รัฐศาสตร์สาร

Sea Power and National Interests From Thai Canal: Economy, Security, and International Relations

2025-01-29T08:55:24+07:00

This research article is qualitative research that employs documentary research of relevant literature in the thesis. The objectives of the study are: (1) to examine the national interests that Thailand would gain from the Thai Canal, and (2) to analyze these national interests with the Sea Powe theory. The findings indicate that the Thai Canal aligns with Mahan’s concept of Sea Power, as it enhances Thailand’s sea power through national interests in three key areas: economy, security, and international relations. By securing these three dimensions of national interest, Thailand could elevate its status to that of a regional great power, with the Thai Canal serving as a strategic bargaining tool with global powers—whether through balancing or shared control of mutual interests. Regardless of the approach taken, the outcomes are more favorable for both Thailand and the global community than any potential drawbacks.

Siam and the Confiscation of Enemy Property in World War I

2024-06-17T08:56:49+07:00

Siam and the confiscation of enemy property in World War I (1914-1918) suggests that the practice of confiscation of enemy property during the First World War had a significant impact on the development of modern warfare. Initially, it involved using economic measures to weaken enemy powers during and after wartime. Despite violating the principles of previous warfare, particularly the Convention (IV) respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land and its annex: regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land, established in The Hague in 1907, all types of enemy property – both state and private – were targeted. Every country participating in the war, including Siam, pursued the seizure of enemy property.

Due to its similarity with Singaporean social context, Siam’s political elite followed Great Britain’s model of confiscating enemy property in Singapore. However, Siam applied its own approach to this model, resulting in a more flexible practice that did not primarily aim to weaken the enemy’s power after the war. For Siam, the confiscation of enemy property during World War I provided an opportunity to implement international law under the guidance of Great Britain. As a member of the winning side, the country could gain certain advantages by liquidating enemy property after the war, conducting cost-free shipping businesses, and reducing damage from potential confiscation by Germany. It was a stage to showcase Siam’s civilized ideals, especially in the management of captives and their property. This was a significant aspect for the small nation of Siam during the imperialist era.

Factors Contributing to the Successful Reintegration of Ex-Offenders into Society

2025-03-03T08:31:26+07:00

The research study titled “Factors Contributing to the Successful Reintegration of Ex-Offenders into Society” employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative analysis through descriptive statistics and qualitative inquiry. Its main objective was to examine personal and social factors, behavioral characteristics, and prison processes that influence the ability of ex-offenders to successfully reintegrate into society. The study also aimed to develop effective strategies for advancing the Department of Corrections’ mission of rehabilitating and reintegrating former inmates. Findings showed that 79.41% of individuals released within the past five years did not reoffend, with no significant difference between male and female ex-offenders. Those who did not return to crime were mostly between the ages of 26 and 35, had committed general criminal offenses, possessed higher levels of education before incarceration, and had undergone rehabilitation programs while in prison. In-depth interviews with 15 ex-offenders revealed that their success in reintegration stemmed from support by loved ones and family, participation in correctional programs during imprisonment, inspiration from fellow ex-offenders, and life planning prior to release. Most of them became self-employed after release. Additionally, interviews with executives from the Department of Corrections highlighted a shift toward emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment, along with the importance of public relations to foster societal acceptance of ex-offenders. Recommendations from the study include preparing inmates for release at least two years in advance, promoting successful ex-offenders as role models, and establishing a seamless support system that includes volunteer correctional officers to assist with both pre-release preparation and post-release follow-up.

The Captain of Your Soul: Byung-Chul Han’s Burnout Society and Self-Development Culture on YouTube in Thailand

2025-03-07T19:15:48+07:00

Many studies discuss the control of people in neoliberal societies using the framework of French philosopher Michel Foucault, who introduces the concept of Homo Economicus. This refers to individuals becoming self-regulating subjects who are responsible for their own successes and failures, applying market logic to all aspects of life. However, when it comes to studying the control of people in the neoliberal world, the Achievement Society by Korean-German philosopher Byung-Chul Han is less frequently used. Han describes the method of control that replaces the disciplinary society as the Achievement Society or the Burnout Society. This society emphasizes compulsive achievement and optimization, driven by compulsion and self-restraint. Such control arises from individuals monitoring and exploiting themselves, driven by positivity and cutting off the relationship with the Other.

This article uses Han’s theory to analyze the trend of self-development toward success in Thailand, as seen on YouTube. The researchers will call this trend the “captain of one’s own spirit” phenomenon. Analyzing this trend helps deepen the understanding of phenomena occurring in Thailand. Based on popular YouTube videos, Han’s Burnout Society effectively explains the overall trend of neoliberal self-development in Thai society. However, this study argues that in the context of self-optimization and business, Thai entrepreneurs must build relationships with the Other, such as customers, competitors, and external factors, transforming the Other into an object of optimization.

The researchers argue that the Other exists and must exist to enhance entrepreneurs' efficiency. Furthermore, the existing Other can sometimes lead entrepreneurs to turn away from neoliberal self-development trends. The study concludes by demonstrating that the phenomenon of self-development towards success, as popularized on Thai YouTube, reveals that the workings of the Achievement Society are not monolithic. While compulsive achievement operates through spiritual control by entirely cutting off the Other, optimization functions by building relationships with the Other to enhance efficiency through experimentation and practical action.