Phapi Rakdamrongphorn (2025) Assessing Karen indigenous governance in Kaw Thay Ghu, Kawthoolei through the lens of the governance vitality framework

Title: Assessing Karen indigenous governance in Kaw Thay Ghu, Kawthoolei through the lens of the governance vitality framework

Author: Phapi Rakdamrongphorn

Year: 2025

Keywords: Kaw Indigenous Governance Community Conservation Indigenous Resurgence Cultural Resilience

Theme: Environmental Politics and Policy

Advisor(s): Carl Nigel Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This thesis examines how the traditional Karen governance institution of the Kaw sustains environmental conservation and community well-being in Kaw Thay Ghu, an Indigenous territory in Kawthoolei (Karen State, Myanmar). Situated within a conflict-affected landscape facing challenges from armed violence, displacement, and climate change, this study employs a qualitative case study approach, combining focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with elders, leaders, and youth. The research applies the Governance Vitality Framework (GVF) to assess how the five interrelated dimensions of governance are articulated within the Kaw system: Strategic Adaptability, Connectivity and Collaboration, Wisdom from Local Experience, Creativity and Empowerment, and Inspiring Collective Values. Findings reveal that the revitalization of Indigenous practices—especially the Yaw Kaw ritual or “walking the land”—has strengthened all five dimensions of governance vitality. Yaw Kaw serves as an adaptive governance mechanism that re-engages youth in ancestral stewardship, fosters inter-village cooperation, reinforces ecological knowledge, and renews shared spiritual values. This resurgent Indigenous praxis enhances both conservation outcomes, such as the establishment of community forests and fish sanctuaries, and the broader goals of cultural resilience and Indigenous self-determination. By linking cultural revival with environmental governance, the study demonstrates that governance vitality plays an essential role in sustaining ecological integrity and community autonomy in conflict-affected Indigenous territories. The thesis contributes to academic and policy debates on Indigenous governance, conservation, and resilience, offering practical recommendations for policymakers, conservation organizations, and international allies to support Indigenous-led environmental governance and peacebuilding.This thesis examines the role of traditional Karen governance institutions, or the "Kaw" system, in maintaining environmental conservation and community well-being in Kaw Thay Ghu, an indigenous territory within the Kawthule Administrative Region (Karen State, Myanmar). This is done within the context of an area affected by conflict and facing challenges from armed violence, displacement, and climate change. The study employs a qualitative case study approach, combining focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with elders, community leaders, and youth. The research applies the Governance Vitality (GVF) framework to assess the five interconnected dimensions of governance within the "Kaw" system: Strategic Adaptability, Connectivity and Collaboration, Wisdom from Local Experience, Creativity and Empowerment, and Inspiring Collective Values. The findings indicate that the revitalization of indigenous practices is crucial. In particular, the "Yaw Kaw" or "Boundary Walk" ritual has helped strengthen the five dimensions of Governance Vitality. "Yaw Kaw" serves as an adaptive governance mechanism that engages youth in the preservation of ancestral lands, fosters inter-village cooperation, enhances ecological knowledge, and revitalizes shared spiritual values. This indigenous resurgence has improved conservation outcomes, such as the establishment of community forests and fish sanctuaries.Including broader goals of cultural resilience and indigenous self-determination rights, this study demonstrates how linking cultural revitalization to environmental governance makes governance vital in maintaining ecological integrity and community autonomy in conflict-affected indigenous territories. This thesis contributes to academic and policy debates on indigenous governance, conservation, and resilience, and offers practical recommendations for policymakers, conservation organizations, and international partners to support indigenous-led environmental governance and peacebuilding.

Shan Li (2025) Chinese students’ mothers in Thailand: transnational education and migration

Title: Chinese students’ mothers in Thailand: transnational education and migration

Author: Shan Li

Year: 2025

Keywords: Transnational education, migration, Chinese mother, Thailand

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Premjai Vungsriphisal

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This research focuses on Chinese mothers accompanying their children to study in Thailand, exploring their life experiences, identity transformation, and social adaptation within this transnational educational migration phenomenon. A mixed research method (questionnaire survey and interviews) was employed, systematically analyzing data from 151 questionnaires and 13 interviewed mothers. Results show that these accompanying mothers generally possess high levels of education and economic capability, with most abandoning their original professions for their children's education, forming a transnational family structure of husband remaining in China, wife accompanying her child in Thailand. While this model reinforces traditional gender roles, it also encourages women to demonstrate a certain degree of autonomy and re-creation in a cross-cultural environment. The study found that they face challenges such as language barriers, identity disparity, and psychological stress during the migration process, but they also achieve self-development and social integration through learning Thai, participating in the community, and engaging in side jobs. The findings not only enrich the theoretical discussion on transnational educational migration of East Asian women but also provide empirical references and policy implications for Thai-Chinese educational cooperation and family immigration policies

Phuong Linh Pham (2025) From rice farming to plastic recycling: local innovation and agrarian change in Minh Khai Village, Hung Yen province, Vietnam

Title: From rice farming to plastic recycling: local innovation and agrarian change in Minh Khai Village, Hung Yen province, Vietnam

Author: Phuong Linh Pham

Year: 2025

Keywords: plastic waste recycling, waste economy, local innovation, agrarian change

Theme: Innovation for Inclusive Development

Advisor(s): Carl Nigel Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This research analyzes the initiation and expansion of the plastic waste recycling business from the perspective of local innovation, and the agrarian consequences of this business in Minh Khai village, Hung Yen, Vietnam. Originating in the 1980s as individual efforts to diversify household livelihoods amid poverty, Minh Khai’s plastic recycling industry gradually evolved into a community-based economic ecosystem. This development was shaped by the opportunities created through economic reforms, the geographical advantages of certain regions, and the strong role of kinship networks in sharing knowledge and new livelihood models. This transformation in livelihood patterns has driven a transition in land use from agricultural to industrial purposes, altered the composition of the labor force from local villagers to migrant workers, and reshaped the socio-economic structure of the community. The Minh Khai case illustrates how the emergence and expansion of the waste economy in the Global South stem not only from people’s efforts to escape poverty in the absence of adequate state support, but also from the state’s failure to guide livelihoods and local economies toward stable and sustainable pathways

Marjolein Vanmaercke (2024) Beyond the ‘boy crisis’: Reframing gender performativity in belgian classrooms

Title: Beyond the ‘boy crisis’: Reframing gender performativity in Belgian classrooms

Author: Marjolein Vanmaercke

Year: 2024

Keywords: Gender performativity, boy crisis, education and gender, Belgian classrooms, gender norms, masculinity in education, feminization of education, pedagogy and gender

Theme: Gender

Advisor(s): Kasira Cheeppensook

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This thesis challenges the dominant discourse surrounding the so-called "boy crisis" in education by critically examining gender performativity in Belgian classrooms. Rather than accepting the narrative that boys are inherently disadvantaged in contemporary schooling, this study interrogates how gender is constructed and performed within educational settings. Drawing on Judith Butler’s theory of performativity, the research explores how teachers, curricula, and peer interactions contribute to the reinforcement or subversion of traditional gender norms. Using qualitative methods, including classroom observations and interviews with educators and students, the study highlights the ways in which gendered expectations shape students' educational experiences and outcomes. The findings suggest that the framing of the “boy crisis” oversimplifies the complex dynamics of gender and education, often reinforcing binary understandings that obscure broader issues of inequality. By shifting the focus from deficit-based narratives to the performative nature of gender, this research advocates for more inclusive and nuanced pedagogical approaches that challenge rigid gender norms and foster equitable learning environments for all students

Megumi Okumura (2024) Enhancing resilience through public policy : lessons from disaster logistics in the post-2011 Tohoku earthquake in Sendai city

Title: Enhancing resilience through public policy : lessons from disaster logistics in the post-2011 Tohoku earthquake in Sendai city

Author: Megumi Okumura

Year: 2024

Keywords: Disaster Logistics, Resilience, Policy Integration, Stakeholder Coordination

Theme: Disaster and Crisis Management

Advisor(s): Carl Nigel Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: In recent years, the integration of resilience into disaster policy has gained global traction. Despite being widely adopted as a concept by international institutions such as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Bank, resilience often remains underdeveloped at the operational level and is frequently seen as a “buzzword.” Even in Japan, although recognized for its disaster preparedness, there has been limited debate on how resilience is integrated in public policy. The 2011 Tohoku Earthquake prompted fundamental questions such as “Resilience to what?” and “Resilience for whom?”, highlighting the need to examine the purpose and direction of resilience within Japan’s disaster policy. In this context, disaster logistics has emerged as a critical area, particularly regarding the challenges of last-mile delivery—the final transport of emergency supplies to affected communities.This study analyzed how resilience-based public policies have been integrated and implemented in Sendai City, a municipality at the forefront of disaster response during the 2011 earthquake. It aimed to evaluate how such policies have influenced disaster logistics practices and contributed to building community, physical, and social resilience. Through qualitative methods, data were collected via interviews with government officials and experts from the academic field. Supplementary sources such as policy documents and academic literature were analysed using content analysis. The findings revealed three main insights. First, stakeholder engagement has improved significantly since 2011, with stronger coordination mechanisms emerging among different administrative levels and sectors. Second, there remains a gap in the conceptual clarity of “resilience” in policy language, limiting its practical application. Interviewees from both Sendai City and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) acknowledged this ambiguity. Third, coordination between local and central governments remains challenging, particularly due to decentralization and ambiguity over who should take the lead in disaster management. Some municipalities resist external involvement, which complicates efforts to achieve seamless coordination. The thesis argues that the extent to which resilience-based public policy for disaster logistics has been adopted in Sendai City reveals both progress and persistent gaps, particularly in clarifying the purpose of resilience and in strengthening the linkage between local and central governments—factors that are crucial for enhancing the resilience of social systems.This study contributes to disaster logistics and resilience policy discourse by examining how resilience concepts have been integrated into public policy and translated into practice. The choice of Sendai City—a key site for global disaster governance and a host of international resilience conferences—provides a valuable case for examining how resilient-based public policies in disaster logistics have been integrated into public policy and implemented in practice

Henriette Erawan Kamphorst (2024) Thailand's never-ending pesticide debate: Contested future sociotechnical imaginaries through a relational co-productionist lens / Henriette Erawan Kamphorst

Title: Thailand's never-ending pesticide debate: Contested future sociotechnical imaginaries through a relational co-productionist lens / Henriette Erawan Kamphorst

Author: Henriette Erawan Kamphorst

Year: 2024

Keywords: Sociotechnical Imaginaries, Pathways, Relational Co-production, Sustainable Agriculture, Futures thinking

Theme: Environmental politics and policy

Advisor(s): Carl Nigel Middleton

The full thesis is available here.

Abstract: Since the introduction of the Green Revolution, the use of agrochemicals in Thai farming has sparked repeated contentious debates among local policy elites, addressing issues such as consumer health, farmer livelihoods, and environmental degradation. In 2019, this subject re-emerged on the policy agenda with the proposed ban of three key agrochemicals: Chlorpyrifos, Paraquat, and Glyphosate. In order to understand why the pesticide issue has remained on policy actors’ agendas for so long and still continues to be subject to ongoing debate, this research takes on a new perspective by adopting a relational co-productionist approach in the construction of contesting sociotechnical imaginaries of Thailand’s future pathways to sustainable agriculture. It examines how these imaginaries shape the positions of two dominant movements in this debate: Sustainable Intensification (SI), which advocates for controlled pesticide use to maintain food security, and Agroecology (AE), which seeks fundamental reform of the global food system for food sovereignty.This study employs a qualitative research design built on 29 in-depth interviews with actors from relevant epistemic communities supporting each sociotechnical imaginary. The conceptual framework guided the interview process, focusing on the four sociotechnical dimensions to enable for a comparative analysis of their interactions.The study produced notable key findings. Firstly, by exposing the chronology of events that led to the window of opportunity for a ban policy to emerge, it becomes clear that the political context of the 2019 general election played a critical role in involving public health experts and shifting the debate toward health-related issues rather than the more common environmental focus. Secondly, the intertwined nature of the narratives leading both imaginaries has often led to any debates quickly reaching an impasse as arguments become repetitive and outcomes unchanged, with the notable contention being the true definition of what sustainable agriculture truly means. Thirdly, agrochemicals are shown to be either viewed as part of the solution by the SI supporters or as part of the problem by AE advocates leading to different kinds of knowledge bases to be created and built upon. Based on these findings, the recommendation is made that each side has the potential to take a step forward in attempting to find common ground together by shifting collaborative dialogue towards long-term future making, with the inclusion of farmers’ voices who may offer a relatively lesser heard yet vital perspective in policy debates. This study delivers strong implications that the framework of relational co-production of sociotechnical imaginaries offers policymakers a lens for understanding the roots of policy inertia by situating debates in the context of their position in peoples’ future making of the world and the technological systems associated with these

Htet Yamone Win (2024) Socioeconomic endurance during the post-coup conflict : A case study of a community in mandalay region, central myanmar

Title: Socioeconomic endurance during the post-coup conflict : A case study of a community in mandalay region, central myanmar

Author: Htet Yamone Win

Year: 2024

Keywords: Community Resilience, Socioeconomic hardship, post-coup adaptation, Myanmar

Theme: Civil society and Democracy

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Myanmar’s post-coup context has severely affected the local communities through the ongoing multiple crises in governance, livelihoods, and security matters. Myanmar military’s attempt to coup in 2021 triggered widespread resistance, including both non-violence and armed-resistance strategies, and led to sharp economic decline and public service disruptions. Those crises have been reshaping everyone’s daily life in Myanmar. While the much of existing literature focuses on those who have fled the country, this study centers on the experiences of individuals and communities who remain in the country, embracing the direct impact of political repression, economic instability and social fragmentation. Focusing on a township in Mandalay Region of Central Myanmar, a place where both local resistance and military operations are strong, this research examines how residents continue to navigate their daily life struggles under authoritarian conditions. For many individuals in the township, migration is not a viable option due to financial difficulties, political constraints, family obligations, and the risks associated with fleeing. Through a qualitative case study approach, guided by the Community Resilience Framework (CRF), this study explores how those who remain have developed the adaptive strategies across four dimensions: economic development, social capital, information and communication, and then community competence. With a particular focus on a localized analysis, the findings reveal that resilience in this context is marked by constrained endurance shaped by fear, inequality, and emotional fatigue. Therefore, this study contributes to broader discussions on community resilience in the conflict-driven settings and offers valuable insights into how these populations persist in the face of systemic violence and state repression

Titipong Mahattanasin (2024) Beyond the 'grand line' : One piece’s radical reimagining of global politics

Title: Beyond the 'grand line' : One piece’s radical reimagining of global politics

Author: Titipong Mahattanasin

Year: 2024

Keywords: One Piece, Global Politics, Radical Imagination, International Relations, Power, Freedom, Justice, Environmental Justice, Protest Movements

Theme: Post-development

Advisor(s): Soravis Jayanama

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This thesis explores how the long-running Japanese manga One Piece functions as a radical political archive that reflects, critiques, and reimagines global politics across three historical eras. Drawing from the fields of International Relations and Development Studies, this research analyzes how the manga stages fictional yet deeply resonant struggles over power, freedom, and justice. Through close readings of key narrative arcs—Alabasta, Skypiea, Enies Lobby, Marineford, Dressrosa, and Wano—this study situates One Piece within real-world political contexts including post–Cold War liberal triumphalism, the global War on Terror, and the protest movements of the 2010s. The thesis draws upon theoretical insights from thinkers such as Bleiker, Weldes and Rowley while integrating contemporary critiques from Collette Shade, Vincent Bevins and Tom Rockmore. In tracing how characters navigate imperialism, authoritarianism, neoliberal exploitation, and environmental injustice, the thesis reveals how One Piece fosters a form of radical imagination that challenges the “End of History” narrative. Ultimately, this research contributes to the study of political storytelling by demonstrating how global popular culture can animate theoretical debate and expand the imaginative boundaries of political discourse

Wipawadee Panyangnoi (2024) Political economy of the landbridge project with a focus on Ranong development

Title: Political economy of the landbridge project with a focus on Ranong development

Author: Wipawadee Panyangnoi

Year: 2024

Keywords: Landbridge Project, Ranong Province, Spatial Justice, Environmental Politics, Public, Participation, Southern Economic Corridor (SEC)

Theme: Environmental Politics and Policy

Advisor(s): Narumon Arunotai, advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This thesis examines the policy process of the Ao Ang–Laem Rio Landbridge project, with a focus on Ranong Province, to explore the institutional and power dynamics underpinning the formulation of infrastructure development policy in Thailand. The study draws upon the frameworks of institutional and power-centered political economy, environmental justice, and place-based development to analyze the relationships among the state, capital interests, political actors, and local communities. The findings reveal that the promotion of the Landbridge project operates within a centralized policy structure that prioritizes macroeconomic and corporate interests over local capacities and community needs. Although the state has framed the project through the discourse of regional development, the actual process of site designation—such as the selection of Ranong—reflects structural inequalities, the erosion of community rights in determining their own futures, and the systematic neglect of socio-ecological dimensions. The Environmental and Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) process for the proposed deep-sea port at Ao Ang further demonstrates institutional limitations that hinder meaningful public participation. At the same time, an analysis of everyday politics uncovers the sociopolitical dynamics within Ranong that make it increasingly difficult for citizens to exercise their rights to question or scrutinize state-led development initiatives. This study argues that the analysis of large-scale development policy must systematically link national structures to local dynamics in order to illuminate the overlapping actors and power relations across scales. Such an approach is essential for understanding the barriers to spatial justice and for advancing the right to meaningful public participation in development processes

Dolewaththa Gamage Niruka Sanjeewani(2024)Crisis migration in Sri Lanka : Analyzing the governance of transnational actors in the context of war and financial crisis

Title: Crisis migration in Sri Lanka : Analyzing the governance of transnational actors in the context of war and financial crisis

Author: Dolewaththa Gamage Niruka Sanjeewani

Year: 2024

Keywords: Migration -- Sri Lanka, Financial planners, Atrocities -- Thailand

Theme: Migration

Advisor(s): Bhanubhatra Jittiang

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Crisis migration has become a critical issue in Sri Lanka due to the war and ongoing financial crisis. Drawing from this understanding, the research investigates crisis migration in Sri Lanka through five distinct chapters. The first chapter offers an overview of the entire research. The second chapter examines the evolution of classical humanitarianism and its shift towards new humanitarianism in the context of war in Sri Lanka. It focuses primarily on Tamil refugees in India and their repatriations from India to Sri Lanka. The third chapter examines the transnational spaces of the Tamil diaspora. The chapter elaborates on their involvement in smuggling Tamil refugees to Canada. The fourth chapter discusses labour migration from Sri Lanka to Gulf Cooperation countries, namely Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, during the financial crisis of Sri Lanka. It identifies governance gaps related to trafficking in labour migration. The study is guided by two main questions: (1) How did crisis migrations in Sri Lanka emerge in response to the civil war and the financial crisis? (2) How has the Government of Sri Lanka responded to the involvement of transnational actors in governing crisis migration? The findings highlight the need for cooperation among the Government of Sri Lanka, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration, and the International Labour Organization to govern crisis migration effectively. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are used in the research to examine the questions

Melody Sie (2024)Risk perceptions of coffee growers in northern Thailand: a case study of Chiang Rai province

Title: Risk perceptions of coffee growers in northern Thailand: a case study of Chiang Rai province

Author: Melody Sie

Year: 2024

Keywords: Thai coffee agriculture risk perception agricultural livelihoods Thai farmers climate risks

Theme: Innovation for Inclusive Development

Advisor(s): Jakkrit Sangkhamanee

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Thailand's coffee sector faces numerous risks, impacting coffee farmers' livelihoods. This study explores risk perception and management strategies through in-depth interviews with coffee farmers based in Chiang Rai province. Drawing from Joy Harwood’s categorization of agricultural risk, the risks assessed in this study fell under the domains of production, market, and institutional risks. Farmers' perceptions of these risks were analyzed by considering the mental strategies and biases (heuristics) that shaped their perceptions, as well as how farmers measured risk according to their risk attributes (frequency, severity, adaptation ability). The values, emotions, and experiences of farmers shape the foreground of farmers' mentality and priorities in judging risk, which in turn, affects how farmers respond when determining a risk's attributes. Such values included community engagement, quality, innovation, and sustainability. Farmers' responses to risk also demonstrated emotions of frustration, resilience, and happiness, reflecting the drivers for farmers in their approaches to farming and informing the amount of risk each farmer would take on based on the level of emotional attachment. Inconsistent rainfall was perceived to be the most anticipated risk regarding future occurrence and was also perceived as the risk with the most severe impact. On the other hand, farmers perceived barriers to market access as the risk with the greatest ability to adapt. Other risks such as knowledge barriers and limited agricultural expansion were also ranked among the risks with the most severe impact, revealing that the magnitude of risks span across risk domains, outside of just production risks. The findings of the study reveal the intricate relationship between emotional responses, personal experiences, initial exposures, and cultural values in shaping farmers' risk perceptions, and bring attention to the need for comprehensive support from government agencies to partner directly with farmers in order to secure the long-term sustainability for Thailand's coffee sector and the livelihoods of the farmers involved.

Saw Zaw Win Htoo (2024) Public authority and legitimacy in land and forest resources governance in the salween peace park

Title: Public authority and legitimacy in land and forest resources governance in the salween peace park

Author: Saw Zaw Win Htoo

Year: 2024

Keywords: Governance, public authority, legitimacy, customary, state-like institution,, land, forest

Theme: Environmental Politics and Policy

Advisor(s): Carl Nigel Middleton

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This thesis examines the governance of land and forest resources in the Salween Peace Park (SPP), located in Kawthoolei (Karen State), Burma. The thesis specifically focuses on a village, referred to as P’ Saw Lu village, by conceptualizing “public authority.” It explores the production of public authority and legitimacy from the two coexisting governing systems within the SPP: the Karen National Union (KNU) as a state-like actor and the customary Kaw. The data analysis of this thesis is based on data collected in P’ Saw Lu village through four in-depth interviews with key informants, six individual interviews with villagers, two focus group discussions, four key informants, participatory observation, and community mapping, as well as secondary sources. The findings reveal that land and forest governance in P’ Saw Lu village of the SPP is shaped by both the KNU and customary Kaw institutions. While the KNU exercises formal structures through bureaucratic departments like the KFD and KAD, the customary system exercises public authority through traditional structures, the Kaw governance. Public authority is produced through daily practices of various actors, including the KNU’s officials, such as the KFD and KAD authorities, village head and area administrator, and customary leaders, such as Kaw Hko, elders, and skilled diviners. Public authority is dynamic, continuously emerging through negotiation and cooperation among the practices of these different actors in the governance of land and forest. Beyond land and forest governance, public authority is also produced through contestation between the KNU and customary institutions, particularly in the provision of public services. The legitimacy of the KNU is rooted in the “legal-rational” and “charismatic” legitimate authority, while customary Kaw’s legitimacy is based on traditional authority. Additionally, Christianization has gradually shifted the basis of customary Kaw governance legitimacy from spiritual to environmental or communal motivations. This thesis argues that public authority over land and forest governance in the SPP, particularly P’ Saw Lu village, is co-produced through negotiation, cooperation, and contestation between the KNU and customary Kaw institutions, reflecting a plural and evolving landscape of legitimacy. It suggests that KNU’s legitimacy is reinforced when its rules align with indigenous norms

Andrew Wai Phyo Kyaw (2024) Legally literate but disempowered : Urban refugees and national screening mechanism in Thailand

Title: Legally literate but disempowered : Urban refugees and national screening mechanism in Thailand

Author: Andrew Wai Phyo Kyaw

Year: 2024

Keywords: Legal literacy, Legal empowerment, Urban refugees, National Screening Mechanism (NSM), Thailand

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Bhanubhatra Jittiang

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This dissertation examines the relationship between legal literacy, empowerment, and protection outcomes among urban refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand, focusing on the 2019 National Screening Mechanism (NSM). Thailand, a non-signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and hosting about 5,500 refugees mainly in Bangkok, lacks formal refugee laws. Its recent NSM reflects limited progress in regional protection mechanisms, functioning within a framework that emphasizes state security over human security. The study posits that urban refugees understand the law, like the NSM, but remain powerless because Thailand's approach prioritizes security over protection.This study addresses three interconnected research questions that investigate the relationship between legal frameworks, knowledge acquisition, and the empowerment approach in Thailand. The first question examines how the National Screening Mechanism's legal and political dynamics address urban refugees and asylum seekers, with a focus on how concerns about state sovereignty affect protection efforts. The second question examines to what extent urban refugees and asylum seekers are aware of the NSM and how they acquire the necessary knowledge to access legal protection. The third question examines how strengthening the NSM's legal knowledge impacts protection outcomes for urban refugee communities, particularly the disparity between their theoretical rights and their actual implementation. The study employs an exploratory qualitative approach that combines different data collection methods to capture the complexity of refugee experiences in Thailand. The study gathered primary data through questionnaires given to 30 urban refugees and asylum seekers from various countries, in-depth interviews with 20 participants chosen for their diverse demographic backgrounds and experiences, and key informant interviews with eight experts from refugee relief agencies and academic institutions. The study also analyzed various documents, including NSM regulations, academic papers, policy documents, and media reports, to add depth to the analysis. More importantly, the study received ethical approval and followed international standards for research involving vulnerable populations. The study reveals that Thailand's NSM represents incremental progress in refugee protection; however, it also reinforces exclusionary policies that severely limit genuine empowerment. A review of documents shows that the NSM's regulatory framework puts immigration control above refugee protection, such as portraying displaced persons as "aliens" requiring management rather than as individuals needing humanitarian help. The mechanism's complicated bureaucratic procedures, including mandatory detention during screening and high bail requirements, intentionally create obstacles that deter applications while giving the appearance of meeting protection requirements. The study highlights a gap between legal knowledge and protection. Despite understanding laws like the NSM, refugees in Thailand still face arrest, detention, and deportation under the Immigration Act 1979. It contributes to refugee and development studies by challenging assumptions about knowledge and power, introducing the field of legal empowerment. The concept of "legally literate but disempowered" offers a crucial perspective for understanding how knowledge raises awareness of vulnerabilities without providing actual tools for protection. Building on Cecilia Menjivar's "liminal legality," the study shows how refugees are stuck in legal limbo, where their physical presence conflicts with their legal status, making their rights meaningless within a security-focused refugee system. This dissertation concludes that Thailand's refugee management reflects a regional trend: the creation of complex exclusion mechanisms disguised as protection. Although the NSM demonstrates institutional progress, it primarily enhances state control over displaced populations, rather than fostering genuine integration or empowerment. Urban refugees in Thailand demonstrate that legal knowledge alone cannot overcome structural barriers in restrictive environments. Ultimately, Thailand's new policy, like the NSM in Thailand, does not provide genuine protection that refugees need and instead focuses on managing asylum seekers due to national security concerns

Wanwanat Phromdecha (2024) The socio-economic impacts of sport tourism development in Buriram : Challenges and opportunities for equitable growth

Title: The socio-economic impacts of sport tourism development in Buriram : Challenges and opportunities for equitable growth

Author: Wanwanat Phromdecha

Year: 2024

Keywords: Buriram,Sport tourism,equitable growth,Community Participation,Cultural, Identity,inequality

Theme: Innovation for Inclusive Development

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This thesis examines the socio-economic impacts and the challenges to equitable growth posed by sport tourism-led development in Buriram Province, Thailand. Over the past decade, Buriram has gained both national and international visibility by branding itself as a sport tourism destination, anchored by infrastructure such as the Chang Arena football stadium and the Buriram International Circuit. However, significant contradictions remain. According to the Thailand People Map (TPMAP), in 2022 Buriram had the highest number of people living in poverty in the northeastern region, totaling 45,356 individuals. Notably, the highest concentration of poverty is found in Mueang District, the same area where major tourism infrastructure is located. Data from the 2022 Poverty and Inequality Report by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) further illustrates this paradox: between 2004 and 2018, Buriram consistently ranked among the top ten provinces with the highest poverty headcount ratio, reaching the fourth highest in the country in 2015. These findings suggest that while sport tourism generates visibility and revenue, its benefits may not be reaching all segments of the population.This study employs a qualitative approach, using thematic analysis of 13 semi-structured interviews with key local stakeholders, including business owners, tourism workers, residents, state officials, and local scholars. The analysis follows Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework and is supported by secondary data from the NESDC, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and Buriram City Municipality, as well as tourism development plans and economic reports.The findings identify six major challenges to equitable growth in Buriram. First, economic opportunities remain unevenly distributed, with most tourism revenue captured by large, well-connected businesses or national franchises, while local procurement remains limited. Second, livelihood insecurity and rising social costs highlight a disconnect between development gains and the lived realities of many residents. Third, decision-making is dominated by political elites, limiting transparency and reinforcing narrow benefit distribution. Fourth, community participation is weak, as planning is often top-down with minimal grassroots involvement. Lastly, local cultural identity is marginalized, with superficial inclusion in events but limited representation in official narratives, raising concerns about cultural commodification. In conclusion, although sport tourism has contributed to economic growth and increased visibility for Buriram, the distribution of its benefits remains highly uneven. This study underscores the need for policies that strengthen local capacity, promote inclusive governance, and ensure meaningful cultural representation in the province’s ongoing development strategy

Chun-tsung Yang (2024) Sino-Thai economic cooperation under bri in the eyes of Taiwanese and Chinese media : A comparative study from 2017 to 2024

Title: Sino-Thai economic cooperation under bri in the eyes of Taiwanese and Chinese media : A comparative study from 2017 to 2024

Author: Chun-tsung Yang

Year: 2024

Keywords: Sino-Thai, Taiwan, Belt and Road, Media Framing

Theme: Public Sphere and Media

Advisor(s): Pitch Pongsawat,

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This study investigates how Chinese and Taiwanese media construct narratives around Sino-Thai economic cooperation, focusing on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Through a comparative content analysis of 20 primary articles and 30 supplementary articles from People's Daily Online, The Paper, United Daily News (UDN), and Central News Agency (CNA), the research explores differences in thematic focus, narrative frames, sentiment tone, source attribution, and visual representation. Findings reveal that Chinese state media consistently employ centralized, development-focused frames with minimal dissent. In contrast, Taiwanese media, particularly CNA, offer more pluralistic and skeptical coverage, especially regarding Thai social responses to Sino-Thai economic and further cooperation. UDN presents a hybrid model, aligning with Chinese frames in its main coverage while allowing subtle variation in supplementary content. This research contributes to media systems theory and framing analysis by demonstrating how political context shapes international media narratives. It further highlights the importance of editorial independence in shaping public understanding of development cooperation and geopolitical alignment

Vinissa Kattiya-aree (2024) Negotiating Identities: A Transformation of Thai-Muslim in the Baan Somdej Mosque Community (Bangkok)

Title: Negotiating Identities: A Transformation of Thai-Muslim in the Baan Somdej Mosque Community (Bangkok)

Author: Vinissa Kattiya-aree

Year: 2024

Keywords: Arabization, Urbanization, Islam in Thailand, Muslim Community

Theme: Human Development and Human Security

Advisor(s): Bhanubhatra Jittiang

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Thailand is home to more than 6 million Muslims, making Thai-Muslim the largest religious minority group. Thai – Muslim communities have long been a part of Thai society, participating in all levels of society, from economics to politics. Despite much research written on the Thai Muslim population and communities, the Bangkok Muslim communities remain understudied. This research hopes to expand the existing research on Muslims in Thailand and offer an interdisciplinary explanation focusing on international development and anthropological aspects of the transformation of a Thai Muslim community. This thesis presents a case study of the Muslims of the Baan Somdej Mosque community, located in the Thonburi District of Bangkok. It aims to document the changes happening in the community, from clothing to traditions, in the hope of capturing the current stories of the community.Furthermore, this thesis also examined factors contributing to those socio-cultural changes happening within the community. The methodology for this research consists of key informant interviews, field observation, and documentary analysis. It concludes that the transformation of the Thai Muslims in the Baan Somdej Mosque Community is a result of the interplay between urbanization and Arabization, where urbanization drove the community to redefine themselves and Arabization, as a form of globalization, is out to set the standard for what it means to be “Muslim.” This interaction created new Muslim identities for the Muslims in Bangkok, Thailand

Margianta Surahman Juhanda (2024) Reckoning movement parties : In-depth analysis of movement engagement and development perspective from the indonesian labour party

Title: Reckoning movement parties : In-depth analysis of movement engagement and development perspective from the indonesian labour party

Author: Margianta Surahman Juhanda

Year: 2024

Keywords: Movement parties, social movements, Indonesian Labour Party, democratic representation, intergenerational dynamics, Southeast Asian politics

Theme: Civil society and Democracy

Advisor(s): Pitch Pongsawat

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: This study examines the Indonesian Labour Party (ILP) as a significant case study of movement parties in Southeast Asia's democratic landscape. The research investigates how the ILP, emerging from grassroots organizations and trade unions, navigates the complex relationship between social movements and formal political representation. Following recent changes in Indonesia's electoral threshold regulations, this study employs qualitative methodology, including in-depth interviews, to analyze the party's development trajectory and its engagement with social movements. Particular attention is paid to intergenerational dynamics within the party, examining how ideological perspectives and activism strategies differ between younger and older members. The research aims to contribute to the broader understanding of movement parties' role in democratic societies, specifically addressing the challenges of maintaining coherent representation while balancing diverse social movement demands. This study's findings will provide valuable insights into the evolution of movement parties in Southeast Asia and their impact on inclusive democratic development

Chotika Thamsuwan (2024) From climate perception to climate action: case study of transforming sustainable rice cultivation in DoemBang Subdistrict, Suphan Buri Province, Thailand

Title: From climate perception to climate action: case study of transforming sustainable rice cultivation in DoemBang Subdistrict, Suphan Buri Province, Thailand

Author: Chotika Thamsuwan

Year: 2024

Keywords: Climate perception, Climate change, Mitigation action, Sustainable, rice cultivation, Theory of Planned Behavior

Theme: Environmental Politics and Policy

Advisor(s): Jakkrit Sangkhamanee

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The thesis explores the critical link between climate perception and sustainable rice cultivation practices. The study highlights the vulnerability of the agricultural sector, particularly rice farming, to climate impacts and emphasizes the necessity of transitioning to sustainable practices as part of Thailand’s broader goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030. Employing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the analytical framework, this qualitative research explores how smallholder farmers in the Doem Bang subdistrict conceptualize climate change and sustainable rice cultivation. The study investigates the socio-psychological determinants—behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control—that shape farmers’ intentions and actions regarding the adoption of climate mitigation techniques such as laser land leveling, alternate wetting and drying, site-specific nutrient management, and straw and stubble management. Furthermore, the study also explores how climate knowledge is generated and applied locally, involving collaboration between farmers, policymakers, and experts.Data collection involved in-depth interviews with 24 informants, including smallholder farmers, agricultural officers, and a community leader, complemented by policy reviews and field observations. Findings reveal that farmers' perceptions are influenced by a combination of personal experiences with climate variability, social pressures within the community, and policy-driven incentives. The interplay of these factors determines the extent to which climate awareness is translated into proactive mitigation actions. The research concludes that fostering sustainable practices requires a nuanced understanding of local contexts, robust community engagement, and integrated policy support. The study's insights contribute to shaping targeted strategies and policies that enhance the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, serving as a model for other regions confronting similar challenges. This work underscores the importance of aligning climate perception with actionable, sustainable practices to advance climate resilience in Thailand's rice production

Phutita Sriprapha (2024) Access to reproductive health : Experiences of female migrant workers from Myanmar in Samut Sakhon, Thailand

Title: Access to reproductive health : Experiences of female migrant workers from Myanmar in Samut Sakhon, Thailand

Author: Phutita Sriprapha

Year: 2024

Keywords: Access to Reproductive Health, Myanmar Female Migrant Workers,, Samut Sakhon

Theme: Health

Advisor(s): Naruemon Thabchumpon

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: Thailand remains a major destination for migrant workers from neighboring countries and hosts a large population of Myanmar migrants, including many women. Despite their contributions to local economic development, female migrant workers face persistent barriers to accessing reproductive healthcare. This study analyzes the structural, personal, and social dimensions of reproductive health access among Myanmar migrant women in Samut Sakhon province. Using the 4A framework, Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, and Adaptability together with intersectionality, the study draws on 12 semi-structured interviews to explore how structural, personal, and social factors affect their reproductive healthcare access. Multiple dimensions of identity were also explored to see how they interact to shape a different degree of access. Addtionally, attention is paid to how women navigate systemic constraints in a context of their intersectional identities and positions.The findings reveal that exclusion from reproductive healthcare arises not from a single factor such as gender or migration status but from the convergence of legal insecurity, economic precarity, education level, language barriers, and social stigma. These intersecting disadvantages reinforce one another, producing structural exclusion that formal eligibility alone cannot resolve. The thesis also confirms that intersectionality is not only a valuable analytical tool but an essential framework for understanding and addressing health inequities faced by marginalized migrant populations in Thailand’s evolving labor and healthcare landscape

Caspar Darling (2024) Diasporic identity and integration in transnational marriages between Thai and foreign spouses

Title: Diasporic identity and integration in transnational marriages between Thai and foreign spouses

Author: Caspar Darling

Year: 2024

Keywords: Thailand, integration, transnational thai marriage, social practices,, cultural awareness, religion, communication

Theme: Social Welfare

Advisor(s): Premjai Vungsriphisal, advisorSupang Chantavanich, co-advisor

The full thesis available here.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of transnational Thai marriages in Thailand and what implications they have on the host society. The research objectives involved analyzing the social practices, level of integration, and social, economic, and political dimensions of this phenomenon. The methodology involved using census data and in-depth qualitative data based on 10 semi-structured interviews with foreign spouses in transnational Thai marriages based in Thailand. My findings revealed four key themes related to the research objectives. They were cultural awareness, the importance of communication, strength of relationship with the in-laws, and raising children. It was found that cultural awareness was the most important factor in increasing integration. An additional finding was that the religion of Buddhism was an appeal for several participants which also, in turn, helped to increase their cultural awareness and integration. The main argument from this paper appears to challenge a lot of the past research on this topic, and therefore offers a fresh perspective on transnational Thai marriages within the context of Thailand