Northeast Thailand Research Articles

Urbanising religion and health: naga symbolism in northeast Thailand’s urbanscape

ABSTRACT In the western part of the world today, religion is often overlooked in the planning of healthy and sustainable cities. Yet even though modern urban planning is assumed to be secular, places of worship can be seen throughout cities, and urban structures are built on existing historical spatial configurations which inevitably include religion. In Southeast Asia, religion is central to city planning, architecture, and building orientation, although the connections with urban health are less known. To stimulate discussion on the nexus of urbanscapes, religions, and urban healths, I analyse photographs taken in towns and cities in northeast Thailand about the naga, a giant serpent-like demi-god in Buddhism, folklore, and mythology. Specifically, by applying Davey and Grant’s [2024. The visual essay and knowledge production: towards a visually informed understanding of urban health. Cities & Health, 8 (1), 1–7] analytic framework for compiling visual essays, I ponder the following question and its implications: How might naga symbolism in the urbanscape of northeast Thailand be connected to urban health? I show that naga symbolism is pervasive in urban fabric and has potential implications for health including its reframing to something human-centred or value-centred or post-human.

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.

The eco-city indicators from the local perspectives in the Northeast of Thailand

This research aims to delineate the ecocity indicators from the local perspectives in urban communities in the Northeast of Thailand. The research was quantitative survey research. Data was collected from a sample of 400 people who live in Khon Kaen Municipality and Udon Thani Municipality using a questionnaire. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and factor analysis. We found that the eco-city indicators from the perspective of people in the urban communities in the Northeast of Thailand were divided into three main criteria: a) economic perspectives; b) social perspectives; and c) environmental perspectives. When considering each aspect, it was found that the economic perspective had a total of 9 issues with an average of 3.06 out of 5.00, the social perspective had a total of 16 issues with an average of 3.76 out of 5.00, and the environmental perspective had a total of 14 issues with an average at 3.00 out of 5.00.

Biodiversity assessment of the Lower Mekong Basin: evolutionary novelties in gemmular morphotraits of Genus Corvospongilla (Porifera: Spongillida) with description of a new species from Khorat Plateau, and biogeographic notes

A new occurrence of the genus Corvospongilla (Porifera: Demospongiae) is recorded from the Southeast Asia freshwater of Khorat Plateau, northeast Thailand. This is the second record of the genus from the Lower Mekong Basin with the discovery the new species Corvospongilla lampaoensis sp. nov. inhabiting a eutrophic lentic habitat (in Lam Pao Reservoir) on manmade structures of fish farming and fishery. Skeleton and gemmules morphotraits, diagnostic for Genus Corvospongilla of the family Spongillidae (Order Spongillida), were examined by Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy differentiating a new species from its twenty congeners known worldwide. In addition, the comparative morpho-analysis highlighted distant sympatric lineages with a notable morphotraits divergence of Corvospongilla lampaoensis sp. nov. vs Corvospongilla siamensis in two western tributaries of the Lower Mekong. The results from this study expand our knowledge of the order Spongillida adaptive radiation in Asia and fill a gap in the geographic range of the genus Corvospongilla in the Oriental-Indomalayan Region.

Role Of Socioeconomics, Psychological State, and Attitude Toward Care Giving on Quality of Life of Dependent Patients’ Caregivers in the Northeast of Thailand

Background Caring for patients with dependency is a burden on primary caregivers, which impacts them economically, socially, and psychologically. The perception of caregiving and the psychological state associated with it further contribute to these effects. Objectives This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to study the socioeconomic and caregiving burden factors associated with the Quality of Life (QOL) of dependent patients’ caregivers in the Northeastern region of Thailand. Methodology A total of 1,335 dependent patients’ caregivers aged 18–59 years in the Northeastern Region of Thailand were selected by multistage random sampling to respond to a self-administered structured questionnaire. The Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) was performed to identify socioeconomic and caregiving burden factors associated with QOL while controlling the effects of covariates, presenting Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). Results Among 1,335 dependent patients’ caregivers, more than half of them had poor QOL (58.05%; 95% CI:39.28 - 44.65). Factors associated with poor QOL were age 46-59 years (AOR=4.30; 95% CI: 2.84-6.51, p-value<0.001), insufficient financial status with debt (AOR=5.89; 95% CI: 3.85-9.01, p-value<0.001), low caregiving knowledge level (AOR=2.43; 95% CI: 1.63-3.64, p-value<0.001), average to low attitude caregiving level (AOR=4.45; 95% CI: 3.30-5.99, p-value <0.001), and having depression (AOR = 3.57; 95% CI: 1.93-6.59, p-value<0.001). Conclusion The findings from this study have important implications for healthcare practice and policy—interventions aimed at improving the QOL of caregivers.

Genetic variation, structural analysis, and virulence implications of BimA and BimC in clinical isolates of Burkholderia pseudomallei in Thailand

Melioidosis is a life-threatening tropical disease caused by an intracellular gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. B. pseudomallei polymerizes the host cell actin through autotransporters, BimA, and BimC, to facilitate intracellular motility. Two variations of BimA in B. pseudomallei have been reported previously: BimABp and BimA B. mallei-like (BimABm). However, little is known about genetic sequence variations within BimA and BimC, and their potential effect on the virulence of B. pseudomallei. This study analyzed 1,294 genomes from clinical isolates of patients admitted to nine hospitals in northeast Thailand between 2015 and 2018 and performed 3D structural analysis and plaque-forming efficiency assay. The genomic analysis identified 10 BimABp and 5 major BimC types, in the dominant and non-dominant lineages of the B. pseudomallei population structure. Our protein prediction analysis of all BimABp and major BimC variants revealed that their 3D structures were conserved compared to those of B. pseudomallei K96243. Sixteen representative strains of the most distant BimABp types were tested for plaque formation and the development of polar actin tails in A549 epithelial cells. We found that all isolates retained these functions. These findings enhance our understanding of the prevalence of BimABp and BimC variants and their implications for B. pseudomallei virulence.

Interdisciplinary Brain-based Learning Strategies in Addressing Liver Fluke Disease and Cultural Dietary Practices among Early Childhood Students

Liver fluke disease remains a critical public health issue in Southeast Asia, driven by cultural dietary practices involving raw or undercooked freshwater fish. This study evaluates the impact of an interdisciplinary brain-based learning intervention aimed at increasing awareness and modifying dietary behaviors among early childhood students in Central Northeast Thailand. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 122 students from four provinces. The intervention incorporated brain-based learning activities such as storytelling, songs, and visual aids to enhance engagement. Pre- and post-tests, behavioral observations, and attitudinal surveys were conducted to assess the program’s effectiveness. Post-intervention results indicated significant improvements in knowledge about liver fluke transmission, symptoms, and prevention, alongside positive changes in behavior, such as increased avoidance of raw fish consumption and improved hygiene practices. Attitudinal surveys showed a shift in preferences toward safer eating habits. These findings suggest integrating brain-based learning with culturally relevant health education can foster sustainable behavior change in early childhood populations. Further research is recommended to explore this approach’s long-term impacts and scalability.

Factors Associated with Stress among Healthcare Personnel after COVID-19 in Northeast Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected people psychologically worldwide, particularly healthcare personnel. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic situation has eased, healthcare personnel must still perform their duties, which has resulted in psychological impacts, particularly stress. Objectives This study aimed to examine the risk factors associated with stress among healthcare personnel post-COVID-19 pandemic in northeast Thailand. Methods A cross-sectional analytic design was conducted from January to April 2023. One thousand and three hundred healthcare workers were selected from primary, secondary, and tertiary hospitals across 16 districts within Chaiyaphum province. The questionnaires were used to collect data, and the stress test 5 (ST-5) questionnaire was used to investigate stress among healthcare personnel. Results The overall stress rate for healthcare workers was 15.47%, including very severe (8.85%) and severe (6.62%). The factors associated with stress consisted of work position, environment of work, personal life such as education level and income, and responsibility for taking care of family members, in addition to experiencing quarantine from COVID-19 were more likely to have a high risk of stress problems among healthcare workers. Conclusion This result highlighted that the mental health of personnel should be in critical situations, and those found severely afflicted should undergo professional care. To prevent psychological issues, particularly stress, health organizations should be concerned with strong organizational management, which includes supporting bonuses and providing high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare staff.

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.

Still Standing Defiantly: Guidelines for Reducing Inequality of Human capital in the Northeast of Thailand during the Covid-19 pandemic

This study aimed to develop an approach to reduce human capital inequality of marginalized people in the northeastern of Thailand during the Covid – 19 pandemics. This study employed a qualitative research methodology to collect data through focus group discussions with the focus group discussion guideline from a group of key informants who were stakeholders in urban development and the quality-of-life development in Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, Khon Kaen Municipality, and Udon Thani Municipality, totaling thirty-six persons. The study results indicate that there were three approaches to reducing human capital inequality of marginalized people in northeastern Thailand during the Covid – 19 pandemic as were follows: a) Promote the civil society networks, 2) Develop Human capital of marginal households, and3) Develop a tripartite inequality reduction mechanism between government agencies, the public sector, and civil society to coordinate cooperation between agencies to share information and problems for further resolutions.

Expanding the roles of malaria post workers in Thailand: A qualitative study of stakeholder perspectives.

In Thailand, since the 2000s, malaria post (MP) workers have been tasked with promptly detecting and treating all malaria cases to prevent onward transmission in the communities. Expanding their roles to provide health services beyond malaria has been proposed as a strategy to sustain their activities until elimination is reached. This article examines the perspectives of stakeholders on community-based malaria care to assess prospects for expanding the role of MPs. The study incorporated in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). In forested communities and local health facilities in northeast Thailand bordering Lao PDR and Cambodia, where malaria transmission is low, IDIs were conducted with 13 MPs and 23 community members. An additional 14 policymakers and implementers across the health sector in Thailand were interviewed. The respondents highlighted how in these border areas population groups most at risk of malaria, namely forest goers and migrants, are reluctant to visit public health facilities. In these areas, MP workers are well integrated in their communities and remain relevant although the communities no longer see malaria as spriority. Common conditions such as dengue, diabetes, insect bites, diarrhea, mental illness and substance abuse, were identified as local health concerns needing potential add-on services from MP workers. Although challenges in terms of training, supervision, and financing were raised, opportunities included additional funds from local administrative offices to maintain and integrate malaria activities with other health programmes. Changes to the roles of MPs should be adapted to changing local needs, some of which were identified in this study, should avoid duplication and potential tensions with other local health programmes, and need to build on the capacity of the community and primary care system. These enabling factors are worthy of consideration by any malaria programmes looking into maintaining their village malaria workers in the Greater Mekong Subregion.

Influence of El Niño southern oscillation on precipitation variability in Northeast Thailand

This study investigates the influence of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on monthly precipitation anomaly (PPTA) in Northeast Thailand using 30 years (1993–2022) data obtained from 27 weather stations of the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD). Pearson correlation analysis elucidates the relationship between ENSO indices and PPTA. Results reveal significant correlations between ENSO indices and PPTA, providing insights into their intricate relationship. La Niña events have a stronger relationship with PPTA than El Niño events, with notable correlations observed.•Strong La Niña phases, PPTA tends to increase across Northeast Thailand when Niño 3, 3.4, and 4 are more strongly negative -0.64, -0.50, and -0.65, respectively. These correlations provide valuable insights into the hydrological influence of ENSO in Thailand.•After the ENSO event, there appears to be a 4–5 month lag period from the impact on PPTA that shows a higher correlation.•Wavelet transform coherence (WTC) analysis dissects the temporal and frequency-specific nature of the relationship between ENSO and PPTA found during the frequency of 2–7 years. These findings underscore the importance of studying regional variations in ENSO impacts for PPTA in Northeast Thailand.

Investigation of Fasciola gigantica in freshwater snail Radix (Lymnaea) spp. In the highly parasite-prevalent area of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand

ABSTRACT This study investigates the distribution of the Lymnaea (Radix) spp. in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeast Thailand, where a vast cattle farming area is located and has a high prevalence of Fasciola spp. in the cattle. By random selection, 1,414 snails were collected from the natural and man-made ponds. The snails were recorded for morphology and processed for DNA isolation. The snail species were investigated by conventional PCR using a 16S rDNA-specific primer. The result demonstrated that all collected snails were R. (L.) rubiginosa. Moreover, the infection of Fasciola gigantica in the snails was investigated by PCR using a cytochrome c oxidase I (COX1)-specific primer. The results illustrated that the overall prevalence was 22.5% (318/1414), with the highest prevalence in the Nong Sa Rai subdistrict at 73.6% (81/110), which is the highest prevalence of Fasciola gigantica in the snail host that has ever been reported. The lowest prevalence existed in the Pong Ta Long subdistrict at 3.7% (4/109). Our results corresponded to the previous report on the Fasciola spp. infection in the cattle from this area, and the geographical analysis revealed that the most suspected factor would be the earth dam located in these subdistricts, where many animals live freely during the day. Our findings could be helpful for further parasite control and could trigger the study of the biology and associated factors in the future.

Health literacy of community leaders in the prevention and control of COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

Community leaders in Thailand play an important role in preventing and controlling infectious diseases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, risk perception and adequate health literacy among these leaders influence the population. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationships among health literacy, risk perception factors, and the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control. A self-administered structured questionnaire was administered to 1,338 community leaders in northeast Thailand to assess the level of implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control measures. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify the influence of risk perceptions and health literacy on the prevention and control of COVID-19. Approximately 64% of the sample was male, and the participants had an average age of 50.51 ± 8.47 years. The factors associated with moderate and high levels of COVID-19 prevention and control among community leaders were moderate and high levels of perceived susceptibility (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] = 3.01; 95% CI: 2.13–4.25; p-value < 0.001) and perceived severity (ORadj = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.22–2.45; p-value = 0.023) as well as adequate access (ORadj = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.08–2.25; p-value < 0.001) and adequate understanding (ORadj = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.34–3.93; p-value < 0.001), with a level of statistical significance of 0.05. The incorporation of health literacy and risk perception, especially in dimensions such as access, understanding, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity, is essential for leaders to possess strong skills in community health development, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revisiting moated sites in Northeast Thailand: integrating spatial analysis with previous and new research insights

Moated sites in northeast Thailand serve as pivotal evidence of human–environment interaction since the Iron Age and have been subject to extensive study. This research conducts a comprehensive examination of moated sites, aiming to analyze their spatial characteristics and relationships with physical environmental factors across various scales, including regional and major river basins. To achieve these goals, advanced GIS tools including average nearest neighbor (ANN) analysis, kernel density estimation (KDE), standard deviational ellipse (SDE) analysis, and the Kruskal–Wallis test are employed. By incorporating a dataset of 468 moated sites and expanding the geographic scope beyond previous studies, this research offers new insights into settlement patterns and environmental interactions. Contrary to earlier interpretations suggesting random dispersion, the study’s findings reveal a clustering pattern, indicating intentional spatial organization by ancient communities. The study also highlights the influence of rainfall on the number of moats, with multiple moats more common in lower rainfall areas and single moats in higher rainfall regions. Additionally, the results observe that sites with more moats are typically found at higher elevations, although no significant correlation between elevation and site size was identified, challenging previous studies' conclusions. These results underscore the importance of local environmental conditions, such as rainfall and elevation, in shaping the distribution and characteristics of moated sites. The findings highlight the complex interplay between environmental factors and human settlement strategies, emphasizing the role of water management in ancient communities.

Species Diversity and Distribution of Freshwater Fish in The Mekong River, Northeast of Thailand

Species Diversity and Distribution of Freshwater Fish in The Mekong River, Northeast of Thailand

Analysis of fine-scale phylogeny of Burkholderia pseudomallei in relation to regional geography and drug susceptibility in Thailand

Melioidosis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp) is a public health threat. Genomic-epidemiology research on this deadly disease is scarce. We investigated whole-genome sequences of Bp isolates in relation to environmental source and drug susceptibility. In total, 563 Bp isolates were collected from 11 Northeast Thai provinces during the period 2004–2021. Patients (n = 530 isolates), infected animals (n = 8), and environmental sources (n = 25) provided samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed genetic diversity among the Bp isolates, including numerous well-supported clusters of varying sizes. Through in-depth analysis of 38 monophyletic clades (MCs), we found eleven associated with province of origin (p-value < 0.001). Closely related clusters (CRCs) within MCs resembled MLST-identified “sequence types” (STs). We found 102 known and 52 novel STs. ST-70 was the most prevalent in this area (n = 78; 13.85%). Sample type (human/environmental) and sampling time intervals were not correlated with genetic distance among clonal Bp isolates. Some members of 12 CRCs had acquired resistance to co-trimoxazole and one against amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Within Northeast Thailand, there is an association between Bp genotype and geographical origin.

Exploring How to Construct Buddhist Temples in Sacred Forests: A Critical Ethnography in Northeast Thailand

Exploring How to Construct Buddhist Temples in Sacred Forests: A Critical Ethnography in Northeast Thailand

Beyond Phu-Tai Matmii Handwoven Silk Fabric: Weaving Pattern Design, Ancestral Wisdom, and Originality

Handwoven silk patterns are vital to transferring ancestral assets, which plays a crucial role in preserving ethnic silk heritage in northeast Thailand. However, traditional weaving patterns are not preserved following the handwoven silk pattern, transferring ancestral wisdom, thus originality becomes a seriously endangered conservation practice. This research aims to explore how weaving pattern design, ancestral wisdom, and originality of Phu-Tai Matmii handwoven silk fabric is maintained in Kalasin province. An ethnonarrative research was conducted using a purposive sampling technique of 20 Phu-Tai Matmii handwoven silk groups in Somdet district, Kalasin province, northeast Thailand. Face-to-face in-depth interview transcripts of data were performed using an interpretive thematic analysis (themes, familiarization, coding, quotations, and writing up). The first theme is reweaving pattern designs, with subthemes of sketching pattern, color dyeing, yarn spinning, and combine pattern techniques. The second theme is ancestral wisdom, including the subthemes of pattern imitation, trials, practice, weaving, and finished silk products. The third theme is original identity along with subthemes of pattern perception, pattern communication, pattern values, pattern culture, and pattern identity.

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.