Thammasat Journal

J Editor — 2025-08-06

Intersexual Person: Problems and the Right in Physical Sex

Sumalee Mahanarongchai — 2025-08-13

This research article studies the meaning, types, and problematic cases of intersexual persons. The study shows that intersexual persons are different from other types of gender-diverse persons due to the lack of the right to determine their original sex. Being born ambiguous in their genitals, they have their bodies treated as disorders of sex development. Their gender is first determined, and their physical sex, though unclear but changeable at puberty, is then quickly and surgically altered to match the predetermined gender. So, the physical sex given to intersexual persons is not their natural and original sex, but is based on binary sex (either male or female) influenced by culture. Determining gender and sex to intersexual persons in this way reflects outdated bioethics, which focuses only on culture in contrast to natural diversity. The results are thus enormous physical and mental sufferings of these persons, as they are stigmatized and normalized in and for culture from birth. Supporting the right for intersexual persons to determine their physical sex, not only their gender, reflects social recognition of their humanity under the new bioethics which focuses on the balance between nature and culture.

Status and Use of Principle of Democracy through Wordings in accordance with Political Signs: Social Science Aspect

Kriangkrai Robroo — 2025-08-13

This study was conducted purposely to explore and understand the status and use of the principle of democracy through wordings in accordance with political signs within the social science aspect. To complete this work, the researcher used documentary research to study relevant theories, ideas, legal philosophy, political institutions, political communication, and semiotics or semiology. Besides, the researcher used research interviews to gather opinions from experts and student leaders in the social sciences field.

The findings show six points regarding the status and use of the principle of democ- racy through wordings, in accordance with political signs. These includes (1) the principle of democracy is a sign expressing ideas and theories, (2) the principles of democracy is a sign indicating legal status, (3) the principle of democracy is a sign justifying social phenomena, (4) the principle of democracy is a sign showing discourse, (5) the principle of democracy is a sign reflecting social popularity, and (6) there are issues that must be considered, including the complexity of sign meanings, sign interpretation, sign explanation, the intention of sign user, and the feasibility of trouble-causing situation from the use of political signs.

This study proposes that (1) curricular in social sciences should include lessons on semiotics or semiology, sign interpretation, sign explanation, observation of signs, and attitudes toward signs, and (2) further studies should be conducted to study other forms of the status and use of the principle of democracy through wordings in accordance with political signs, including the effects caused by political signs in legal studies and/or other fields related to the social sciences.

Chronic Disease Illness and Depression among the Thai Population

Piyaporn Naruphai — 2025-08-13

The increasing trend of chronic illness and depression among the middle-aged and older population in Thailand has been noted to significantly impact quality of life and contribute to premature mortality. This study aims to investigate the relationship between chronic illnesses and depression among middle-aged and older Thai population, as well as to explore factors associated with depression among patients with chronic illnesses. The sample group comprises individuals aged 35 and above who self-reported via interviews conducted as part of the Thai National Health and Welfare Survey 2021. The study revealed a statistically significant association between chronic illnesses and depression among both age groups at a significance level of 0.05. Middle-aged individuals with chronic illnesses were found to be more likely to experience depression compared to older patients. Factors influencing depression among patients with chronic illnesses included employment status, the number of chronic illnesses, missed daily activities due to illness, healthcare treatment modalities, and healthcare costs. Furthermore, factors specifically associated with depression among middle-aged patients included religion, educational attainment, residential area, and transportation costs for healthcare visits, while factors specific to older patients included gender, healthcare subsidies, and household members. Therefore, prioritizing access to effective healthcare and treatment for patients with chronic illnesses in each age group is crucial for preventing and reducing depression among the middle-aged and older Thai population in the future.

The Application of Lean Thinking to Enhance the Efficiency of Performance Review Process to Select Good Practices of Faculty of Liberal Arts, Prince of Songkla University

Bannagorn Saelim — 2025-08-13

This research aimed to investigate the efficiency of the performance review process to identify good practices within the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Prince of Songkla University, by employing Lean Thinking as a tool to enhance its effectiveness. The began with the use of a Flow Process Chart to assess the current workflow, followed by analyzing problems using 5W1H method and improvement guidelines based on the ECRS principle. Lastly, a new work process was presented using Value Stream Mapping (VSM). Data analysis was conducted using frequency and percentage. The study revealed substantial process improvements that the number of process activities decreased from 112 to 46, a reduction of 66 activities or 58.93%. Working hours were shortened from 3,035 minutes to 730 minutes, a decrease of 2,305 minutes or 75:95%. Paper usage was reduced from 503 pieces to 12 pieces, a reduction of 491 pieces or 97.61%. Finally, the cost of paper usage dropped from 236.41 baht to 5.64 baht, a reduction of 230:77 baht or 97.61%. This research indicated that applying information technology to work processes significantly enhanced work efficiency.

Sense of Place: Emotional Experiences and Identity of Condominium Dwellers

Natcharee Suwannapat — 2025-08-13

This research article aims to demonstrate a set of empirical data and analysis, indicat-ing the important roles of emotion and sense of place towards accommodation, particularly condominiums. It depends on data from in-depth interviews and non-participation observa-tions with 18 residents who live in condominiums in Charan Sanit Wong area. The concept of sense of place suggests considering the relationship between places and individuals through definitions and emotional experiences towards places, which become a guideline for actions. The main questions are: as a "house" or dwelling, how do residents experience living in a condominium and its location? How do dwellers define their condominiums? How do they feel about the place and living in their condominiums? And how do these experiences affect their actions and identity? The findings point out dynamic facets of decisions on the type and location of accommodation, which are influenced by individuals' sense of place towards condominium and the Charan Sanit Wong district. Importantly, they reveal that, besides the physical attribute of the place that could affect way of actions, emotional experiences and sense of place also play significant roles in shaping the behaviors, way of life, and identity of the dwellers.

The Analytical Study of Mental Health Policy for Thai Youths and Implementation in Thai Context

Panat Chueprasertsak — 2025-08-13

The study involves examining mental health policies for Thai youth and analyzing these policies through content analysis, leading to interpretation and summary of key issues. The quality of the data was verified by comparing it with theories and concepts (theory triangulation) aligned with the health promotion guidelines of the Ottawa Charter. The research results indicate that the principles of mental health policies for Thai youth are similar to the health promotion guidelines of the Ottawa Charter. Hower, they lack fundamental strategies for health promotion that support sexual diversity. When analyzing these policies in conjunction with related theories, concepts, and research, it was found that although the policy-making process involved participation at all levels

(government, private sector, and civil society) and included empirical data analysis and synthesis, which effectively supported the majority of youth, it did not accommodate youth with diverse sexual orientation. Although they are a minority in Thai society, they are stakeholders in these policies. The policies only mention the term "gender" in the context of birth gender but do not address issues related to gender inequality that impact the mental health of youth in the Thai social context. Additionally, the policies contain statements that reflect sexual stigmation, such as labeling free sexual orientation as "youth risk behavior" or same-sex families "lacking warmth." This finding highlights the adherence to a gender binary framework, which restricts policy implementation to frameworks that do not align with societal. realties, causing the basic strategies for health promotion to be misaligned with the actual context. Based. on these findings, the researcher provides the following policy recommendations: 1) The Department of Mental Health should include issues of sexual diversity in the National Mental Health Development Plan, Volume 1 (2018-2037). 2) The Department of Children and Youth Affairs should incorporate sexual. diversity topics into the education curriculum and youth development activities.

The Positioning of Recreational Forests Administration in Thailand

Kitichai Rattana — 2025-08-13

This research aims to designate the philosophy and strategy of positioning recreational forest administration based on sustainable green growth and the Thai geo-social context. This study employs a combination of qualitative research techniques and methods, such as environmental analysis, policy and strategic review, in-depth interviews with five key informants, brainstorming about the value of recreational forests, communication processes, and focus group discussions with 80 participants. The study found that the factors and conditions influencing the management of recreational forests were the value of ecosystem service connectivity, the implementation of the 2019 National Forest Policy, organizational and policy changes in recreational forest management, and the mission chain in the development and administration of recreational forests. Therefore, a philosophical position was established and a strategic plan for the management of recreational forests of the country was designed with 5 strategies, including Strategy 1: Raise the value of recreational forests as a natural heritage that people cherish and are proud to utilize together; Strategy 2: Plan the development of recreational.
forests to provide services to people based on creating new learning and experiences in nature conservation; Strategy 3: Strengthen the strength and participation of local communities in recreational forest management to create community ecological and economic values for good quality of life; Strategy 4: Create a diverse network of partnerships in recreational forest management that creates shared value with society; and Strategy 5: Accelerate the enhancement of organizational capacity and mechanisms for recreational forest management to be accepted and trusted by the public.

The Study of Political Movement and Election Behavior in the 2023 Members of the Parliament Election in Chonburi Province

Patcharapa Tantrajin — 2025-08-13

The research article has three research objectives; 1) to study, analyze, and compare the political atmosphere of the 2023 Members of the Parliament election with the past election; 2) to study the movement and political behavior of important actors who are the pollical sector, the public sector, the role of the Election Commission, relevant governmental agencies, and the role of other sectors who acted as watchdog agencies in the election and; 3) to analyze the movement as well as political and election behaviors that have an effect on the
election and democratic development in the area. The research uses a qualitative methodology. The study found differences from the 2019 election. The political context at the national level has been changed, along with changes in the political and economic contexts within Chonburi. Regarding people's election behavior, voter turnout was 77.80%. Voters made their decision by considering party policies. The Political behavior of citizens in Chonburi shows increased awareness that their rights, freedoms, and votes can be used to bring about change and realize democracy, using the election as a means of reflecting the voice of the people to the authorities at both local and national levels. The general election in Chonburi showed democratic development at the grassroots level. However, the structure at the upper level. has not reflected the political will of the citizens who turned out to vote.

Chinese Identity and the Consciousness of Thai-Chinese People Today

Parinya Mongkolpanich — 2025-08-13

This research studied the views on the Chinese identity consciousness of Chinese people belonging to Thammasat Secondary School. Using the concept of Gagne and Deci, data were collected from questionnaires and semi-structured interviews from 195 people aged 15-18 years (students) and 36 people aged 20-45 years (teachers), totaling 231 people. They are third generation Thai-Chinese persons descended from ancestors who immigrated from China. The study framework addressed four issues: 1) farmily ties; Chinese language and identity; 3) flial piety and festivals; and 4) beliefs. The results were that, in terms of family ties, the samples saw their surname as the clearest expression of Chinese identity, even though it has been assimilated into Thai sur-names. Large family togethemess, the cartel system, and male supremacy have lessened in importance. In terms of language and identity, some samples aged from 20 to 45 believed that Thai-Chinese children should have some Chinese language skills. But overall, samples of all ages admitted to having little to no Chinese knowledge or skills, viewing Chinese as one among many languages for independent study based on personal interest. On gratitude and festivals, most samples aged from 20 to 45 considered Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival, and Qingming to be the three major festivals, meaningful as expressions of gratitude. Samples aged 15 to 18 were only farmiliar with the Chinese New Year. In terms of belief, some samples aged from 20 to 45 believed that gratitude influences the strictness of rituals, especially when ancestors are worshipped. However, most samples, including those aged from 15 to 18, held more secular outlooks and observed rituals and beliefs less strictly.

Cyber Security Development Strategy: Adapting to the Dynamics of Society

Irin Rotrak — 2025-08-13

Current situations and rapid changes in the world have resulted in the rapid advancement of cyber technology. Moving forward, cyber space has become a factor in people's lives in society. Therefore, it cannot be denied that it affects the security of many countries in multiple dimensions, including Thailand, where there are indications that national security is affected by cyber threats at many levels, from patterns that affect people's daily lives to the reliability of the economy, society, politics, and the surrounding environment. This includes forms such as espionage terrorism, and the use of cyber tools to disturb or destroy the peace and order of the opposing countries. Awareness of cyber's potential impact on national security is widespread across the world. Many countries are trying to create and develop cyber capabilities to indicate their potential to generate advantages and competitiveness in various fields. However, the more advanced and dependent a country becomes on cyber, the greater the inevitable risk of incidents affecting national security from cyber threats. This article aims to study and review the concept of cybersecurity and present guidelines for developing cybersecurity strategies in Thailand under changing social dynamics.