Security In Thailand Research Articles

The Uneven State: Center and Periphery in Shaping State Capacity in Thailand

abstract: This article examines the state's uneven capacity to deliver public social goods to the periphery. It does so through a comparative analysis of two agencies in Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Education, which have exhibited a marked disparity in serving rural citizens over the past twenty-five years. The author traces these outcomes to a divergence in how the agencies perceive the significance of their rural policies in meeting Thailand's security threats and economic growth strategy. This perception produces contrasting organizational norms between central and local bureaucrats, which informs incentives for capacity-building. When an agency's central office believes that rural policy matters significantly for national goals, norms develop that encourage local agents to invest in serving rural needs. But when an agency deems rural policy to be less urgent in meeting key national objectives, the converse ensues. The article finds that how an agency strategically considers the rural sector influences its decisions to invest in the periphery, with lasting consequences for state capacity and the rural-urban divide.

Occurrence of microplastics in freshwater gastropods from a tropical river U-Taphao, southern Thailand.

Microplastics (MPs) are pollutants in rivers and marine environments. Rivers can be sources and sinks of MPs that enter the biota. Previous studies focusing on freshwater species are quite limited, especially for gastropods. Freshwater gastropods are essential to aquatic ecosystems because they are food to other aquatic animals, such as fish, shrimp, and crabs. They are a crucial link in the food chain between water resources and human food. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate MP accumulation in freshwater gastropods, commonly known as snails (Filopaludina sumatrensis speciosa and Pomacea canaliculata), in a river flowing into a shallow coastal lagoon. In this study, snail tissue samples were digested with 30% hydrogen peroxide. The mixture was heated at 60 °C for 24 h. MP particles were identified, counted, and characterized (shape, size, and color) by visual identification under a stereomicroscope. Furthermore, polymer-type identification was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for the statistical analysis. The MPs found were as follows: 4.76 particles/individual were found in F. sumatrensis speciosa upstream, 5.20 particles/individual were found in F. sumatrensis speciosa downstream, 7.28 particles/individual were found in P. canaliculata upstream, and 4.00 particles/individual were found in P. canaliculata downstream. It was found in the two-way ANOVA that the accumulation of MPs in gastropods was affected by species and study sites (upstream and downstream). There was a significant difference in the amount of MPs in P. canaliculata between upstream and downstream sites (p = 0.003). Fibers were the most common MPs in both species. Moreover, P. canaliculata upstream had the most significant amount of MPs. The smallest amount of MPs was recorded for P. canaliculata downstream, but there was great diversity in shape, size, and polymer type. MPs sized 500 μm-1 mm were the most common in both species. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed six polymers: poly (ethylene terephthalate), polypropylene, rayon, polyethyleneimine, polyamine, and poly (propylene: ethylene). The occurrence of MPs in gastropods is alarming for food security in Thailand. The results of this study can be used to support baseline data on MP accumulation among freshwater gastropods.

Enhancing global health security in Thailand: Strengths and challenges of initiating a One Health approach to avian influenza surveillance

Infectious disease surveillance systems support early warning, promote preparedness, and inform public health response. Pathogens that have human, animal, and environmental reservoirs should be monitored through systems that incorporate a One Health approach. In 2016, Thailand's federal government piloted an avian influenza (AI) surveillance system that integrates stakeholders from human, animal, and environmental sectors, at the central level and in four provinces to monitor influenza A viruses within human, waterfowl, and poultry populations. This research aims to describe and evaluate Thailand's piloted AI surveillance system to inform strategies for strengthening and building surveillance systems relevant to One Health. We assessed this surveillance system using the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (U.S. CDC) “Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems” and added three novel metrics: transparency, interoperability, and security. In-depth key informant interviews were conducted with representatives among six Thai federal agencies and departments, the One Health coordinating unit, a corporate poultry producer, and the Thai Ministry of Public Health-U.S. CDC Collaborating Unit. Thailand's AI surveillance system demonstrated strengths in acceptability, simplicity, representativeness, and flexibility, and exhibited challenges in data quality, stability, security, interoperability, and transparency. System efforts may be strengthened through increasing laboratory integration, improving pathogen detection capabilities, implementing interoperable systems, and incorporating sustainable capacity building mechanisms. This innovative piloted surveillance system provides a strategic framework that can be used to develop, integrate, and bolster One Health surveillance approaches to combat emerging global pathogen threats and enhance global health security.

Normative legal mechanism for ensuring cyberspace security of Thailand

The object of this research is the legal relations that emerge in the context of implementation of measures for ensuring cybersecurity. Characteristic is given to the provisions of the normative legal acts of Thailand in the sphere of cybersecurity. The article author explores the peculiarities of such policy and regulatory documents as Thai National Cybersecurity Strategy for 2017–2021, Policy and Plan for National Security (2019–2022), Cyber Crime Act of 2007 (revised in 2017), Criminal Code of 1956 (revised in 2019), Personal Data Protection Act of 2017, and Cybersecurity Act of 2019. The author reveals the peculiarities of normative legal mechanism for ensuring cyberspace security in Thailand. In its policy documents, Thailand does not determine the major information threats in domestic and foreign spheres or the priorities in the development of cybersecurity system, but rather outlines the range of national interests and sets the tasks may propel it to the regional leadership. The laws are elaborated with consideration of the latest trends in the sphere of information technologies,, and include in the scope of regulation such questions as the protection of personal data, computer and information systems, and critical information infrastructure. The vertical framework of state administration and monitoring, as well as the range of powers of the competent bodies are established on the legislative level. In the sphere of protection of personal data, Thai legislation extensively duplicates the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union. A distinctive feature of the normative legal acts consists in legal substantiation of restriction of human rights and freedoms in the context of implementation of such provisions.

Energy, Governance and Security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma): A Critical Approach to Environmental Politics in the South Adam Simpson, Copenhagen: NIAS Press, 2017, pp. 336.

Energy, Governance and Security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma): A Critical Approach to Environmental Politics in the South Adam Simpson, Copenhagen: NIAS Press, 2017, pp. 336.

Energy, Governance and Security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma): A Critical Approach to Environmental Politics in the South, by Adam Simpson (2nd ed.)

Energy, Governance and Security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma): A Critical Approach to Environmental Politics in the South, by Adam Simpson (2nd ed.)

The potential of palm oil production as a pathway to energy security in Thailand

This paper presents an analysis of the potential of palm oil production as a pathway to achieve the objectives of the Alternative Energy Development Plan (AEDP) of Thailand. The current and anticipated demands for domestic edible cooking palm oil consumption in Thailand, along with the demand for other marginal usages, are analyzed using a population-based model, while the palm oil needed to achieve the palm oil-based biodiesel production targets are set in the AEDP. Three scenarios are studied, i.e. base case, and with 10% variations. The anticipated demand for palm oil is transposed to surface areas needed to satisfy the total demand of palm oil. The three major characteristics for the selection of sites consist of topography (slope; elevation above mean sea level), climate (annual mean temperature, rainfall and sunshine hours; orientation), and soil characteristics (presence of clay loam and clay; depth of soil layer). The maps of suitable sites for new potential palm tree plantations are overlaid with the maps of current land use, on which prohibited and constrained zones are specifically excluded. Assuming average yields of 17%, results show that a total area of 17,800 km2 would be necessary for the production of the palm oil to achieve the 2036 AEDP energy objectives, while continuing to supply the necessary edible cooking palm oil and supplying the marginal usages.

Influencing External Factors for Small Arms Light Weapon Smuggling at Malaysia-Thailand Border

End of the Cold War had contributed to the plentitude of firearms within the Southeast Asia region which led to the increase of small arms and light weapon (SALW) smuggling activity. For decades till today, most countries in this region continue to face internal armed conflicts. Malaysia strategic location, situated at the world’s busiest sea lane trades had resulted in rampant cross border crime of SALW smuggling activities. Malaysia’s strict firearms law disallows the possession of SALW without a license. In spite of such strict SALW legislations, these smugglings continues. What are the factors that contribute to the increase of SALW smuggling into Malaysia? The main objective of this article is to scrutinise the external factors that promote the increase of SALW smuggling into Malaysia. This study employs a qualitative method with primary data obtained through preliminary and formal interviews with Malaysian and Thailand security agencies, crime desk journalist, non-governmental organizations, smugglers, former separatist member, former Thai residents, informers and prisoners of SALW related. Whilst secondary data was acquired via credible research. The study found that the national factors and non-national factors have influenced the increase of SALW smuggling into Malaysia.

Energy, Governance and Security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma)

Energy, Governance and Security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma)

SOME POSSIBLE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON HUMAN SECURITY IN THAILAND

Climate change impacts such as sea-level rise, droughts and floods can pose a threat to human security in Thailand. This research is asking what kinds of challenges does climate change pose to Thailand and how will those challenges effect human security. Climate change is well researched topic but previous work has failed to address it through the lens of human security. This research wants to underline that climate change is not only an environmental problem, but can effect societies in larger scale. The methodology used in this research involved documentary research supplemented by three expert interviews. The findings of this research confirm that climate change impacts can effect human security of Thai population by destroying the crops, real estate and infrastructure. Therefore, it is recommended for Thailand to spread awareness of environmental issues, continue regional co-operation with ASEAN, and invest in research in order to enhance mitigation and adaptation measures. Thailand should also prepare for climate related migration in the future.

Southeast Asia. Energy, governance and security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma): A critical approach to environmental politics in the South By Adam Simpson Surrey: Ashgate, 2014, Pp. xviii + 260. Figures, Tables, Index.

Southeast Asia. Energy, governance and security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma): A critical approach to environmental politics in the South By Adam Simpson Surrey: Ashgate, 2014, Pp. xviii + 260. Figures, Tables, Index.

Management and Agricultural Technology Affecting to Longan Security in Thailand

The objectives of this research are to study the management influences on Longan product, the value of Longan product with agricultural science and technology, and the public policy that affects on Longan product security. This study employs quantitative methods in analyzing the data collected from 400 Longan farmers in 3 provinces located in the northern region of Thailand: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Lamphun. The models were tested via Structural Equation Modeling or SEM and results indicate that Longan product management and public policy have positive effects on Longan security. Results also show that agricultural technology has a negative effect while the value of Longan product has no influence on the Longan security.

Book Review: Energy, Governance and Security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma)

Book Review: Energy, Governance and Security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma)

Energy, Governance and Security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma): A Critical Approach to Environmental Politics in the South

Energy, Governance and Security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma): A Critical Approach to Environmental Politics in the South

Energy, governance and security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma): a critical approach to environmental politics in the South. By Adam Simpson

Energy, governance and security in Thailand and Myanmar (Burma): a critical approach to environmental politics in the South. By Adam Simpson

An assessment of energy security in Thailand’s power generation

Presently, electricity power generation in Thailand mainly relies on natural gas approximately 70% of the total primary energy demand. Furthermore, around 37% of the total natural gas consumption is imported from neighboring countries. The Thai government developed a new power development plan in 2010 (PDP) to strengthen its energy security due to excessive reliance on natural gas for electricity generation and mitigate CO2 emissions by planning to install new nuclear power plants by 2030. Particularly after the nuclear power disaster in Fukushima, Japan in 2011, public opinion remains in opposition with nuclear technology, raising issues concerning the feasibility of this potential energy source.It is found that an intensive coal power plants scenario is the highest emission of CO2 per kWh and its electricity unit cost is higher than PDP about 7.35%. If nuclear and new coal power plants cannot be implemented according to PDP plan, a renewable energy scenario is possible. This option not only strengthens the energy security, but it significantly mitigates the intensity of CO2 emission per kWh higher than PDP about 7.14%. However, this only can be achieved by increasing the electricity unit cost by 14% compared to the price estimated by the 2010 PDP.

Bat pest control contributes to food security in Thailand

Sustainable rice production is critical to food security especially in Asia. Effective biocontrol of major rice pests such as the White-Backed Planthopper (Sogatella furcifera, Horváth; WBP) is, hence, of eminent importance. We use newly compiled data from Thailand on the Wrinkle-Lipped Bat (Tadarida plicata, Buchanan), WBP distributions and an iterative modelling approach to quantify the importance of biological pest control by a common bat species on WBP. In Thailand, this single species interaction may prevent rice loss of almost 2,900 tons per year, which translates into a national economic value of more than 1.2million USD or rice meals for almost 26,200 people annually. For the first time, our results show not only the critical importance of bat pest control services in economic terms, but also for sustaining food security. Thus, bat population decline as currently observed in Southeast Asia, will directly affect people by food and money. Functionally important populations, not just rare and endangered species, should be included in conservation management of human-dominated landscapes.

Provident Fund and Income Security in Thailand

Provident Fund and Income Security in Thailand

A Comparative Analysis of Internet Banking Security in Thailand: A Customer Perspective

Internet technology has influenced everyday life during the past few decades because of its capability to assist and enhance operational and managerial performance in both non-business and business industries. Furthermore, security issues have become more common nowadays in internet technology particularly on internet banking systems due to the harmful impact on confidentiality, integrity and privacy of the bank and its customers. In the previous research, we investigated the internet banking security system of 16 selected Australian banks. The findings from that research revealed that there were deficiencies in internet banking security in all 16 of the selected Australian banks which were likely to affect the confidentiality of the existing and potential customers of the banks. The aim of this paper was to further the scope of the research by investigating internet banking security in another country. It examined 12 Thai commercial banks and compared the results/findings obtained from the previous research paper to generate a feasible guideline for Thai commercial banks. The investigation revealed that there was a distinct lack of internet banking security information provided on all the selected Thai banks’ websites as compared to the selected Australian banks which provided better internet banking security information.

Status of Food Safety and Food Security in Thailand: “Thai's Kitchen to the World”

Status of Food Safety and Food Security in Thailand: “Thai's Kitchen to the World”