Zone Of Thailand Research Articles

Source Identification Using Principal Component Analysis and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination in PM2.5 Near an Industrial Area in Thailand

AbstractIndustrialization has led to a surge in air pollution-related problems, as particulate matter (PM) containing heavy metals poses significant health risks. Understanding airborne particle chemistry, particularly the presence of heavy metals, is vital for effective air quality management and health interventions. This study analysed heavy metal levels in PM2.5 across various sites near an industrial zone in Thailand, including areas near main roads, the industrial zone, as well as indoor and outdoor areas of childcare centres. The concentrations of ambient PM2.5 were found to exceed national standards and acceptable limits during the cool dry season, particularly in the industrial zone (46.4 µg/m3), followed by areas near main roads (41.0 µg/m3) and childcare centres (31.6 µg/m3). The impact of the indoor–outdoor relationship on PM2.5 concentration within childcare centres varied. During the cool dry season, Aluminium had the highest concentration, while lead (Pb) across all sites raised environmental concerns. Remarkably, indoor childcare centres showed higher Pb levels than industrial zones and areas near the main road. Principal Component Analysis revealed the distinct factors linked to specific metals, implying contributions from industrial and transportation sources. Lead isotopic analysis indicated potential associations between lead sources and industries like smelting and refining. During the cool dry season, non-carcinogenic risks were concerning (HI > 1), especially near roads and industrial areas. Vulnerabilities were also observed in students and teachers within indoor childcare centres. This study underscores the importance of monitoring and reducing heavy metal pollution in PM2.5, especially in childcare centres near industrial zones, to preserve public health and regional air quality.

Spatiotemporal distribution and geostatistically interpolated mapping of the melioidosis risk in an endemic zone in Thailand.

Melioidosis, a bacterial, infectious disease contracted from contaminated soil or water, is a public health problem identified in tropical regions and endemic several regions of Thailand. Surveillance and prevention are important for determining its distribution patterns and mapping its risk, which have been analysed in the present study. Case reports in Thailand were collected from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020. Spatial autocorrelation was analyzed using Moran's I and univariate local Moran's I. Spatial point data of melioidosis incidence were calculated, with riskmapping interpolation performed by Kriging. It was highest in 2016, at 32.37 cases per 100,000 people, and lowest in 2020, at 10.83 cases per 100,000 people. General observations revealed that its incidence decreased slightly from 2016 to 2018 and drastically in 2019 and 2020. The Moran's I values for melioidosis incidence exhibited a random spatial pattern in 2016 and clustered distribution from 2017 to 2020. The risk and variance maps show interval values. These findings may contribute to the monitoring and surveillance of melioidosis outbreaks.

Soil Element Assessment in Organic Paddy Fields in the Thung Kula Ronghai Zone, Thailand

Organic rice production (ORP) has been promoted as a means of sustaining both farmers and the ecology of paddy fields, so this research aims to evaluate soil properties and soil elements in the ORP and general rice production (GRP) systems in the Thung Kula Ronghai (TKR) zone in Thailand. Soil samples were collected in Roi-et province from fields classified as ORP (5 fields) or GRP (4 fields), and interviews were also conducted with the field owner about rice yield and rice production. Data from the ORP and GRP groups were compared by t-test, and soil enhancement practices were measured by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for variances. Results indicate there were 14 indicators of soil element control in the TKR. All indicators in the ORP and GRP systems were lower than the rate in soil that is suitable for rice production. The macroelement content in the TKR zone was total nitrogen > total potassium > phosphorus available at a ratio of 338: 3: 1, and the soil organic matter (SOM)/soil organic carbon (SOC) ratio is about 3.45. The soil improvement techniques used in the ORP systems—manure only and manure combined with green manure—have a higher pH value (p < 0.05) than the fertilizer only input but a lower TK value (p < 0.05) than the fertilizer only input. As a result, the ORP yield was higher than that of the GRP systems (p < 0.05), greatly affecting farmers’ practices.

Surveillance Model of Parasitic Zoonosis in Cyprinoid Fishes in Northern Zone and Northeastern Zone of Thailand and Myanmar Using GIS

The parasitic zoonosis, opisthorchis viverrini has been an important public health problem in many parts of the globe. In Thailand, fish-borne parasitic zoonosis is highly spread in the northern and northeastern regions, where a large impact of cholangiocarcinoma occurs, a crucial source of the liver cancer. The rare occasions reports date published about the Opisthorchiasis in the middle zone of Myanmar. In our study, a total of a few species of fish borne trematode metacercariae i.e.; three kind of small intestinal flukes, the family of Heterophyidae; Haplorchoides sp., Haplorchis pumilio, Haplorchis taichi and one species of carcinogenic liver fluke, the family of Opisthorchiidae; Opisthorchis viverrini have been detected from seven study areas from Thailand and Myanmar. The geographic information relevant with the rate of infection with vulnerable species of freshwater fishes was also posted from Thailand and Myanmar, and built a parasitic diseases combine with georeference for Geographical Information System (GIS) implementation. Furthermore, secondary descriptive analysis of the prevalence of fishborne trematodes metacercariae from countries of golden triangles (Southeast Asia) ie; Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos PDR have been created a GIS database for infection status of parasite infections. The outcome from this study may be helpful in strategies for protocol of the prevention of parasitic zoonosis in freshwater fishes reportin Thailand and Myanmar.

Development of an evaluation framework and assessment tools to assess the foot and mouth disease (FMD) control policies and their implementation in the proposed FMD-free zone in Thailand.

This paper proposes an evaluation framework and assessment tools for use in the evaluation of the current foot and mouth disease (FMD) control policies in Thailand and their implementation in the eastern region of the country (the proposed FMD-free zone). To develop the framework and assessment tools this study identified: a) the essential elements of a successful FMD control programme; b) stakeholders who are affected by the FMD control programme; and c) relevant Department of Livestock Development regulations and documents. These regulations and documents were used as the foundation for development of the framework and assessment tools. The proposed framework includes the essential characteristics of policy design and implementation that should be part of the FMD control programme in Thailand. The assessment tools include assessment matrices, three sets of questionnaires, and interview questions. When applied, the assessment matrices identify shortcomings of policy design, policy implementation, veterinary capacity and stakeholder engagement. Questionnaires and interview questions collect information that examines the consistency of elements of the FMD control programme against criteria in the assessment matrix. This framework and tools are currently being applied to assess the proposed FMD-free zone in Thailand.

Microplastics pollution with heavy metals in the aquaculture zone of the Chao Phraya River Estuary, Thailand

Microplastics have received special attention due to their potential risks to environments. However, data on microplastics in estuaries of the Southeast Asian region is still insufficient. This study investigated the abundance and characteristics of microplastics in the sediment and surface water of the Chao Phraya River Estuary, Thailand. Concentrations of heavy metals extracted from microplastics were also reported. The abundance of microplastics in surface water and sediment was 48 ± 8 items/m3 and 39 ± 14 items/kg, respectively. Microplastics with small sizes of 0.05–0.3 mm were predominant in all collected samples. Polypropylene and polyethylene particles were the most abundant in the surface water and sediment, respectively. Toxic metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Zn) were found in microplastics from surface water samples. Since Chao Phraya River Estuary is an important aquaculture zone in Thailand, the presence of microplastics in this area may severely impact on aquaculture and human health.

Type of Mass Media Exposure Effects on ZIKA-Related Knowledge and Behavior among Pregnant Women in Thailand

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of exposure to ZIKA information, knowledge and preventive behavior from mass media among pregnant women in a health district zone in Thailand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample comprised pregnant women aged between 18-45 years old, from Health Promotion Center Region 5. The sample size was estimated using 95% confidence interval levels to appropriately represent pregnant women. Valid responses were collected from 395 participants. The sample selection was divided into two stages. First, we randomly selected four provinces from the eight provinces and then selected the district health promotion center in each province. Second, we selected a specific number of pregnant women using a proportional sampling selection. The total number of samples was 395 cases. Furthermore, a multivariate regression linear was applied to analyze the effect of the independent variables towards the dependent variable. RESULTS: The study showed that occupation, mass media exposure from internet media and personal sources had a significant effect on ZIKA-related knowledge. Moreover, education level, pregnancy check-up, mass media exposure from electronic, print and personal sources had led to a significantly higher practice of ZIKA-preventive behavior. The independent variables showed the variation of ZIKA-related knowledge and preventive behavior of 11% and 31%, respectively. CONCLUSION: These results show that mass media can play an important role in helping to prevent transmission of ZIKA. Mass media can bring positive results at the community level, which will often involve ZIKA discussions between families and neighbors, and eventually leads to changes in behavior.

Beach Nourishment as an Adaptation to Future Sandy Beach Loss Owing to Sea-Level Rise in Thailand

A recent study suggested that significant beach loss may take place on the coasts of Thailand by the end of the 21st century as per projections of sea-level rise by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The present study adapts a framework and provides broad estimations for sand volumes and costs required to apply beach nourishment to each coastal zone in Thailand using a technique based on the Bruun rule assumption. Results indicate that a minimum of USD 2981 million (the best scenario) to a maximum of USD 11,409 million (the worst scenario) would be required to maintain all sandy beaches at their present width. Further, the effect of filling particle size on beach nourishment was analyzed in this study. The cost of beach nourishment ranges between USD 1983 and 14,208 million when considering filling particle size diameters of 0.5 and 0.2 mm. A zonal sand volume map for all 51 sandy beach zones in Thailand was created for use as an overview to help decision makers develop a more feasible adaptation plan to deal with the future sea-level rise for Thailand.

Assessing Border Community Readiness for Health Management Prior to the Special Border Economic Zone in Thailand: A Case Study of Sadao District Songkhla Province, Thailand

Community readiness (CR) refers to the degree to which a community is ready to take an action to address a health issue. Since 2015, the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) has already carried on in Thai-Malay border. The present study was conducted by using a 2-phased-mixed-methods, aiming to assess the level of CR and preparation and to develop community health management model prior to SEZ in Sadao district, Songkhla province. Data were collected by questionnaires in 450 local people by simple random sampling. An in-depth interview followed by a focus groups discussion was then performed in purposive selected 150 participants, during December 2017-April 2018. The data was finally analyzed by descriptive statistics and content analysis. Overall community readiness scores ranged from 5.85 to 7.01 on a 10-point scale. The mean readiness score, 6.28 (SD = 0.44) corresponds with an initiation level of readiness which referred to an action plan is established, and early steps are being taken by leadership to address the issue. Main features of the health management model for SEZ was established by community stakeholders as following: (1) community participation (2) network strengthening (3) knowledge and management (4) communication and (5) healthy public policy approach. These findings indicated that they display a slightly high of CR level. In the next step, targeted capacity building activities will be promoted to archive the health model to SEZ for sustainability.

Assessing Border Community Readiness for Health Management Prior to the Special Border Economic Zone in Thailand: A Case Study of Sadao District Songkhla Province, Thailand

Community readiness (CR) refers to the degree to which a community is ready to take an action to address a health issue. Since 2015, the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) has already carried on in Thai-Malay border. The present study was conducted by using a 2-phased-mixed-methods, aiming to assess the level of CR and preparation and to develop community health management model prior to SEZ in Sadao district, Songkhla province. Data were collected by questionnaires in 450 local people by simple random sampling. An in-depth interview followed by a focus groups discussion was then performed in purposive selected 150 participants, during December 2017-April 2018. The data was finally analyzed by descriptive statistics and content analysis. Overall community readiness scores ranged from 5.85 to 7.01 on a 10-point scale. The mean readiness score, 6.28 (SD = 0.44) corresponds with an initiation level of readiness which referred to an action plan is established, and early steps are being taken by leadership to address the issue. Main features of the health management model for SEZ was established by community stakeholders as following: (1) community participation (2) network strengthening (3) knowledge and management (4) communication and (5) healthy public policy approach. These findings indicated that they display a slightly high of CR level. In the next step, targeted capacity building activities will be promoted to archive the health model to SEZ for sustainability.

Tectonic evolution and regional setting of the Cuu Long Basin, Vietnam

The Cuu Long Basin is situated off the southeastern coast of Vietnam. This study utilizes all available seismic data in the Cuu Long Basin, Vinh Chau Basin and coastal Mekong Delta to constrain the tectonic history of the area. The linkage between the Mae Ping Fault Zone and deformation in the Cuu Long Basin is also examined in detail. Two major deformational events are observed: a transtensional rifting event from the mid Eocene to mid-Early Oligocene (40–31 Ma) followed by transpression from mid-Early Oligocene to mid-Late Oligocene (31–25 Ma). The data strongly suggest that all the very straight major tributaries of the Mekong River Delta follow northwest trending faults that link into to the southwestern end of the Cuu Long Basin fault system and that the basin opened between where the Mekong Delta faults enter and a point of zero extension at the NE termination of the basin. The Mekong Delta Fault Zone exhibited left-lateral displacement during extension in the Cuu Long Basin and right-lateral displacement during younger transpression. The orientation, age and sense of displacement of the Mekong Delta Fault Zone are consistent with slip on the Mae Ping Fault Zone in Thailand and Cambodia, and hence are considered to be part of the same regional fault system. Based on a Chainat Duplex analogue and other data, the Mekong Delta and Mae Ping fault zones appear to be linked by a NNW-striking step-over zone, referred to here as the Mekong-Ton Le Sap step-over zone. This zone follows the eastern boundary of the Paleocene to Early Eocene Kampot Fold Belt. Based on structural and stratigraphic similarities, it appears the adjacent Vinh Chau Basin shares a common tectonic history with the Cuu Long Basin, but the linkage to the Mekong Delta Fault Zone is less clear.

A new genus and two new species of cave-dwelling cyclopoids (Crustacea, Copepoda) from the epikarst zone of Thailand and up-to-date keys to genera and subgenera of the Bryocyclops and Microcyclops groups

Two obligate cave-dwelling species of cyclopoid copepods (Copepoda, Cyclopoida) were discovered inside caves in central Thailand. Siamcyclops cavernicolus gen. et sp. nov. was recognised as a member of a new genus. It resembles Bryocyclops jankowskajae Monchenko, 1972 from Uzbekistan (part of the former USSR). It differs from it by (1) lack of pointed triangular prominences on the intercoxal sclerite of the fourth swimming leg, (2) mandibular palp with three setae, (3) spine and setal formulae of swimming legs 3.3.3.2 and 5.5.5.5, respectively, and (4) specific shape of spermatophore. Metacyclops thailandicus sp. nov. resembles M. cushae Reid, 1991 from Louisiana (USA). It differs from it by (1) distal segment of the endopod of the fourth swimming leg with one apical spine, (2) the fifth swimming legs with one broad segment, (3) the spine formula of the distal segment of the exopod of the swimming legs 3.4.3.3, and (4) well developed anal operculum reaching articulation with caudal rami. Detailed descriptions of the habitats of the new species and up-to-date keys to the genera and subgenera of the Bryocyclops and Microcyclops groups are provided, along with an updated list of obligate groundwater species of Copepoda in Southeast Asia.

Location and key success factors of special economic zone in Thailand

This paper proposes a selection of different types of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Thailand. Following this, the locations and key success factors of SEZs in Thailand are also provided. The first part of the paper presents all factors that are analytical or essential to the success of all types of SEZ in the world by re-examining all literature which can be found in most of the academic databases. All of those factors from the review then underwent the correlation test. The regression model with Ordinary Least Square method is created in this step. The result of the test indicated that there are eight factors which were found to be correlated to the success or survival of SEZs around the world. These eight factors are location advantage and macroeconomic of the country, industrial investment support, investment cost and value of trade, skill levels and availability of human resource, management and service, government policies, law and regulation, and stability and consistency of the government. Twenty-eight provinces from seventy-seven provinces across the country in Thailand were then selected because of two reasons, namely the government policy in promoting special economic area in Thailand and the consensus of experts from Delphi Technique. Lastly, all selected provinces are tested using the model provided in the mentioned steps. The results reveal that the most appropriate types of SEZ in Thailand are the Export Processing Zone, Specialized Zone, and Freeport Zone. The research indicates that Bangkok, Trat, Pathumthani, Chonburi, Phuket, Suratthani, Udonthani, and Srakaew are the eight provinces which have such perfect environments and factors that contribute to the success of SEZ in Thailand.

Effect of Oil Palm Fly Ash on Soil Properties and Yield of Sweet Corn in the Tropical Zone of Thailand

ABSTRACTDisposal of oil palm fly ash (OPFA) into the environment causes environmental pollution. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of OPFA and mineral fertilizer on soil properties and yield of sweet corn. A total of six treatments were applied that included 2, 4, and 6 t ha–1 OPFA, 200 kg ha–1 nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), 100 kg ha–1 NPK + 2 t ha–1 OPFA as well as the control. A significant increase in soil pH and available P was observed with the sole OPFA treatments at 2, 4, and 6 t ha–1, while a significant increase in exchangeable cations [K, magnesium (Mg)] was detected only at the 6-t ha–1 OPFA treatment. The highest grain yield of 4220 kg ha–1 was obtained at the 100-kg ha–1 NPK + 2 t ha–1 OPFA-treated plots, which was statistically similar with the grain yield of 3800 kg ha–1 received at the 200-kg ha–1 NPK-treated plots. The practical implication of this study is that OPFA can be used as a liming material to increase soil pH and it has a synergetic effect in combination with inorganic fertilizer.

Theorizing Globalization and Minorities in Asian Cities: Viewed from the Language Contact Zone of Thailand in the Making of Languages and Minorities

Theorizing Globalization and Minorities in Asian Cities: Viewed from the Language Contact Zone of Thailand in the Making of Languages and Minorities

Use of GIS Tools for Environmental Conflict Resolution at Map Ta Phut Industrial Zone in Thailand

Special industrial zones are favored over scattered industries from an environmental management perspective, but poor management can lead to conflicts. This paper presents an analysis of the environmental conflict that arose between the state, society, and industry stakeholders in an industrial zone of the Eastern Seaboard Development Program of Thailand. This paper seeks to determine the effectiveness of policy measures implemented by the state to resolve the conflict. The purpose of this study is to draw lessons for industrializing nations that adopt the industrial zone model to foster environmentally sustainable industrial development. The study revealed that blatant violation of land-use planning regulations and expansion of the industrial zone into community areas was a root cause of the conflict. Through legal action, civil society has been successful in forcing the state and industries to halt unplanned expansion of industrial areas and practice better environmental governance. However, inadequate commitment by the state and industry stakeholders seems to perpetuate the conflict, threatening the sustainability of economic gains. A Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based analysis confirmed that the policy interventions of the government to resolve the conflict have not produced significant results. This paper highlights the need for GIS-based environmental quality monitoring for guiding industrialization-based urban development towards sustainability.

Tectonic evolution of the Sibumasu–Indochina terrane collision zone in Thailand and Malaysia: constraints from new U–Pb zircon chronology of SE Asian tin granitoids

Three principal granite provinces are defined across SE Asia, as follows. (1) The Western Thailand–Myanmar/Burma province consists of hornblende–biotite I-type granodiorite–granites and felsic biotite–K-feldspar (± garnet ± tourmaline) granites associated with abundant tin mineralization in greisen-type veins. New ion microprobe U–Pb dating results from Phuket Island show zircon core ages of 212 ± 2 and 214 ± 2 Ma and a thermal overprint with rims of 81.2 ± 1.2 and 85–75 Ma. (2) The North Thailand–West Malaya Main Range province has mainly S-type biotite granites and abundant tin mineralization resulting from crustal thickening following collision of the Sibumasu plate with Indochina during the Mid-Triassic. Biotite granites around Kuala Lumpur contain extremely U-rich zircons (up to 38000 ppm) that yield ages of 215 ± 7 and 210 ± 7 Ma. (3) The East Malaya province consists of dominantly Permian–Triassic I-type hornblende–biotite granites but with subordinate S-type plutons and A-type syenite–gabbros. Biotite–K-feldspar granites from Tioman Island off the east coast of Malaysia also yield a zircon age of 80 ± 1 Ma, showing Cretaceous magmatism in common with province 1. Geological and U–Pb geochronological data suggest that two east-dipping (in present-day coordinates) subduction zones are required during the Triassic, one along the Bentong–Raub Palaeo-Tethyan suture, and the other west of the Phuket–Burma province 1 belt. Supplementary material: A full description of U–Pb analytical methods used and data tables are available at www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18523 .

A Study of Road Safety Management in School Zone in Thailand

A Study of Road Safety Management in School Zone in Thailand

Comment on “An alternative plate tectonic model for the Palaeozoic–Early Mesozoic Palaeotethyan evolution of Southeast Asia (Northern Thailand–Burma)” by O.M. Ferrari, C. Hochard & G.M. Stampfli, Tectonophysics 451, 346-365 (doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2007.11.065)

Ferrari et al. [Ferrari, O.M., Hochard, C., Stampfli, G.M., 2008. An alternative plate tectonic model for the Palaeozoic–Early Mesozoic Palaeotethyan evolution of Southeast Asia (Northern Thailand–Burma). Tectonophysics 451, 346–365. doi:10.1016/j.tecto.2007.11.065.] redefine the “Shan-Thai” terrane in Thailand as a Cathaysian Indochina-derived terrane when this has traditionally been defined and used as a Gondwana-derived continental block, hence introducing unnecessary confusion. In their definition of “Shan-Thai”, they also inappropriately combine oceanic suture zone rocks (the Palaeo-Tethys Inthanon suture) and continental arc rocks (Sukhothai Island Arc system). The Mai Yuam Fault, identified by Ferrari et al. (2008) as the Palaeo-Tethys suture, is in fact a Cenozoic fault and the Palaeo-Tethys suture zone is represented by the Inthanon Suture zone in Thailand which is equivalent to the previously recognised Inthanon zone. The concept of derivation of “Orang Laut” terranes from South China-Indochina by back-arc spreading is innovative but the proposed Permo-Triassic back-arc along the Song Da/Song Ma zone in Vietnam is less convincing. There is little evidence to support the proposed southwards subduction of Palaeo-Tethys beneath eastern Gondwana in the Permian.

Wound Complications from the Tsunami Disaster: A Reminder of Indications for Delayed Closure.

To illustrate the character, clinical course and late complications of wounds caused by high energy with severe contamination during a natural disaster, as a basis for designing principles for primary treatment under these conditions. This paper presents case reports from complicated wounds treated at a specialized unit for wound management in a hospital receiving patients after transfer from primary to definitive treatment. Of the Swedish citizens evacuated from the disaster zone in Thailand after the tsunami disaster in 2004, 174 of those arriving at Stockholm Airport were referred to the Karolinska Hospital for treatment, of whom 75 were admitted. Forty of the patients admitted were seen by the surgeons at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery because of complicated wounds requiring special treatment. Fifteen of these could be treated as ambulatory patients and 25 required hospitalization for a mean time of 10.5 days (range 1-48). The majority had multiple injuries, 93% on the lower limbs and 47% on the upper limbs. The majority had been primarily closed at primary treatment. Treatment strategies included removal of all sutures, wound excision, secondary healing (38/40, 95%), delayed primary closure (40/40, 100%), vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) (3/40, 8%), splitthickness skin grafts (23/40, 58%), pedicled perforator flap (1/40, 2%) and free flap (1/40, 2%). Amputation was requested in two cases. Aside from long-lasting psychological sequelae and varying degrees of physical disability, unusual late infections occurred with progressing and migrating abscesses. Cultures and skin biopsies from these revealed both mycobacteria and pigmented fungal hyphae. The patterns of injury and clinical courses in these patients illustrate the risk of complications in wounds caused by high energy, with severe contamination and which arrive late for primary treatment by staff who are not fully aware of the risk of secondary complications under these conditions. Recommendations for primary treatment should include extensive cleaning, excision of dead tissue and delayed primary closure, according to the well-established principles of management of war wounds, where the conditions are similar.