Asia Social Issues

Preserving Mudmee Silk Heritage: A Knowledge Management Framework for Exhibition Design and Sustainable Cultural Development in Northeast Thailand

2025-09-30T20:12:16+07:00

Traditional mudmee silk weaving in Northeast Thailand faces critical knowledge transmission challenges as master artisans age without systematic knowledge transfer to younger generations. This research investigates how knowledge management frameworks, that integrate with contemporary exhibition design can effectively preserve and transmit endangered craft heritage while supporting community development.

The study employs the SECI (Socialization, Externalization, Combination, Internalization) knowledge conversion model (Nonaka & Takeuchi, 2019) to systematically transform tacit weaving knowledge into explicit, accessible formats. Through qualitative methodology comprising in-depth interviews with 10 master of exhibition design and fabrics, field surveys across 3 weaving communities in Khon Kaen Province, and employing data derived from stakeholder questionnaires, encompassing youth, designers, and members of the general public, this research develops a comprehensive exhibition design framework that bridges traditional knowledge with contemporary learning approaches.

This research successfully documents the endangered silk mudmee weaving techniques, encompassing the intricate tying and dyeing processes historically employing natural plant based dyes as well as the repository of traditional textile patterns with their cultural significance. The tacit knowledge of master weavers particularly the nuanced skills in controlling silk thread tension, color decision making, and pattern visualization has been captured through multimodal documentation that synthesizes video demonstrations, haptic descriptions, and the metaphorical language naturally employed by practitioners to convey their embodied expertise.

The multisensory interactive exhibition design, comprising hands-on weaving stations, natural dyeing demonstrations, Augmented Reality-enabled pattern exploration, and live practitioner demonstrations, enhanced visitors’ cultural knowledge retention compared to conventional static displays. Youth engagement (ages 15-24) increased when exhibitions incorporated contemporary design applications, interactive digital elements, and opportunities for creative experimentation within traditional frameworks.

The exhibition design framework establishes successful knowledge transmission pathways between master artisans and younger generations. Field research data reveals that the majority of participants prioritize: (1) understanding practical contemporary applications, (2) experiential learning over verbal instruction, (3) visual and digital learning modalities, and (4) opportunities for creative expression rather than exact replication. Exhibition designs that address these preferences effectively engage younger-generation visitors and facilitate intergenerational knowledge transfer.

Community-centered exhibition design generates measurable economic benefits, including increased sales of traditional textiles, enhanced cultural tourism revenue, and supplementary monthly income for community members. In 2021, Thailand exported silk textiles valued at over 364 million baht, and the 19th Nok Yoong Royal Emblem Fair in 2024 generated over 30 million baht in revenue within four days. These economic outcomes demonstrate that cultural preservation can sustain community livelihoods when designed with market accessibility and visitor engagement as core components. (Ministry of Industry, 2023)

Replicable Framework: The developed five-component exhibition framework comprising immersive knowledge zones, digital archive integration, technology-enhanced learning, multi-sensory engagement, and community co-creation spaces provides a systematic model applicable to endangered craft traditions beyond mudmee silk weaving. The framework’s emphasis on community voice, authentic representation, contemporary relevance demonstration, and partnership-based resource mobilization offers practical guidance for heritage practitioners, museum professionals, and cultural policymakers

This research establishes that exhibition design, when grounded in systematic knowledge management, community participation, and contemporary learning theory, constitutes a powerful tool for intangible heritage preservation. The study contributes theoretical advancement in applying organizational knowledge management frameworks to cultural heritage contexts while providing evidence-based practical solutions for communities worldwide facing traditional knowledge transmission challenges.

Highlights
In the heart of Northeast Thailand’s cultural landscape, where ancient looms whisper stories of generations past, a revolutionary transformation is quietly unfolding. The traditional art of mudmee silk weaving once confined to village workshops and passed down through whispered instructions From generation to generation now stands at the threshold of a digital renaissance that promises to bridge centuries of wisdom with contemporary innovation.

Organization Cybersecurity System of Small and Medium Enterprise in Bangkok Metropolitan

2025-08-25T10:33:03+07:00

This study aimed (1) to examine the components related to cybersecurity policy and training, regulatory and government policy, absorptive capacity, the impact of the pandemic, and the cybersecurity systems of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bangkok and (2) to investigate the direct causal influence of cybersecurity policy and training, government oversight and policy effectiveness, absorptive capacity, and the impact of the pandemic on the cybersecurity systems of SMEs in Bangkok. Data were collected from 440 SME entrepreneurs in Bangkok. The statistical methods employed included confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). The analysis revealed that the structural equation modeling framework demonstrated a good model fit, with Chi-square = 125, df = 89, p-value = 0.001, and RMSEA = 0.022.

The research findings from the CFA confirmed acceptable fit indices for Cybersecurity and Training, Government Regulation and Policy, Absorptive Capacity, Pandemic Impact, and SMEs’ Cybersecurity Systems. The SEM results further revealed that Cybersecurity Policy and Training (β = 0.691), Government Regulation and Policy (β = 0.826), Absorptive Capacity (β = 0.680), and Pandemic Impact (β = 0.140) had significant positive effects on SMEs’ cybersecurity systems.

Cultural Contact as a Catalyst: Determinants of Revisit Intention Among Phnom Penh Tourists to Siem Reap

2025-09-30T11:06:15+07:00

This study examines the determinants of revisit intention among domestic tourists from Phnom Penh visiting Siem Reap, with a focus on the mediating role of cultural contact. A quantitative survey was conducted among 504 prior visitors, and the data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) against a model that incorporated destination attractiveness, image, accessibility, hospitality, and authenticity. Results confirm that all five destination factors significantly and positively predict revisit intention. The strongest direct drivers were Hospitality (β = 0.359) and Authenticity (β = 0.291). Crucially, Cultural Contact was identified as a vital experiential mediator. Its most substantial mediating effect was observed between authenticity and revisit intention (βindirect = 0.130, p = 0.003), and it also significantly transmitted the effects of attractiveness (βindirect = 0.082) and accessibility (βindirect = 0.050). These findings confirm that strategies prioritizing hospitality and authentic cultural engagement are essential for tourism managers and policymakers to cultivate long-term loyalty and sustainable tourism growth in Siem Reap.

Highlights

This study validates the Theory of Planned Behavior and the S-O-R model in Cambodian domestic tourism, highlighting cultural contact as a key mediator that transforms positive destination perceptions into revisit intentions. Destination attractiveness and authenticity are the strongest predictors, while hospitality has a direct influence on revisit intention. These insights highlight the importance of combining authentic cultural experiences with enhancements to destination attributes to foster tourist loyalty in Siem Reap.

Normalization of Saudi Arabia- Thailand Relations: Advancing Political, Social, and Economic Ties

2025-09-21T11:23:07+07:00

This study examines the normalization of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Thailand after more than three decades of estrangement, focusing on its strategic drivers, benefits, and enduring challenges. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and secondary data, the research situates the rapprochement within the broader context of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Thailand’s foreign policy priorities. The findings demonstrate that normalization has created significant opportunities in trade, investment, labor mobility, and tourism: Thailand’s manufacturing, services, and human capital can contribute to Saudi Arabia’s diversification agenda, while Saudi investment offers Thailand access to new markets and development financing. At the same time, the study identifies structural obstacles—particularly economic asymmetry, which limits Thailand’s bargaining power, and differences in legal and regulatory frameworks rooted in Islamic principles—that continue to shape the trajectory of the partnership. Addressing these constraints requires both countries to strengthen institutional mechanisms, including the Saudi–Thai Coordination Council, invest in targeted skills development, and establish joint platforms for regulatory alignment and innovation. By integrating empirical findings with existing scholarship, the study argues that normalization represents not only a restoration of bilateral relations but also an evolving partnership that can reshape economic, political, and socio-cultural engagement between Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Highlights

Provides the first in-depth qualitative analysis of the normalization of Saudi Arabia-Thailand relations after more than three decades of estrangement.
Reveals how Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Thailand’s economic priorities create complementary opportunities in trade, investment, labor, and tourism.
Identifies structural challenges in the normalization process, including economic asymmetry and legal-regulatory differences rooted in Islamic principles.
Demonstrates the role of institutional mechanisms such as the Saudi–Thai Coordination Council (STCC) in shaping long-term bilateral cooperation.
Proposes actionable policy recommendations, including joint institutional platforms, skills development, and legal-alignment mechanisms to sustain and balance the partnership.

Translanguaging in Thai TESOL Master’s Programs: A Sociocultural and Ecological Comparison of Practices and Perceptions

2025-10-06T09:20:06+07:00

This study investigates translanguaging practices and perceptions in two Thai TESOL master’s programs through Sociocultural Theory (SCT) and Language Ecology (LE). While translanguaging is globally recognized for enhancing comprehension, participation, and identity affirmation, its role in Thai postgraduate teacher education remains underexplored. Using a comparative case study design, data were gathered via semi-structured email interviews with 10 lecturers and 13 students from two universities with contrasting English Medium Instruction (EMI) policies. Thematic analysis revealed three domains: (1) practical insight (concept clarification, scaffolding, assessment support, peer collaboration), (2) the role of translanguaging (reducing anxiety, boosting confidence, fostering critical thinking, affirming identity), and (3) cultural-contextual factors (policy restrictions, lecturer training, resource availability). Findings show that both programs value translanguaging’s cognitive and affective benefits, yet implementation differs. Program A, constrained by strict EMI rules, treats it as informal support, while Program B integrates it as a deliberate pedagogical strategy. Policy flexibility, multilingual pedagogy training, and bilingual resources were identified as key enabling factors. The study highlights the policy–practice gap in Thai higher education and recommends revising EMI policies, investing in professional development, and developing bilingual materials to systematically integrate translanguaging in postgraduate TESOL education.

Highlights

Provides the first comparative study of translanguaging practices in Thai TESOL master’s programs, focusing on policy, pedagogy, and perceptions.
Uses a dual theoretical lens, Sociocultural Theory and Language Ecology, to link micro-level classroom practices with macro-level institutional factors.
Translanguaging reduces anxiety and builds confidence, but its legitimacy depends on EMI policy flexibility.
Shows that lecturer training and access to bilingual resources are decisive in moving translanguaging from informal support to planned pedagogy.
Offers actionable recommendations for aligning EMI policies with multilingual realities in Thai higher education.

Building Community Resilience through Employment-Based NGO Intervention: A Case Study of the Jang Wan Kha (Hire Me) Project for the Homeless in Bangkok, Thailand

2025-10-06T09:23:18+07:00

This study examines how the “Jang Wan Kha” project, an employment-based intervention initiated by an NGO in Bangkok, Thailand, contributes to community resilience among homeless populations. Using a qualitative case study approach and in-depth interview with the project leader and post-homeless participants, the research identifies four key strategies that support collective resilience: (1) Capacity for building new mode of social reproduction, (2) Provision of care and its abeyance effects, (3) Leveraging political connections with state support, and (4) Being strategic actor in influencing state intentions. These interrelated strategies show how grassroots initiatives not only provide basic services but also foster mutual support networks, adaptive capacities, and long-term stability within vulnerable communities. Framed through the lens of community resilience, the study emphasizes how NGO-led interventions enable bottom-up responses to the homeless issues, especially in contexts where formal welfare structures are limited. Beyond the Thai context, this case offers transferable lessons for cities across the Global South facing urban inequality, aging homeless populations, and rising displacement. The findings underscore the potential for NGOs to bridge critical gaps in state provision and contribute to more inclusive, collaborative forms of urban governance. When state and civil society actors work in synergy rather than in conflict such partnerships can reinforce the social infrastructure necessary for communities to persist, adapt, and transform in the face of ongoing urban challenges.

A Study on the Inheritance and Protection Strategies of Yunnan Dai Dance

2025-10-08T14:52:33+07:00

This study focuses on the inheritance and protection of Yunnan Dai dance, a representative intangible cultural heritage of China, which carries the historical memories, nature-worship beliefs, and aesthetic wisdom of the Dai people. Against the backdrop of globalization and modernization, Dai dance is confronted with such challenges as inheritance discontinuity (intergenerational gaps), commercial alienation, and limited dissemination channels. By adopting methods of literature review, field investigation, case analysis, and comparative study, this paper systematically sorts out the artistic characteristics, current inheritance situation, and existing problems of Yunnan Dai dance, and extracts core artistic elements and practical experiences from successful cases (including university teaching reform, new media communication, and the integration of culture and tourism).

Ultimately, this study constructs a four-dimensional inheritance and puts forward specific implementation strategies. It aims to promote the transformation of Yunnan Dai dance from “static protection” to “dynamic inheritance”, not only providing a path reference for the sustainable development of Dai dance but also offering a replicable practical paradigm for the protection and innovation of ethnic dances in countries around the world.

Highlights

Identifies core challenges of Yunnan Dai dance inheritance: intergenerational gaps, commercial alienation, etc.

Proposes a four-dimensional protection system: education, digitalization, cultural-tourism integration, international communication.

Offers 12 specific strategies for dynamic inheritance, providing a replicable paradigm.

Exploring the Impact of Media on Social Culture: Evidence from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh

2025-10-03T09:08:27+07:00

Although global scholarship has extensively explored the cultural impact of media, Bangladeshi research has largely focused on media’s political implications, misinformation, addiction, and psychological effects- all but overlooking its cultural dimensions within specific academic contexts. This study examines the influence of media on social culture among university teachers and students at the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Guided by the “Message Effect” concept within the Cultivation Theory, the study explores how the media shapes social culture. Employing a mixed-methods design and non-random complex sampling, it integrates quantitative analysis with qualitative insights. Statistical results reveal significant positive correlations between media consumption and preferences in spoken language, food, dance, and sports. Weaker, yet positive associations were found with music, clothing, and language prioritization. Thematic analysis indicates gendered patterns in media influence, with male students exhibiting more pronounced media-induced cultural shifts than female students and faculty members.

Highlights

Media serves as a powerful socialization factor, profoundly shaping social culture, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh.
At the University of Chittagong, male students exhibit stronger media-induced cultural shifts, while female students and faculty members show comparatively lower susceptibility.
Media strongly affects dance, sports, food, and spoken language preferences, whereas its impact on music, clothing, and language prioritization is moderate.

The Cultural Transformation of Ancestor Worship in China: From Tradition to Digitalization

2025-10-02T13:53:01+07:00

Ancestor worship is a tradition that has long been an important part of Chinese culture, reflecting the values of family memory, moral ethics, and collective identity. As social changes and technological advancements have occurred, the practice of ancestor worship has undergone a significant transformation from traditional rituals bound by time and space to a more flexible and individualized digital form. The study examines these changes using a five-dimensional comparative framework: time, space, behavior and media, social participation and interaction, and governance and ethics. The methods used include literature review, thematic analysis, and field observation, so as to gain an in-depth understanding of the shift from clan-based collective rituals to offline hybrid practices that adapt to modern lifestyles. The results of the study show the decentralization of time and space, symbolization and digitization of ritual media, diversification of participation, and changes in governance patterns. Despite the change in form, core values such as devotion to ancestors and memory preservation are maintained. This study highlights the challenges and opportunities in maintaining the depth of cultural meaning and sense of ritual in the digital age, and provides recommendations for the development of digital platforms and cultural preservation policies.

Highlights
1. This study applies a five-dimensional comparative framework to examine the transformation of ancestor worship in China from traditional rituals to digital practices.
2. It integrates literature review, thematic analysis, and observational methods, ensuring both historical depth and contemporary relevance.
3. The findings emphasize continuity of filial piety and collective memory, while revealing challenges and potentials in enhancing ritual sense on digital platforms.

Leader–Member Exchange and Lecturer Well-Being in Thai Rajabhat Universities: A Composite SEM Approach with Parallel Mediation of Workload Justice and COVID-19 Quality of Life

2025-10-20T09:28:19+07:00

Faculty well-being has become a pressing concern in higher education as workload intensifies and digital teaching demands expand. Although leader–member exchange (LMX) is widely studied, empirical evidence from Southeast Asian universities during crises remains limited. This study examines the direct and indirect effects of LMX on faculty well-being through workload justice, online teaching satisfaction, and COVID‑19 quality of life (QOL). Survey data from 143 full-time faculty at Rajabhat universities in the Bangkok metropolitan area were analyzed using composite‑based structural equation modeling (ADANCO 2.31) with confirmatory composite analysis. An initial serial mediation (workload justice → online teaching satisfaction) was not supported because online teaching satisfaction did not significantly predict well-being (β = 0.115, p = 0.339). A better‑fitting parallel mediation model (SRMR = 0.026) showed that LMX strongly predicted workload justice (β = 0.817, p < 0.001) and modestly predicted COVID‑19 QOL (β = 0.193, p < 0.05). Both workload justice (β = 0.333, p < 0.01) and COVID‑19 QOL (β = 0.297, p < 0.001) were positively associated with well-being, and the direct effect of LMX on well-being remained significant (β = 0.339, p < 0.01), indicating partial mediation. The model explained substantial variance in workload justice (R² = 0.667) and well-being (R² = 0.579). Theoretically, the findings extend LMX to crisis contexts by introducing COVID‑19 QOL as a parallel mediator capturing life‑domain disruptions. Methodologically, confirmatory composite analysis improves the modeling of emergent constructs. Practically, strengthening LMX relationships, ensuring transparent workload management, and providing supports that protect faculty life quality are critical for sustaining well-being in the post‑pandemic era.

Highlights

Introduces COVID-19 QOL as a novel mediator in the LMX-well-being relationship.
Demonstrates parallel mediation effects of workload justice and COVID-19 QOL.
Confirms LMX as the strongest predictor of faculty outcomes in Thai Rajabhat universities.
Applies a composite SEM approach, enhancing methodological rigor in mediation analysis.
Provides practical HR strategies for transparent workload allocation and life-quality support.

Digital Meritocracy or Hidden Inequality? AI Assisted Thesis Writing among Low Income Sports Students under the Common Prosperity Policy in China

2025-10-08T14:51:16+07:00

This study examines the impact of Gen AI tools on academic equity among undergraduate sports students in China under the common prosperity policy. Using a mixed-methods approach, 25 graduation theses each from low-income and non-low-income groups at a university in Yunnan, China were collected and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 students. Quantitative content analysis and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare group differences. Quantitative analysis showed that low-income students lagged significantly behind non-low-income students in originality, analytical depth, structural coherence, and AI trace evidence, while no significant difference was observed in disciplinary appropriateness. Qualitative findings revealed that these gaps were driven by multiple usage strategies and resource access pathways. The results indicated that the spread of AI technology has not automatically eliminated educational inequality but instead reproduces the digital divide through access conditions, usage skills, algorithmic register bias, and unbalanced educational support. Based on this, four intervention strategies were proposed: centrally deploying a campus-wide AI writing platform, embedding AI literacy training into writing courses, improving AI usage guidelines and feedback mechanisms, and implementing human-machine collaborative teaching models to harness AI’s positive potential for educational equity.

Highlights

Provides a mixed methods analysis of AI-assisted thesis writing among low income sports students in China under the Common Prosperity policy.

Reveals significant disparities in originality, analytical depth, structural coherence, and AI trace evidence between low income and non low income students, while disciplinary appropriateness shows no group difference.

Identifies structural mechanisms including access conditions, usage strategies, algorithmic register bias, and lack of educational support that reproduce the digital divide in AI writing.

Integrates Van Dijk’s digital divide model and Sen’s capability approach to explain why equitable access does not guarantee equitable capability conversion.

Proposes four targeted interventions: centralized AI platform provision, embedded AI literacy training, institutional usage guidelines, and human AI collaborative teaching models.

The Position of Bengali Settlers in Development Dynamics: The Case of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

2025-08-30T10:29:41+07:00

The paper portrays the positioning of Bengali settlers within the development dynamics of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT). The development ventures counteract several contested questions, such as land disputes, concerns related to the resettlement of Bengalis, the economic and political challenges facing ethnic minorities, the biased access to trade and tourism, and the unfriendly sociocultural relations. Besides, the inclusion of Bengali settlers as unwelcome guests through the resettlement program creates a counterproductive conflict and displacement politics between the government and the Pahari political groups, which situates the settlers in a disadvantaged position. The findings recognised that the social, political, and economic circumstances of the Bengali settlers are more subpar than those of their counterparts. The state and its agencies’ mandates are a potential source of contention in terms of resettling internally displaced settlers in CHT. Since the settlers represent nearly a quarter of the marginalised communities, they seek equitable development initiatives that benefit all. The article theoretically examines the politics of development through the lens of the motives and the rationalisations of resettlement. Based on empirical research, the study employed an integrated approach to explore the everyday experiences of Bengali settlers living in the CHT, utilising both qualitative and quantitative methods to support the findings with empirical evidence.

Highlights:

New findings on marginality: The research reveals that Bengali settlers occupy a disadvantaged position—economically, socially, and politically—despite being viewed as agents of colonization. It documents their limited access to NGO and donor-led development programs, highlighting an invisible layer of marginalization within national development discourse.

Policy insight and reconciliation framework: The study introduces a pro-human development approach that advocates for inclusive coexistence among Pahari, Adi Bengali, and settler Bengali communities, emphasizing dialogue, shared development, and reintegration to achieve sustainable peace in the CHT.

Empirical novelty: Fieldwork conducted in Khagrachari Sadar and Panchhari Upazila generated first-hand data on Bengali settlers’ socio-economic conditions, perceptions of return migration, and relations with Pahari ethnic groups—areas previously underexplored in existing literature.