ATTITUDE OF CHANTHABURI PEOPLE TOWARD THE GMOs AND BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

Abstract

            This study aimed to reveal the attitude of Thai’s in Chanthaburi province toward GMOs and biological technology in order to suggest the direction to set the policy on agricultural development in Thailand and to be information for the drafting the Biological Safety Act. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to collect the data

            The survey revealed that Thais in Chanthaburi province had a moderately positive attitude toward the GMOs and Biological Technology (x̄=2.91). When the individual dimensions were considered, knowledge and understanding of GMOs (x̄=3.67), impact of GMOs on the nation (x̄=3.50), and its impact on food security (x̄=3.11) significantly affected the attitude toward GMOs and biological technology at a high level.

            It was recommended that before setting a biological safety policy, the government should build its people’s body of knowledge on GMOs and biological safety and provide an opportunity for people at all levels to express their opinions on GMOs and biological technology. However, there were still some conflicts of information on GMOs and biological technology. Collection of data from all related fields, such as science, biology, agriculture, economics, and social sciences, should be carried out. There should be zoning for GMO cultivation. Moreover, research should be conducted to find out whether people across the country accept or reject GMOs and biological technology