Northeastern Region Of Thailand Research Articles

Buddha's Footprint in Folk Narratives in the Northeastern Region of Thailand: Imagination, Belief, and the Cultural Roles

Buddha's Footprint in Folk Narratives in the Northeastern Region of Thailand: Imagination, Belief, and the Cultural Roles

Aging Population Challenges and the Role of Thai Adolescents in Caring for the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the perspective and caregiving practices of Thai adolescents towards the elderly in the Northeastern region of Thailand. The study was carried out during July 1st to September 30th, 2023 among 1,551 participants in grades 4-6 from eight randomly selected schools. The analyzing using descriptive statistics. The results found that the average age was 15.30±1.66 years old, 62.4% were female, and most lived with their parents and relatives. About 36.4% of parents have experienced either widowhood or separation, 69.4% of families had a monthly income less than 15,000 THB. While 33.7% had an elderly person in the family, 1.6% lived with bedridden patients, and 40.3% required assistance in daily activities such as cooking, mobility, while 58.7% had diabetes and high blood pressure. 59.3% did not have a primary caregiver in the family, only parents or relatives usually taking on this role. Adolescent grandchildren spent the majority of their time on education. Almost one of three rarely took care of the elderly, even though their parents and teachers taught about moral responsibility. Regarding the belief in the merit that would arise from taking care of the elderly, one of five was indifferent or did not believe, while half of them believed to some extent. From self-assessment of their ability to take care of the elderly, most were in the moderate and low levels, despite receiving information from family, teachers, or various media. The predominant perspective is that caregiving is perceived as the responsibility of parents or health professionals, and the belief that the elderly is captious and irksome. Therefore, it is advisable to present policy-oriented information across education, health, and societal dimensions to support children and young people to learn about elderly individuals and instilling their responsibility within families and societies, fostering a sustainable and well-being-oriented community.

Examining science teachers' TPACK impact on students' post-pandemic thinking skills

The ability of science teachers to effectively integrate technology, teaching methods, and subject content knowledge, known as Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), is vital in designing educational activities that enhance students' academic performance and their ability to think critically and creatively. This study investigates the level of TPACK proficiency among science teachers and its influence on students' advanced thinking skills. The research involved 124 science teachers from 76 schools in the northeastern region of Thailand. It assessed students' abilities in critical thinking, systems thinking, problem-solving, and creative thinking. The results show that nearly half of the science teachers (46.77%) have a moderate level of TPACK proficiency, categorized as the Exploring level. Additionally, the study found significant differences in students' thinking abilities based on the varying levels of TPACK expertise of their teachers. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop and implement effective strategies for enhancing teachers' TPACK skills, with the goal of improving students' complex thinking skills.

Fostering Mathematical Proficiency and Creative Thinking Skills in 10th Grade Students Through the 5E Inquiry-Based Learning Approach with Supplementary Media

This research aims to enhance mathematical proficiency and stimulate creative thinking among 10th-grade students through the implementation of the 5E Inquiry-Based Learning approach with Supplementary Media. The study explores the effectiveness of this pedagogical approach in transforming the learning experience and outcomes in mathematics education. The study focused on comparing students' performance before and after the intervention, as well as investigating their creative thinking abilities in terms of flexibility, originality, fluency, and elaboration. The participants consisted of 10th-grade students from a large-sized school in the northeastern region of Thailand, specifically one classroom comprising 40 students. The tools include Lesson plans, Mathematics Proficiency test and Creative thinking skills test. The results revealed a significant improvement in mathematical proficiency following the implementation of the 5E Inquiry-Based Learning Approach with supplementary media, with a notable increase of 37.25%. Prior to the intervention, students scored an average of 4.64 out of 20, which increased to 12.08 out of 20 post-intervention. Furthermore, the investigation into creative thinking skills indicated that students exhibited a proficient level overall, with an average score of 22.60 out of a maximum of 32 points. The analysis of specific dimensions of creative thinking revealed average scores of 5.60 for Originality, 5.78 for Fluency, 5.63 for Flexibility, and 5.60 for Elaboration.

School-based Training Effects on Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Prevention: A Comparative Case Study of Individual Differences Among Elementary Teachers in Northeast Thailand

Abstract Liver fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) infestations pose significant health challenges, particularly in northeastern region of Thailand. Addressing health issues through an educational lens is of paramount importance to stakeholders in various fields of education, including health education and social education. Collaboratively, stakeholders strive to develop initiatives that enhance understanding of this disease among people in the region. An essential step toward achieving this objective involves recognizing the variations in individuals' responses to educational activities, thereby facilitating the development of locally contextualized and effective learning programs. This study was to explore the differences among elementary teachers participating in training courses for the prevention of cholangiocarcinoma and liver fluke disease in Khon Kaen province. Employing a pre-experimental design, the study involved one hundred and thirty-nine elementary teachers as research participants. Pre- and post-test served as the research instrument, and data analysis entailed the use of descriptive statistics and a t-test. The findings revealed that most of the participants were female, held bachelor's degrees, and were affiliated with schools in Ban Phai district. Moreover, the study demonstrated a significant enhancement in participants’ understanding of liver fluke and CCA prevention following the training. Notably, the study identified a significant impact of the school’s geographical location on training effectiveness. This study contributes to the existing knowledge base, offering insights to tailor more precise training programs in regions where liver fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma disease are prevalent.

Health and safety in hair salons during the Covid-19 situation: A cross-sectional study in a semi-urban district in Thailand

ObjectiveSince the COVID-19 crisis in Thailand, the need for salons to have impeccable hygiene and client-hairdresser monitoring heightened. Due to scarce research on the COVID-19 preventive measures taken by hairdressing salons in semi-urban locations in Thailand during the pandemic, this study aimed to evaluate the standard of hair salons in preventing COVID-19 disease transmission in a semi-urban district in the northeastern region of Thailand. MethodsUsing the purposive sampling method, data were collected from 22 Hair Salons. Data collection tools were a self-completed questionnaire designed into different sections to obtain information on demographics, work conditions and environmental health standard compliance according to guidelines set by the Thai Ministry of Public Health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive analyses were done, such as mean, standard deviation, and frequency. ResultsThe mean age of our respondents was 41.82 (±8.18) years, more than half were females (63.6 %). Most of the criteria assessing beauty salon standards according to Department of Health guidelines were passed, with all of the salons passing the lighting evaluation and mostly passing the heat and electric shock protection system evaluation, but the implementation of guidelines for preventive measures during the COVID-19 epidemic, according to Department of Health guidelines, suggested non-compliance by most hair Salons. ConclusionBeauty salons should implement and strictly adhere to guidelines according to Department of Health standards. Training or education sessions regarding the prevention of infectious disease transmission should be conducted, as hairdressers should be motivated to comply with health and environmental health standards for both salon staff and clients' confidence. Further research should also be done on the behaviours associated with health risks in beauty salons at the national or border-nation level.

Analyzing Spatial Dependence of Rice Production in Northeast Thailand for Sustainable Agriculture: An Optimal Copula Function Approach

Rice is not only central to Thailand’s economy and dietary consumption but also plays a significant role in global food security. Northeast Thailand, in particular, is a principal region for rice cultivation. However, with the mounting concerns of climate change, it becomes paramount to understand the interplay between regional weather patterns and rice yields, aiming to develop effective adaptive agricultural strategies. The current study aimed to fill the research gap by investigating an optimal copula for the spatial dependence of rice production and related meteorological variables in this area. The objective of this study is to understand how rice production in different areas relates to each other in order to improve farming practices and address challenges such as suitable weather. To achieve this goal, we apply three families of copulas—elliptical, Archimedean, and extreme—to analyze crop and meteorological variables across the watershed in the northeastern region of Thailand. With a data foundation extending from 1981 to 2021 from the Regional Office of Agricultural Economics Sector 4, Thailand, this study offers a comprehensive analysis of the spatial dynamics driving rice production across twenty provinces in Northeast Thailand. Using a piecewise linear model, we dissected rice yield trends, revealing distinct slopes in production and yield across various periods. The analysis leaned on elliptical, Archimedean, and extreme copula families, using the maximum likelihood estimation to discern marginal distribution residuals. Through rigorous bootstrap goodness-of-fit tests and cross-validation, the most appropriate copula for each province was identified. Key findings demonstrate pronounced spatial interdependencies in rice yields, with the Frank copula prominently capturing the product relationship between provinces such as Maha Sarakham and Roi-Et. Conversely, the Clayton copula better characterized regions such as Srisaket and Ubon Ratchathani. Moreover, the results underscore the considerable influence of meteorological factors, notably rainfall and temperature, on rice production, especially in regions like Ubon Ratchathani. In distilling these multifaceted relationships, the study charts a pathway for crafting sustainable, localized agricultural strategies. As the world grapples with climate change’s ramifications, the insights from this research stand crucial, offering direction for fostering resilience, adaptation, and optimizing rice productivity across Thailand’s diverse agrarian landscapes.

RADON MEASUREMENT IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS FROM THE NORTHEASTERN REGION OF THAILAND

Indoor radon concentration plays a vital role in the total annual effective dose due to internal radiation exposure. This research investigated the radon gas found in concrete, which consists of rocks, sand, and cement. It can be found in most houses and buildings in Thailand to evaluate the possible residents’ health hazards. Radon was measured using an ionization chamber detector (ATMOS 12 DPX), and the values of the radon concentration, radon exhalation rate, and annual effective dose were calculated. This study collected concrete samples from Loei, Khon Kaen, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Bueng Kan, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Ubon Ratchathani, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces in the northeastern region of Thailand. The radon concentration in the concrete samples varied from 22.00 ± 4.00 to 110.00 ± 8.00 Bq⸱m-3, with an average of 56.77 ± 5.77 Bq⸱m-3. These values were below the guideline level of 148 Bq⸱m-3, recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The radon exhalation rate varies from 4.20 ± 0.84 to 55.07 ± 4.00 Bq⸱kg-1⸱h-1, with an average of 15.47 ± 1.68 mBq⸱kg-1⸱h-1. The annual effective dose ranges from 0.57 ± 0.10 to 2.89 ± 0.21 mSv⸱y-1, with an average of 1.47 ± 0.15 mSv⸱y-1. The International Commission recommends the dose limit of 1 mSv⸱y-1 for public exposure on Radiological Protection (ICRP).

The Development of an Effective Private School Management Model in the Northeastern Region of Thailand

The aim of this mixed-methods research is to create a model for developing effective private schools in the northeast of Thailand. Seven experts examine and affirm the key components for school effectiveness as suitable with priorities of needs for development as follows: 1) school curriculum management comprising instructional leadership, teaching and learning management, academic planning system, and information and technology; 2) learning community building consisting of learning network, collaboration, and learning climate and environment; 3) management of the school administrators comprising principal leadership, expertise in academic management, expertise in school personnel management, expertise in management of general affairs, and expertise in budget management. The research team creates the model; 15 experts determine and affirm it as suitable, feasible, and useful at the highest level; and the results of the experimentation for 3 months at one purposively selected school in Bookeo District, Chaiyaphum Province are found effective at the highest level. The model can be used as a framework in both elementary and secondary schools to go to quality schools.

The Behavioral Intention to Adopt Circular Economy-Based Digital Technology for Agricultural Waste Valorization.

Thailand generates considerable amounts of agricultural food waste. This research focuses on the manufacturing and retail agricultural food system in the northeastern region of Thailand. Our study aimed to investigate the user segments and factors that influence users' behavioral intentions to utilize mobile technology for agricultural waste valorization. This study is based on the Unified Theory of the Adoption and Utilization of Technology (UTAUT2). In order to classify these segments, we performed a cluster analysis using demographic variables: gender, age, and income. In addition, the researchers employed a method known as multigroup structural equation modeling to determine and contrast the users' behavioral intentions. The results showed two types of users: (1) older users with various income ranges, and (2) younger users with a low-income range. Explicitly, age and income were the significant variables for the demographic segmentation, but gender was not. The results also revealed that social influence, price value, and trust highly affected the behavioral intentions of older and various-income users, but did not influence younger and low-income users. However, privacy strongly affected the behavioral intentions in the younger segment, but not those in the older one. Lastly, habit or regularity influenced the behavioral intentions of users in both segments. This study highlights implications for how developers and practitioners might adapt their platform strategies using a circular agricultural platform and user behaviors.

EXTRACTION OF SILICA FROM SUGARCANE LEAVES FOR SYNTHESIS OF ZEOLITE AS ETHYLENE ADSORBENT TO PRESERVE FRESH FRUIT

Sugarcane is widely grown in the Northeastern region of Thailand. The sugarcane leaves are usually eliminated before harvesting by burning, producing PM 2.5 as air pollutant. Here, we explore an approach to produce high-purity silica from the sugarcane leaves by leaching with hydrochloric acid (2.0 M) and subsequent calcination at 500°C for 4 h. The obtained silica is in an amorphous phase. The silica purity is 83.4 ± 0.9 wt.%, better than the product without acid leaching (18.5 ± 0.2 wt.%). Then, the silica was used in the synthesis of zeolite by hydrothermal method. The obtained zeolite has LTA as a major phase, zeolite NaX and SOD as minor phases. The zeolite has a high ethylene-adsorbed volume of 5.26 cm3/g, comparable to the reported value in the literature. Consequently, the zeolite synthesized from the sugarcane leaves silica is a promising adsorbent to preserve fresh fruit.

DEVELOPMENT OF A MOBILE WEB APPLICATION FOR LEARNING THAI AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

One of the technological advances of the modern age is the mobile phone, as it enables free access to a wide variety of applications (apps) and language learning tools, which help students develop their language abilities in and out of the classroom. The purpose of this study was to develop a mobile web application (mobile web app) designed specifically for learning Thai as a foreign language and to examine whether the use of the mobile web app assists Thai language learning. The participants in the study consisted of 22 international undergraduates with multi-cultural backgrounds at an international college in the northeastern region of Thailand. The research instruments used in this study were a set of questionnaires and ‘Let’s Learn Thai’ web application designed by the researcher. Participants were assigned to use the ‘Let’s Learn Thai’ web app to study the same unit they had learned in class each week, and the experiment took place over the course of 6 weeks. Data was collected through online questionnaires in order to assess students’ perceptions of their use of the web app. Based on the statistics generated through SPSS, the results showed that participants had positive attitudes toward the web app, and it was convenient and helpful for them to learn and review Thai lessons at any time. Regarding additional comments and suggestions, the participants stated that more lessons and various learning activities and exercises should be provided so that the students can get more practice.

THE INFLUENCE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP AND PUBLIC ENTREPRENEURSHIP ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS IN THE NORTHEASTERN REGION OF THAILAND

Organizational performance is an expected public outcome, particularly in the challenging context of Thailand’s public transformation into the twenty-first century. Entrepreneurial leadership is critical in developing public entrepreneurship and, ultimately organizational performance. This research study aims to investigate the influence of entrepreneurial leadership on public entrepreneurship and organizational performance as well as the influence of public entrepreneurship on organizational performance of local administrative organizations in the northeastern region of Thailand. A cross-sectional questionnaire study is used in this study. Data were collected from 400 people through five-point Likert scale questionnaires with validity and reliability analyses. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data in preparation for ordinary least square regression analysis. According to the findings of the study, entrepreneurial leadership has a significant direct influence on public entrepreneurship with a standardized coefficient of 0.852. Public entrepreneurship has a significant direct influence on organizational performance with a standardized coefficient of 0.775. Entrepreneurial leadership has a significant direct influence on organizational performance with a standardized coefficient of 0.735 at a 0.05 significance level. In order to accomplish the desired public results for local administrative organizations, local administrative organizations should encourage leadership styles of entrepreneurial orientation to turn Thailand’s public sector into a competitive public entrepreneurial sector.

Evaluation of the Nutritional, Minerals, and Antioxidant Potential of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.) Seeds from Roi Et Province in the Northeastern Region of Thailand

In Thailand, the roselle seeds have a few utilizations other than seeds for planting propagation. Consequently, this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and mineral profile of roselle seeds in the Northeast region of Thailand. The obtained results proved that roselle seeds were found to be a good source of carbohydrates (41.48 ± 0.31 %), protein (30.40 ± 0.09 %), and fat (19.70 ± 0.04 %). Additionally, the results indicated that roselle seeds were a rich source of fiber (40.61 ± 0.26 %) and had a high energy content (1945.03 ± 12.31 KJ/100 g of sample). The macronutrients and micronutrients of the roselle seeds, such as K, P, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu, were found to be 2092.50 ± 1.89, 891.22 ± 3.71, 366.00 ± 1.34, 7.17 ± 0.13, 6.81 ± 0.20, 5.88 ± 0.14 and 4.22 ± 0.11 mg/g of sample, respectively. Furthermore, the total phenolic compounds as bioactive components and DPPH radical scavenging capacity were equal to 21.22 ± 0.24 mg GAE/100 g of sample and 46.28 ± 1.35 %, respectively. Thus, the roselle seeds were considered a cheap nutrient source and could be a good source of potential food ingredients. HIGHLIGHTS The roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seeds derived from Roi Et Province in the Northeast region of Thailand have a highly rich source of nutrients, bioactive compounds, and minerals The roselle seeds were considered a cheap nutrient source and could be a good source of potential food ingredients GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Green Economy: Development of Sustainable Dairy Cow Manure Utilization Processes for Farmers in the Northeastern Region of Thailand

The research aimed to develop and assess the satisfaction of a sustainable utilization process for dairy cow manure for farmers in the Northeast region of Thailand. The population comprised 162 dairy farmers in Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand and the group sampling consisted of 150 dairy farmers in Pak Chong District by using a simple random sampling method to analyze the mean and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Additionally, dairy cow's dung that was used to be processed into organic fertilizer could reduce methane emission by using a newly developed dairy cow's dung converter, which the organic fertilizer yield was qualified as follows: 1) Organic matter = 14.5% by weight, 2) C/N ratio = 11.24:1, 3) electrical conductivity = 4.23 decimals per meter. and 4) the valuable pH = 8.35. Then, the results of the test for the amount of the primary nutrients from the primary macronutrient analysis were total organic carbon = 9.1%, nitrogen = 0.8%, phosphorus = 0.6%, and potassium = 0.84% when using the new converter. Furthermore, it was piloted with a group of farmers in the aforementioned area. From the results, it was found that there were three factors affecting the satisfaction of dairy cow farmers toward the new dairy manure conversion process; namely, the features of the machine, the efficiency of the machine, and the appearance of the machine. Simultaneously, when taking all three factors to evaluate the satisfaction, the following results were found: 1) The features of the machine that is very important (mean = 4.283; SD = 0.661), 2) the efficiency of the machine that is very appropriate (mean = 4.280; SD = 0.528), and 3) the appearance of the machine that is very appropriate (mean = 4.013; SD = 0.632). Then, these three factors were considered as the highlights of the machine for converting dairy cow dung into ready-made organic fertilizer for cultivating plants in organic agriculture that could be seen as being environmentally friendly.
 
 Received: 7 December 2022 / Accepted: 15 February 2023 / Published: 5 March 2023

The Surveillance of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Thailand, 2003-2019: A Perspective for Prevention and Control.

Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is an infection of the central nervous system with high case-fatality rates. Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the most common vaccine preventable cause of AES in Asia and part of the Western Pacific. In 2003, the JE vaccine was introduced into Thailand's National Immunization Program and expanded to all provinces. This study reviews data from the national surveillance system on the incidence of AES, including Japanese encephalitis in Thailand to guide surveillance, control, and prevention strategies. We collected data on all patients diagnosed with AES and reported to the Bureau of Epidemiology, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, from 2003 to 2019. A total of 9566 AES patients and 266 death cases were reported during these 17 years. Six hundred and forty-two (6.7%) patients were JE with 16 deaths. The incidence of AES increased from 0.47-0.51-1.36 cases per 100,000 population with a preponderance of cases in adults. CFR reduced from 6.25% - 6.94% in 2003-2005 to 0.78% in 2019. AES cases occurred all year round in all the age groups with a male predilection JE vaccination coverage had reached 83% by 2019. The patients were mainly from the north-eastern region of Thailand. Integrated surveillance regular monitoring, strengthening, and making immunization sustainable is required to improve and maintain progress toward JE control and prevention.

Risk management in the adoption of smart farming technologies by rural farmers

Smart farming is a feasible solution to help farmers effectively and sustainably manage the potential threats and risks those traditional farmers face, such as product quality, increased production costs, the environment, climate change, natural catastrophes, pests, and inferior goods. Using a survey research design, this research examined smart farming adoption and risk management models by combining the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT). The research sampled 400 farmers who are members of community enterprises in the northeastern region of Thailand. Data was collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using a statistical package program in four steps: confirmatory factor analysis, path analysis, structural equation model analysis (SEM), and Sobel's test. The findings revealed that government support variables had the most significant influence by adopting smart farming to risk management. Based on the research results, the government can apply this model to create strategies to encourage farmers to adopt smart farming and increase the production efficiency of agricultural products. The farmer can manage the risks of smart farming, which leads to sustainable smart farming and is useful for further academic acceptance and risk management studies. Furthermore, this study contributes to the existing literature on combining TAM and IDT in model adoption and risk management. The limitations include the small sample size adopted and the limited coverage area for the study, which restricts the generalization of the findings. However, the findings offer a glimpse into the benefits of smart farming.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and genetic differentiation of Strongyloides stercoralis among migrant workers from Myanmar, Lao PDR and Cambodia in northeastern Thailand.

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) remain a public-health problem worldwide, including in countries of the Lower Mekong subregion. Increases in human migration from neighboring countries might cause reemerging parasitic infections, leading to spread of parasites in the landscape. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study to identify the prevalence of IPIs in migrant workers from Myanmar, Lao PDR, and Cambodia who were dwelling in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand. The identification of Strongyloides species and genetic differentiation of worms from migrant workers with different countries of origin was also assessed. Fresh stool samples were collected from 338 migrant workers and examined for evidence of IPIs using agar plate culture (APC) and the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT). Among those nine samples positive for nematodes by APC, the Strongyloides or hookworm species present was confirmed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by DNA sequencing. This revealed eight cases of Strongyloides stercoralis infection and one of Necator americanus. Fifty-one out of 338 individuals (15.09%) were positive for IPIs using FECT and APC. Eggs of Opisthorchis-like flukes were the most common parasite (11.83% of samples), followed by S. stercoralis (2.37%), Entamoeba coli (1.50%), hookworm (0.89%), Taenia sp. (0.60%) and Hymenolepis nana (0.30%). The genetic differentiation of S. stercoralis recovered from migrant workers with different countries of origin was analyzed. Specimens of S. stercoralis isolated from workers from Lao PDR, Cambodia and Myanmar were genetically similar to those sequenced from Thailand. However, there were population-genetic differences between S. stercoralis from these Southeast Asian countries and other regions of the world. This study demonstrated that IPIs were prevalent in migrant workers in the northeastern region of Thailand. Our findings provided molecular confirmation of the presence of S. stercoralis and explored the genetic differentiation of S. stercoralis from those infected migrant workers. An effective anti-parasitic drug should be provided for migrant workers and its administration enforced.

Professional Reflexivity in Thai Teachers’ Understanding of Asperger’s Syndrome

Introduction. The aim of this research is to investigate changes in Thai educators’ attitudes towards their understanding of Asperger’s Syndrome before and after a teacher-training session. Currently, opportunities for professional training regarding Asperger’s Syndrome are very scarce in Thai educational communities. Educators may not be able to provide optimum education and guidance for their students with Asperger’s Syndrome. Meanwhile, these students’ learning outcomes are significantly affected by their educators lacking knowledge of evidence-based intervention methods. Therefore, based on a needs assessment, a teacher-training session was developed to minimize the gaps in pedagogical knowledge and practice. Materials and Methods. A quasi-experimental, embedded mixed-methods design was used to obtain data. This study employed a one-group, pre-test/post-test design, as there were no control groups involved due to the novel learning subject matter. The limitations of the current study – its structure and participant recruitment – were identified and discussed. An availability sampling method was used for this study, resulting in the recruitment of 12 in-service teachers and 32 pre-service teachers from the northeastern region of Thailand. Questionnaires and interviews were used as measurement tools to comprehensively capture participants’ learning experiences. For the statistical analysis, the paired sample t-test (alpha = .05) was used. Meanwhile, for the descriptive analysis, the deductive approach was used. Results. Our results corroborate our sequential hypotheses regarding a teacher-training session and educators’ perceived levels of understanding of Asperger’s Syndrome. The training session was developed with a hypothesis that teachers needed educational opportunities to acquire proper knowledge of Asperger’s Syndrome, so that their students could be fully benefited from the pedagogy. As a result of attending the session, a statistically significant increase in correct response rates was indicated. Indeed, this increase in knowledge fulfilled the second hypothesis that by having proper knowledge of Asperger’s Syndrome, teachers’ professional reflexivity can be improved. Discussion and Conclusion. The outcomes of this study indicate that a teacher-training session has played a crucial role in cultivating Thai educators’ understanding of Asperger’s Syndrome. The outcomes present an interesting correlation between teachers’ knowledge acquisition and their increased professional and personal reflections. Simultaneously, the findings of this study suggest the potential benefits of improving research methodology, including an employment of randomized control trial, a larger sample size, and diversity within the sample population.

Disparities in Childhood Obesity Prevalence and Spatial Clustering Related to Socioeconomic Factors in Isaan, Thailand.

Globally, rapid economic growth has contributed to an overall increase in the incidence of childhood obesity. Although the prevalence of obesity has been well recognized, the disparities related to a region's socioeconomic environment in terms of the incidence of obesity are still less understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the spatial pattern of childhood obesity and identify the potential associations between childhood obesity and socioeconomic environment in the northeastern region of Thailand, Isaan. Using nationally collected obesity data from children aged 0-5 years in 2019, we employed a geographic information system (GIS) to perform obesity cluster analysis at the smaller regional level, investigating a total of 322 districts in study area. Global and local statistical approaches were applied to calculate spatial associations between the socioeconomic status of neighborhoods and childhood obesity. The study revealed that 12.42% of the total area showed significant clusters at the district level, with high values observed in the western and northeastern areas. The results of the spatial statistical model revealed that childhood obesity was significantly positively associated with areas exhibiting high levels of socioeconomic environment factors. Identifying the associated factors and highlighting geographic regions with significant spatial clusters is a powerful approach towards understanding the role of location and expanding the knowledge on the factors contributing to childhood obesity. Our findings, as a first step, offer valuable references that could support policy-makers and local authorities in enhancing policy development with the aim of reducing childhood obesity and improving public health.