fishing nets with lead weights. These mean blood Pb values were respectively 2.3 and 2.5 times higher than similarly aged boys and girls of parents with other occupations. These data are essential for setting surveillance and programmes to prevent toxic Pb exposure, especially in children of coastal fishing communities in southern Thailand.

Exploring culture-based learning for Moken hunter-gatherer children

Despite numerous education readjustments by the government, efforts for equal opportunity in education and an increase in present enrolment, many indigenous children in Thailand continue to face serious obstacles in the formal education system. This study focuses on the Moken hunter-gatherer communities in southern Thailand and seeks to analyse and understand the situation of Moken children and the shortcomings of the formal education system within their context. Traditional ways of knowing, especially knowing through nature and through play, are used as a platform to rethink the way we look at indigenous children’s education in Thailand. This paper identifies alternate approaches to sustainable and inclusive education for Moken children in the Thai education context. Traditional practices of knowledge transmission based around play and self-directed learning are looked at to help bridge the gap between Moken learners and the formal education system in order to contextualise and make relevant the curriculum that is taught. While this study only focuses on the Moken, findings and conclusions may be drawn to encompass a larger scope in terms of implications for other indigenous learners in Thailand.

Investigating Lateritic Soil Properties and Impacts from Quarrying Activity on Communities in Southern Thailand: A Case Study

This paper details the impact arising from the lateritic soil quarrying activity in many communities within Songkhla province of Southern Thailand. The affected communities of Ban Khuan Chong, Ban Huay Oan and Ban Thung Don were selected as target areas for the study based on the suitability of their active quarry sizes and locations which are conspicuous on the aerial photographs of Google Maps, and where permission to collect data was forthcoming from the quarry operators. Assessments were made to determine the extent of impact on the communities in terms of the environment, people’s health, and effects on transport infrastructure. Findings from the study are shown on the website: http://techno.nstru .ac.th/piti/project in order to help promote responsible quarrying and use of lateritic soil in the construction business. In addition to details of the likely impacts from various types of soil excavation, the website features a database of quarry sites in the province as well as engineering properties of the soils therefrom.

Assessing Breast Cancer Awareness in Thai Women: Validation of the Breast Cancer Awareness Scale (B-CAS)

Background:Raising breast cancer awareness is a well-established first line strategy to reduce breast cancer mortality. A properly validated instrument is needed to gain a better understanding of breast cancer awareness.Objective:The objective of this study was to develop and validate an instrument to assess breast cancer awareness in Thai women.Methods:In this study, we develop and evaluate the validity of the Breast Cancer Awareness Scale (B-CAS). Construct validity was evaluated by using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, and criterion validity was investigated using ROC curves to examine the associations between B-CAS subscales and breast self-examination. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were also investigated. This validation process employed two independent samples of Thai women aged 20-64 years collected from communities in southern Thailand.Results:In total, 660 Thai women (mean age 41 years) participated in this study. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated the construct validity of B-CAS (CFI =0.91; NNFI=0.90; GFI=0.95; AGFI= 0.95; RMSEA=0.044, 95%CI 0.041 to 0.047; P< 0.05). Several of the B-CAS subscales demonstrated strong utility in discriminating between women who do and do not regularly conduct breast self-examination. B-CAS also demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.86) and test-retest reliability. The final version of B-CAS contains 35 items across five domains: knowledge of risk factors, knowledge of signs and symptoms, attitude to breast cancer prevention, barriers of breast screening, and health behaviour related to breast cancer awareness.Conclusion:The breast cancer awareness scale (B-CAS) was shown to have good psychometric properties in Thai women, and is likely to prove useful in studying the epidemiology of breast cancer awareness in Thai women, and evaluating breast cancer prevention programs for raising awareness.

Species-specific effects of seagrass on belowground biomass, redox potential and Pillucina vietnamica (Lucinidae)

The network of roots and rhizomes of seagrasses plays an important role in coastal ecosystems by anchoring the substrate firmly, controlling the biogeochemistry of the sediments and providing habitat for many infaunal organisms. The purpose of this study was to compare five seagrass communities in southern Thailand in terms of species composition, belowground biomass, redox potential and the abundance of the dominant bivalve Pillucina vietnamica. The communities of Halophila ovalis, Cymodocea rotundata, Thalassia hemprichii, H. ovalis with C. rotundata and C. rotundata with T. hemprichii were studied. Belowground biomass, redox potential, bivalve abundance and bivalve size differed among communities and depths (P &lt; 0.05). The redox potential in vegetated areas was lower than in bare sand, showing that seagrass roots trapped more organic matter than did bare sand. The lowest redox potential was in a monospecific patch of the branching root species, C. rotundata. The abundance of P. vietnamica in vegetated areas was lower than in bare sand (P &lt; 0.05). Pillucina vietnamica was relatively large in size in the monospecific stands of C. rotundata and T. hemprichii, where relatively high root biomass and belowground biomass, respectively, were found. Our results suggest that seagrass promotes anoxic conditions belowground by trapping sediment but could obstruct the burrowing activity of lucinids, as dense populations of lucinids occurred mainly in bare sand. However, seagrass also provided shelter for lucinids, as larger bivalves were found in seagrass areas. The interactions among belowground seagrass parts, the biogeochemistry of sediments and the lucinids are highly complex and merit further study.

PREJUDIS KEAGAMAAN: KESENGSARAAN MASYARAKAT ROHINGYA DI MYANMAR

From a historical perspective, the Rohingyas in Myanmar could be regarded as among the most victimized community in the world. Compared to others Muslim minorities in the region such as the ethnic Moro in southern Philippines or Muslim communities in southern Thailand, the Rohingya’s existence, their civic status and their personal narratives are rarely examined and exposed. The Rohingya Muslim community in Myanmar is burdened with continued persecution and suffering. This occurs due to the Myanmar government’s refusal to recognise and provide citizenship status to the Rohingya leading to an endless problem of identity. This article seeks to reveal the plight of the Rohingya people, including in matters of religion, as well as the history of the Rohingya people. It argues that the biggest challenge to the Rohingya people in Myanmar is religious prejudice, a problem serious enough to drive them to flee their homes. The Rohingyas now could be found in various countries including Malaysia, Thailand and Bangladesh as well as European countries and the United States of America.

Krajood: Creative Economics Development in Communities through Indigenous Handicraft of Southern Thailand

National development based on indigenous knowledge of Thai society that conforms to utilizing local natural resources is a beneficial alternative that Thai government agencies have given priority and promotion with optimism towards the stability and security of Thai society. Obstacles for Krajood (Sedge) handicrafts in Southern Thailand come from internal and external factors. Internal factors include shortage of local raw materials , limited processing tools that are inefficient and expensive to purchase and repair. External factors include the cheap price of low value massed produced products. Creative economics development through Krajood handicrafts in communities in Southern Thailand must include 1) Consolidation of knowledge, network marketing and diffusion of knowledge, 2) Practical government economic development policy for local communities, 3) Systematic Administration of handicraft manufacturing groups to increase efficiency, 4) design products that meet consumer requirements, 5) Products must be properly, 6) Direct and indirect support from manufacturers, entrepreneurs, government and private organizations in national and international market development and 7) Marketing support from all parties involved in advertisement and public broadcasts.

Socio-economic vulnerability of coastal communities in southern Thailand: the development of adaptation strategies

Abstract. The tsunami of December 2004 impacted large areas of Thailand's coastline and caused severe human and economic losses. The recovery period revealed differences in the vulnerabilities of communities affected. An understanding of the causal factors of vulnerability is crucial for minimising the negative effects of future threats and developing adaptive capacities. This paper analyses the vulnerabilities and the development of adaptation strategies in the booming tourist area of Khao Lak and in the predominantly fishing and agricultural area of Ban Nam Khem through a comprehensive vulnerability framework. The results show that social networks played a crucial role in coping with the disaster. Social cohesion is important for strengthening the community and developing successful adaptation strategies. The development of tourism and the turning away from traditional activities have a significant positive influence on the income situation, but create a dependency on a single business sector. It could be shown that households generating their income in the tourism sector were vulnerable unless they had diversified their income previously. Income diversification decreased the vulnerability in the study areas. Adaptation strategies and processes developed in the aftermath clearly address these issues.

Wastewater discharge degrades coastal waters and reef communities in southern Thailand

Runoff and sewage discharge from land developments can cause significant changes in water quality of coastal waters, resulting in coral degradation. Coastal waters around Phuket, Thailand are influenced by numerous sewage outfalls associated with rapid tourism development. Water quality and biological monitoring around the Phuket region was undertaken to quantify water quality and biotic characteristics at various distances from sewage outfalls. The surveys revealed strong gradients in water quality and biotic characteristics associated with tourism concentration levels as well as seasonal variability. Water and reef quality tended to decrease with increasing tourist intensity, but improved with increasing distance from sewage discharge within each of the three study locations. In addition, the effect of wastewater discharge was not localised around the source of pollution, but appeared to be transported to non-developed sites by currents, and exacerbated in the wet season.

Tales from the margins: small fishers in post‐tsunami Thailand

PurposeTo critically examine how the post‐tsunami recovery process has affected the livelihoods of small fisher communities in southern Thailand.Design/methodology/approachThis study was carried out as part of on‐going work with small fisher communities in southern Thailand. It was based on direct observations and interviews in fishing communities and following decision‐making processes through attending meetings and reviewing secondary reports.FindingsThe Indian Ocean tsunami had immediate devastating and longer‐term debilitating consequences for small fisher communities in southern Thailand. Delays in repairing or replacing boats have had a major impact on well‐being. The tsunami by removing housing and other coastal infrastructure also created opportunities for both social and ecological reorganization. These opportunities were seized upon by powerful interests groups with already strong connections to state through membership in taskforces and other links to power, in particular the tourism and conservation sectors to the detriment of interests of small fishers. A narrow focus on tourism‐led recovery is unlikely to do anything but recover tourism.Practical implicationsAs a marginalized and vulnerable group small fishers need to be directly involved in negotiations around disaster recovery programmes and setting priorities for future regional development in southern Thailand.Originality/valueThis study draws attention to persistent problems in the disaster recovery programs in Thailand that have left small fisher communities in a perilous condition.