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87 JOURNAL OF POPULATION AND SOCIAL STUDIES, July 1998, Vol. 7, N° 1
00.87.1 - CHAMRATRITHIRONG, Aphichat.
The need for another revolution after the reproductive revolution in Thailand.
Ten years ago a book describing Thailand as being in the middle of a "reproductive revolution" was published. That revolution has been now substantially completed. However, the very rapid social change that accompanied drastic fertility changes have thrown up new challenges that must be met by researchers and policy makers. A rapidly changing age structure, accompanied by low levels of human resources is related to several outcomes that are only now beginning to catch the attention of Thai policy makers. These outcomes that are only now beginning to catch the attention of Thai policy makers. These outcomes may be real, such as the influx of foreign workers and the consequent rise in negative attitudes towards migrants, or perceived, such as a loss of Thai identity as a result of the low levels of fertilty. But whether perceived or real these and other issues are receiving increasing attention in the media. In this paper the author argues that with the end of the reproductive revolution there is a need to direct attention to these other changes that should be occurring in Thai society. In order to respond to the ongoing effects of reproductive change there is a need to promote forms of (social revolutions, including "human resource revolution") that are consistent with the goals of Thai society and the aspirations of the Thai people. The paper outlines several areas where such efforts are required, by comparing to the preceeding reproductive revolution.
(THAILAND, DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION, SOCIAL CHANGE, HUMAN RESOURCES.)
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Urbanization and its implication for health services.
This paper examines how demographic trends, specifically those related to urbanization and rural-urban migration, potentially impact upon the delivery and quality of health services. The geographic focus is on Southeast Asia, with detailed analysis focusing on Thailand. Migrants are selected on characteristics that are conductive to good health, although certain groups of migrants, especially temporary migrants, need special targeting for the delivery of health services. Because the demographic and economic processes associated with urbanization result in urban and rural populations with very different compositions, the health service needs of the populations will vary. Special efforts will need to be directed towards rural areas and other segments of the population to ensure that traditionally disadvantaged groups share in the opportunities that urbanization has the potential to create. At the same time, services directed towards the young, and especially young females, need to be strengthened in urban areas where there is a high concentration of this group.
(SOUTHEASTERN ASIA, THAILAND, URBANIZATION, RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION, HEALTH SERVICES.)
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00.87.3 - KANCHANACHITRA, Chururutai.
Best practice in reduction of vulnerability of girls to HIV/AIDS.
The objective of this study is to evaluate the implementation of project that aims to reduce the vulnerability of girls to HIV/AIDS. Sema-Pattana Cheewit Project was selected to be evaluated. This project provided scholarships to girls who are finished grade 6 and are at risk of entering into prostitution to continue their education until finish grade 9. Data derived from both secondary and primary sources including in-depth interviews with project personnel at both central and provincial level and teachers in selected schools. Focus group discussion and questionnaire were used to collect data from girls paraticipated in the project.
The study showed that majority of girls who are selected to get scholarships are conform with the criteria set by Ministry of Education. Majority of girls (81%) who finished grade 9 continue their education, 9% began working and 1.01% dropped out from school. The most common problem found was the delay in transferring money to the students. The process took about a semester for the students to get their scholarship. Drop out girls are another major concern and needs greater attention. This group of girls are at risk of becoming commercial sex workers. Yet, little has been done to follow them and help them to find another career alternatives in line with Sema-Pattana Cheewit project airms.
(THAILAND, AIDS, ADOLESCENCE, DAUGHTERS, PROSTITUTION, SCHOOLING, SCHOOL LEAVING, AID PROGRAMMES, SCHOLARSHIPS.)
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AIDS knowledge and knowledge about center for AIDS information among young adults in Muang district, Rayong province.
The purpose of this research is to evaluate the AIDS campaign project which is organized by the Thai Association for Voluntary Sterilization and Quality of Life. The campaign took place between March to July 1997 at Muang district, Rayong province, Thailand. The research applies both quantitative and qualitative approaches. 230 young adults ages between 15 and 24 years old are interviewed. In addition, small group discussion is employed when discuss with AIDS campaign coordinators. The results show that individual characteristics of young adults and their types of residences are not important obstacles that prevent them to understand about AIDS and knowledge about center for AIDS information. Besides, it is found that individual experiences that related to AIDS activities and the existence of core group at the work place are important factors to AIDS education and campaign. The research suggests that young adults who have education less than secondary school, male, and single person need to understand more about AIDS education. Therefore, AIDS campaign should aim at these young adults as the target population.
(THAILAND, REGIONS, AIDS, YOUTH, INFORMATION DISSEMINATION, SEX EDUCATION, HEALTH EDUCATION.)
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87 JOURNAL OF POPULATION AND SOCIAL STUDIES, JANUARY 1999, VOL.7, N° 2
00.87.5 - ARCHAVANITKUL, Kritaya.
What is the number of child prostitutes in Thailand?.
The paper estimates the number of child prostitutes in Thailand at any one time in 1997. A child in this estimate refers to a person aged below 18 years old. It is the first estimate that includes Thai and non-Thai sex workers and is broken down by gender and age. The estimation procedure is straightforward by estimating the undercount rate of the 1997 annual survey of establishments and sex workers conducted by Department of Communicable Diseases Control of Ministry of Public Health. This would yield the total number of sex workers in the country. Then, the proportion of foreign sex workers, the proportion of child prostitute, the proportion of the sex workers who entered sex work before 18 years old are estimated by using various sources of data. It is estimated that 17,978 or 20% of the total number of sex workers (90,916) in Thailand in 1997 were child prostitutes. Of this, about 12,500 were Thai and 5,500 were transnational. The number of sex workers entering sex work at early age was around 50,000.
English - pp. 1-9.
(THAILAND, PROSTITUTION, CHILDREN, CHILD LABOUR, CHILD ABUSE, ESTIMATES.)
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00.87.6 - LEOPRAPAI, Boonlert.
Role of private sector in family planning service delivery in Thailand.
Using data from the 1987 Contraceptive Use Patterns Survey and the 1996 National Contraceptive Prevalence Survey, the role of private sector in family planning service delivery was analyzed. It was found that during the last two decades from 1978 to 1996, the role of private sector was more less stable, providing family planning services to slightly over one-fifth of contraceptive acceptors. The share of private sector was higher than the public sector in only one method - condom. Due primarily to the fact that it is the only one of the nonmedical-provided method which is promoted and provided by drug stores. Within the private sector, drugstores were the most popular service outlets being the main source of service delivery for condom and pills, followed by private clinics in both urban and rural areas. It was concluded that the government outlets, especially the sub-district health centers and community hospitals, still play the major role in family planning service delivery in rural areas where about 70 percent of the population reside.
English - pp. 11-17.
(THAILAND, FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMMES, PUBLIC SECTOR, PRIVATE SECTOR, CONTRACEPTIVE DISTRIBUTION.)
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00.87.7 - PUNPUENG, Sureeporn.
Bangkok and its environment in the context of commuting.
Commuting has occurred in the context of the special physical and social environment of Bangkok. This paper aims to explore why commuting has become a major contributor to traffic congestion in Bangkok. Using data from various sources such as primary research, news reports, and government and non-government reports, it is found that the expanding economy, increasing urban population, expansion of built-up areas, improved transportation and communication networks, and government policies encourage commuting and increase commuting distances in Bangkok. Rapid economic growth has been associated with an increase in population and expansion of the built-up areas. The improvement of infrastructure and transportation has raised level of movement and commuting distances. On the other hand, economic growth is also correlated with changes in occupational structure from agriculture to non-agriculture income and lifestyle. When people's income increases their demand from more space for housing and comfortable means of commuting modes increase. This results in housing being located far from the congested city center and an increasing use of cars. The high rate of private-vehicle use leads to congestion, which results in increased commuting times. Government policies relating to land use, housing and workplace, and the provision of transportation systems have attempted to deal with the problems arising from commuting, but without significant success.
English - pp. 33-69.
(THAILAND, CAPITAL CITY, COMMUTING, ENVIRONMENT.)
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00.87.8 - THONGTHAI, Varachai.
Continuation and failure rates: Indicators of family planning services.
Using data from 1996 Contraceptive Prevalence Survey conducted by the Institute for Population and Social Research of Mahidol University, annual cross-sectional continuation and failure rates were applied as indicators of family planning service. The study employed 6,780 cases of currently married women from 9,558 cases of all women aged 15-49. Continuation rate indicated the satisfaction of users of contemporary contraceptive methods ie. pills, IUD, injection, implants, condom, safe period, and withdrawal. Failure rate measured use-efficiency of these methods.
Contraceptive prevalence rate of currently married women aged 15-49 was 72.2 in 1996. The pattern of contraceptive use was a well-balanced mix of varieties of contraceptive methods. Majority of younger women had tendency to choose temporary method while older ones chose permanent method.
Annual cross-sectional continuation rates were between 67-83 percent indicating high user satisfaction. Implant was the most satisfying method while safe period the least. Women in the South were pleased with natural methods while condom satisfaction was among the residents of Bangkok. On the other hand, use-efficiency of pills, injection and safe period were found lower. These use-efficiency and satisfaction varied among regions and place of residence suggested difference in services. Consequently, family planning providers should give emphasis on improvement of use-efficiency while maintaining user satisfaction.
Thai - pp. 71-92.
(THAILAND, FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMMES, PROGRAMME EVALUATION, CONTRACEPTION CONTINUATION, CONTRACEPTION FAILURES, DROPOUTS.)
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00.87.9 - VORASIRIAMORN, Yupin.
Evaluation of AIDS Education and Promotion for Factory Worker Project.
The evaluation of the AIDS Education And Promotion for Factory Workers Project, funded by the Australian Embassy, was undertaken by the Thai Association for Voluntary Sterilization and Quality of Life Development (TAVS & QLD). The outcome of the evaluation is positive and indicates that the Project was successful as it met all of its objectives. The investigation shows that workers between the ages of 15 to 39 know what AIDS is and they understand that certain types of behaviour must change in order to avoid the risk of HIV infection. They now have a better attitude towards AIDS patients, are more willing to accept them and can associate with them in every day life.
It is recommended that meetings of factory executives and other people involved in the project be held on a regular basis, possibly every three months, to achieve a better understanding of what an AIDS education project entails. News and information updates on the HIV epidemic should also be provided regularly. Factory AIDS volunteers should, from some kind of club, association or network that would allow them to exchange information and support one another. Their training should be continuous and their knowledge evaluated from time to time because they have to be confident and competent in giving advice to the workers. The project should be extended to include more factories as there are as many as 2,000 factories in Pathum Thani and Rachaburi provinces. Last year, AIDS volunteers only worked in 60 factories. It is therefore strongly recommended that more volunteers be recruited so that education on AIDS can be spread to more people. When this is achieved, the reduction in the number of HIV infected will be a real possibility.
English - pp. 115-160.
(THAILAND, AIDS, PROJECT EVALUATION, INDUSTRIAL WORKERS, HEALTH EDUCATION, INFORMATION.)
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