Asian Journal of Humanities and Social Innovation

Buddhism and State Power: An Analysis of the Relationship Between Religious Institutions and Thai Politics

Phra Worrasarn Worrathammo (Watthanawong) — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This essay examines the enduring and evolving relationship between Buddhism and state power in Thailand, highlighting the ways in which religious authority and political institutions have shaped one another from early kingship to the digital age. It argues that Buddhism has long served as a source of political legitimacy, national identity, and social cohesion, while the state has continually regulated and instrumentalized the Sangha to reinforce its authority. The discussion traces historical models of Buddhist kingship, the modernization and bureaucratization of the Sangha, the rise of Buddhist nationalism, and the diverse forms of monastic political engagement. It also explores the transformative impact of digital technologies, which have decentralized religious influence and opened new arenas for Buddhist activism and ideological contestation. Overall, the essay demonstrates that Buddhism in Thailand is not merely a religious tradition but a dynamic sociopolitical force deeply embedded in the construction and negotiation of state power.

Creative Leadership of Administrators and Effectiveness of Private Higher Education Colleges in Bangkok

Ntapat Worapongpat, Samrit Kangpheng, Pichit Bhasabutr, Amonrat Techanok — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study examined the relationship between the creative leadership of administrators and the institutional effectiveness of private higher education colleges in Bangkok. The research was conducted in response to increasing competitive pressures, declining enrollment, and rapidly changing labor-market demands, which highlight the need for effective institutional leadership. A descriptive–correlational research design was employed. The sample comprised 200 administrators and academic staff drawn through simple random sampling from private higher education colleges in Bangkok. Data were collected using a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire measuring five dimensions of creative leadership and four dimensions of institutional effectiveness. The instrument demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95). Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s product–moment correlation coefficient were used for analysis. Findings indicated that both creative leadership and institutional effectiveness were rated at high levels. The highest-rated aspects were creativity and collaboration for leadership, and institutional adaptability and student development for effectiveness. A very strong positive correlation was observed between creative leadership and institutional effectiveness (r = 0.94, p < 0.01), with the strongest association found between the collaboration dimension of leadership and overall effectiveness (r = 0.99). Given the unusually high correlation coefficients derived from self-report, cross-sectional data, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to potential construct overlap and common-method variance. The study concludes that higher levels of perceived creative leadership are strongly associated with higher perceived institutional effectiveness in the private higher education sector. The findings provide useful direction for developing leadership policies and professional development programs aimed at strengthening institutional performance.

Occupational Health: The Scope of Social Science Supporting Awareness, Assessment, Control, and Health Surveillance in ASEAN Context

Sumat Bunsud — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to It necessitates the application of occupational health social sciences to access underlying factors such as behavior, beliefs, and social structures that influence workers' well-being. Methodology: Qualitative data secondary data from 40 fourth-year students undergoing internships in industrial settings revealed that occupational health plays an increasingly significant role in the professional practice of occupational safety officers and AI Prompt program literature. Results: This article presents a social science framework to support the processes of awareness, assessment, control, and health monitoring, aiming to deepen understanding and enhance the effectiveness of occupational health practices in complex social contexts, especially within the diverse socio-economic and cultural landscapes of ASEAN member states.

Buddhist-Based Human Resource Management of Local Administrative Organization Executives in Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province

Ntapat Worapongpat, Warit Rasri, Panya Senawiang — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This study investigated the influence of Buddhist-based innovation on human resource management (HRM) within local administrative organizations (LAOs) in Mueang District, Maha Sarakham Province. The objectives were to (1) assess the level of Buddhist-based innovation in HRM, (2) evaluate HRM practice levels, (3) examine the relationship between Buddhist-based innovation and HRM effectiveness, and (4) develop a predictive equation for HRM outcomes. A mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected from 385 executives through stratified random sampling and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, correlation, and multiple regression. Qualitative data were obtained from structured interviews with 10 executives and analyzed thematically.Results showed that Buddhist-based innovation was practiced at a high level (𝑥̅ = 4.37), particularly in morality and ethical development. HRM effectiveness was also high (𝑥̅ = 4.47), especially in organizational culture and employee commitment. Buddhist-based innovation demonstrated a strong positive correlation with HRM effectiveness (r = .77, p < .01). Regression analysis identified ethical decision-making, adherence to the Noble Eightfold Path, and moral–ethical development as significant predictors of HRM outcomes (Adjusted R² = .328, p < .001), with moral–ethical development being the strongest predictor. Qualitative findings confirmed that Buddhist-informed leadership enhances ethical governance, psychological well-being, and a supportive organizational climate, though challenges such as staff readiness and inconsistent mindfulness practices remain.Overall, the study provides empirical evidence that Buddhist-based HRM is a culturally grounded and effective framework for improving leadership and HRM performance in local government. It contributes to HRM theory by integrating Buddhist ethics with contemporary public-sector management. Future research should explore other regions and compare Buddhist-based HRM with alternative moral leadership models.

Factors Influencing the Purchase of Local Souvenirs for Community Empowerment and Self-Management: A Case Study of Kanom Kalaema Luang Porn in Nakhon Pathom Province

Ntapat Worapongpat — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0700

This research aims to 1) study the personal, product-related, and sociocultural factors influencing the purchase of Kanom Kalaema Luang Porn; 2) examine consumer value perception and attitudes toward the product; and 3) analyze how the product contributes to local community empowerment and self-management. This research is conducted as a mixed-methods study (Mixed Methods), integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The research instruments consist of questionnaires for the quantitative phase and in-depth interviews for the qualitative phase. The quantitative sample group includes 400 Thai tourists, determined using the Taro Yamane formula at a 0.05 error level through accidental sampling. Data from the questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and compared using t-tests and F-tests. The qualitative sample group includes the producer and community representatives, and the interview data were analyzed by content analysis.The results of the research found that. 1) Personal factors gender, age, and income significantly influenced the likelihood of purchasing Kanom Kalaema Luang Porn, showing statistical significance at the 0.05 level. 2)Product attributes, including taste, quality, packaging, and local uniqueness, had a positive effect on consumers’ value perception and attitudes, thereby increasing purchase intention. 3) Sociocultural factors, such as social media influence, awareness of local identity, and recognition of the product’s cultural symbolism, strongly predicted purchase behavior and reflected the produ ct’s role in supporting sustainable community self-management.