A Study on the Qualities of Thai Society from the Perspective of Youth

Abstract

This study examines the levels of satisfaction, trust, and other factors influencing social quality in Thailand from the perspectives of youth, with the aim of proposing development guidelines for the Thai social context. A quantitative research method was employed, focusing on selected subjects under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC). In the 2020 academic year, the OBEC database recorded a total of 1,178 schools with at least 500 secondary school students, accounting for 1,020,110 secondary students. A total of 1,560 secondary students from various regions of Thailand were selected to complete questionnaires assessing their opinions on social quality. The questionnaire consisted of 50 items and had a reliability coefficient of 0.824. Data analysis included frequency, percentage, standard deviation, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

The results revealed that the youth believed the overall social quality—including socioeconomic security, social inclusion, social cohesion, and social empowerment—was less satisfactory than expected, with an average satisfaction score of less than 70%. Additionally, perceptions of democracy and freedom of speech were found to have average scores of less than 50%. Age was negatively correlated with the level of satisfaction in several aspects of social quality, including perceptions of democracy, overall life satisfaction, freedom of expression, happiness, social safety, and social trust. The study also proposed development guidelines for enhancing social quality. The Ministry of Education should play a crucial role in improving and reviewing basic education policies, with an emphasis on building alliances—particularly with youth—to raise awareness of social responsibility. Additionally, it should encourage cooperation between younger and older generations in addressing social issues and fostering appropriate social quality, including financial discipline and knowledge of human rights. The school curriculum should be administered by competent personnel, while families, courts, universities, and religious organizations must serve as role models for youth. Collaboration across all sectors is essential for fostering patriotism and instilling pride in young people regarding their hometowns and country. Moreover, the curriculum should aim to reduce income inequality and combat corruption by emphasizing democratic practices, such as student councils. Another key mechanism for promoting social quality is leveraging networks of both mainstream and social media to drive positive development.