Culture and Communication in Thailand (Communication, Culture and Change in Asia Book 3)

This book features research papers that examine a host of contemporary issues in Thailand. Coverage includes culture, gender violence, tourism, human trafficking, environmental and ecological issues, sustainability and the sufficiency economy, the (mis)handling of elephants, and more. It features a sociological and anthropological perspective with a dash of communication for sustainable social change. The papers investigate the various phases of communication technology and its impact on cultural change in the country. They explore the use of social networks and privacy issues as well as ethical journalism in the contexts of Thai Buddhism, Thai culture, and other enabling environmental factors. The contributors focus on documentary research of both quantitative and qualitative data on Thai social change as a consequence of globalization and digital technology. They first provide a general overview of social media and communication in the country. Next, the authors go on to explore the specifics of digital communication. This includes a look at its impact on the various ways of Thai communication given politico-economic and religious influences. Front Matter....Pages i-xxv Thai Buddhism, the Mass Media, and Culture Change in Thailand....Pages 1-16 Analyzing the “Dhammakaya Case” Online....Pages 17-35 Violence Against Thai Females....Pages 37-47 A Village in the Jungle: Culture and Communication in Thailand....Pages 49-69 Tourism, Digital Social Communication and Development Discourse: A Case Study on Chinese Tourists in Thailand....Pages 71-87 Self-Reliance and Sustainability from a Thai Perspective....Pages 89-102 Mindful Communication and Journalism from a Thai Buddhist Perspective....Pages 103-115 Human Trafficking in Thailand: A Culture of Corruption....Pages 117-125 Elephants in Tourism. Sustainable and Practical Approaches to Captive Elephant Welfare and Conservation in Thailand....Pages 127-138 Back Matter....Pages 139-141