Journal of Contemporary Social Sciences and Humanities

Factors Influencing the Decision to Extend Working Life: A Case Study of Thailand

Kaewkwan Tangtipongkul — 2026-01-27

The changes in the population structure have led Thailand to become an aged society since 2005. Thailand’s old-age dependency ratio (64+ per 15-64) increased from 5.44 percent in 1965 to 20.97 percent in 2023. Utilizing the 2018-2023 data from Thailand’s National Labor Force Survey, this paper examines the factors influencing the decision to remain in the labor force, focusing on individuals aged 55-80 years old using Beehr’s framework. Retirement is defined as the individual leaving the labor force with the intention to stay out permanently (Lazear, 1986). The logistic regression model shows that geographic regions, age, gender, education, marital status, and the position of family members in the co-residence composition influence an individual’s decision to remain in the labor force. Males have a significantly higher propensity to remain in the labor force compared to females. Married or single individuals have a significantly higher propensity to remain in the labor force. Individuals whose highest educational attainment was primary, secondary and post-secondary, university level or higher have a higher propensity to remain in the labor force compared to individuals with no education in all years. As family size increases, they have a lower propensity to remain in the labor force. Individuals who are the head of household have a significantly higher propensity to remain in the labor force. The interaction terms between male and head of household have a significantly higher propensity to remain in the labor force. Individuals who are a spouse or married child of the head of household have a significant positive impact on the decision to remain in the labor force. These findings have important implications for Thailand’s old-age policies, encouraging productive aging through employment opportunities while recognizing the importance of family support in enhancing the well-being of older adults.

Effects of Influencer Content Characteristics and Credibility on Travel Decision among Thai Generation Z Tourists

Patteera Pantaratorn — 2026-01-27

The rising influence of social media has significantly transformed travel behavior, particularly among Generation Z, who rely heavily on digital content for travel planning and decision-making. While influencer marketing research exists in various contexts, there remains a limited amount of specific investigation into the integrated effects of both content characteristics and influencer attributes on travel decisions among Thai Generation Z tourists. This study investigates how influencer content characteristics namely content quality, content appeal, and content usefulness and influencer attributes influence the travel decision-making of Thai Generation Z tourists. A structured questionnaire was distributed to Thai Gen Z respondents, and the data were analyzed using multivariate regression techniques to assess the predictive power of both content and source factors. The results reveal that all three content characteristics significantly and positively influence travel decisions, with content usefulness emerging as the strongest predictor. These findings contribute to the understanding of digital marketing dynamics in the tourism sector and provide actionable insights for marketers seeking to target Gen Z audiences more effectively. The study also addresses a critical gap in the literature by focusing on an underrepresented demographic and geographic context using a robust analytical approach.

The Behavior of Thai Tourists in Wellness Tourism at Khung Bangkachao, Samut Prakan, Thailand

Suppachai Chanwanakul — 2026-01-27

This research investigates the wellness tourism behavior of Thai tourists visiting Khung Bangkachao, Samut Prakan, and proposes development guidelines aligned with their needs. A quantitative approach was employed, and the sample consisted of 400 Thai tourists who visited the area. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s (1997) formula for an infinite population with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. Convenience sampling was used, with screening criteria that ensured participants had engaged in health-related activities such as recreation, cycling, nature-based relaxation, or other wellness-focused experiences. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The results reveal that most respondents were female, aged 44–58, single, had a bachelor’s degree, and worked in private companies, with monthly incomes of 20,000–30,000 Baht. Most participants had visited Khung Bangkachao more than once (typically three times), primarily for relaxation, and usually traveled with family members using private cars. Online platforms were identified as their primary sources of information about the destination. The findings also show significant relationships between demographic factors and visit frequency (p < 0.05), particularly age, marital status, education level, occupation, and monthly income. The study highlights the need for wellness tourism activities that align with tourists’ behavioral patterns and expectations. Moreover, the development of Khung Bangkachao’s tourism elements should address all core components attractions, accessibility, facilities, accommodation, people, services, and activities to effectively support diverse tourist needs. These insights contribute to the design of urban nature-based health tourism experiences and strengthen Khung Bangkachao’s potential as a model urban green wellness tourism destination.

Design and Development of a Community Health Bank Model to Enhance Body Composition and Quality of Life among Older Adults in Hat Yai Municipality, Songkhla Province

Chatass Sawasdikul — 2026-01-27

Thailand's transition to a super-aged society presents urban older adults with heightened risks of non-communicable diseases, inactivity, and reduced quality of life from environmental and social constraints. To develop and evaluate a Community Health Bank model’s effect on body composition and quality of life among older adults in Hat Yai Municipality, Songkhla Province, this six-month participatory action research was conducted in the Na Rongrian Hat Yai Wittayalai Community. Forty participants (mean age 67.5 ± 3.18 years) completed baseline and follow-up assessments. The Community Health Bank comprised a seven-member committee, health point-based digital platform, monthly activities, environmental modifications, and 14 business partnerships. Outcomes (which were measured at the end of the research) included body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis, InBody 970s) and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI). Data were analyzed through Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and descriptive statistics. Data analysis revealed that platform usage reached 82.7% and regular exercise participation increased from 18% to 62%. Body weight decreased significantly (0.71 kg, p < 0.05); skeletal muscle mass and body fat showed favorable non-significant trends. Additionally, quality of life improved across all domains (p < 0.001): overall (+27.60 points), physical health (+7.96), psychological (+6.97), social relationships (+4.35), and environment (+7.83). The Community Health Bank effectively connected individual, community, and environmental health determinants. Its integration into municipal policy demonstrates scalability potential for health promotion in aging urban populations. These findings demonstrate that the Community Health Bank model offers a viable, community-driven approach to addressing health challenges in aging urban populations, with potential for adaptation and scaling in similar contexts.

Assessing Impacts on Digital Rights and Freedom among Youths under Myanmar’s Cybersecurity Law 2025: A Case Study of Youths in Mon State

Minn Myoh Minn Oo — 2026-01-27

Nowadays, digital rights and freedom have become as crucial as offline rights across the world as states start restricting these rights using cybersecurity-related laws, disproportionately affecting the digitally most active group ‘youths’. In Myanmar, the post-2021-military coup saw the SAC’s increasing restrictions on digital rights and the recent 2025 Cybersecurity Law further tightens these restrictions. Being the majority users of digital spaces, youths are most vulnerable to the law’s digital constraints on freedom of expression, speech, and information in Myanmar. This study examines the impacts and challenges experienced by youths regarding their digital rights and freedom under the cybersecurity law, through a case study of youths in Mon State. Through a qualitative research approach and a theoretical framework of digital authoritarianism, this study analyzes semi-structured interviews and performs thematic analysis to assess patterns and trends. Findings indicate that youths’ digital rights and freedom in Mon State are affected by four significant impacts such as fear of arrest, declining digital engagement, restricted access to information and opportunities, and psychological stress under the cybersecurity law. Additionally, they face four crucial challenges such as VPN criminalization, the law’s vaguely worded provisions, digital surveillance and privacy invasion, and inconsistencies in law enforcement. These findings suggest that Myanmar’s cybersecurity law is, instead of a legal protector against cybercrimes, a systematic tool of digital repression and authoritarianism, restraining youths’ digital freedom.

Mobilizing International Stakeholders’ Pressure to Shape the Dynamics of the China-Philippines Maritime Dispute in the South China Sea

Ma. Daren Barquez — 2026-01-27

This study examines the evolving roles of international stakeholders in the ongoing maritime dispute between China and the Philippines, with particular attention to the narratives surrounding South China Sea claims and the implementation of the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling. Using a descriptive-analytical qualitative method and document-based data, it analyzes how international legal norms interact with geopolitical power asymmetries. China’s noncompliance, grounded in historical claims and reinforced by military and economic strength, reveals the limits of international legal instruments when challenged by great powers. The study also considers the behavior of ASEAN, the United States, and other regional actors. Although the arbitral ruling provided juridical clarity and diplomatic leverage, enforcement remains elusive due to ASEAN’s fragmentation and China’s advantage in bilateral negotiations. Official narratives issued through white papers project peaceful intentions yet simultaneously advance strategic dominance, weakening multilateral efforts toward dispute resolution. The findings highlight that international law, absent credible deterrents, struggles to constrain state action. Realist international relations theory offers a useful lens for understanding China’s assertiveness and the restrained or inconsistent responses of regional stakeholders. Accordingly, the study underscores the need for stronger multilateral cooperation, technological transparency, civil society engagement, and strategic alliances to achieve a more balanced and enforceable maritime order. Ultimately, the paper concludes that stability in the South China Sea hinges not only on legal legitimacy but also on collective political will, regional cohesion, and assertive diplomacy. Without these elements, the gap between legal victories and on-the-ground realities will persist.

Technological Self-efficacy, Task Value, and Goal Orientation in Improving Digital Literacy for Employment among Liberal Arts University Students in Chengdu

Boyu Long — 2026-01-27

Amid China’s digital transformation and increasing employment pressure on liberal arts graduates, this study investigates how motivational beliefs technological self-efficacy, task value, and goal orientation influence digital literacy relevant to employment. A quantitative survey was conducted among 400 liberal arts students in Chengdu. Correlation, regression and variance analyses revealed that all three motivational beliefs were significantly and positively related to digital literacy, with task value emerging as the strongest predictor. The model explained 47.9% of the variance (R² = .479, p < .001). Mastery and performance-approach goals showed positive effects, while performance-avoidance goals had a negative impact. All subdimensions of technological self-efficacy and task value demonstrated consistent positive effects. Significant grade-level differences were found: seniors scored highest in digital literacy and task value, while sophomores reported the highest technological self-efficacy. Goal orientation remained stable across grades. University type significantly affected goal orientation only, with students from “Double First-Class” universities scoring higher. The findings offer both theoretical and practical implications for developing targeted interventions and motivation-enhanced curricula to improve students’ employability in the digital era.

From Deity to IP: The Generation, Reconstruction, and Cultural Resilience of Tile-cat Cultural Symbols in Yunnan, China

Lu Jun — 2026-01-27

This study examines the Tile-cat, a unique folk cultural symbol from Yunnan, China, tracing its evolution from a traditional “deity beast” to a contemporary “cultural IP” amidst societal change. It addresses a gap in systematic diachronic analyses of Tile-cat’s functional and value transformation. Using cultural semiotics, identity construction, and consumer culture theories, and employing multi-site fieldwork, surveys, interviews, and archival analysis, the research maps Tile-cat’s journey from sacred symbol to secular aesthetic object, then cultural commodity, and finally IP. Findings reveal Tile-cat’s significant cultural resilience, maintaining its core “guardian” and “auspicious” genes. Through meaning, aesthetic, and functional negotiation, Tile-cat adapted its form and dissemination. Quantitative analysis confirms cultural authenticity impacts symbolic identity value and purchase intention, elucidating value reproduction in commodification. This study contributes a five-stage framework of heritage-to-IP evolution, a tested full-mediation mechanism (authenticity → identity value → purchase intention), and a concise comparative lens for generalizability.