Chapter 6 touches on globalization, development, and sustainability. The
Multiplicity paradigm, which is in line with the late King Bhumibol’s Economic
Sufficiency paradigm, is discussed. Patchanee shares her experience of working and
learning in an organic farm in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Chapter 7 is one of Patchanee’s concerns on the quality of mass communication
and journalism in Thailand. Mindfulness is being proposed here as a key to end
discrimination and prejudice. How mindful communication and journalism can be
achieved is explained from a Thai Buddhist perspective.
Chapter 8 is about human trafficking in Thailand. Fiona Servaes is concerned
about the future of poor young people in Thailand, especially young adolescent
boys. Everyone knows that young girls and women are vulnerable groups in
Thailand. Not many people have paid attention to the plight of young boys. This
chapter brings the reader a new perspective on human rights and ways to end the
suffering.
Chapter 9 is related to the tourism industry and the mishandling of elephants, the
iconic symbol of Thailand. Lisa Servaes gives an anthropological perspective on
how the Thai tourism industry and wild animal conservation couldfind a middle
way. Not only human rights but also animal rights need to be considered if one is
committed to solutions for sustainable development.
This book may not cover all aspects of modern Thailand, such as Thai pop
culture, Thai generation Y, Thai entrepreneurship etc. As influences from other
ASEAN cultures can be seen in music, television series, dance performance,
movies, and literature, Thai culture has become more infused and hybridized. This
may need another book that covers these changes in Thai language, performing arts,
relationships, festive celebrations, social media interactions, etc.
I, Patchanee Malikhao, author of six chapters and editor of this book, proudly
present this special book to you. Any comments, suggestions, and advice are
welcome.
Enjoy reading!
December 19, 2016
Chiangmai, Thailand
References
Martin, J.N., & Nakayama, T.K. (2004).Intercultural communication in contexts. Boston:
McGraw Hill.
Payutto, P.A. (1998).Sustainable development(3rd edition). Bangkok: Buddhatham Foundation.
Sachs, W. (2013). Liberating the world from development.New Internationalist. 460, March,
p. 25.
Servaes, J. (1999). Communication for development. one world, many cultures. Cresskill:
Hampton Press.
Servaes, J. (2013).“Communication for sustainable social change is possible but not inevitable”.
InSustainability, participation, and culture in communication(pp. 369-388). Bristol: Intellect.
xxiv Introduction