Northeastern Thailand Research Articles

The Relationship Between Language and The Creation of Ethnic Identities of Tai Loei in The Northeastern of Thailand

This research paper aims to study the relationship between language and the ethnic identity formation process of Tai Loei people in northeastern Thailand by applying the study of language and identity framework as the key concepts for analysing the language data of Tai Loei people used in daily communication and the Tai Loei language data contained in written documents. The study results showed that 1) the characteristics of the sound of Loei ethnic groups have syllable structures as follows: (1) CVT, 2) CVCT, 3) CV:T, 4) CV:CT, 5) CVVT, 6) CVVCT, and 7) CCV:CT.The phonemes of Tai Loei appear in 3 phonemes, which are consonant phonemes, vowel phonemes, and tone phonemes. However, the researcher found that the end of the word, according to Thai grammar, is an adverb such as “Na,” while Tai Loei uses the words “Ko” and “Unneaw”. As for the issue of the ethnic identity of the Tai Loei people, the history of the city is found in relation to the Tai Loei ethnic language, traditions, and cultures, which contain myths, tales, and stories. The ethnic identity of the Tai Loei people was found to be 1) the ethnic group name “Tai Loei,”The name of goods and services with the expression of the ethnic identity of Tai Loei people 3) The naming of the Red Cross Festival and the expression of ethnic identity of Tai Loei people. In terms of communication ethnography in the comedy show in Isan (speak Tai Loei), the communication events of ethnic groups in the social space are observed. The communication content and the sequence of the speech in terms of the presentation of Tai Loei representations in the cultural society from the traditions, language, and media interestingly show the dimension of the relationship between language and the establishment of the ethnic identity of Tai Loei people in the Thailand area.

Extraction of Chitosan Derived from Mushroom by Deacetylation for Wastewater Treatment

In this study, Volvariella vovacea (straw mushroom, SM) and Flammulina velutipes (Golden mushroom, GM) were used as a natural source of chitin. The aim of this research is to extract chitin and thus, converted into chitosan via acetylation process. The obtained chitosan was applied in the wastewater treatment process as the coagulant to improve the quality of wastewater. As these two types of mushrooms are readily available in the local area in Northeastern Thailand and relatively cheap. The chitin extraction process was obtained by firstly removing fat, minerals, protein and pigment of SM and GM using petroleum ether, HCl, NaOH and acetone respectively. Extracted chitin was deacetylated by using 50% (v/v) NaOH at 140 oC for 2 hours to convert into chitosan. The properties of extracted chitosan was examined by FT-IR and TGA. FTIR spectrum showed the peaks of C-H stretching at 2870 cm-1 , N-H2 bending at 1586 cm-1, N-H stretching at 1026 cm-1, etc. which corresponded to the standard chitosan. TGA showed the thermal decomposition which is divided into three phases. First stage of weight loss is between 50-115 °C caused by water evaporation. There was no changes of weight during a temperature of 115-268 °C. The second phase during 268-330 °C indicates a significant weight loss which is due tot he saccharide degradation of chitosan and at a temperature more than 330°C refers to the volatile organic material. As a result of TGA, it can be confirmed that the extracted chitosan from SM and GM is very similar to the standard commercial chitosan. After that, 3 g of extracted chitosan was mixed with 300 mL of deionized water and 6 mL of acetic acid was added for 24 hours to prepare the chitosan coagulant. Then, it was dropped in the separate jar which contained high TSS, COD and BOD wastewater. The results showed that chitosan biocoagulant could reduce TSS, COD and BOD by 62, 62 and 88% respectively which proved to be efficient in the use of wastewater treatment.

Notes on Strobilanthes (Acanthaceae) with capitate inflorescences in Thailand.

Twenty-three species of Strobilanthes Blume with capitate inflorescences are enumerated in Thailand. Strobilanthesphengklaii Kladwong & Chantar., a new species from North-eastern Thailand, is described and illustrated. Strobilanthespaniculiformis J.R.I.Wood, S.phyllostachya Kurz and S.squalens S.Moore are new records in Thailand. Strobilantheskerrii Craib is reinstated, and S.evrardiivar.parviflora J.B.Imlay, S.bombycina J.B.Imlay, Hemigraphishispidula Craib and Sericocalyxthailandicus Bremek. are treated as new synonyms. 19 taxa are lectotypified. A key to species, taxonomic notes and photographs are provided as well as a preliminary conservation assessment and distribution maps.

Factors Related to a Good Quality of Work Life for Employees in the Poultry Processing Industry in Northeastern Thailand

OBJECTIVE This study aims to analyze factors related to a good quality of work life (QoWL) for employees in the poultry processing industry in northeastern Thailand. METHODS This study was a cross-sectional analytical study. The sample size was 229 poultry processing workers with good and 458 with not-good QoWL. The Work-related Quality of Life Scale-2 Online Website (THQWL) questionnaire was used. A test of the reliability of the questionnaire found a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.899. The principal analyses used the Chi-squared test, the Fisher exact test, and binary logistic regression. Confidence intervals were set at 95% (95% CI), and a p-value of less than 0.05 (p < 0.05) was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Factors significantly related to employees with a good QoWL were working in departments other than slaughtering departments (AOR = 15.58, 95% CI: 7.62, 31.83, p < 0.001), having less than a bachelor’s degree education level (AOR = 6.65, 95% CI: 3.05, 14.49, p < 0.001), being a unit leader or in an upper level position (AOR = 7.26, 95% CI: 3.30, 15.98, p < 0.001) and working 40 or more hours per week (AOR= 1.92, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.16, p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS Not working in the slaughtering department showed the strongest association with good QoWL. Other factors significantly linked to good QoWL included an education level lower than a bachelor’s degree, holding positions as unit leaders or in upper management, and working 40 hours or more per week. The study’s findings can be applied to enhance and promote the QoWL of workers in the poultry processing and related industries as well as to help improve and reinforce the knowledge, skills, and other attributes important to the efficient performance of employees in the poultry processing industry. KEYWORDS quality of work life, poultry processing industry, work- related quality of life scale, slaughtering

Assessment of Lead and Cadmium Contamination in Water Resources of Northeastern Thailand and Its Implications for Ecological Risk Evaluation

Assessment of Lead and Cadmium Contamination in Water Resources of Northeastern Thailand and Its Implications for Ecological Risk Evaluation

The Effect of TPR Tasks on Word Knowledge of Thai Primary School Learners

Vocabulary acquisition is a fundamental element of mastering the English language, necessitating a comprehensive lexicon that evolves through experiential learning to facilitate accurate comprehension and production of language. The current study examined the impact of Total Physical Response (TPR) tasks on the vocabulary acquisition of Thai primary school students, with a particular focus on the definition of words. It also explored the students’ attitudes towards using TPR tasks for vocabulary learning. The TPR tasks were designed to engage three of the human senses—visual, auditory, and tactile—by incorporating multisensory tasks. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study involved 27 second graders from a primary school in northeastern Thailand. The research methodology utilized three instruments. From a quantitative perspective, the Receptive Word Knowledge Test (RWKT) and the Productive Word Knowledge Test (PWKT) were administered to assess the students’ vocabulary knowledge before and after the intervention within a single-group pretest-posttest framework. Qualitatively, a focus group interview was conducted to gain deeper insight into the students’ attitudes towards participation in TPR activities. The quantitative data indicated a significant enhancement in both receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge among the participants. Furthermore, the qualitative findings highlighted the advantages of TPR tasks, with students expressing increased enthusiasm and competitive spirit and a shared willingness and pleasure in vocabulary learning through interactive tasks and peer interaction. In conclusion, this study corroborates the efficacy of TPR tasks in significantly advancing Thai primary school students’ receptive and productive vocabulary knowledge.

Seasonal and height dynamics of volatile organic compounds in rubber plantation: Impacts on ozone and secondary organic aerosol formation

Rubber trees emit a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including isoprene, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes, as part of their natural metabolism. These VOCs can significantly influence air quality through photochemical reactions that produce ozone and secondary organic aerosols (SOAs). This study examines the impact of VOCs detected in a rubber tree plantation in Northeastern Thailand on air quality, highlighting their role in atmospheric reactions that lead to the formation of ozone and SOAs. VOCs were collected at varying heights and seasons using Tenax-TA tubes paired with an atmospheric sampler pump and identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. In total, 100 VOCs were identified, including alkanes, alkenes, terpenes, aromatics, and oxygenated VOCs. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) revealed distinct seasonal VOC profiles, with hydrocarbons, peaking in summer and terpenes in the rainy season. The Linear Mixed-Effects (LME) model indicates that VOC concentrations are more influenced by seasonal changes than by sampling heights. Secondary organic aerosol potential (SOAP) and ozone formation potential (OFP) of selected VOC species were also determined. The total SOAP ranged from 67.24 μg/m3 in summer to 17.87 μg/m3 in winter, while the total OFP ranged from 377.87 μg/m3 in summer to 139.39 μg/m3 in winter. Additionally, positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis identified four main VOC sources: gasoline combustion (18.3 %), microbial activity (38.6 %), monoterpene emissions during latex production (15.0 %), and industrial sources (28.1 %). These findings provide essential information for managing air pollution in rubber tree plantations. By adopting focused air quality management strategies, plantation operators can mitigate the adverse effects of VOCs, promoting a healthier and more sustainable future.

The Perceptions and Attitudes on Domestic Violence of the Social Network Members in Northeastern Thailand

The Perceptions and Attitudes on Domestic Violence of the Social Network Members in Northeastern Thailand

Diabetes and risk of hospitalisation due to infection in northeastern Thailand: Retrospective cohort study using population-based healthcare service data.

Population-based studies describing the association between diabetes and increased risk of infection have largely been based in high-income countries. There is limited information describing the burden of infectious disease attributable to diabetes in low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to describe the burden and risk of infectious disease hospitalisation in people with diabetes compared to those without diabetes in northeastern Thailand. In a retrospective cohort study using electronic health record data for 2012-2018 for 3.8 million people aged ≥20 years in northeastern Thailand, hospitalisation rates for any infectious diseases (ICD-10 codes A00-B99) were estimated and negative binomial regression used to estimate rate ratios (RR) for the association between diabetes and infectious disease hospitalisation adjusted for age, sex and area of residence. In this study, 164,177 people had a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus at any point over the study period. Infectious disease hospitalisation rates per 1000 person-years (95%CI) were 71.8 (70.9, 72.8), 27.7 (27.1, 28.3) and 7.5 (7.5, 7.5) for people with prevalent diabetes, incident diabetes and those without diabetes respectively. Diabetes was associated with a 4.6-fold higher risk of infectious disease hospitalisation (RR (95% CI) 4.59 (4.52, 4.66)). RRs for infectious disease hospitalisation were 3.38 (3.29, 3.47) for people with diabetes managed by lifestyle alone and 5.29 (5.20, 5.39) for people receiving prescriptions for diabetes drugs. In this Thai population, diabetes was associated with substantially increased risk of hospitalisation due to infectious diseases and people with diabetes who were on pharmacological treatment had a higher risk than those receiving lifestyle modification advice alone.

The Results of Evolution, Wisdom, and Identity of Indigo-Dyed Fabric in Northeastern (Isan) Thailand

This qualitative research aims to study the evaluation, wisdom, and identity of indigo-dyed fabric in Northeastern (Isan) Thailand. The cultural inheritance concept, the beliefs associated with textile wisdom concept, the wisdom concept, the cultural diffusion theory, the evolution theory, the structural functionalism theory, and the identity theory were used as theoretical frameworks. Data were collected from documents and fieldwork using research instruments including surveys, and interviews. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse and present this data. The study revealed the extensive history of Isan indigo-dyed fabric, tracing its evolution from 1897 to 2022, which can be divided into four distinct periods: 1) Emergence of evidence in Isan (1897–1941); 2) Decline (1942–1969); 3) Revival (1970–2016); and 4) Transition into the creative economy (2017–2022). Wisdom surrounding indigo-dyed fabric was explored across four dimensions: 1) Production process, 2) Functions, 3) Patterns, and 4) Beliefs. The identity of Isan indigo-dyed fabric was classified into three main categories: 1) Individual identity, encompassing the production process and beliefs; 2) Collective identity, which includes colours, patterns, and usages or functions; and 3) Sociocultural identity, embodied by the discourse “World of Indigo” shaped by societal and cultural acceptance. These findings underscored the pivotal role of social changes in facilitating the inheritance and preservation of wisdom. Therefore, transforming indigo-dyed fabric into a product of economic significance with widespread acceptance, ultimately solidifying its status as a cultural heritage.

Fading Musical Memory: 150 Years of Lao Phuan Singing in Lopburi, Thailand

As a consequence of numerous wars and forced migrations, the Phuan kingdom, which once flourished on the Plain of Jars in Laos, was obliterated during the 19th century. Much of the population was force-marched down to the Mekong Valley and into northeastern and central Thailand. One of the last contingents settled in central Thailand’s Lopburi province, in the district of Ban Mi. After nearly 150 years of exile there, only two living traditional singers of khap phuan, both around 90 years of age, could be found and were recorded in 2012 and 2013. Since our initial documentation of them and their khaen mouth organ accompanist, all have passed away, leaving no one to carry on the tradition. This article examines these musical fragments and compares them to the living music found in the old Phuan area. Due to the stark differences between Ban Mi singing and modern khap phuan, we aimed to identify what was preserved in Thailand and what this reveals about Phuan history and migration.

Pattern of uveitis in a referral ophthalmology center in Northeastern Thailand

PurposeTo report the characteristics and epidemiology of uveitis in a university-based referral center in northeastern Thailand and review the uveitis patterns present in various regions worldwide.MethodsA retrospective review of all medical records for new patients visiting the uveitis clinic at Srinagarind hospital, Khon Kaen University, between August 2016 and June 2021, was conducted.ResultsA total of 522 uveitis patients were included in this study. Disease etiologies were categorized as non-infectious 35.8% (187/522), infectious 32.8% (171/522), and undetermined cause 31.4% (164/522). Specific diagnoses were established in 68.6% of cases. Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) (14.2%) was identified as the most common specific diagnosis, and tuberculosis (6.7%) ranked highest among infectious causes.ConclusionsAlthough non-infectious uveitis is observed predominantly in this region, the proportion of infectious uveitis is relatively more common than in developed countries. We have found no cause for one-third of our patients despite the utilization of PCR and serology for diagnostic purposes.

Characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes related to Zika virus infection during pregnancy in Northeastern Thailand: A prospective pregnancy cohort study, 2018-2020.

In response to the 2015-2016 Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak and the causal relationship established between maternal ZIKV infection and adverse infant outcomes, we conducted a cohort study to estimate the incidence of ZIKV infection in pregnancy and assess its impacts in women and infants. From May 2018-January 2020, we prospectively followed pregnant women recruited from 134 participating hospitals in two non-adjacent provinces in northeastern Thailand. We collected demographic, clinical, and epidemiologic data and blood and urine at routine antenatal care visits until delivery. ZIKV infections were confirmed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). Specimens with confirmed ZIKV underwent whole genome sequencing. Among 3,312 women enrolled, 12 (0.36%) had ZIKV infections, of which two (17%) were detected at enrollment. Ten (83%, 3 in 2nd and 7 in 3rd trimester) ZIKV infections were detected during study follow-up, resulting in an infection rate of 0.15 per 1,000 person-weeks (95% CI: 0.07-0.28). The majority (11/12, 91.7%) of infections occurred in one province. Persistent ZIKV viremia (42 days) was found in only one woman. Six women with confirmed ZIKV infections were asymptomatic until delivery. Sequencing of 8 ZIKV isolates revealed all were of Asian lineage. All 12 ZIKV infected women gave birth to live, full-term infants; the only observed adverse birth outcome was low birth weight in one (8%) infant. Pregnancies in 3,300 ZIKV-rRT-PCR-negative women were complicated by 101 (3%) fetal deaths, of which 67 (66%) had miscarriages and 34 (34%) had stillbirths. There were no differences between adverse fetal or birth outcomes of live infants born to ZIKV-rRT-PCR-positive mothers compared to live infants born to ZIKV-rRT-PCR-negative mothers. Confirmed ZIKV infections occurred infrequently in this large pregnancy cohort and observed adverse maternal and birth outcomes did not differ between mothers with and without confirmed infections.

Comparing the Collaboration of Smallholder Farmers through Participatory Guarantee System Practices in Northeastern Thailand

Organic agriculture based on the participatory guarantee system (PGS) is frequently touted as a tool for improving ecosystem sustainability and self-reliance and for alleviating the poverty of smallholder farmers in Thailand. However, specific criteria must be fulfilled for products to be certified organic. In this paper, we investigate the similarities and differences between three cases of organic agricultural production (based on the participatory guarantee system) in four provinces in northeastern Thailand: Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nakhon Phanom, Ubon Ratchathani, and Nakhon Ratchasima. A total of 135 smallholder farmers were selected to act as informants, and semi-structured interviews were held. The participatory guarantee system was utilized, considering the farmers’ diverse agricultural backgrounds and socio-economic conditions. For agriculture to be adapted with the ultimate aim of sustainability, policy support will be necessary in the form of financial measures and capacity building.

Correction: Association of Strongyloides stercoralis infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus in northeastern Thailand: Impact on diabetic complication-related renal biochemical parameters

Correction: Association of Strongyloides stercoralis infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus in northeastern Thailand: Impact on diabetic complication-related renal biochemical parameters

Phylogenetic position of Kinnareemimus khonkaenensis (Dinosauria: Theropoda: Ornithomimosauria) from the Lower Cretaceous of Thailand

A small-bodied ornithomimosaur, Kinnareemimus khonkaenensis Buffetaut, Suteethorn, and Tong 2009, from the Lower Cretaceous Sao Khua Formation of northeastern Thailand was first reported in 1995, then named in 2009. It is the only report of this group in Southeast Asia and was concluded to be a member of Ornithomimosauria, more derived than Harpymimus and Garudimimus but more basal than Archaeornithomimus. Since then, a few published studies have analyzed the phylogenetic position of Kinnareemimus but failed to find it within the clade Ornithomimosauria. Here, the phylogenetic analyses for assessing the relationships of Kinnareemimus within Ornithomimosauria were performed. The results suggested it might be a basal ornithomimosaur or belongs to the subclade Deinocheiridae. Kinnareemimus shares with deinocheirids the proximally projected cnemial crest and the shape of the fibula in proximal view. Its metatarsal III shows subarctometatarsalian condition with metatarsal III pinched between II and IV but visible in anterior view proximally, which might have evolved independently from other ornithomimids. However, the basal position of Kinnareemimus could also be due to the immaturity and the incomplete nature of this animal.

The Mekong River, urban health, and sustainable development in northeastern Thailand

ABSTRACT Rivers are linked to urban health and sustainable development, and yet the literature emphasises environmental science and overlooks the human side. This article presents a human-centred study of urban health and sustainable development in northeastern Thailand in relation to the Mekong River. The study’s framework, the travelogue methodology, brings travel to urban areas near the river (Nakhon Phanom, Bueng Kan, Phon Phisai, Nong Khai, That Phanom, Mukdahan, and Ubon Ratchathani) into the research and knowledge generation process. Data collection in June and July 2023 included observation, photography, note-taking, travel-journaling, and conversations with urban adult residents, analysed in narrative writing. The findings adeptly link the Mekong River to diverse aspects of urban health and sustainable development, including physical activity, social cohesion, food supply and nutrition, water supply, heritage, religious practices, liveability, and sense of place. It also brings to the fore the many threats to the river and, therefore, to human health. By addressing the areas for improvement, future research and practice can build upon these findings to promote healthy, sustainable, and resilient urban environments along the Mekong River and beyond.

Lack of Association of TLR1 and TLR5 Coding Variants with Mortality in a Large Multicenter Cohort of Melioidosis Patients.

Melioidosis, infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is characterized by robust innate immune responses. We have previously reported associations of TLR1 single nucleotide missense variant rs76600635 with mortality and of TLR5 nonsense variant rs5744168 with both bacteremia and mortality in single-center studies of patients with melioidosis in northeastern Thailand. The objective of this study was to externally validate the associations of rs76600635 and rs5744168 with bacteremia and mortality in a large multicenter cohort of melioidosis patients. We genotyped rs76600635 and rs5744168 in 1,338 melioidosis patients enrolled in a prospective parent cohort study conducted at nine hospitals in northeastern Thailand. The genotype frequencies of rs76600635 did not differ by bacteremia status (P = 0.27) or 28-day mortality (P = 0.84). The genotype frequencies of rs5744168 did not differ by either bacteremia status (P = 0.46) or 28-day mortality (P = 0.10). Assuming a dominant genetic model, there was no association of the rs76600635 variant with bacteremia (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.75; 95% CI, 0.54-1.04, P = 0.08) or 28-day mortality (adjusted OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.71-1.28, P = 0.77). There was no association of the rs5744168 variant with bacteremia (adjusted OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.76-2.03, P = 0.39) or 28-day mortality (adjusted OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.83-1.79, P = 0.21). There was also no association of either variant with 1-year mortality. We conclude that in a large multicenter cohort of patients hospitalized with melioidosis in northeastern Thailand, neither TLR1 missense variant rs76600635 nor TLR5 nonsense variant rs5744168 is associated with bacteremia or mortality.

High Efficacy of Ivermectin for Strongyloidiasis Treatment.

Infection with Strongyloides stercoralis is often asymptomatic but can be life-threatening in immunocompromised patients, which can be prevented by ivermectin (IVM) treatment. The efficacy of IVM has been reported to have lessened over time in some regions as a consequence of prolonged use and mass treatment campaigns. Ivermectin has been used in Thailand for more than a decade; therefore, we investigated the efficacy of a single dose (200 µg/kg) of IVM against in asymptomatic strongyloidiasis in northeastern Thailand. Fecal samples were collected before and 2 weeks after treatment and were analyzed for the presence of Strongyloides using a modified agar plate culture and the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique. Our results showed that single-dose IVM treatment successfully eliminated S. stercoralis infection in asymptomatic individuals in the endemic area with a 100% cure rate, indicating the high efficacy of IVM treatment in strongyloidiasis in northeast Thailand.

Alocasia sakonakhonensis (Araceae), a new species from northeastern Thailand.

Alocasia sakonakhonensis Chatan & Promprom (Araceae), a new species from northeastern Thailand, is described and illustrated. It is clearly different from other previously known species by leaves, spathe, ovary, sterile interstice, synandria, and appendix. Color illustrations, and a distribution map are provided, as well as comparative morphological characters about its similar species. The preliminary conservation status assessment of the new species was presented.