E-Sports Engagement among University Students in Thailand: Behavioral Patterns and Attitudinal Insights

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Published: Jun 30, 2026
Keywords:
Thailand Digital Sports Digital Gaming Behavior Student Attitude E-Sports Engagement

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Nattapol Nantapanuwat
Faculty of Liberal Arts, Thailand National Sports University, Chiang Mai Campus, Thailand
Bunjird Sonsuwan
Faculty of Liberal Arts, Thailand National Sports University, Chiang Mai Campus, Thailand
Paipan Thanalerdsopit
Faculty of Business Administration and Liberal Arts, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Jatuporn Silapornchai
Faculty of Business Administration and Liberal Arts, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Abstract

This study explores E-Sports playing behaviors and attitudes among undergraduates at Thailand National Sports University, Chiang Mai Campus. A mixed-method approach was employed, specifically targeting students from the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Faculty of Sports and Health Science, and Faculty of Education. The study aimed to: (1) investigate E-Sports engagement patterns, (2) examine student attitudes toward E-Sports as a digital sport, and (3) analyze how these behaviors and attitudes differ by demographics. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA. A total of 311 students from three faculties were surveyed. Results indicated that most students engaged in E-Sports for entertainment and stress relief, primarily playing the game "ROV" during evening hours. Behavioral engagement levels were high (x
̄
= 4.32, S.D. = 0.58). Students held positive attitudes toward E-Sports, viewing it as a legitimate sport and a helpful tool for stress relief, rather than a disruption to academic performance. Comparative analysis also showed significant differences in engagement and attitudes across demographics, especially regarding gender and faculty. These insights offer clear guidance for educational institutions looking to design structured E-Sports curricula. The findings emphasize the rising significance of E-Sports as a digital sport and suggest institutional roles in supporting structured E-Sports programs.

 

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How to Cite
Nantapanuwat, N., Sonsuwan, B. ., Thanalerdsopit, P., & Silapornchai, J. (2026). E-Sports Engagement among University Students in Thailand: Behavioral Patterns and Attitudinal Insights. RMUTL Journal of Business Administration and Liberal Arts, 14(1), 153–164. retrieved from https://so05.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/balajhss/article/view/284060
Issue
Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): Vol 14 No 1 (2026) January - June 2026
Section
Research article
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