JOURNAL OF POPULATION AND SOCIAL STUDIES

Thailand (Nakhon) 87

1993-1994 - VOLUME 5, NUMBER 1-2

97.87.1 - Thai - Chanya SETHAPUT

Evolution of social science research methodology in sexual behavior in Thailand (p. 1-30)

Using documentary research, it was found that research methodology in sex related studies since 1962 has evolved in accordance with cultural change in Thailand. About 30-40 years ago, most Thai people did not accept the sexual expression in public. The researchers could only study the value and attitude toward sex which showed substantial difference between men and women. As Thai society was increasingly influenced by the Western culture, direct research in sexual behaviour and experience have was possible since 1982, and this type of research increased when the spread of HIV/AIDS was found in Thailand.

Most sexual studies are still based on "Attitude-Determines Behaviour Paradigm", though some studies use other theories and concepts such as the "Health Belief Model".

The study was initially observed population in schools or educated people in towns, later on people and specific groups or risk groups such as prostitutes, fishermen, truck drivers, factory workers. Self-administered questionnaires are used to collect sexual data mostly from educated sample. However, qualitative approaches are widely conducted especially with the risk groups. (THAILAND, SOCIAL RESEARCH, RESEARCH METHODS, SEXUALITY, AIDS)

97.87.2 - English - Mona SHRESTHA and Karl E. WEBER

Reflection of confucianism, hinduism and buddhism on gender relation and gender specific occupation in Thai society (p. 31-54)

Thai people have been influenced by and assimilated into different cultures since their early settlement in Siam. Initially, they believed in animism. There are influences of different religions and ideologies, where Hinduism, Confucianism and Buddhism stand prominent and among which Buddhism penetrated much deeper, which coexisted with indigenous animistic cults where women performed the main role in serving the household spirit. Though matrilocal and matrilineal system still exist in Thailand, besides Buddhism, Hinduism and Confucian ideology also have strong influence which have given rise to patriarchy. Women's contribution to the economy in the Thai society is very high, however, religion and politics have remained men's domain. (THAILAND, RELIGION, SEX DISCRIMINATION, FEMALE EMPLOYMENT, PATRIARCHY)

97.87.3 - English - Sairudee VORAKITPHOKATORN, Richard A. CASH, Toru CHOSA and Oshiki SAKURAI

AIDS risk among tourists: A study on Japanese female tourists in Thailand (p. 55-84)

Sexual behaviour relating to AIDS risks among women tourists in Phuket Island, Thailand, was studied. The study included focus group discussions and indepth-interviews with key informants: local beachboys, tour guides, travel company managers and women tourists from Japan. Results indicated that there were more women tourists on the island as Phuket had been particularly promoted for Free Individual Tourists (FITs), especially women. The Japanese women tourists were found to be taking more sexual risks compared with other women tourist groups of other nationalities as more casual sex between Thai beachboys and Japanese tourists were reported. Frequency and place of sexual intercourse reported point to low condom use. Factors contributing to the problem included the promotion of Phuket that lacked knowledge and health concern measures for young inexperienced women tourists, the specific national traits of young Japanese women such as being gentle, polite, fashionable and submissive; making them approachable to young local men. The study also found lack of authority's control for tourists safety and absence of AIDS awareness messages in tourist areas. Researchers recommended that tourists safety programs as well as service in providing relevant facts and life skills training were to be set up prior to, during and after taking the trip overseas for women tourists. (THAILAND, JAPAN, AIDS, TOURISM, WOMEN)

97.87.4 - Thai - Boonlert LEOPRAPAI

An optimum population for Thailand (p. 85-122)

Quests for finding an optimum population or an appropriate size of the population have been made by philosophers and thinkers since the ancient times. Confucius (a Chinese philosopher and teacher, 551-478 B.C.?) and his school postulated an ideal proportion between population and land. Concept of optimum population with respect to the Greek city-state was discussed by Plato (427-347 B.C.) and Aristotle (384-322 B.C.). Begining from early nineteenth century, there were writings of the classical school of economics discussing the effects of population size and growth on the specialization or division of labour leading to the increasing returns in industry on the one hand and the onset of diminishing returns in agriculture on the other. These writings were bases for evolution of the concept and theory of optimum population. In Thailand to date, the systematic analysis to determing an appropriate size of the population using economic, social, political and cultural criteria has not been attempted, let alone conducting a research on an optimum population. What have been made to date are analyses indicating that the rate of population growth at certain period tends to be too low or too high and thus leading to the policy to increase or reduce the rate of population growth. Difficulties in determining an optimum population due to the dynamic nature of population development and the fact that all other factors affecting the welfare of population are always changing, it is not cost effective to conduct research for determining an optimum population for the purpose of policy formulation. (THAILAND, OPTIMUM POPULATION, POPULATION THEORY)

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