The Journal of Thai Lanna Wisdom

Health-Promoting Behavior of the Elderly in Semi-Communities Semi-Rural Town Ban Thung Khao Tok Nong Yaeng Sub-district, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province

Poonnawat Timachai — 2025-10-06

The objectives of this research were: 1) to study health promotion behaviors among the elderly, (2) to examine self-care behaviors among the elderly, and (3) to propose a model for organizing health promotion activities for the elderly based on the “3อ” principle (food, emotion, and exercise). The sample consisted of 159 elderly individuals from Village 4, Ban Thung Khao Tok, Nong Yaeng Subdistrict, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine mean, percentage, standard deviation, and data distribution.

The findings revealed that: 1) the overall self-care behavior of the elderly was at the “regular” level, with a mean score of 2.64. The elderly typically ate three meals a day and arranged their houses for good ventilation, 2) Regarding health promotion behaviors, most elderly participants had access to exercise areas or equipment, convenient transportation to hospitals, and community health activities. Overall, health promotion behavior was at the “regular” level, with a mean score of 2.73. The highest score was for disease surveillance in the community conducted by village health volunteers, at the “regular” level, with a mean score of 2.94, and 3) The model for health promotion activities based on the “3อ” principle showed that in terms of food, behaviors were at the “often” level, with a mean score of 2.56. The elderly and their families often consumed pesticide-free vegetables and fruits, with a mean score of 2.84. In terms of emotional well-being, behaviors were also at the “often” level, with a mean score of 2.46. The elderly frequently participated in religious rituals in the community, such as chanting and making merit at temples, with a mean score of 2.74. However, in terms of exercise, behaviors were at the “never” level, with a mean score of 1.75. During their free time, the elderly engaged in leisure activities with family members, such as brisk walking, traditional dancing, and cycling, with the highest mean score of 2.19.

A Study of Learning Achievement in Life Skills and Brain Competency of Educational Personnel in the University: A Meditation Practice Project in the Buddhist Holy Land of Thailand, India, and Nepal

Ntapat Worapongpat — 2025-10-06

This research aims to 1) examine the learning achievement in life skills of educational personnel participating in the Meditation Practice Project in the Buddhist Holy Lands of India, Nepal, and Thailand; 2) evaluate cognitive competence development; and 3) explore the relationship between meditation practice, life skills learning, and cognitive competence among the project participants. This study is a mixed-methods research, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches.The research instruments included questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The sample group consisted of 120 educational personnel selected through purposive sampling. Quantitative data from the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, standard deviations, and inferential statistics such as paired-samples t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Qualitative data collected from in-depth interviews were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that learning achievement in life skills was at a high level across all dimensions, with post-program scores significantly higher than pre-program scores (Effectiveness Index = 71.88%). Cognitive competence was also found to be high in all studied areas. A strong positive correlation was identified between overall life skills learning and overall cognitive competence (r = 0.743, p < .01). Multiple regression analysis further indicated that adaptability to change, self-awareness, interpersonal relationships, and virtue and ethics in daily life were significant positive predictors of cognitive competence.

Mathapru: A Song in the Funeral Ritual of the Karen-Sakor

Piyaprapha Lohlaongam — 2025-10-06

This research article is part of the thesis of the Performing Arts Program, Department of Thai Arts, Faculty of Fine Arts, Chiang Mai University, 2024, titled Mathapru: A Song in the Funeral Ritual of the Karen-Sakor, Ban Huai Rai, Lamphun Province. The purpose of this study is to analyze the movement, melody, and meaning of the lyrics in the Mathapru song related to the funeral ritual, and to analyze the significance of the Mathapru song in the social and cultural context of the Karen-Sakor community, Ban Huai Rai, Ta khian Pom, Thung Hua Chang, Lamphun Province.

This research employed qualitative research methodology by using documentary and field data, focusing mainly on field data and using informal interviews and non-participant observation to study the Mathapru song through statements and demonstrations from primary data sources, namely Ms. Pud Norpuche, and secondary data sources, Ms. Nongkran Thaimai, Ms. Natchaya Thisom, and Ms. Sitanan Talana. Ethnographic recordings (Field Note) and audio recordings were used to prevent missing data from the interviews and to collect samples of Mathapru singing in funeral ceremonies of the Karen-Sakor in Ban Huai Rai, Ta khian Pom, Thung Hua Chang, Lamphun Province.

The research found that the movement of the melody in the Mathapru song has a rapid upward and downward movement, which is a result of the melody and tone in the Karen-Sakor language. In addition, it was found that the Mathapru song has a meaning related to courtship more than a meaning related to rituals. Therefore, the Mathapru song has a social context in terms of sending off spirits and courtship. Currently, the Mathapru song has been replaced by rituals of other religions, including social developments, technology, or values that change with the times. The context of courtship in rituals and the use of the Mathapru song have decreased according to the changes. The Mathapru song is therefore at risk of disappearing with the modern era.

Massage Recipient Behavior: A Case study of Thai Traditional Medicine Center, Thai Traditional Medicine Center, Chiang Mai Municipality, Phra Singh Subdistrict, Mueang District, Province of Chiang Mai

พิมผกา ทาธิ — 2025-10-06

This research aims to examine 1) the behavior of Thai traditional medicine service users, 2) the physical effects following Thai traditional massage treatment, and 3) the symptoms before and after receiving Thai traditional massage, including treatments from both Thai traditional and modern medicine practitioners at the Thai Traditional Medicine Center of Chiang Mai City Municipality, Phra Sing Sub-district, Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province. The study employs a mixed-method research approach, utilizing in-depth interviews and questionnaires to collect data from a sample of 20 massage service users. The research is grounded in concepts of ancient medicine, Thai medical etiology, modern medical theory, and contemporary medical perspectives on disease causation.

The findings reveal that behaviors leading to physical discomfort among massage service users include prolonged sitting at work, standing while teaching, performing household chores, gardening, as well as accidents and side effects from COVID-19 vaccinations. These factors contribute to body aches, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and upper back areas. Most users sought treatment due to chronic pain that did not improve over time. Post-treatment, the majority of massage service users reported improvement, though not a complete return to their original condition. Notably, most users lacked motivation for treatment as they decided to seek care independently. However, some received encouragement from family members and massage therapists. Many massage service users reported feeling relaxed and physically lighter after treatment, attributing this to targeted massage of affected areas. Importantly, most users had previously sought treatment from modern medicine practitioners but turned to Thai traditional medicine when their symptoms did not improve.

The study reflects the demanding lifestyle of Chiang Mai residents, who work hard for their livelihood, often at the expense of their health. This has led to an increasing trend in seeking Thai traditional massage services, as they require less time and are more cost-effective compared to hospital treatments.

The Changing Perspectives of the Tai Ahom People

kongkiat Sealim — 2025-10-06

This academic article explores the transformations in the way of life of the Tai Ahom ethnic group in Assam, India, with particular attention on the processes of preserving and revitalizing cultural identity within the context of globalization. The study highlights the ethnic roots of the Tai Ahom, who trace their lineage to Tai peoples that migrated from southern China to the Brahmaputra River basin. Although they have long been under the influence of Indian culture and the Assamese language for several centuries, the Tai Ahom have chosen to preserve their original identity through rituals, cultural practices, and language that remains closely connected to other Tai groups in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand.

A significant shift in perspective has emerged. Whereas the Tai in India were once regarded as a community assimilated into Indian society, they are now seen as a group actively reclaiming and asserting their identity. This is expressed through the establishment of cultural organizations, the revitalization of traditional practices, and socio-political movements that reflect a growing awareness of their ancestral heritage. These efforts are not only a means of safeguarding cultural memory but also a strategic approach to maintaining their existence and negotiating identity as a minority within the Indian nation-state.

The case of the Tai Ahom thus serves as a important example of the potential of local wisdom and cultural identity in balancing preservation with adaptation. It underscores the importance of transmitting traditional culture for social stability, and cultural diversity in the modern world.