THAINESS: THE INCULCATION OF THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF DESIRED THAINESS AMONG THAI YOUTH IN THE CONTEXT OF CONTEMPORARY THAI SOCIE

ความเป็นไทย : การปลูกฝังจิตสำนึกความเป็นไทยแก่เยาวชนไทยในบริบทสังคมไทยปัจจุบัน

Abstract

The research aimed to examine the inculcation of the consciousness of desired Thainess among Thai youth in the context of contemporary Thai society, explore the role of education in this regard, offer viable options on the arrangement of educational approaches for this particular purpose. Methodologies were documentary, quantitative and qualitative researches, while the data collection tool is questionnaires. They were distributed to Thai youth studying in 3 tertiary institutions of Thailand: Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Burapha and Naresuan Universities in the upcountry as well as to the faculty of those 3 universities. In addition, indepth interview, focus group discussion and delivering presentation on the arrangement of education approaches to experts were also used as data collection instrument. The results were:  1. Most of the students and teachers recognized the Thainess values and realized the appropriate Thainess characteristics. The Thainess characteristics which should be inculcated in Thai youth the most in the context of Thai society at present were: being devoted to the nation, religion and the king. Secondary placed values were: gratitude and honesty.  2. Most of the students and teachers realized that education took an important part in implanting the Thainess, beginning with the teachings from family institution, classes provided by educational institutions, including, enhancing learning process from every part of the society, especially in mass-media institutions.  3. Most of the students and teachers recognized that the most important educational provision guidelines for inculcating the Thainess were: an inculcation of Thainess to Thai youth  so they will be aware of the Thainess values, a cultural integration in society, a co-operation and development of families, educational institutions, communities, society and organizations from every part of the society together with the development in learning process in order to preserve and pass the Thainess on forever.