An average thought is that Thai Boy’s Love (BL) is just like any other BL in other countries. BL stories are love stories with a male same-sex romance. This thesis shows that Thai BL, called in...Show moreAn average thought is that Thai Boy’s Love (BL) is just like any other BL in other countries. BL stories are love stories with a male same-sex romance. This thesis shows that Thai BL, called in this thesis series wai, is an innovative and hybrid subgenre within the BL genre. The transmedia popularity and the focus on masculinity and gender roles cause the subgenre to be different from the Chinese, Japanese, South Korean, and Taiwanese BL subgenres. The transmedia popularity shows that it is not only about the series, but mainly about the imaginary couples. The research found that series wai reflects the ideals of siwilai, namely, “romantic monogamous heterosexuality.” This makes series wai innovative and hybrid, as it is not about the series only and it combines society ideals with series which do not follow the ideal society at the first glance.Show less
This thesis examines the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on working conditions in Thailand and Vietnam. I hypothesise that FDI has a positive effect on working conditions, and that the...Show moreThis thesis examines the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on working conditions in Thailand and Vietnam. I hypothesise that FDI has a positive effect on working conditions, and that the effect is more pronounced in Vietnam where institutions appear to be stronger and the labour force is entitled to more rights, including the rights to organise and collective bargaining. As previous research has shown, contrary to the common notion of ‘race to the bottom’, FDI is attracted to countries with adequate labour policies. Further, governments play an important role in creating positive spill overs of FDI through the establishment of labour institutions, unions, and wage policies. The analysis has shown that the Thai government’s policies, despite some amendments to its legal framework, are less labour- friendly than Vietnam’s. In Vietnam, however, labour institutions and unions’ top members still lack neutrality and legislation doesn’t promote active employee participation. To conclude, the impact of FDI on labour conditions appears to be stronger in Vietnam, thanks to more labour-oriented policies and institutions.Show less
“The idea of microfinance emerged around the 1970s as a revolutionary new way to alleviate poverty in developing countries. Microfinance delivers financial services – such as loans and saving...Show more“The idea of microfinance emerged around the 1970s as a revolutionary new way to alleviate poverty in developing countries. Microfinance delivers financial services – such as loans and saving services – to the poor, who are traditionally financially excluded from conventional financial institutions. However, the debate whether the efforts of MFIs have been successful is almost just as old as the concept itself, and the results remain ambiguous. This thesis aims to add to the extensive body of literature by providing an in-depth comparative case study of the experiences and effects of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Thailand and Indonesia. The research is focused on poverty alleviation in two key areas, (i.) household income generation and (ii.) household asset building. The hypothesis is that although MFI provides great opportunities for people in lower-income classes to access credit, it has done little to practically alleviate poverty in Thailand and Indonesia. In the final analysis, this thesis will argue that this hypothesis is false, and argues that microfinance institutions in Thailand and Indonesia have been effective in increasing household income and therefore poverty alleviation. However, the effect of microfinance on asset building is ambiguous. Therefore, the study revealed that the effect of microfinance on asset building for poor households should be further studied.” Key words: microfinance; poverty alleviation; Village Fund program; Islamic microfinance; Thailand; Indonesia.Show less
The relationship between Thailand and China is very vast topic. It is very extensive and has played a big part in influencing the Thai culture. Migration of Chinese to Thailand is a part of the...Show moreThe relationship between Thailand and China is very vast topic. It is very extensive and has played a big part in influencing the Thai culture. Migration of Chinese to Thailand is a part of the Thai Chinese relationship that this thesis will be examining. Evidence of Chinese settlers has been dated back to the 12th century. History has shown that through circumstantial reason and cultural similarity Chinese migrants has adapted to the Thai society to the point of becoming a part of it. Despite this, in the modern time, newer Chinese migrants and the host country are facing challenges within a world that has becomes more complicated than the ones in the past. This leads to the question of viability of Chinese assimilation in modern times. This thesis seeks to draw a comparative analysis of two different waves of Chinese migration to Thailand from the year 1918-1955 and the year 1979- present. This will be done through examining the governmental policy and international relation that surrounds the migration from both Thailand and China.Show less
The rapid rate of global environmental degradation has stressed the need to protect our ecosystems. This environmental issue is often approached by applying the status of a ‘protected area.’ This...Show moreThe rapid rate of global environmental degradation has stressed the need to protect our ecosystems. This environmental issue is often approached by applying the status of a ‘protected area.’ This research seeks to explore the controversy of protected areas as a conservation method, through a case study analysis of the indigenous Karen people located in Thailand. The legal status of protected areas has led to instances of forceful evictions, harassment, and restrictions on accessing resources due to the exclusive nature of this conservation method. However, the Thai decentralisation since 1997 argued for greater local participation and inclusion in decision-making processes. Therefore, this analysis focuses on two factors, firstly, the various ways how the Karen people have been marginalised through protected areas, and secondly, to what extent the decentralisation of Thailand’s political system has contributed to the oppression of the Karen. With the use of this case study, this thesis intents to contribute to the field of political ecology and provide a deeper understanding of how state power has legitimised the negative consequences on indigenous communities through the application of protected areas for the sake of conservation.Show less
The World Health Organisation has estimated that smoking kills approximately 7 million people per year worldwide (WHO, 2017: 70). The relationship between smoking tobacco and death has been proven,...Show moreThe World Health Organisation has estimated that smoking kills approximately 7 million people per year worldwide (WHO, 2017: 70). The relationship between smoking tobacco and death has been proven, and widely accepted for decades. Notwithstanding the detrimental effects on public health, this unhealthy habit may also have some positive effects: oiling social contacts, easing the nerves, and heighten concentration (Knol in Colombijn et al., 2001: 49). However, whereas concentration and relaxation may be obtained through other means, a cure for death is yet to be found. As such, it is clear that we shall approach the act of smoking in this thesis as unwanted behaviour. Thankfully, owning to big scale awareness campaigns, and an ongoing global increase in taxation rates, daily smoking rates in most OECD countries have significantly decreased over the past few decades, with currently an average rate of 18% of daily smokers, compared to 26% daily smokers in 2000 (OECD, 2017). In some parts of Asia however, smoking remains a growth market and big transnational tobacco corporations (TTCs) still seems to have their claws firmly set in a number of nations (Parkinson, 2015). In terms of male smoking prevalence, Indonesia is by far the world’s worst performer with a national male smoking prevalence of 76.2%, leaving other bad examples, like Russia (59.0%), and China (47.6%) far behind (WHO, 2015). When accounting for the significantly lower female smoking rates (3.6%) Indonesia’s average smoking prevalence is still one of the highest in the world, preceded only by Russia, and a mere handful of countries in the Balkan region and the Pacific Ocean (Ibid.). This apparent vulnerability to the unhealthy habbit has not gone unnoticed by big tobacco, illustrated by the recent takeovers of Indonesian tobacco companies by global market leaders like Philip Morris International (PMI) and the British American Tobacco Company (BAT). Another factor contributing to the alarming severity of Indonesia’s smoking addiction are its demographic projections. Indonesia is currently sitting on a large demographic dividend, and the population is projected to grow with another 70 million by 2050 (Kohler, Behrman & Arianto, 2015: 4). Seeing that most beginner smokers are children or young adolescents, it is paramount that this surplus of human capital is protected in a country were smoking regulations are still below par (Parkinson, 2015). An alarming study found that between 2001 and 2010, the number of children (10-14) who smoked, rose by 80 percent and the number of children (5-9), who started smoking, quadrupled (Rosser, 2015: 69). A more recent study, by the Indonesian Ministry of Health, showed that between 2013 and 2018, smoking prevalence among children (10-18) increased from 7.2% to 9.1% (Ministry of Health, 2018: 72), and the 2015 Global School-based Student Health Survey calculated an even more alarming number for the age group 13-17 at 13.60% smoking prevalence (WHO, 2015: 5). A slightly less pronounced, though, still alarming increase in young smokers. In order to explain the uphill battle which Indonesia seems to be fighting in the face of such a major public health crisis, I will compare Indonesia’s performance with one of its Southeast Asian neighbours boasting far lower numbers in terms of smoking prevalence, namely Thailand. In 2018, Thailand solidified its position as the leader in tobacco restrictions, when it became the first Asian country to require a standardized packaging for all cigarettes. The new legislation requires all cigarette products to be sold in drab brown coloured packs, free of any logos or brand images, with 85 percent pictorial health warnings on both sides of the pack (Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance, 2018). It has been suggested by Thai specialists, like Duncan McCargo, that Thailand’s successes in tobacco control could serve as a case study for other developing nations (Chantornvong & McCargo, 2001: 48; Parkinson, 2015: 3). And indeed, in contrast to Indonesia, were men still puff away freely in almost any given location whether it be in a restaurant, air-conditioned coffeehouse, or school, Thailand seems well able to keep smoking outside of most public places, with heavy fines (a penalty fee for smoking in prohibited areas amounts to THB 5.000, although at the time of writing, the previous fee of THB 2000 is still in use), a number of awareness campaigns, and a national ban on advertisement. Don’t walk and smoke It is already past 2:00 a.m. when we exit the big 24/7 supermarket with a new drab coloured pack of cigarettes. Bangkok, the city that never sleeps, seems to have fallen into a bit of a slumber around the usually bustling street of Ekkamai. Located close to Sukkumvit road, most of the activity in this part of one of the richer districts in Bangkok seems to shut its eye’s around 1:00 a.m. The party continues further north up the street, where Soi Ekkamai meets Thong Lor on a small strip that forms a bridge between Bangkok’s wealthy sons and daughters of media tycoons, business moguls, and the handful of foreign tourists who dared venture outside the backpackers capital that is Khaosan road. Sand, who I regard as an example of emancipated female Bangkokians, looks at the fresh merchandise in my hand. We both light one up. As I am about to head into the direction of my apartment she stops me. “Ee, mai dai! (cannot)” She says. I ask her what seems to be the problem. “It’s just not polite”. She looks at the few people still hanging around the supermarket. Seconds after we light the cigarettes two people exiting the supermarket cross our path, making Sand throw an apologetic look into their direction.Show less
Commonly recognized as the oldest cosmological text in Thai, the Traiphum Phra Ruang has traditionally enjoyed considerable prestige in Thailand. However, this is not only because of the text’s...Show moreCommonly recognized as the oldest cosmological text in Thai, the Traiphum Phra Ruang has traditionally enjoyed considerable prestige in Thailand. However, this is not only because of the text’s literary or historical relevance. As the text outlines the origin of kingship and the moral basis for Theravada Buddhist society through describing the workings of kamma, it has proven to be a valuable source of theoretical legitimacy for the Thai monarchy. This thesis examines how the text has been used for the restoration of king Bhumibol’s legitimacy after the student revolts in the 1970s. The following argues that this has been done through a tacit promotion of the text as the prime symbol of Thai cultural heritage and national identity, and the inculcation of the norms and values displayed within it by presenting the text as a tradition.Show less
This paper reconstructs the course of events during a hitherto little known dispute between the VOC and the court of Siam (Ayutthaya) between 1741-1747. The paper explores various themes, among...Show moreThis paper reconstructs the course of events during a hitherto little known dispute between the VOC and the court of Siam (Ayutthaya) between 1741-1747. The paper explores various themes, among them cultural incommensurability and early modern 'corruption'. The hidden political life of the Siamese court is uncovered as the various officials and intermediaries involved appear to conduct their own businesses behind the back of the much glorified 'absolute' king Borommakot. At the same time, the envoys of the VOC appear to be conducting private business. Ultimately, this paper provides insights in the nature of Siamese political culture during the 'golden age' of Ayutthaya, based on evidence gained from Dutch sources.Show less
The university initiation for freshmen students has been a highlight activity for a particular academic year in Thailand for many decades. This initiation ritual itself, normally taking place for...Show moreThe university initiation for freshmen students has been a highlight activity for a particular academic year in Thailand for many decades. This initiation ritual itself, normally taking place for the entire first month of the study, is based on the so-called SOTUS system—standing for Seniority, Order, Tradition, Unity, and Spirit—which is a kind of hazing based system to help new students adapting to the university’s environment socially and academically as well as binding newcomers together tightly as fast as possible. However, every year there are a number of negative reports from the initiation rituals shown in media coverage and social media—including physical violence, sexual harassment, mental abuse, suicide, fatality, and alcohol—resulting in the raise of concern among ordinary Thais and scholars towards this issue from time to time. Sadly, even until recently there is still a limited number of researches related to Thai university initiation ritual. This research tried to find out: how does the Rub Nong tradition affect freshmen students during and after the Rub Nong period? How is Thai university initiation rite different from or similar to another country in the Southeast Asian region (Indonesia) and some other Thai organizations? This study will employ both qualitative and quantitative methods. The quantitative methods includes: questionnaires for a group of Thai freshman students. The qualitative method includes an interview from a group of Thai freshman students, policeman, office workers, and Indonesian students.Show less
Analysis of the breakdown of Thai democracy in September 2006. Based on general theroretical axiomas on democratic consolidation and democratic breakdown a qualitative and a quantitative analysis...Show moreAnalysis of the breakdown of Thai democracy in September 2006. Based on general theroretical axiomas on democratic consolidation and democratic breakdown a qualitative and a quantitative analysis are used to provide possible causes for the breakdown of democracy in Thailand. Economical circumstances, the interpretation of democracy or socialization cannot be identified as causes for the breakdown. Especially interesting is that income and appreciation of democracy are correlated negatively in Thailand in 2002 and 2006. From 2002 to 2006 interpersonal trust is decreased while distrust has increased.Show less
