Sukhothai Province Research Articles

Curcuma sumonii sp. nov., and C. wanchaii sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae), two new taxa of Curcuma subgen. Curcuma from Thailand.

This research presents the discovery of two novel taxa, Curcuma sumonii Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Boonma & Techa, and C. wanchaii Saensouk, P.Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma, belonging to the Curcuma subgenus Curcuma. Curcuma sumonii was collected in Sukhothai Province, Northern Thailand, while C. wanchaii was found in Kanchanaburi Province, Southwestern Thailand. Our study provides a comprehensive documentation of their morphological attributes, including detailed descriptions supported by visual aids. In addition to morphological data, we offer insights into vernacular names, ecological characteristics, phenology, traditional uses, conservation status, and distribution maps. Morphological comparison Tables1 and 2 are provided to differentiate between these newly discovered taxa and their allied species. Furthermore, we present an identification key to facilitate the differentiation of these taxa from their allied species. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of biodiversity within the Curcuma genus and offer valuable information for further conservation efforts and taxonomic research.

A Geographic Information Systems-Based Analysis of Response Time and Hospital Coverage Area in Sukhothai Province, Thailand

A Geographic Information Systems-Based Analysis of Response Time and Hospital Coverage Area in Sukhothai Province, Thailand

The Operation Model Development for Medical Cannabis Using of Public Hospitals in Sukhothai Province, Thailand

The Operation Model Development for Medical Cannabis Using of Public Hospitals in Sukhothai Province, Thailand

Classification of geologic materials used in the Sukhothai Historical Park of Thailand using a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer and petrographic analysis

The Sukhothai Historical Park, designated as a world heritage site in Thailand, encompasses the remnants of the Sukhothai Kingdom and serves as a valuable locus for geological and geoarchaeological investigations. Situated in the Sukhothai province, the region is characterized by diverse lithologies, including slate, phyllite, and laterite, as well as red bricks (synthetic materials), utilized in the construction of various ancient structures. Petrographic analysis using polarized light microscopy reveals the phyllites as the primary dimension stones, exhibiting foliated and mylonitic textures with small quartz augen. A portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer was employed for geochemical analysis and the analysis of major oxides and trace elements. The resulting data facilitated the classification of protoliths and comparison with rocks from an abandoned quarry near Saritphong Dam in the western part of the historical park. Notably, phyllites utilized in several prominent structures within the park; Wat Saphan Hin, Wat Pa Daeng 2, Wat Thap Sakae, Wat Chetuphon, Wat Sri Chum, and Wat Mangkorn Temples, exhibited similar characteristics to those in the Wat Khao Noi old quarry, as confirmed by Rubidium (Rb) and Strontium (Sr) values. The SiO2/Al2O3 and FeO/K2O ratios were pivotal in identifying the protoliths of the studied phyllites as shales. In summary, the primary dimension stones for Sukhothai Historical Park originated from the western mountain within the park, with laterites sourced from foothill areas. The presence of quartz pebbles in red bricks suggests local sediment utilization, and quartz additions were employed to enhance structural strength. This comprehensive geoarchaeological study sheds light on the geological composition of the Sukhothai Historical Park, providing valuable insights into the selection and utilization of construction materials in this historically significant site.

AN EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF PREVENTIVE BEHAVIORS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AMONG ADULT WORKERS WITH HYPERTENSION

Introduction: In Thailand, approximately 13 million adult workers have hypertension, with approximately 4.7% of those living in acculturated societies at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Aims: This study aims to examine the factors that predicted CVD prevention behaviors in individuals with hypertension. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 1,151 adult workers with hypertension from Sukhothai Province, Thailand, using a multistage sampling technique. The measurement tools included a standardized questionnaire approved by three experts and tested for reliability using the Cronbach’s alpha. A multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors that predicted CVD prevention behaviors. Results: This study involved a total of 1,151 participants, 61.90% of whom were females, with an average age of 52 years. In addition, 71.80% of the participants had a family history of CVD. The majority of the participants (73.4%) exhibited moderate levels of CVD preventive behaviors. Factors that predicted CVD preventive behaviors included self-efficacy (β = 0.423), family and social support (β = 0.162), perceived information (β = 0.119), attitude (β = 0.117), knowledge (β = 0.089), living with nuisance (β = -0.049), and family history of hypertension (β = 0.049). These predictors accounted for 39.2% of the variance (R2 = 0.392, p = 0.05). Conclusion: The intervention mapping to promote CVD preventive behaviors in adult workers with hypertension should focus on increasing self-efficacy by providing information to improve individual knowledge and attitude, as well as addressing environmental factors that may affect people's well-being, such as nuisances.

A New Class of Generalized Extreme Value Distribution and Application under Alpha Power Transformation Method

This paper presents an expansion of the generalized extreme value distribution to new distribution classes, specifically the Alpha Power Transformation Generalized Extreme Value (APTGEV) distribution. This extension is achieved by combining the Extreme Value theory and the alpha power transformation technique. We employ the maximum likelihood method in conjunction with the Newton-Raphson procedure to estimate the parameters in these proposed distributions. In the final stages of our research, we simulate these new distributions and apply them to real-world data. For this study, we have chosen extreme rainfall data from a weather station in the Si Samrong District Sukhothai Province of Thailand as our dataset. These extended distribution classes are designed to provide greater flexibility and adaptability in understanding complex data patterns, and their application to real-world data offers valuable insights into their effectiveness.

Analysis of Accident Sites from Motorcycles among High School Students Using Geographic Information Systems, Sukhothai Province

Road accidents are a major global problem, especially accidents from riding a motorcycle, as these affect both human life and property. Therefore, identifying accident sites is important for accident prevention. This study aimed to analyze the density of accident sites involving motorcycles among high school students in 2019 by using Geographic Information System data (GIS) in Sukhothai Province. In the study, in-depth interviews were used with respondents, including high school students who had accidents on motorcycles, and traffic police officers who were responsible for investigating accidents in schools. In addition, reports of accident sites were used to arrange GIS data layers and analyze the density of the accident sites using Kernel Density Estimation (KDE). The study results revealed that accidents occurred at 217 accident sites in the study area. The map of accident sites and density was created by using GIS data. The areas with accidents in heavy traffic were the roads in the three main districts: Mueang, Si Samrong, and Sawankhalok. Regarding the analysis, accidents were caused by fast cut-off riding, narrow road shoulders, and road users’ non-compliance with traffic regulations. The study results were submitted to traffic authorities, schools, departments responsible for rural roads, and local government organizations, and used for planning and developing models to prevent traffic accidents involving motorcycles among high school students through the student council.

Reconstruction of Archaeological Sites in Virtual Environment: Case Study of Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai Historical Park World Heritage

Historical tourism is a form of tourism that has become popular and has created revenue for the local communities. Tourists who are interested in visiting and learning from historical monuments are often met with disappointment due to the monument’s poor condition. They receive most of the information about the monuments from guidebooks or description plagues at the site. Therefore, they are unable to fully perceive monuments in their original state. Moreover, environmental factors such as temperature, sunlight, seasons and climate can sometimes interrupt the learning experience at the real location. The objective of this research is to create a newtype of learning tool that reconstructs dilapidated historical monument in virtual environment. The case study is Wat Mahathat and it’s immediate physical surroundings at the Sukhothai Historical Park in Sukhothai province. This historical park is an important site for the study of architecture and archeology. However, the architecture in the Sukhothai Historical Park has suffered from tremendous damages overtime. In current state, there are only ruins of buildings, columns, remnants of chedis, Mondapus and Viharas. The archeological evidence, empirical studies and field survey inform the process of architectural analysis which is an important tool in estimating and finally reconstructing the original design of the architecture. This learning tool will be a pivotal equipment that tourism organizations can further develop in order to enhance historical tourism prior to the actual location. Moreover, this research will be a part of standard setting for sustainable tourism.

SoSocial Networks of Civil Engagement and Political Trust: A Case Study of Sukhothai Provincetworks of Civil Engagement and Political Trust: A Case Study of Sukhothai Province

The objective of this study was to study the relationship between the concept of a network of civil engagement and the concept of political trust in Sukhothai Province. The study was based on a quantitative study by collecting the data from a sample of 400 people. The data was analyzed using the SPSS for Windows program. The statistics used for data analysis were percentage, mean, and multiple regression analysis. It was found that, in general, there was a positive relationship between the network of civil engagement and political trust in this Province. The variables can account for 70.5 percent of the variation in political trust (R2 = 0.705). However, the study also found that there were only teachers – parents associations, occupation groups, elderly groups, group formed by the state, volunteer and political groups that showed the positive relationship with political trust. The prediction of the multiple regression equation could be created as political trust = 1.348 + 1.122(G3) + 1.748(G4) + 1.162(G5) + 0.925(G7) + 2.047(G10) + 0.467(G12). The analysis of multiple correlation coefficients and the analysis of the forecasting power of the 6 groups on political trust could forecast and create political trust forecasting equations. Only organizations characterized as formal and/or semi-formal networks had a positive relation towards political trust. Arguably, to promote political trust level, government agencies should encourage public participation so as to develop democratic working skills and strengthen the political trust.

COMPARING STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY-BASED TOURISM (CBT), EXAMPLES FROM THAILAND

The purpose of this qualitative research program was to study and compare stakeholder participation in community-based tourism (CBT) in communities in Phitsanulok Province and Sukhothai Province in Thailand, using case studies. Data were collected from 35 key informants from 9 villages, selected by purposive sampling, and using a structured interview form as a research tool in face-to-face, in-depth interviews. The program was undertaken during July 2021. Issues identified in an analysis of the data collected were grouped and coded. A number of different issues were identified between CBT communities. A high level of participation in CBT by leaders, homestay owners, and CBT operators was observed. Citizen control level of participation was found in both provinces, but consultation as a participation strategy was found only in Sukhothai Province. As well, differences in participation activities were identified between older participants and young participants and also between the two provinces. Volunteer work attitude and participation by visitors were also differences identified between these two provinces, indicating the different types of tourism, such as develop gastronomic tourism and creative tourism products, that should be offered by CBT communities in the two provinces.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders among Thai Burley Tobacco Farmers.

This cross-sectional analysis study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Thai Burley tobacco farmers. Subjects included 603 burley tobacco farmers from Sukhothai province. Farmers were interviewed twice, (during planting and harvesting seasons), with a questionnaire consisting of demographic and health characteristics, musculoskeletal symptoms, and ergonomic exposure questions. The subjects average age was 49.5 years, more were female (58.5%), most had only a primary education (74.3%), 38% were overweight or obese. Farmers had a significantly higher prevalence of MSDs in the lower back (37.1%), knee (28.7%), shoulder (22.9%), wrist (19.9%), and hip (8.3%) during the harvesting season than in the planting season (p < 0.05). Models found that factors influencing MSDs prevalence during planting included long work hours in seedling, tasks such as topping tobacco plants, and using machine tools, after controlling for age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). While in the harvesting season, models found tasks conducted as a group had lower MSDs prevalence than individual work when carrying fresh tobacco to the barn, piercing/threading and curing the leaves, baling the bundles, and transporting the finished goods. We recommended working in groups to reduce workload and MSDs, especially during harvesting, in burley tobacco farming.

Community participation in heritage tourism management of Sukhothai historical park

Purpose This study aims to examine community participation in cultural heritage management with regard to sustainable heritage tourism management in Sukhothai Historical Park (SHP) in Sukhothai Province. Design/methodology/approach The qualitative and quantitative research approaches were applied; in-depth interviews were conducted with 27 key informants, and 104 questionnaires were distributed among stakeholders and local communities. Findings The results revealed that sustainable park management has made a positive impact upon local economy, social and cultural conservation of the world heritage site. The Park Authority has developed and conserved archaeological sites with local community assistance, particularly for physical management, but it has not yet used archaeological heritage in the park for more benefits of tourism development. Research limitations/implications The results reveal that sustainable park management has made a positive impact on the local economy and social and cultural conservation of the World Heritage city. The Park Authority has developed and conserved archaeological sites with local community assistance, particularly for physical management, but it has not yet used archaeological heritage in the park for greater urban tourism development. Sustainable cultural heritage management in SHP is government-led, so community participation is based upon two-way communication in the form of “tokenism.” Practical implications Sukhothai is encouraged to find suitable mechanisms to facilitate multisectoral communication and development to jointly face the challenge of more visitors and urbanization. Originality/value Guidelines for enhancing community involvement in cultural heritage management of the park were proposed.

Factors affecting performance of village health volunteers in Sukhothai, Thailand

This descriptive research aimed to investigate the factors affecting performance among village health volunteers (VHVs). The sample participants were 598 VHVs in Sukhothai Province, Thailand. They were selected by using the systematic random sampling technique. In this research, a questionnaire was employed for the data collection, after which the data were analysed by using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The study results showed that knowledge, role perception, social support, and work motivation were at a high level, whereas attitude and performance were at a moderate level. Work motivation was the strongest predictor of performance among VHVs, followed by role perception, number of other positions in the communities, knowledge, agricultural occupation, duration of being VHVs, and attitude. In combination, all these factors could predict the performance of the VHVs at 26.5% with a statistical significance of 0.05. According to the study results, related agencies should arrange training programs as a means of enhancing attitude towards work operation and role perception, and should create work motivation of VHVs to further increase their effectiveness of performance.

Adsorption of Indigo Carmine Dye onto Porous Adsorbent Derived from Banaba Peels Waste

This study investigated the preparation method and adsorption efficiency of porous adsorbents prepared from banana peels (BP) waste. The BP waste was acquired from banana fried chip factories in Sukhothai province. Chemical activation by sulfuric acid was used to activate the raw material, followed by carbonization at 500 °C. The activated BP adsorbent has been characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDXRF), N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and zeta potential measurements. The analysis of chemical properties showed that it mainly contained 70.39 % K matter. The specific surface area of the BP sample reached 215.05 m2/g under acid activation and thermal treatment. The SEM images showed the morphologies of the BP adsorbent before and after activation. There was a significant change in the morphology and in the dried BP and activated BP. The pHPZC value of the activated BP obtained under optimal conditions was 4.13. Adsorption of indigo carmine (IC) onto porous activated BP at different initial IC concentrations (10 - 100 mg/L) and contact times (30 - 120 min) was investigated using batch experiments (0.1 g/50 mL). At an optimum contact time of 60 min, maximum adsorption capacity was determined at 56.18 mg/g. The Freundlich isotherm model with a high correlation coefficient was used to describe multilayer adsorption. The kinetic study fit well with a pseudo second-order kinetic model that represented chemisorption. The negative deltaG° value of –14.64 kJ/mol indicated that adsorption of IC onto the BP adsorbent was spontaneous in nature at 305.15 K. HIGHLIGHTS Increase the value of the biomass resources was produced form banana peels as high surface area adsorbent The qmaxfor indigo carmine (IC) adsorption was 56.18 mg/g under optimized conditions The adsorption of the IC follows the Freundlich model and pseudo-second order kinetic model Negative deltaG° value indicated the possibility of IC adsorption process GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Social measures for reducing exposure to secondhand smoke in migrant workers of sugarcane harvest in the lower northern region of Thailand.

INTRODUCTIONThe sugarcane harvest migrant workers are an underprivileged group in Thailand and have a high risk of exposure to secondhand smoke but are potentially neglected in health promotion interventions.METHODSThis three-phase study applied a mixed-method research approach. The data were collected from February to December 2019 from the Sukhothai province of Thailand. In Phase 1, the level of secondhand smoke exposure of the sugarcane harvest migrant workers at the worker camp was explored. The data were collected from 462 workers by questionnaires and from 24 sample participants in the group discussions about the factors leading to the exposure to secondhand smoke. Phase 2 was the provision and implementation of social measures for the health protection of migrant workers and families from exposure to secondhand smoke. In Phase 3, an evaluation of the health protection model for the migrant workers and families from secondhand smoke exposure was explored.RESULTSWorkers aged ≤40 years had 1.9 times higher exposure to secondhand smoke than workers aged ≥41 years (OR=1.93; 95% CI: 1.24–3.01). Those who worked overtime had 1.7 times higher exposure to secondhand smoke than those who did not work overtime (OR=1.71; 95% CI: 1.10–2.66). Social measures to prevent secondhand smoke were: given a warning, no rewards for cigarettes, designated smoking area, not asking the children to buy cigarettes, stop displaying cigarettes at grocery shops, and empowering woman to go against the smoking husband in the camp and the sugarcane field when the women, children, and nonsmokers are present. After implementing the measures, there was no exposure to secondhand smoke inside the room, cooking area, and at the quad in the camp center.CONCLUSIONSAppropriate social measures for health protection can help to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.

The relationship between soil chemical properties and phytochemical contents of non-centrifugal cane brown sugar in Thailand

In Thailand, NCS products from sugarcane are traditionally produced by the evaporation of raw cane juice obtained from a pressing machine. NCS products enhance flavor and supply both energy and nutritional value through the vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds which occur naturally in sugarcane produced without molasses removal. Soil quality and choice of cane cultivar affect the nutraceutical components of brown cane sugar products grown in diverse areas. Differences in nutraceutical components of NCS products obtained by traditional processes were investigated form sugarcane planted in two different areas of Sukhothai Province, with varied soil qualities based on the same cane variety (LK-92-11). The soil classification was carried out according to the Staff Soil Survey (2014) and classified as Aquic Haplustalfs and Aeric Endoaquepts soil types. NCS products from sugarcane planted in Aquic Haplustalfs contained high nutraceuticals and antioxidant activities compared with sugarcane planted in Aeric Endoaquepts. EC and potassium content of the soils showed significant negative correlation with policosanols, total phenolics, total flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activities of the NCS products. Pearson’s correlation indicated that higher electrical conductivity and potassium content of the soils were attributable to lower amounts of policosanols, total phenolics, and total flavonoid contents as well as antioxidant activities. We suggested that electrical conductivity and potassium content of soil should be concerned and monitored to obtain high level of nutraceutical of NCS product made from sugarcane

Microstructure of pyrite related to gold deposit, Huai Yuak area, Sukhothai Province, Northern Thailand

Huai Yuak area is located at Ban Kaeng Subdistrict, Sisatchanalai District, Sukhothai Province, Northern Thailand. The occurrences of gold are distributed along the Sukhothai Fold Belt from Phrae to Lampang though Sukhothai provinces. The Huai Yuak area is a one of the primary gold deposits in the Sukhothai Fold Belt. The geology of the Huai Yuak area is comprised of siltstone, sandstone, shale and tuff from the Permian to Triassic age. Quartz veins of the deposit were formed in siltstone, sandstone and shale. Based on the cross-cutting relationship and mineral assemblages, the quartz veins can be divided into three stages. Quartz veins of stage I are composed of a large amount of microcrystalline quartz with a minor amount of arsenopyrite and a trace amount of calcite, illite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena and electrum. Quartz veins of stage II consist of mainly quartz. Quartz veins of stage III are comprised of a large amount of dolomite and a small amount of quartz with a trace amount of illite and arsenopyrite. Electrum is associated with arsenopyrite, galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite. The electrum was formed as inclusion and filled in fractures of arsenopyrite and pyrite. Based on structure, texture and occurrence, pyrite and arsenopyrite can be classified into four types. Type 1 pyrite and arsenopyrite were disseminated in sandstone, siltstone and shale. Type 1 is characterized by euhedral to subhedral shape with size ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 mm. Type 2 pyrite and arsenopyrite were formed in a fracture as veins in shale and metashale. Type 3 pyrite and arsenopyrite occur in quartz veins. Type 3 is associated with galena, chalcopyrite, sphalerite and electrum. The electrum in Type 3 at Huai Yuak deposit was formed as inclusions and native gold associated with pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite and quartz of stage III. The concentration of electrum is related to arsenic content in pyrite. Type 4 of pyrite and arsenopyrite was formed in shale rock. Pyrite and arsenopyrite gains at the Huai Yuak gold deposit have had developed under a different structure and physical condition from uplift during volcanic arc setting.

Effectiveness of an oral health promotion program for the elderly in Khiri Mat district, Sukhothai province: A randomized control trial

Objectives:Oral disease is one of the most common health problems among the elderly, which impacts the quality of life. Applying the Health Belief Model (HBM) in oral health promotion is expected to improve the effectiveness of prevention and promotion that restricts oral health problems. The aim of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of an oral health promotion program on oral health behavior and oral status among the elderly in Khiri Mat, Thailand.Materials and Methods:A prospective randomized control trial was carried out among 162 elderly people for 6 months. They were interviewed to gather oral health behaviors and perception information, followed by an oral health examination. The experimental group received oral health education based on the HBM theory and tooth brushing practice in a small group of 4–5 persons, and then they were remotivated to support behavior change at 1 and 3 months. The control group received traditional oral health activity. All the elderly were followed up at 6 months. Data were analyzed using the t-test, Mann–Whitney test, Chi-square, and logistic regression.Results:The elderly in the experimental group had significantly higher oral health perception, lower plaque scores, lower gingival inflammation, and lower clinical attachment loss than those in the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusion:This oral health promotion program improved oral health perception, behavior, and oral health status of the elderly.

The Future Design Process for Cultural Silver Jewelry Around the Communities of the Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Sukhothai

The purpose of this research was threefold. The first objective was to analyze the community context and the existing design process for cultural silver jewelry around the communities of the Si Satchanalai Historical Park, Sukhothai Province. This was followed by the development of a future design process. Finally, an evaluation on the level of satisfaction with the new design process was conducted. The research instruments included an in-depth interview, a non-participatory observation, the focus group discussion, questionnaire, seminars and displays. The procedure of developing the future design process for cultural silver jewelry included: (1) finding solutions for problems, (2) creating new design concepts, (3) sketching, and (4) prototyping. The future new design process resulted in reducing the production costs. Evaluation of the future design process also involved several aspects: the features, the concept, and the prototyping. The findings confirmed the highest level of satisfaction on the silver jewelry as rated by the community sages for the Devious Collection at 95 per cent.

Assessment of flood hazard areas using Analytical Hierarchy Process over the Lower Yom Basin, Sukhothai Province

Flood hazard map is essential tool to assess susceptibility of flood prone area. The present study focuses on an assessment of flood hazard areas in Sukhothai province of Thailand where it has suffered from flood in every year with different extents. Spatial analysis in GIS environment has been applied for the estimation of flood risk zones in which six relevant physical factors have been selected namely, rainfall amount, slope, elevation, river density, land use and soil permeability. The relative importance of physical factors has been compared in pairwise matrix to gain the weight values during the process of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The flood hazard zones have been mapped according to their weights. It has been found that Muang, Kongkrailat, Khirimat and Sisamrong districts are identified as the high risk zones of flood.