Khon Kaen Province Research Articles

Exploring key drivers of residents’ support for community-based tourism

ABSTRACT While most research on citizenship behaviour focuses on conventional formal organizational contexts, few studies examine its role in destination organizations, such as community-based tourism (CBT). This study addresses that gap by investigating the effects of community citizenship behaviour (CCB), technological optimism, and creative self-efficacy (CSE) on residents’ support for tourism in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. Using a two-step structural equation modelling approach, data from 500 residents involved in CBT were analysed. The findings reveal that CSE partially mediates the relationship between CCB and support for tourism, while technological optimism positively moderates the CCB-CSE link. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers and practitioners in developing CBT.

Integrating vermicompost, black soldier fly, and inorganic fertilizers enhances corn growth and yield.

To achieve good agricultural practices and maximize the economic yield of corn, farmers should reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers. A field experiment was conducted in the Chonnabot district, Khon Kaen province, Thailand, during the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. The aim was to assess the impact of different organic fertilizers and their combinations on the growth and yield of commercial sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) and waxy corn (Zea mays L. var. ceratina) hybrids. The results showed that sweet corn had significantly higher ear fresh weight, protein, fat, and fiber content compared to waxy corn, with values of 7,529.20kgha-1, 14.48%, 4.74%, and 1.30%, respectively. Two treatments, F4 (190.63kgNha-1+46.88kgPha-1+46.88kgKha-1) and F3 (6,250kgha-1 of black soldier fly (BSF)+95.31kgNha-1+23.44kgPha-1+23.44kgKha-1) resulted in the highest ear fresh weight, with 6,569.90 and 6,275.40kgha-1, respectively. In contrast, F4 showed higher protein (12.04%), fat (4.62%), and fiber content (0.91%) than F3. Significant improvements were observed in SPAD value, biomass, and yield parameters. Corn plants treated with a combination of vermicompost, BSF, and inorganic fertilizer showed higher ear length, ear diameter, ear fresh weight, and dry biomass than control plants (no fertilizer management, F1). The F1 treatment led to higher carbohydrate content in both corn cultivars tested, with a notable impact on pink waxy corn (82.06%). Our findings suggest that using a combination of BSF and inorganic fertilizers is promising for reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers and providing the highest net income among the three fresh corn cultivars. Pink waxy corn showed greater adaptability under low soil fertility conditions owing to better yield components than purple waxy corn when evaluated without fertilizers.

Opinions on Factors Affecting Contiguously Operation under Organic Rice Production Promotion Project in Khon Kaen Province

The purpose of this research is to study 1) The basic social and economic data of farmers under Organic Rice Production Promotion Project in Khon Kaen Province, 2) Problems and obstacles in growing organic rice, and 3) farmers’ opinions on factors affecting the continuous operation of agriculture. Data were collected from farmers participating in the project of Khon Kaen Rice Seed Center in Khon Kaen from 2017 to the present from 123 samples and 6 groups of organic farmers by using structured interview schedule and general context interviews of farmer groups. Statistics used in data analysis were frequency, percentage, standard deviation, mean, maximum and minimum. The results show that the problems and obstacles in growing organic rice of farmers were insufficient water sources for organic rice cultivation and problems with weeds in rice fields. Factors affecting the continuous implementation of Organic Rice Production Promotion Project of farmers were the demand for organic rice planting for household consumption, the decrease of cost of rice cultivation, the increase of fertility of the soil and receiving support from government agencies. For recommendation, it is suggested that related agencies should come help develop water resources for growing organic rice and should focus on the development of organic rice products in both processing packaging.

Path analysis of social network factors influencing sustainable eco-city development in the northeast of Thailand

In Urban development, diversity respect is needed to prioritize and balance the urban development design for sustainable eco-city development. As a result, this research aimed to investigate the causal factor pathways of social network factors influencing sustainable eco-city development in the northeastern region of Thailand through a quantitative research approach. With the aim to survey insightful information, the analysis unit was conducted at the individual level with three hundred and eighty-three (383) samplings in Khon Kaen and Udon Thani provinces, including univariate analysis and multivariate analysis, using path analysis and multiple linear regression. The study results indicated that two pathways of social network factors influencing sustainable eco-city development were indirect influence factors. The indirect influence factor consists of information exchange, benefits exchange in the network, and members’ role in the social network. Additionally, the study revealed that the pathway has influences through social network types and the economic and social dimensions of sustainable cities (R2 = 0.330). Therefore, this study concluded that sustainable eco-city development should be implemented through community networks and economic and social network development for environmental development through social network types.

Measurement Service Productivity: The Case Study of the Wedding Photography Businesses in Khon Kaen Province

There is an attempt of measuring service productivity in order to analyze performance of the service business. Since wedding photography businesses are struggling due to a variety of issues, service productivity has decreased. The purpose of this research is to measure and analyze the service productivity of 15 wedding photography businesses located in Khon Kaen province. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather input and output variables over a one-month period from the 15 wedding photography businesses. The collected data were analyzed using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with an input-oriented approach. The productivity measurement of the wedding photography businesses consists of 3 input variables and 2 output variables. The findings indicated that 6 wedding photography businesses were efficient under the CRS model, and 7 were efficient under the VRS model. The guideline from efficient wedding photography businesses is recommended to improve service productivity in the wedding photography business in terms of operations management by using the best practice units as a benchmark for inefficient DMUs. The results of this research are expected to benefit wedding photography businesses operating in similar contexts and contribute to the broader service sector for further study.

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Trichotylenchus dispersus (Nematoda: Dolichodoridae), a Newly Recorded Plant-Parasitic Nematode in the Rhizosphere Soil of Tomato Plants in Thailand

Trichotylenchus sp. is a migratory ectoparasitic nematode (PPN) that causes hypoplasia disease symptoms in economic plants, such as maize and banana. In this study, soil samples were collected from 6 locations in a tomato field in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, for the purpose of nematode extraction using the Cobb’s sieving and flotation-centrifugation techniques. Morphological and molecular characterization of the collected PPN identified it as Trichotylenchus sp., a PPN not previously found in Thai tomato fields. Morphologically, the nematode has a C-shaped body, a rounded lip region, robust stylet and dorsal gland orifice located 2.0 ± 0.5 µm from the base of basal knobs. The tail is conically shaped, and the cuticle exhibits annulations with 3 incisures in the lateral field. The morphological characteristics observed closely matched Trichotylenchus sp. To confirm the identity, diagnosis was done using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) molecular technique. Nematode DNA amplification was conducted with different target genes using primer sets AB28/TW81 for ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 and D2A/D3B for D2-D3 region of the 28S rRNA. The PCR amplification showed DNA fragments of approximately 950 and 800 bp, respectively. The sequences obtained were compared with those in the NCBI GenBank, which showed a 98.0 - 99.4 % identity match with Trichotylenchus dispersus specimens previously documented in China. In addition, the phylogenetic trees reiterated a nematode grouping with T. dispersus, 100 % bootstrap value. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of T. dispersus in the soils of tomato field in Thailand. This nematode is likely to become a major factor limiting tomato production yields if not properly managed. HIGHLIGHTS Six plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) were found to be associated with the tomato gown in field. A newly recorded PPN in the genus, Trichotylenchus, found in Thailand, has been documented in this study. Morphological and molecular characterization identified PPN as Trichotylenchus disperses. This is the first report on incidence of dispersus in a tomato field in Thailand. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Developing the Learning Achievement of Motion and Force and Analytical Thinking of Grade 8 Students Using Integrated STEM Education and Inquiry-Based Learning

This Study aim to investigate the effects of integrated inquiry-based and STEM education learning management on Thai grade 8 students’ analytical thinking and learning achievement. The research employed a one-group experimental design with 37 grade 8 students from a public school in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, selected through purposive sampling. The instruments used in this study included an inquiry-based STEM education integrated learning management plan, a learning achievement test on motion and force, and an analytical thinking test. Data were collected through pretests and posttests on learning achievement and analytical thinking, and ongoing assessments during the learning activities. The data were analyzed using percentage, mean score, standard deviation, effectiveness index (E1/E2), and a paired samples t-test. The results indicated that the overall effectiveness of the learning management, calculated as the E1/E2 ratio, was 77.20/77.57, meeting the predetermined criteria of 75/75. Furthermore, significant increases in analytical thinking and learning achievement were observed at the statistical level of 0.5. These findings support the effectiveness of integrating inquiry-based learning with STEM education in enhancing students’ analytical thinking and learning achievement, contributing valuable insights to educational practices in science education.

Academic Administration of Administrators of Technical Colleges under the Office Vocational Education Khon Kaen Province

Background and Aims: A study of academic administration of administrators of technical colleges under the jurisdiction of the Vocational Education Office in Khon Kaen province. The goal is to investigate and compare the academic administration of administrators from technical colleges under the Khon Kaen Vocational Education Office, stratified by gender, education level, and work experience. Methodology: The population for this study consisted of 487 technical college teachers employed by the Khon Kaen Vocational Education Office during the academic year 2023, with a sample size of 215 people. The sample size was determined using Krejcie and Morgan tables and obtained via stratified random sampling. The research tool is a questionnaire. It has the characteristics of a five-level estimation scale. It inquires about the academic administration of administrators at technical colleges managed by the Khon Kaen Vocational Education Office. The confidence level is 0.95. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and testing statistics are all examples of data analysis statistics. The t-test and F-test are included as assumptions. Results: The findings revealed that (1) A study of academic administration among administrators of technical colleges under the jurisdiction of the Vocational Education Office in Khon Kaen Province. Overall, it is of a high standard. (2) Academic administration of administrators of technical colleges under the Khon Kaen Vocational Education Office, classified by gender and work experience, with no differences in any aspect. (3) Academic administration of administrators from technical colleges overseen by the Khon Kaen Vocational Education Office. Classified education level Overall, there is no difference. However, when considering all aspects of teachers with work experience In terms of curriculum development. The measurement and evaluation work, as well as the teaching media, differ with a statistical significance level of.05. Conclusion: The study discovered that academic administration among technical college administrators in Khon Kaen Province is of high quality overall, with no significant differences by gender or education level. However, differences in curriculum development, assessment, and teaching media were found based on teachers' work experience, with a statistical significance level of.05.

Burning fields, fading memories: exploring the effects of sugarcane burning on air quality and cognitive functioning – A case study in Northeast Thailand

This study assessed the relationship between PM2.5 concentration and the working memory of sugarcane farmers (n = 444) in Khon Kaen Province, one of the largest sugarcane producers in the Northeast region of Thailand. The relationship between the ambient PM2.5 concentrations and the working memory of sugarcane farmers was evaluated using two working memory outcomes. These outcomes included a working memory difficulty score derived from self-report of difficulty in daily tasks that require working memory and an objective memory test score consisting of a set of number recall exercises. The PM2.5 concentration data in this study were obtained from air quality monitoring stations located in the vicinity of the study locations, ensuring both precision and relevance to local air conditions. The regression results showed that farmers in the low-burn farming zone had less difficulty with working memory and better performance on number recall exercises, compared to farmers in the high-burn farming zones, even after controlling for health and socio-economic factors. Our findings highlight the potential impacts of PM2.5 exposure on the cognitive functions of farmers who burn sugarcane residues in Thailand. Our study supports the need for the government of Thailand or health agencies to establish an effective policy to reduce sugarcane residue burning in Thailand.

Missed Appointments and the Potential Correlation between Personal Characteristics, Personality, and Familial Characteristics and Missed Appointments for Adults with Diabetes Mellitus at the Primary Care Unit of Khon Kaen Province.

Regular follow-up treatment is important for the management of diabetes and to reduce the risk of complications. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the proportion of adult diabetic patients who miss appointments, in addition to the potential correlation between personal characteristics, personality, and the context of family structure and characteristics and missed appointments by adult patients with type 2 diabetes. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The data were gathered through self-administered questionnaires and the patient medical records of 106 individuals who received healthcare services at the Khon Kaen Province primary care unit. Data were gathered from 1 November 2023 to 28 December 2023. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and Chi-Square statistics were used to evaluate the relationships with multivariate analyses via multinomial logistic regression and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The majority of patients in the sample, 39.62%, regularly missed appointments. There was a significant association between occasionally missed appointments and middle adulthood (p-value 0.013) and regular exercise (p-value 0.025). A moderate level of the agreeableness personality trait showed a significant association with missed appointments (p-value 0.042). It is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the patient's personality and family characteristics to effectively plan their healthcare and provide optimal support for diabetes treatment.

Air Pollution Forecasting in a Regional Context for Sustainable Management

The aim of this research was to develop and apply a statistical model that can be used to forecast long-term daily maximum particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) concentrations. In order to predict the daily maximum PM2.5 concentrations in the northeastern region of Thailand, the extreme value theory was analyzed, and an appropriate distribution model was identified by employing the Generalized Pareto distribution (GPD). The data of daily maximum PM2.5 concentrations during the years 2021–2023 obtained from six stations was used. These stations are located in Khon Kaen, Loei, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces. The results of this study reveal that the GPD is appropriate based on the results of Kolmogorov-Smirnov Statistics Test. Estimating the return levels during the following return periods: 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, 25 years, 50 years, and 100 years showed that the area in the upper northeastern region, particularly Loei and Nakhon Phanom, has daily maximum PM2.5 concentrations above 500 micrograms per cubic meter. These results can also be used as information to support decision-making when conducting response planning in high-risk areas, which can be helpful for efficient resource planning and prevention actions. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-08-05-024 Full Text: PDF

Studies on Typhonium (Araceae) of Thailand I: Typhoniumvinicolor, a new species from Khon Kaen Province, Northeastern Thailand.

Typhoniumvinicolor from Khon Kaen Province (Northeastern Thailand), is described and illustrated as a species new to science. Color plates, phenology, distribution, discussion of similar taxa, and conservation status assessment are provided.

Health literacy development using a short drama programme for dengue fever control in Thailand

Background: Dengue is a viral infection that spreads from mosquitoes to people. It is especially prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. To address the challenges posed by dengue in countries such as Thailand, effective prevention and control to strengthen health literacy at the community level is needed. One way of achieving this goal is to work with village health volunteers (VHVs). This article documents the use of VHVs for dengue fever prevention in Mueang district, Khon Kaen province, northeast Thailand. Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted. The experimental group comprised 45 people who received a programme that aimed to enhance health literacy through the provision of knowledge and social support by community-based volunteers accompanied by a short drama programme. A group of 45 people receiving health services without the drama programme comprised the comparison group. The duration of the activity was 12 weeks. Data were collected by means of a pre- and post-test survey and were analysed using descriptive statistics and a comparison of mean health literacy and practice scores before and after the intervention. Results: Following programme delivery, the experimental group had a mean health literacy score which was significantly higher than that of the comparison group, while the mean practice score of the experimental group was also higher than that of the comparison group. Conclusion: The results suggest that a health literacy programme which includes a short drama programme could be effective in bringing about desired changes with respect to dengue fever prevention. The programme provided in this study was effective and easy to understand. The model developed here could also be useful in other villages in epidemic areas.

Reasons and Criteria for Selecting and Culling Dairy Cows in Small and Medium Farms in the Northeastern Region of Thailand

The objective of this study was to investigate the criteria for cow culling and the methods used for semen selection in small and medium dairy farms in Thailand. Dairy cows on small and medium farms are culled for many different reasons. Methods of selection and culling were examined using data collected from a questionnaire asking about the number of milking cows, farm experience in raising dairy cows, criteria used for culling cows, selection of new cows, replacement cattle, and semen for breeding. Ninety-one farms were randomly selected using a snowball technique from dairy cooperatives in Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, and Sakon Nakhon Provinces, Thailand, with data analyzed using ANOVA and Chi-square statistics. The results showed that most farmers did not cull cows due to low milk production or aging (71.43%, 72.53%) and used 5 to >12 insemination events as a criterion for involuntary culling (50.55%). Chronic mastitis was the highest health reason for culling cows (52.10%). Farmers usually kept on-farm female calves as replacement cows (41.67%), chosen by considering their dams’ milking ability. Most farmers (67.00%) let an artificial inseminator select suitable semen for their cows. When selecting pregnant heifers for replacement, the farmers considered body conformation, udder characteristics, and cow price. Farmers with small and medium farms conducted low levels of voluntary culling and paid less attention to the genetic information of the semen. In summary, this study explains various factors influencing the selection and culling of dairy cows. Challenges leading to cattle culling included mastitis and infertility. Educating farmers on hygiene, reproductive systems, and household accounting is imperative as it facilitates sustainable cattle rearing practices.

Direct Observation of Feeding Behavior of Adult Tabanidae (Diptera) on Beef Cattle from Khon Kaen Province in Thailand.

Tabanidae (horse flies and deer flies) are hematophagous insects that cause direct and indirect damage to animal production. The aims of this study were to determine the preferred site, time of day, and duration of tabanid feeding on beef cattle and identify factors related to infestation by tabanids. The population of tabanids was surveyed on certain body parts of the beef cattle (fore udder, tail, navel, leg, dewlap, body, and under) during the morning hours (9.00-10.30 a.m.), midday (12.00-13.30 a.m.), and afternoon (15.30-17.00 p.m.) every day for 10 days. The findings showed that two genera, Tabanus Linnaeus, 1758, and Chrysops Meigen, 1803, landed on the cows. The leg was statistically significantly the most frequent landing site for tabanids (15.067 ± 7.54) compared with other parts. The average feeding duration for each insect was 2.76 ± 1.77 min. The results showed that a significant number of tabanids were present during midday, as compared with the morning and afternoon. Temperature was found to be positively associated with fly abundance. A regression model was derived in this study (y = 4.23x - 116.09). This information is important for tabanid control and prevention in beef cattle.

A description of a new species of Mongolodiaptomus Kiefer, 1937 (Copepoda, Calanoida, Diaptomidae) from Thailand with an up-to-date key to the genus.

The genus Mongolodiaptomus is widely distributed in stagnant water bodies in Southeast Asia. During a comprehensive collection of freshwater copepods from different areas in Thailand, a previously unknown species of calanoid copepod, Mongolodiaptomusphutakaensis sp. nov., was recorded. Representatives were found in a natural swamp located in the Kok Phutaka community forest in Khon Kaen Province, northeastern Thailand. The new species belongs to the "M.loeiensis species group" and most closely resembles M.loeiensis and M.mekongensis by having a distinct shape of the second exopodal segment of the male right P5, with enlarged proximal and distal parts of the outer margin as well as a bent and twisted principal lateral spine. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by various characters in the males. The ventral surface of the right caudal ramus has two chitinous teeth and two knobs. The intercoxal plate is slightly produced distally and without any spine. The right P5 basis lacks a hyaline membrane on the inner margin but has a distinct spur-like chitinous process at the mid-distal margin on the posterior surface. The left P5 basis has a thin, longer hyaline lamella on the inner margin. The new species is rare, having been observed in only one out of approximately 5,000 surveyed locations in Thailand. A detailed morphological comparison and an up-to-date key to the Mongolodiaptomus species are presented. Their taxonomic characters, interspecies relationships, and biogeography are discussed.

Temporal Analysis of Road Traffic Accidents at Major Intersections in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand: A Time Series Investigation from 2012 to 2021

Temporal Analysis of Road Traffic Accidents at Major Intersections in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand: A Time Series Investigation from 2012 to 2021

Addressing Water Contamination and Associated Health Issues through Community-Based Interventions: A Case Study in Khon Kaen Province.

A recent study conducted in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand, evaluated the effectiveness of a technology-assisted intervention aimed at improving water quality and addressing related health issues in communities around key water bodies. The intervention targeted health concerns associated with water contamination, including chronic kidney diseases, skin conditions, hypertension, and neurological symptoms. The study included water quality assessments and health evaluations of 586 residents and implemented a Learning Innovation Platform (LIP) across 13 communities. Results showed significant improvements in the community, including a decrease in hypertension and skin-related health issues, as well as enhanced community awareness and proficiency in implementing simple water quality assessments and treatment. The study demonstrated the value of a comprehensive, technology-driven community approach, effectively enhancing water quality and health outcomes, and promoting greater community awareness and self-sufficiency in managing environmental health risks.

Continuous Monitoring of Radon Contamination Levels in Lower Nam Phong River, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand

Continuous Monitoring of Radon Contamination Levels in Lower Nam Phong River, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand

Reconstruction of Arogayasala in Khon Kaen Province to the Creation of a Documentary

Reconstruction of Arogayasala in Khon Kaen Province to the Creation of a Documentary