Search Results (265)

This study addresses declining social trust and emerging moral challenges among youth in Thailand’s conflict-affected southern border provinces by developing a strategic framework grounded in the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy (SEP). A quantitative approach was employed, integrating the Modified Priority Needs Index and Priority Matrix analysis to examine discrepancies between current performance and perceived importance. The findings reveal differentiated patterns of moral development. Discipline and Responsibility are identified as a high-priority need, reflecting high importance but comparatively lower performance. Gratitude and Filial Piety, together with Kindness and Generosity, emerge as established strengths, functioning as cultural assets. Unity and Social Harmony and Social Sacrifice are classified as secondary yet contextually significant dimensions, indicating partial internalization. Based on this classification, the study proposes a differentiated strategy comprising targeted self-regulation development, strength-based reinforcement, and experiential activation through service-learning and multicultural engagement. Central to this approach is the creation of “multicultural social action spaces” that enable meaningful interaction across diverse groups. The findings suggest that aligning moral education with matrix-based priorities and contextual realities may support ethical resilience, social cohesion, and sustainable peace in pluralistic and conflict-affected societies. Full article

While multilane roundabouts follow geometric design standards, they often overlook motorcycle-dominated traffic behavior. This study evaluates lane-reduction strategies to create safer and more inclusive urban corridors in mixed-traffic conditions, focusing on a case study in Southern Thailand. High-resolution unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) trajectory data were analyzed using the Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (MFD), Cell Transmission Model (CTM), and Time-To-Collision (TTC) frameworks under three configurations: full lane availability, partial inner-lane closure, and full inner-lane closure. Results indicate progressive deterioration in performance under restricted-lane conditions. Under full closure, total flow decreased by 31%, and average travel time increased by 43%. The MFD curve shifted toward higher critical densities, indicating earlier congestion onset, while CTM results revealed longer discharge times, queue spillback, and increased merging friction. Conversely, safety outcomes (TTC) improved significantly: extreme rear-end conflicts were reduced by 48%, and severe lane-change conflicts were nearly eliminated (99%). Behavioral evidence suggests that full closure constrains motorcycles to a single circulating path, reducing erratic filtering and promoting more stable interactions. Overall, this study identifies a systemic trade-off between safety and efficiency, highlighting how geometric interventions catalyze behavioral adaptation. The findings highlight how geometric constraints shape collective behavior in motorcycle-dominated roundabouts and demonstrate the value of an integrated UAV-based framework as a vital tool for inclusive urban management, providing the granular data needed to balance safety and mobility in complex traffic landscapes. Full article

Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) play an important role in Thailand’s community-based public health system, yet limited evidence is available on how their digital engagement relates to their own health behaviors. This cross-sectional study examined associations between sociodemographic characteristics, digital use frequency, digital literacy, and health behavior scores among 426 VHVs in southern Thailand. Data were collected using an online questionnaire that included the Mobile Device Proficiency Questionnaire (MDPQ-16) and a 23-item health behavior measure based on the Thai 3A2S framework. The median health behavior score was 61.0 (IQR 13.25). After adjustment, rural residence was associated with higher health behavior scores (β = 1.97, p = 0.043), whereas frequent digital use was associated with lower scores than infrequent use (β = −2.72, p = 0.010). Digital literacy was not independently associated with health behavior scores. The final model explained 4% of the variance, suggesting that additional factors may influence VHVs’ health behaviors. Overall, the findings indicate that digital literacy alone may not explain differences in health behaviors and that context may also play a role. Future research should examine these relationships using broader and more context-sensitive measures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are an important public health concern, particularly amongst young individuals. This study aimed to assess the attitudes and factors, including mental distress, that influence e-cigarette use amongst university students in Southern Thailand, including in armed conflict areas. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Prince of Songkla University across two campuses: Hat yai and Pattani. Data on demographics, attitudes towards e-cigarettes, usage patterns, and mental health (using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale) were collected and analysed using R software. Results: Amongst 901 participants (236 men and 665 women), the prevalence of e-cigarette use was 6.9%. Men (OR = 2.65; 95% CI = [1.28, 5.46]), tobacco users (OR = 97.56; 95% CI = [26.77, 355.66]), and those living alone (OR = 13.48; 95% CI = [1.21, 150.47]) were more likely to engage in e-cigarette use. Additionally, Islamic students reported lower usage rates than their Buddhist counterparts (OR = 0.32; 95% CI = [0.11, 0.9]). Conclusions: E-cigarette users exhibited higher scores on the depression, anxiety, and stress subscales than non-users. Smokers perceived e-cigarettes as a means of reducing tobacco consumption, alleviating stress, and enhancing their image. Moreover, non-smokers believed that e-cigarettes should be ‘illegal’ in Thailand. Full article

Eastern Thailand serves as a critical case study for the escalating tension between agricultural preservation and urban expansion, a dynamic recently intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study addresses a pivotal research question: To what extent do emerging socio-economic realities, such as policy shifts, labor fluctuations, and climatic extremes, alter the spatiotemporal continuity of urban expansion? Employing a mixed-methods approach, we integrated multi-stakeholder insights with quantitative spatial modeling to simulate context-specific land use futures through 2030. Qualitative findings indicate that while COVID-19 accelerated agricultural modernization, evidenced by increased mechanization and e-commerce integration, these shifts have limited long-term impact on land use patterns. Instead, regional policy, climate change, and technological innovation emerged as the primary drivers of landscape transformation. Quantitative simulations reveal that urban growth will concentrate in the western provinces bordering Bangkok and the southern coastal corridors of Chon Buri and Rayong. Crucially, across all scenarios, approximately 60% of new urban land is projected to be converted from existing croplands, followed by significant losses in natural forest cover. These results demonstrate that current growth-oriented policies may undermine regional food security and ecosystem services. This study provides a framework for balancing agricultural modernization with ecological preservation, offering essential evidence for developing the integrated, sustainability-focused land use frameworks required to meet 2030 development goals. Full article

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a recognized public health challenge, particularly in rural and island settings. Despite the implementation of national control programs, epidemiological data from geographically isolated communities remain limited. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of STH infections and identify associated risk factors among adults in Koh Yao Islands, southern Thailand. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three subdistricts of Koh Yao, Phang Nga Province, from January to September 2024. Demographic data and information on potential risk factors were collected using structured questionnaires. Stool specimens were analyzed using the formalin–ethyl acetate concentration technique and the modified Kato–Katz method. Associations were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 241 adults participated in the study, with females accounting for 68.9% and males for 31.1%. The overall prevalence of STH infections was 2.49%, with hookworms and Trichuris trichiura identified as the predominant species. All infected individuals had an educational level lower than a bachelor’s degree. Univariate analysis showed that participants who did not use hygienic toilets at home had a significantly higher likelihood of developing STH than those who did (crude odds ratio = 46.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.55–859.00; p = 0.010). Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed that the absence of hygienic toilet use at home was independently associated with STH infection (adjusted odds ratio = 30.69; 95% CI: 1.17–804.65; p = 0.040). Conclusions: This study documents low overall prevalence of STH infections in the study area, with hookworms and T. trichiura as the predominant organisms. These findings support continued targeted public health measures, including periodic deworming and health education initiatives, to strengthen hygiene practices, particularly in high-risk populations. Future investigations should incorporate environmental assessments and longitudinal monitoring to evaluate the durability of current control strategies. Full article

Background: To address the significant burden of helminthiases in Thailand, this cross-sectional study compared the performance of a fecal parasite concentrator kit (FPCK) against the Kato–Katz (KK) method for diagnosing intestinal parasites in endemic populations across the Northeast and Southern regions. Methods: Stool samples were collected from 140 participants and examined for intestinal parasitic infections using both FPCK and KK methods. Results: The FPCK method demonstrated a significantly higher detection rate of 45.0% compared to 35.0% for the KK method. For detecting liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini), the FPCK method detected significantly more cases than the KK method (10.71% vs. 4.29%) (p = 0.0027). For other parasites such as Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Entamoeba coli, the FPCK method tended to detect more infections, but the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The FPCK method showed better performance than the KK method for detecting intestinal helminth infections in stool samples, particularly O. viverrini, T. trichiura, S. stercoralis, and Entamoeba coli. Therefore, FPCK could be used as a suitable stool examination method for surveillance and monitoring of preventive treatment for opisthorchiasis. Full article

This study developed and validated a specialised emotional intelligence (EI) scale for youth in the conflict-affected southern border provinces of Thailand. The primary objective was to establish a psychometric instrument tailored to this unique multicultural and sensitive context. Utilizing a sample of 500 local youth leaders, the instrument’s quality was rigorously evaluated through Second-order Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) using Maximum Likelihood estimation. The final validated model comprises 25 indicators categorized into five dimensions: Self-Awareness, Self-Regulation, Self-Motivation, Social Awareness/Empathy, and Relationship Management. Results indicated an excellent model fit with empirical data (χ² = 284.15, df = 265, p = 0.198, CFI = 0.99, GFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.02). Factor loadings ranged from 0.72 to 0.92, while composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE) values exceeded 0.88 and 0.61, respectively, confirming high internal consistency and construct validity. Social Awareness/Empathy emerged as the most significant dimension (B = 0.91). This study suggests that the scale is a robust tool for assessing EI in conflict zones, providing a critical foundation for targeted psychosocial interventions and sustainable peace-building initiatives among youth in the region. Full article

The major Staphylococcaceae family is recognized as opportunistic pathogens colonizing human and animal skin, mucous membranes, and environments. Musca domestica, the house fly, plays a role in the transmission of AMR bacteria. This study focused on examining the epidemiology and antimicrobial-resistant genes of the family Staphylococcaceae in M. domestica through metagenomic analysis, using samples collected from three animal farms and two residential areas in southern Thailand. Fifty M. domestica were collected from five places surrounding Walailak University, including one chicken farm (CF1), two pig farms (PF2 and PF3), and two residential areas (H1 and H2). All samples were dispatched for analysis using shotgun metagenomic sequencing and analyzed using FastQC, MultiQC, FASTQ, MEGAHIT, QUAST, ABRicate, AMRFinderPlus, ResFinder, ARG-ANNOT, MEGARES, PlasmidFinder, VFDB, Kraken2, Krona and Python. Our findings describe the taxonomic composition of Staphylococcaceae taxa in M. domestica from different environments; the representation of the family Staphylococcaceae in CF1, PF2, PF3, H1, and H2 was recorded at 2%, 0.7%, 0.2%, 0.2%, and 2% of this phylum, respectively. The average populations discovered were Staphylococcus (37.4%), Mammaliicoccus (17.4%), and Macrococcus (10.3%), respectively. Trimethoprim-resistant genes (dfrG and dfrE) were found only in CF1, PF2, and H1. Interestingly, fosfomycin-resistant genes were found only in M. domestica within residential areas. Our findings pertain to the Staphylococcaceae population in M. domestica within residential areas, which exhibited varying multidrug-resistance genes, particularly those resistant to fosfomycin. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pigmented rice is increasingly recognized as a functional food because of its rich phytochemical composition and health-promoting potential. However, local red rice cultivars from the three southern border provinces of Thailand remain insufficiently characterized. This study comparatively evaluated four whole-grain red rice cultivars—Hawm Gra Dang Ngah 59 (HGDN 59), Hawm Mue Lau (HML), Lued Pla Lai (LPL), and Se Bu Kan Tang (SBKT)—for their chemical composition, antioxidant activities, and antidiabetic potential. Methods: Whole-grain rice samples were extracted with 95% ethanol and assessed for extraction yield, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH^•, FRAP, and anti-lipid peroxidation assays, while antidiabetic activity was measured using α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. LC-MS/MS-based chemical profiling, pathway classification, PCA-based chemical space analysis, molecular docking against α-glucosidase, and physicochemical/ADMET prediction were also performed. Results: Among the tested cultivars, HGDN 59 showed the most favorable overall profile, with the highest phenolic content, strongest antioxidant activity, and marked α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. LC-MS/MS analysis combined with docking-based screening revealed that HGDN 59 contained several abundant compounds, including ent-Epicatechin-(4α→6)-ent-epicatechin, cinnamtannin A1, apiin, and α-tocotrienol. These compounds exhibited strong binding affinities toward α-glucosidase (−10.7 to −9.6 kcal/mol), comparable to or slightly more favorable than acarbose. ADMET prediction indicated that most polyphenolic compounds exceeded Lipinski’s rule of five, while α-tocotrienol demonstrated favorable absorption property. Conclusions: This is the first study to suggest that HGDN 59 exhibits potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro and may serve as a promising functional food candidate for the dietary management of postprandial glycemic response. Full article

Globally, the rise in MDR P. aeruginosa infections poses a serious threat to public health, as these strains frequently exhibit extensive resistance to conventional antibiotics, prompting interest in bacteriophages as alternative treatments. In this study, we isolated and characterized a lytic P. aeruginosa phage, vB_Pae_YuaWU01, from hospital sewage in southern Thailand. Morphological analysis revealed Siphovirus-like characteristics. The phage demonstrated efficient host adsorption, with approximately 85.9% of particles attached within 15 min, and exhibited a latent period of 50 min with a burst size of 17.2 PFU/cell. It showed strong lytic activity, consistently suppressing bacterial growth without no regrowth observed over 72 h. Notably, the phage significantly inhibited biofilm formation by up to 59.9% and reduced pre-established biofilms by 39.78% at the highest tested concentration (10⁹ PFU/mL). Genome analysis revealed a 61,824 bp double-stranded DNA genome with 64.48% GC content and 88 predicted genes. Bioinformatic analysis suggests that the genome is organized into structural, replication, and lysis modules. Importantly, no toxin, antimicrobial resistance, lysogeny, or tRNA genes were identified, suggesting a favorable safety profile. The phage was classified within the genus Yuavirus, showing 97.4% genomic similarity to Sphaerotilus phage SN1, which infects a different host strain. The findings highlight its potential as a genetically safe therapeutic agent; however, its limited host range indicates that it may be best positioned as a strategic component of phage cocktails or as a synergistic partner with antibiotics to maximize therapeutic efficacy. Full article

Pediculosis remains a public health problem among primary schoolchildren worldwide, including in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pediculosis and identify associated determinants among primary schoolgirls from different socio-geographic regions of Thailand to inform effective control strategies. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 494 schoolgirls from eastern, northeastern, and southern provinces. Data on demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, personal hygiene practices, parental knowledge and attitudes toward head lice, and school health policies were collected using questionnaires and interviews with school administrators. Univariable analyses and a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with school as a random effect were used to account for clustering. The overall prevalence of pediculosis was 50.81% (95% CI: 46.31–55.20), with significant variation across provinces. In univariable analysis, several factors were associated with infestation. However, after accounting for clustering, only class level (adjusted OR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.31–7.29) and self-performed hair washing (adjusted OR = 2.93; 95% CI: 1.57–5.49) remained significantly associated with pediculosis, while other associations were attenuated. Parental knowledge was moderate, and commonly held beliefs regarding prevention and treatment varied. None of the participating schools had routine head lice screening policies. These findings indicate that pediculosis is likely influenced by both individual and school-level factors. Control efforts may benefit from coordinated school-based approaches, alongside improved access to effective treatment and targeted health education. Full article

Background/Objectives: Severe and recurrent infections due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa necessitate alternative antimicrobial strategies. Fermented cacao beans represent a niche microbial ecosystem with the potential to harbor beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB). This study aimed to isolate and characterize LAB strains from fermented cacao beans in southern Thailand and to evaluate their probiotic potential and antimicrobial activity against MDR P. aeruginosa. Methods and Results: Five Lactiplantibacillus plantarum isolates were identified via MALDI-TOF MS and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). All strains demonstrated antimicrobial activity against 17 clinical MDR P. aeruginosa isolates and CR14 exhibited the largest inhibition zone. The isolates displayed robust probiotic traits, including survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Acid tolerance (pH 2.0) reached 61.15 ± 7.75%, while resistance to pepsin, pancreatin, and bile salts exceeded 88%, 91%, and 92%, respectively. Strong adhesion was confirmed via auto-aggregation (55.02 ± 1.75%), hydrophobicity (45.58 ± 0.96%) and Caco-2 cell attachment (up to 98.11 ± 3.28%). WGS revealed multiple plantaricin-encoding clusters. Coarse-grained molecular dynamic simulations showed that two-peptide plantaricins (plnJ/K and plnNC8-αβ) self-assembled and formed stable pores in bacterial membrane models, confirming a pore-forming antimicrobial mechanism. The strains lacked acquired resistance genes and virulence factors, confirmed by in silico safety assessments. Conclusions: Thus, these L. plantarum strains are promising probiotics for managing MDR P. aeruginosa via functional foods or adjunct therapies. Full article

Flooding is a recurrent climate-related hazard in southern Thailand that frequently disrupts schooling and undermines educational continuity. Despite the critical importance of school-based disaster preparedness, there is limited empirical evidence explaining the drivers of flood preparedness among primary school teachers in climate-vulnerable regions. This study aimed to identify the cognitive, experiential, and topographic factors correlated with flood knowledge, flood risk perception (FRP), and flood preparedness (FP) among primary school teachers in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 745 teachers using a structured questionnaire that covered sociodemographic characteristics, flood experience, training, information sources, and regional topography (elevation, slope, and distance to river). Spearman’s rank correlation and Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) were applied to examine the relationships and predictive factors. The findings revealed that topographic factors, specifically distance to the nearest river, were significantly associated with teachers’ flood knowledge, while school elevation was significantly related to FRP. Community-based information was a strong predictor of flood knowledge. Furthermore, prior flood experience, first-aid training, access to school-based information networks, and FRP were identified as key drivers of FP. Moreover, the negative relationships were found between flood knowledge and FP suggest that preparedness is influenced by complex cognitive and behavioral mechanisms rather than knowledge alone. These findings highlight the importance of integrating topographic risk information, experiential learning, and community-based information networks into school-based disaster preparedness programs rather than relying solely on knowledge. These findings offer practical implications for designing targeted teacher training and school-based disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies in climate-vulnerable settings. Full article

This study utilized a high-resolution, three-dimensional hydrodynamic model with improved model evaluation to investigate seasonal variations in key hydrographic conditions, including sea level, water temperature, salinity, current speed, and circulation in the Gulf of Thailand (GoT), as well as its interaction with the South China Sea (SCS). The analysis focuses on a climatological year calculated from a 15-year average for 2006–2020, which is categorized into four seasons: northeast monsoon, the first inter-monsoon, southwest monsoon, and the second inter-monsoon. Evaluation of model performance, based on observational data with temporal resolutions ranging from 30 min to monthly average with a duration from 10 months to 5 years, demonstrated good accuracy through high coefficients of determination and low root mean square errors. Results clearly depicted seasonal variability in hydrographic properties, characterized by alternating patterns of high and low sea level, high and low water temperatures, saline and fresh water, along with a persistent anticyclonic gyre in the central area of GoT and a smaller anticyclonic gyre in the southern area. Seasonal exchange flows between the SCS and the GoT were also evident, with the strongest outflow in northeast monsoon and the weakest in the second inter-monsoon. Full article