Ganesha Journal

Space and Marginalized Selfhood : A Sociopsychoanalytic Analysis of Characters in the Novel Wiman Nam

Khwanchanok Naijarun — 2026-06-30

This research aimed (1) to analyze the contestation over space and selfhood of marginalized characters in Wiman Nam under conditions of structural social power, and (2) to examine the formation of marginalized characters’ personalities in relation to economic and social structures. The study employed a qualitative research approach and adopted a humanities-based methodology, focusing on interpretative literary textual analysis. The analytical framework was grounded in Sociopsychoanalytic Analysis, integrating Marxist concepts of space derived from the ideas of Karl Marx with Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. The findings revealed that (1) the contestation over space among the characters was manifested in both physical space, which functioned as a site of power determining the selfhood of marginalized characters, and social space, which was regulated by class structure, legal systems, and social values. These conditions compelled the characters to negotiate and struggle over space in both tangible and intangible forms, resulting in unstable and fluid selfhood shaped by the need for survival under conditions of social inequality. (2) The personalities of marginalized characters were formed under the influence of economic and social structures: the Id was driven primarily by survival instincts, the Ego functioned as a mechanism that negotiated with realities governed by structural social power, and the Superego operated as a representation of ideology embodied in social norms and values. Overall, the findings demonstrated that marginalization was not merely a social status but a psychological experience that was systematically reproduced through structures of social power.

Narrative Structure and Meaning of Amnesia in Thai Romance Novels

Supawadee Petket — 2026-06-30

This research aimed to examine the narrative structures and the underlying meanings of amnesia in Thai Romance novels. Using a qualitative approach, the study conducted a textual analysis of 28 novels published in book form, applying Vladimir Propp's narrative structure theory and Louis Althusser's ideology theory as the analytical framework. The findings revealed that character behaviors could be categorized into 22 distinct types (Behaviors A-V), which subsequently led to the classification of five narrative patterns: 1) Romance and the quest for identity; 2) Romance and suspense involving an amnesiac protagonist; 3) Romance and suspense where the protagonist interacted with an amnesiac character; 4) Romance involving twins; and 5) Romance with complex or recurring amnesia. Regarding the underlying meanings, the study found that Thai novels did not present amnesia through medical or scientific dimensions. Instead, it was employed as a literary device to create conflict, conveying four primary meanings: 1) An opportunity for a new beginning; 2) A test of true love; 3) A mechanism to prove one's inner virtue; and 4) A safe space. Furthermore, amnesia functioned to erase fractured past relationships, restoring them to a state of purity and resulting in a positive resolution. Although these were romance novels that prioritizing emotional appeal over scientific realism, the ideologies present in these works continued to uphold traditional values and honor those with inherent goodness, ensuring they received a rewarding conclusion.

A Discourse Analysis of Thai Creative Writing: A Comparative Case Study of Chatgpt-Generated Texts and Grade 6 Elementary Students' Compositions

Kuntika Chapimon — 2026-06-29

This study aimed to investigate the linguistic constraints of ChatGPT in Thai creative writing discourse by comparing 80 texts produced by ChatGPT with those written by Grade 6 students. The data analysis encompassed three main aspects: discourse structure according to writing genre, content cohesion and unity of discourse, and linguistic features. The findings revealed five primary linguistic limitations of ChatGPT: (1) stereotypical discourse structure following fixed patterns with limited variation; (2) generic content lacking Thai cultural specificity; (3) grammatically correct linguistic cohesion but lacking creative innovation; (4) formal written language devoid of natural emotional expression; and (5) absence of figurative language and lexical items reflecting Thai linguistic identity. In contrast, student writing exhibited diverse discourse structures demonstrating creativity, reflection of sociocultural contexts, and distinctive language use with contextual understanding, despite displaying spelling errors. These findings therefore play a significant role in educational management and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, emphasizing both the potential and limitations of the technology to enable learners to utilize such tools effectively and appropriately. Teachers should use artificial intelligence (AI) as a supplementary learning tool to enhance instruction and to foster students’ critical and analytical thinking skills through comparative evaluation of AI-generated writing and high-quality written works.

Thai Language and Culture in the Folk Game "Wao" (Kite) for Chinese Learners of Thai as a Foreign Language

Tao Liu — 2026-06-30

This research aimed to analyze the linguistic and cultural values embedded in the traditional Thai folk game “kite” for Chinese learners of Thai as a Foreign Language. The study employed content analysis and utilized Moran’s (2001) 3Ps of Culture as the conceptual framework. The data were collected from seven documentary sources: (1) University Thai Reading Course (Part I), (2) Thailand Only: Unique Thai Stories, (3) Thai Wisdom Sports: A National Cultural Heritage, (4) Thai Encyclopedia for Youth, Learning Supplement Edition, Volume 37, (5) Encyclopedia of Thai Culture, Central Region, Volume 13, (6) Thai Proverbs, Sayings, and Idioms by the Royal Institute, and (7) Royal Institute Dictionary, B.E. 2554 (2011). In addition, fieldwork was conducted to observe and participate in kite flying in an authentic cultural context.

The research findings revealed that the kite reflected four key aspects of linguistic and cultural values: (1) local wisdom, (2) social context, (3) beliefs and traditions, and (4) Thai idiomatic expressions. The study also identified several limitations in learning this topic among Chinese learners of Thai, including insufficient depth of cultural content, incomplete lesson components, teacher-centered instructional approaches that limited learner engagement, and a lack of connection to real-life language use. Based on these findings, the study proposed guidelines for incorporating the kite folk game into Thai language instruction for Chinese learners in two main aspects: (1) learning models, emphasizing active learning and the integration of social skills development; and (2) learning media formats, recommending the development of creative and contemporary instructional materials that integrated linguistic and cultural knowledge in a holistic manner.

Concepts in Early Childhood Tales Awarded by the Office of the Basic Education Commission

Aungkana Kercome — 2026-06-29

The objectives of this study were to analyze the concepts included in early childhood tales that were honored with Basic Education Commission Awards. The relevant data were collected from the contents of 20 early childhood tales for young children aged 3-5 years that were honored with outstanding awards and honorable mentions from the Office of the Basic Education Commission from 2021 to 2025, including theoretical concepts relating to early childhood development, well-being, morality and ethics, as well as Thai characteristics and coexistence in a multicultural society. The data obtained were then analyzed and presented using descriptive analysis. The results showed that these tales included 7 main dimensions of child development: 1) executive function (EF), 2) physical, 3) mental and emotional, 4) social, 5) intellectual, 6) moral and ethical, and 7) Thainess and multiculturalism.
Overall, the concepts included in these early childhood tales reflected the authors’ emphasis on direct communication aimed at holistic child development, encompassing the development of cognitive, physical, emotional, social, and intellectual skills—referred to as holistic well-being—as a primary focus. Furthermore, it also prioritized the development of morality, ethics, and Thainess within a multicultural context, forming a crucial foundation for the growth of a well-rounded human being.

Discourses and Discursive Construction of the Belief Business in the Thai Series Sathu

Xiaohui Lu — 2026-06-30

This study examined discourses surrounding belief-based business in the Thai television series Sathu through the lenses of discourse theory and belief-based business concepts. The research employed discourse analysis and textual analysis to explore how belief was constructed, marketed, and consumed within the narrative. The findings identified three dominant discourses. The first was the discourse of faith construction, which relied on Buddhist rituals, sermons, narratives, and miracles to generate religious legitimacy and trust. The second was the discourse of faith marketing, which was manifested through the use of public figures, new media promotion, and the strategic discrediting of competing religious institutions. The third was the discourse of belief consumption, which framed merit-making practices and the purchase of sacred objects as forms of spiritual investment that promised personal success and life stability. Overall, the series functioned not only as entertainment but also as a reflection of discourse production that supported the commercialization of faith for specific interests.

An Analysis of Figurative Language in Facial Skincare Advertisements on Instagram

Nantawan Kamsuriya — 2026-06-30

This research aimed to study the types and reasons for using figurative language in facial skincare product advertisements on Instagram. The data was collected from 100 advertising captions posted on Instagram of top five best-selling facial skincare brands during 2024 to 2025 based on purposive sampling. A mixed-methods approach was utilized for data analysis in this study. Quantitative method was employed to investigate the types of figurative language used in facial skincare advertisements on Instagram by using descriptive statistics. Figures of speech framework proposed by Keraf was adopted to analyze the data. Qualitative approach was conducted to describe the reasons of advertisers to employ those types of figurative language through content analysis. The findings revealed that there were 406 utterances out of 100 facial skincare advertisement captions on Instagram containing figurative language. Twenty-eight figurative language types based on Keraf’s framework were found while five additional figurative language types were discovered. The top three types of figurative language included Hyperbole (64 times, 15.96%), followed by Personification (44 times, 10.83%), and Alliteration (37, 9.11%), respectively. The top three types of figures of rhetoric were Hyperbole (64 times, 27.11%), followed by Alliteration (37 times, 15.67%), and Asyndeton (35 times, 14.83%), respectively. Moreover, the top three types of figures of analogy were Personification (44 times, 46.80%), followed by Metaphor (11 times, 11.70%), Simile and Comparison (10 times, 10.63% each), respectively. The results from content analysis revealed three categories of reasons advertisers used figurative language to present the products to their customers, namely getting attention, enhancing a product’s image, and building credibility.

The Study of Ritual Procedures and Beliefs Related to Marriage Among Thais of Hakka-Chinese Descent in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province

Yada Yodsuwan — 2026-06-30

Wedding of Thai people of Hakka-Chinese descent is an overseas Chinese tradition that reflects their culture and beliefs. The objective of this research was to study the changes in ritual practices and beliefs of Thai people of Hakka-Chinese descent, who are part of the overseas Chinese community living in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. This study employed the concepts of migration and cultural assimilation and was conducted using purposive sampling. The informants were Hakka-Chinese residents of Hat Yai aged over 50 who had experience attending Hakka-style wedding ceremony. Semi-structured in-depth interviews and content analysis revealed that there were 15 procedures in the wedding ritual: 1. arranging a matchmaker, 2. checking astrological compatibility, 3. assessing the living conditions of the groom’s family, 4. arranging the wedding proposal ceremony, 5. organizing the wedding procession to the bride’s house, 6. proceeding to the bride’s house, 7. giving the dowry, 8. exchanging engagement rings, 9. escorting the bride from her house, 10. arriving at the groom’s house, 11. worshipping the ancestors, 12. eating glutinous rice balls and boiled eggs, 13. holding the tea offering ceremony, 14. holding the wedding banquet, and 15. entering the bridal chamber. Additionally, the study also revealed three main aspects of beliefs related to marriage: 1. numerology, 2. foods and fruits, and 3. ritual items. Although Hakka-style weddings in Hat Yai still follow traditional Hakka customs, cultural differences exist. The passage of time and the local economy have led to cultural integration and a reduction in the number of wedding ritual steps for the couple’s convenience in arrangement, as well as suitable timing. This study reflects that migration and cultural integration have influenced the transmission and transformation of cultural traditions. However, Thai people of Hakka-Chinese descent continue to preserve their original identity while adapting to contemporary wedding customs.

An Analysis of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Regarding “Thai Respectful Conduct” for Thai Cultural Learning Among Chinese Learners of Thai as a Foreign Language

Tingting Huang — 2026-06-30

The objective of this article was to analyze the content of the intangible cultural heritage regarding “Thai respectful conduct” and to examine the perspectives and learning conditions of Chinese learners of Thai as a Foreign Language this cultural practice. This qualitative study employed qualitative content analysis of 12 documentary and official sources, together with semi-structured interviews and open-ended questions. The participants consisted of 50 second-year Chinese undergraduate students majoring in Thai at higher-education institutions in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the People's Republic of China,They were selected through purposive sampling.
The findings revealed that: 1) Thai respectful conduct was closely related to Buddhism, as reflected in the gesture of joining the palms (Anjali), the Wai, prostration, and forms of respectful conduct used on specific occasions; and 2) In the Thai social context, Thai respectful conduct transmitted values of gratitude and acknowledgement of beneficence, functioned as a system of interaction that regulated behavior and interpersonal relationships, and served as a “cultural language” through which Thai cultural meanings were conveyed.
In addition, analysis of the interview and open-ended-question data yielded three key themes: 1) Superficial learning: mastering “gestures” without understanding “contexts”; 2) Chinese learners’ interest in and needs for learning “Thai respectful conduct”; and 3) Learning Thai respectful conduct through comparison with Chinese etiquette. The findings further indicated that most Chinese learners were familiar only with the forms or gestures of the Wai and prostration but still required a deeper understanding of their cultural meanings in order to use respectful gestures and language accurately and appropriately in authentic Thai social situations.

Cultural Tourism Route Development in Ubon Ratchathani Old Town

Suwaphat Siridhammasakul — 2026-06-30

This qualitative research aimed to: 1) explore and collect multicultural capital in the Ubon Ratchathani Old Town; 2) examine the cultural identity values of this multicultural capital; and 3) propose cultural tourism route based on the multicultural capital of the Ubon Ratchathani Old Town.. This study employed a qualitative research design. The researchers used in-depth interviews and focus groups as the research instruments. The sample was obtained through purposive sampling. Participants were from 10 government sectors, 10 private sectors, 10 communities, and 10 tourists. The researchers found that there were seven types of local cultural resources in the Ubon Ratchathani Old Town: 1) architecture, 2) archaeological artefacts 3) performing arts, 4) traditional craftsmanship, 5) folk sports and games, 6) festival event, and 7) religion. The cultural identity values of the multicultural capital in the Ubon Ratchathani Old Town encompassed historical value, social value, scientific value, spiritual value, and aesthetic value. Moreover, the cultural tourism routes based on the multicultural capital of the Ubon Ratchathani Old Town could be developed into educational tourism routes that reflected the diverse multicultural groups, including Thai-Chinese, Thai-Vietnamese, Thai-Sikh, and Thai-Isan communities.

The Structural Dimensions of the Night Street Food Tourism Experience: A Grounded Theory Study

Boonpipop Phosing — 2026-06-29

This research aimed 1) study the meaning and origin of the night street food tourism experience, 2) study the dimensions of the night street food tourism experience, and 3) develop a measurement scale for the components of the night street food tourism experience. The study employed a Mixed Methods Approach. For the qualitative phase, the research utilized Grounded Theory to study the social phenomenon and derive theoretical conclusions from the perspectives and views of Thai tourists who had experienced night street food consumption in Bangkok. A total of 20 informants were purposively selected from four popular night markets in Bangkok, and data were collected through in-depth interviews. For the quantitative phase, the Delphi Technique was employed with the same group of key informants to confirm the suitability and validity of the developed measurement scale, analyzing the Median (Mdn) and Interquartile Range (IQR).
The research results established the definition of the night street food tourism experience and discovered a structural framework comprising eight main dimensions and 24 sub-components. These dimensions included 1) Taste Experience, 2) Appearance Experience, 3) Scent Experience, 4) Hygiene Experience, 5) Novelty Experience, 6) Variety Experience, 7) Service Experience, and 8) Atmosphere Experience. The Delphi Technique analysis confirmed that all 24 variables possessed high suitability, with the Median (Mdn) ranging between 4 – 5 (indicating a level of suitability from high to highest), and the Interquartile Range (IQR) being ≤ 1.5, which demonstrated a high consensus among the key informants.

Cultural Tourism Through the Identity of the Catholic Vietnamese Community in Ongkharak District, Nakhon Nayok Province

Wannaporn Boonyasathit — 2026-06-30

The objective of this research aimed to 1) explore the identity components of the Catholic Vietnamese community; 2) develop and design a cultural tourism route based on the identity of the Catholic Vietnamese community in Ongkharak District, Nakhon Nayok Province; and 3) evaluate the cultural tourism route developed from the community's identity in Ongkharak District, Nakhon Nayok Province. This qualitative research utilized key informant interviews with academics, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and other relevant stakeholders. The data were verified for completeness, analyzed for content, and interpreted according to key themes to present the results in line with the research objectives.
Research Findings, 1. The survey of the Catholic Vietnamese community identity in Ongkharak District, Nakhon Nayok Province, revealed that the Catholic Vietnamese community in Ongkharak District, Nakhon Nayok Province, had its roots in Vietnamese people in Bangkok's Samsen area, whose ancestors immigrated to serve as Siamese soldiers during the reigns of King Rama I and King Rama III. The Vietnamese lived alongside Christian Khmers. As the population grew, the Vietnamese migrated to Ongkharak around 1903 to engage in agriculture and freshwater fishing, led by the Wiang family. During the reign of Field Marshal P. Phibunsongkhram, the community adopted Thai surnames, such as Thong Wiang and Chanthawiriyakun. In line with nationalist policies. The Vietnamese initially used their members' homes as a place for religious ceremonies. As the community grew and became more mature, they jointly built a Catholic church called "Wat Phra Phuttha Saovabha" (The Redeemer's Church) as a religious and community center. The Vietnamese still maintain the Vietnamese language as a means of communication, possessing social capital, including human capital, federation capital, and community networks. Local foods are still eaten, such as mam toi, kai euak, moo euak, pla euak, ka jaa, ban tak, ban duc, Vietnamese bua loy, and Vietnamese dipping sauce. Important community traditions include church celebrations, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Songkran, and the "Long Khaek". Significant community landmarks include the church, cemetery, and church museum, clearly reflecting the fusion of Vietnamese culture and Thai way of life.
2. Cultural tourism route with the Identity of the Catholic Vietnamese community in Ongkharak District, Nakhon Nayok Province, interviews with key informants revealed that the Vietnamese community-based tourism route included the first stop: Wat Phra Phuttha Saovabha Church; the second stop: the temple museum; the third stop: the 100-year-old market; and the fourth stop: the Ongkharak Shrine.
3. The evaluation of the cultural tourism route and the refinement of tourist attractions, conducted through focus group discussions following the implementation of cultural tourism activities in the Catholic Vietnamese community, revealed that parking and the design of the 100-Year Market should be improved to attract tourists. This requires cooperation from all sectors, including the government, local government, education, and private sectors.