Asia Social Issues

Factors Influencing Low-Carbon Tourism Perceptions and Behavioral Intentions Among Thai Generation Z: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Patteera Pantaratorn — 2026-05-28

This study examines perceptions and behavioral intentions of Thai Generation Z tourists (n = 405) toward low-carbon tourism, integrating Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) theory using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The research tested relationships between demographic factors, environmental awareness (knowledge and benefit perception), and sustainable tourism behavioral intentions. Results showed that low-carbon tourism perception strongly predicted behavioral intentions (β = 0.774, p < 0.001), explaining 60% of variance in sustainable behaviors, strongly supporting TPB. Critically, knowledge and understanding influenced perception formation more strongly than benefit recognition, supporting the VBN theory that cognitive awareness drives pro-environmental orientations. Demographically, education level emerged as the strongest differentiator (η² ≈ 0.07), while traditional predictors (gender, age, income, and internet usage) showed no significant effects, suggesting generational environmental homogeneity. Despite conceptual ambiguity—only 44.2% correctly defined low-carbon tourism—participants demonstrated strong behavioral readiness, with 45.7% prioritizing sustainable transportation. These findings provide empirical evidence for environmental literacy primacy over benefit recognition in Thai Generation Z, challenge conventional demographic segmentation assumptions in sustainability marketing, and offer practical insights for policymakers and tourism businesses engaging Generation Z in Thailand’s low-carbon transition. The study extends integrated TPB-VBN frameworks to Southeast Asian youth markets and provides context-specific evidence of generational homogeneity in environmental consciousness.

Highlights
This study integrates the Theory of Planned Behavior and Value-Belief-Norm theory to examine low-carbon tourism behavioral formation among Thai Generation Z using structural equation modeling.
• Environmental knowledge drives intentions more powerfully than benefits—prioritize climate education over advantage messaging
• Education level is the only demographic differentiator; gender, age, and income show no effects on Generation Z environmental awareness
• Thai Generation Z shows practical readiness despite limited knowledge—action-oriented interventions outperform awareness campaigns.
• Practical readiness exceeds formal knowledge, requiring action-oriented rather than awareness-based interventions.
• Generation Z demonstrates behavioral readiness despite conceptual gaps, favoring action over awareness interventions.

The Causes and Preventive Measures of Student Brawls among Vocational Education Students in Bangkok and its Surrounding Areas

Sanit Sirivisitkul — 2026-05-28

Student violence in vocational education institutions represents a persistent problem in Thailand's urban areas, with incidents increasing 23% between 2020-2023 in Bangkok Metropolitan Region. This study investigated causes of student violence and stakeholder-recommended prevention strategies among vocational education students in Bangkok and nearby provinces. A qualitative interview study was conducted with 25 stakeholders across six groups (school administrators, alumni, police officers, parents, community members, students) using semi-structured interviews. Data were collected April-May 2024 in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Pathum Thani provinces. Content analysis using NVivo 14 identified themes with inter-coder reliability κ=0.85. Ethics approval was obtained from North Bangkok University (Protocol RS 1/2567)

Twelve interconnected factors emerged: family dysfunction and inadequate supervision, institutional identity conflicts, media influence normalizing violence, developmental psychology vulnerabilities, peer pressure and group loyalty demands, legal system inadequacies, substance abuse effects, negative student mindsets, hierarchical senior-junior systems, economic pressures, political group influences, and systemic coordination failures. Student violence results from complex interactions across individual, family, institutional, and community levels rather than single causes. Prevention requires comprehensive approaches addressing multiple ecological levels simultaneously through family support, institutional cooperation, media responsibility, and policy coordination.

Highlights

Family dysfunction, institutional rivalry, and peer pressure emerged as primary causes of vocational student violence based on interviews with 25 stakeholders across Bangkok and nearby provinces.

Inadequate parental supervision and economic stress create vulnerability to peer group recruitment for violent activities, as reported by parents and school administrators.

Strong institutional identity and symbolic competition drive inter-school conflicts, with alumni describing obligations to “defend school honor”.

Media sensationalization and social media amplification normalize violence and escalate minor disputes into serious confrontations.

Comprehensive prevention requires coordinated family support, institutional cooperation, community engagement, and policy reform targeting multiple causal levels simultaneously.

Sacralization of the Memorial Monument for the Javanese Diaspora in Suriname on the Day of Wong Jawa

Tri Wahyudi — 2026-05-28

The Day of Wong Jawa is an annual commemoration of Javanese Immigration Day. It has become a national day to commemorate the first arrival of the Javanese people in Suriname. Various commemorative monuments were built to celebrate the event. This research was conducted to understand the meaning of a commemorative monument and how it becomes sacred. To understand this, the research used qualitative research methods. Data was obtained through observations and interviews with several informants. The results of this study show that the monument’s sacredness arises from its serving as a gathering place for the diaspora to remember their ancestors. The sacredness is also demonstrated by how diasporas dress and sow flowers at the monument. The monument becomes a place where the spirits of the ancestors of the Surinamese Javanese diaspora are present. This research suggests that the monument can serve as a unifying space for the diaspora while offering an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of Javanese ancestors.

Highlights
This study draws on long-term qualitative fieldwork, including observation, interviews, and visual analysis of commemorative rituals at Javanese migration monuments in Suriname. It shows how The Day of Wong Jawa (Javanese Immigration Day) sanctifies these monuments as living vessels of diasporic memory. Ritual clothing, flower offerings, and pilgrimage-like gatherings transform colonial-era structures into sacred spaces of ancestral presence and unifying arenas connecting Javanese descendants to their ancestral homeland. The article contributes a heritage- and memory-based perspective to global diaspora studies that extends beyond labor and political history.

The Development of Confucianism in Vietnam in the First Half of the 20th Century: The Case of Ngô Tất Tố

Pham Thanh Ha — 2026-05-28

Among the cultural and intellectual figures of the first half of the 20th century, Ngô Tất Tố is regarded as one who received a fundamental training in the classical Chinese educational system, a system that had shaped knowledge and learning in Vietnamese society for more than a thousand years. In the context of the decline of classical Chinese studies, Ngô Tất Tố rose above the limits of that tradition to become not only one of the leading representatives of the Confucian literati in the era of modern journalism but also a writer who quickly adapted and firmly established his position among the progressive authors of his time. His career extended across diverse genres, ranging from journalism to philosophy, and he produced significant works that contributed to both the shaping of his intellectual identity and the modernisation of Vietnamese Confucianism. The objective of this study is to clarify the academic value and contributions of Ngô Tất Tố to the research, application, and development of Confucianism in the context of Vietnam through his literary works and books on cultural and artistic criticism. The contribution of this study is: i) a comprehensive assessment of Ngô Tất Tố’s thoughts and academic values on the research and development of Confucianism in Vietnam; ii) opening up a direction for in-depth research on similar scholars who have made discoveries and conducted research applying the ideas of major religions and philosophies of the world to the Vietnamese context.

Highlights

We found out that: 1) Ngô Tất Tố was an outstanding Confucian scholar but also a prestigious Vietnamese intellectual, influenced Western education in the first half of the 20th century; 2) His academic career had an impact and influence on contemporary Vietnamese science and society; 3) His thoughts and contributions continue to have an influence on Vietnamese society to this day; 4) These important findings are based on interdisciplinary approach between philosophy and history, philosophy and cultural studies, philosophy and art studies to highlight his talent and important contributions in the context of Vietnam.

From STEM to STEAM: Global Trends in Education and the Growing Demand for Coding and Robotics

Xin Liu — 2026-05-28

Using weekly Google Trends relative search volume (RSV) data from January 2023 to November 2025, this study maps global and regional search attention to STEM education, STEAM education, coding for kids, and robotics classes. The analysis profiles temporal trajectories, identifies inflection points, and compares regional rankings across world regions. Results indicate sustained global salience of STEM education, comparatively lower but gradually rising attention to STEAM, and an increase in skill-oriented searches for coding and robotics with higher week-to-week volatility in several regions. Because the coding/robotics queries carry more service- and skill-seeking intent than the broad STEM/STEAM framework terms, we interpret these patterns as signals of public attention and potential demand for learning opportunities rather than direct evidence of enrolment or policy adoption. The discussion links regional variation to differences in digital infrastructure, policy emphasis on computational thinking, and labour-market narratives around digital skills. Limitations of Google Trends are acknowledged, and triangulation pathways for future research are outlined.

Highlights
Uses weekly Google Trends (RSV) data from January 2023–November 2025 to map global attention to STEM, STEAM, coding for kids, and robotics classes. Shows STEM education remains the most consistently salient term globally, while STEAM displays a clearer rise from late 2024. Identifies growing and more volatile attention to skill-oriented searches (coding/robotics), suggesting increasing public interest in practical digital skills. Compares regional patterns and finds stronger skill-search signals in regions with more developed digital ecosystems and enabling conditions. Clarifies interpretation boundaries by treating RSV as an attention proxy, rather than direct evidence of enrollment or policy adoption.

Study on Thai TV Dramas’ Reception and Dissemination in China New Media Era

Ziwen Zhao — 2026-05-28

In recent years, Thai culture has risen prominently with TV dramas, films, and advertisements as its core carriers, gradually attracting widespread attention on a global scale. This cultural wave from a tropical country is sweeping through the global film and television market with an unstoppable momentum. Among these cultural carriers, Thai TV dramas have quickly gained a foothold and won popularity in the Chinese market, thanks to their unique exotic landscapes and distinctive cultural heritage. This study aims to explore the reasons and methods behind Chinese audiences’ viewing of Thai dramas, as well as the key factors contributing to the success of Thai dramas in China. Using mixed methods (393 questionnaires and 10 focus group interviews), the research objectives include analyzing the media usage foundation of Chinese audiences when watching Thai dramas, understanding their perception of this specific media product, analyzing the dissemination characteristics of Thai dramas in mainland China and the reasons for their acceptance by Chinese audiences, targetedly addressing the issues existing in the dissemination process of Thai dramas, and proposing countermeasures for the sustainable development of Thai dramas. Ultimately, it aims to provide insights and references for the future global spread of Thai dramas.

Highlights

This study employs mixed methods (393 online questionnaires + 10 focus group interviews) to explore Thai TV dramas in Mainland China. It clarifies the core audience (18-30-year-old females, mainly students), identifies key drivers (new media, Sino-Thai cultural commonality, cost-effective copyrights), and provides empirical references for their targeted dissemination.

The Role of Social Media in the 2011 Tahrir Square Movement in Egypt

Md Abul Kalam Azad — 2026-05-28

Social media played a vital role in shaping a public sphere under authoritarian conditions during the 2011 Tahrir Square movement in Egypt. Drawing on Habermas’s (1989) concept of the public sphere, this paper examines how social media—particularly the Facebook page “We Are All Khaled Said”—catalyzed civic engagement and political mobilization. Using a literature review and rhetorical discourse analysis, the study applies resource mobilization theory (Carty, 2014; Tilly, 2004) to conceptualize social media as a modern tool for public participation. While previous research has explored the general role of social media during the movement (Abdulla, 2023; Alaimo, 2015), few have focused on the rhetorical power of specific platforms in resisting authoritarian control. This study fills that gap by analyzing how the persuasive messages and narratives of “We Are All Khaled Said” empowered citizens, strengthened collective identity, and challenged the Mubarak regime. Findings reveal that the rhetorical strength of social media discourse transformed digital spaces into powerful arenas of democratic resistance, illustrating how online communication can mobilize social action and sustain public discourse even in constrained political environments.

Highlights
 The study explores how social media strengthened the public sphere under authoritarian conditions during Egypt’s 2011 Tahrir Square movement.
 It applies Habermas’s concept of the public sphere and Resource Mobilization Theory to interpret the digital mobilization process.
 Rhetorical discourse analysis of the Facebook page “We Are All Khaled Said” reveals how persuasive messages catalyzed collective action.
 Findings show that ethos, pathos, and logos in social media messages enhanced civic engagement and challenged the state narrative.
 The study demonstrates that social media can operate as a resource for political participation and democratic expression in authoritarian regimes.

Analysis of the Palace Museum’s Copper-Body Cloisonné Enamel Inlaid Glass Gourd-Shaped Hanging Lantern

Duan Qianyi — 2026-05-28

The Qing dynasty court lanterns in the Palace Museum’s collection, as exemplary examples of Qing dynasty court lighting, epitomize the ritual function and artistic value of traditional Chinese lanterns. This article systematically examines the copper-body cloisonné enamel gourd-shaped hanging lanterns through visual analysis, textual, and craftsmanship research. The distinctive features of Qing dynasty court lanterns are revealed from the perspectives of function, color, pattern, and structure, revealing their significance in material selection, craftsmanship innovation, cultural symbolism, and ritual practice. Lanterns are not only a physical vehicle for imperial life but also reflect the complex integration of imperial symbols, folk beliefs, and cross-cultural technology. This article uses the copper-body cloisonné enamel inlaid glass gourd-shaped hanging lantern as a case study to further demonstrate its exemplary craftsmanship and cultural symbolism. Beyond its historical value, this study discusses the cultural significance of the Qing-dynasty lantern and its implications for future museum practices and heritage interpretation. The findings contribute to broader discussions on heritage studies, design innovation, and cross-cultural exchange.

Highlights

1. A systematic study and analysis of the copper-based cloisonné enamel and glazed gourd lanterns in the Palace Museum’s collection demonstrates how a cross-cultural technique (European enamel craft combined with Chinese auspicious symbols) has been localized and institutionalized within Qing court art.
2. This study reveals the lantern’s dual nature: as both an imperial political symbol reinforcing legitimacy and a cultural carrier of folk auspicious beliefs.
3. This study proposes a new perspective on the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and museum exhibitions, suggesting the potential restoration of the lantern’s lighting effects through digital reconstruction in future research.

Transnational Lives and Shifting Roles: Language, Financial Independence, and Family Dynamics among Laotian Migrant Women in Thailand

Susan Moe Kyaw — 2026-05-28

This article investigates the intersection of language, cultural affinity, and financial independence in shaping the integration and autonomy of Laotian migrant women in Thailand’s Isaan region, as well as the socio-economic impacts on their left-behind families in Laos. Drawing on 15 in-depth interviews with Laotian migrant women in Mukdahan, Thailand, and 15 interviews with their families in Savannakhet, Laos, the study employs a transnationalism framework to analyze ongoing cross-border connections and their influence on identity, livelihoods, and family dynamics. Findings reveal that shared linguistic and cultural ties between Laotian migrants and the Isaan community significantly ease social barriers, foster workplace harmony, and create supportive environments conducive to both economic participation and social integration. Financial independence emerges as a key driver of enhanced autonomy, enabling migrant women to access essential services, expand social networks, and pursue personal growth while also mitigating the effects of social exclusion. For families left behind, migration requires reorganizing caregiving and financial responsibilities. Remittances serve both as crucial economic support and as indicators of social status. However, families remaining in Laos face increased social pressures and community expectations, which can heighten emotional strain and disrupt traditional gender roles. The study highlights the resilience and adaptability of migrants and their families while emphasizing the vulnerabilities introduced by migration-related changes. From a transnational perspective, this article offers nuanced insights into the complex interplay among migration, gender, and social change in the Mekong region.

Highlights

Shared language and cultural affinity between Laotian migrant women and Thailand’s Isaan community significantly ease social barriers, foster workplace harmony, and create supportive environments that facilitate both economic participation and social integration.
Financial independence is a key driver of enhanced autonomy for Laotian migrant women, enabling them to access essential services, expand social networks, and pursue personal growth, while also mitigating the effects of social exclusion.
Migration reorganizes caregiving and financial responsibilities within left-behind families in Laos, with remittances serving as both crucial economic support and indicators of social status.
Families remaining in Laos face increased social pressures and community expectations, which can heighten emotional strain and disrupt traditional gender roles, highlighting the resilience and adaptability required of both migrants and their families.
Using a transnational perspective, the study provides detailed insights into the complex relationship among migration, gender, and social change in the Mekong region, highlighting both the opportunities and vulnerabilities arising from migration-related transformations.

The Mediating Effect of Organizational Innovation on the Relationship Between Opportunity Competency and Sustainable Performance in Myanmar-Based Trading Companies in Bangkok

Akaraphun Ratasuk — 2026-05-28

This study examined the mediating role of organizational innovation in the relationship between opportunity competency and sustainable performance in Myanmar-based trading companies in Bangkok, Thailand, employing a quantitative research approach grounded in resource-based theory. Survey data were collected from 408 top executives, representing the top three key executives from each company in Bangkok, for a response rate of 75.56%. Hypothesis testing using PLS-SEM revealed a series of counterintuitive findings. Results showed that while opportunity competency is a significant driver of organizational innovation (β = 0.662, p < .001), it had no direct effect on sustainable performance (β = -0.031, p = .266). Most critically, organizational innovation was found to have a significant negative impact on sustainable performance (β = -0.339, p < .001). Consequently, the overall mediation (H4) was not supported. These findings highlight a critical ‘dark side’ to innovation, suggesting that for these specific SMEs, innovation may be consuming resources and harming long-term viability. The study offers practical recommendations for managers and business owners in the trading industry in Bangkok to prioritize a more cautious and strategic approach to innovation.

Highlights

This study reveals a novel adverse mediation effect in Myanmar-based SMEs in Thailand, demonstrating that organizational innovation significantly harms sustainable performance, thereby challenging the optimistic assumptions of Resource-Based Theory.

Problem of Corruption in Thailand

Sayam Aroonsrimorakot — 2026-05-28

This article examines the definitions, forms, and causes of corruption, major corruption cases in Thailand, and the impact and strategies for reducing corruption. This study employed a rapid literature review, which involved searching and reviewing newspapers and other published literature, both online and in printed manuscripts, related to the themes and objectives of this article. Thailand has a long history of corruption, as evident in many cases discussed in the article. Corruption creates numerous problems, both socially and economically. Corruption increases poverty, inequality, and unequal distribution of rights, opportunities, and resources. Corruption primarily affects the poorer sections of the population due to unequal access to resources, job opportunities, income, social security, and the increasing cost of living. Some forms of corruption in Thailand include bribery, embezzlement, fraud, misappropriation, abuse of power in government contracts, procurement, education, the police, and various business sectors. The consequences of corruption in Thailand are hindering economic development, weakening democratic institutions, and eroding public trust in government and local authorities.

Highlights
• Corruption creates numerous problems, both socially and economically
• Bribery, embezzlement, fraud, misappropriation, abuse of power in government contracts, procurement, education, the police, and various business sectors are some forms of corruption in Thailand
• The impact of corruption in Thailand includes hindering economic development, weakening democratic institutions, and eroding public trust in government and local authorities
• For the solution of the corruption problem, the country needs good governance and transparency in the fight against it

Strategies for Reducing Age-Related Decline in Eye-Hand Coordination among the Elderly

Austtasit Chainarong — 2026-05-28

In an era where the global population of older adults is rapidly increasing, maintaining precise motor control and eye-hand coordination (EHC) is a crucial factor for independent living among the elderly. The decline of EHC associated with aging is linked to changes in the visual system, muscles, and nervous system. It significantly affects both the physical and mental aspects of the elderly. This review article aims to systematically compile, analyze, and present strategies to mitigate EHC deterioration. These strategies include comprehensive exercise programs that improve strength, flexibility, balance, and aerobic; cognitive training to stimulate brain function; the use of virtual reality (VR) to simulate real-life practice scenarios; environmental modifications to enhance safety; and the application of digital technologies such as exergames to increase motivation for training. When these strategies were appropriately combined, they can help slow the decline of EHC skills, reduce the risk of falls, boost confidence in daily living, and sustainably enhance the quality of life for the elderly.

Highlights
• This review summarizes age-related decline in eye-hand coordination caused by visual, musculoskeletal, and neurological changes in older adults.
• Combined physical exercise and cognitive training effectively slow eye-hand coordination deterioration.
• Virtual reality-based exergames provide safe, engaging, and adaptable visuomotor training for older adults.
• Integrated and interdisciplinary approaches support sustainable eye-hand coordination and overall well-being in aging populations.