Thammasat Review

The Rise of Political Dynasty and the Candidate Selection Process within the Party: Evidence from Indonesia

Fredick Broven Ekayanta — 2025-05-23

The emergence of political dynasties is one of the most pressing problems faced by new democracies in Asia, such as Indonesia. This is illustrated by the increasing number of politicians with dynastic backgrounds participating and being elected in elections to hold positions in the executive and legislative institutions. The number of regional head candidates in Indonesia affiliated with political dynasties increased rapidly from 52 in 2015 to 159 in 2020. Several causes that are considered drivers of the emergence of political dynasties are political centralization, candidacy that tends to be closed, regeneration within the party that does not run optimally, weak institutionalization of political parties, and the absence of free media. However, none of the existing literature explains the emergence of political dynasties through an investigation of the candidate selection process that takes place within the party. This article fills that gap, by presenting the candidate selection process that occurred when the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle nominated Bobby Nasution, son-in-law of President Joko Widodo, as mayor of Medan in 2020. The finding of this article is that the president's strong influence can intervene in the process that takes place within political parties, causing the candidate selection process to be very undemocratic. This is a problem of political parties in Indonesia that tend to be pragmatic in providing recommendations for regional head candidates.

Towards the Consolidation of Local Democracy in Indonesia: A Historical Approach of Traditional Nagari in Minangkabau vs Colonial State

Tengku Rika Valentina — 2025-05-23

Local democracy is still being developed in Indonesia and precedents for the modern form, such as the nagari of West Sumatra are of interest as models but also for the culture that may yet influence local politics today. An examination of the deconstruction of traditional nagari history and its contribution to local democratic consolidation in Indonesia constitutes an intriguing analysis of the democratic "experiment" that accompanied this development. This article analyzes three fundamental historical narrative themes as regards the nagari’s development as a model for local democracy: (i) the impact of suprastate intervention on the traditional nagari system in Minangkabau, beginning with the Hindu-Buddhist Kingdom of Pagaruyung and continuing through the Islamic transformation of the 16th century; (ii) the impact of the Padri Wars (1803-1838), political movements, and social disorder on the political and governmental structure of traditional nagari in Minangkabau; and (iii) the structural changes brought by Dutch colonial rule. Our research produced three conclusions: first, big state intervention in the development of nagari transpired due to pressure and Islamic influence stemming from the syncretic Islamic Kingdom of Pagaruyung (1560s) and the Hindu-Buddhist Kingdom of Pagaruyung (1400s); second, the political and governmental structure of traditional nagari was transformed as a consequence of social unrest in the Padri Wars; and third, further intervention was instigated by the struggle for power between the Dutch and nagari. This article examines the discourse surrounding the political structure of traditional nagari, which emerged in the 1990s as a scholarly investigation of the process of democratic consolidation at the local level in West Sumatra, Indonesia.

The Democracy Monument as a Symbol of Democracy in the 2023 Thai General Election

Gil Turingan — 2025-05-23

The Democracy Monument in Bangkok has already been a longstanding symbol of democracy for the Thai people. Aside from being a symbol and spatial structure at the heart of Ratchadamnoen Avenue, this monument also served as a repository of historical events and a platform for contentious politics. Due to spatial agencies, those bodies with the capacity to shape and reshape their built environment, the meaning of the Democracy Monument has transformed into complex layers through time. The monument recently became a symbolic site and emblem for the political parties' campaign during the 2023 Thai General Election. Based on this premise, this paper interprets the democracy the parties promised and unpacks the monument's significance in the recent historic election. By analyzing multiple news articles and social media posts documenting the campaign trail and through personal observations of the author, this work looks at how the political parties defined Thai democracy through the lens of the Democracy Monument. Through their occupation of the monument, this study reveals their constructed representation of the Democracy Monument and the kind of democracy they adhere to. Undeniably, the Democracy Monument is central to Thailand's struggle for democracy and continues to be a potent space for those seeking a fully democratic society. Understanding the political parties' concept of democracy through their use of the Democracy Monument and the vivid imagery they left in the structure during their respective campaigns contributes to the democracy discourse, promotes accountability, and allows the people to remember their promises of democracy.

SabaiJai: A Buddhist AI Chatbot Innovation for Stress Resilience in Thailand’s Working-Aged Population

Nadnapang Phophichit — 2025-05-23

Stress resilience is a critical concern for working-aged individuals in Thailand. This study introduces SabaiJai, an AI-powered chatbot designed to enhance stress resilience by integrating Buddhist principles with modern psychological techniques. Delivered via the LINE messaging platform, SabaiJai provides psychoeducation, a 10-day structured intervention program, and an AI-driven free chat feature powered by GPT-4o. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review, expert interviews with mental health professionals (n=4) and Buddhist scholars (n=8), and an assessment of potential user needs (n=100). Key features developed for the chatbot include a stress screening test (ST-5) and personalized user interactions. A distinctive aspect of SabaiJai is its integration of Buddhist principles with modern psychological approaches. The chatbot’s content is grounded in Edith Grotberg’s resilience model, emphasizing three key components: “I Have” (external resources such as social support and relationships), “I Am” (inner qualities such as self-esteem and personal resilience), and “I Can” (a person’s internal abilities to cope with challenges). Additionally, SabaiJai incorporates the Five Spiritual Powers (pañcabala) from Buddhist teachings—faith (saddhā), effort (viriya), mindfulness (sati), concentration (samādhi), and wisdom (paññā)—to foster stress resilience. Preliminary user feedback demonstrates strong interest and engagement, indicating SabaiJai’s potential as a culturally sensitive intervention for enhancing stress resilience. Future research should focus on large-scale efficacy testing and further refinement of the system.

The Rise of Chinese Perspectives in International Relations

Flávio Bastos da Silva — 2025-05-23

Although there has been a delay in the arrival of International Relations (IR) as a discipline in China, the last few decades have seen significant contributions to the theoretical development of this field within the Chinese academy. Thus, this article aims to examine the introduction of Chinese political thought into International Relations Theory (IRT), scrutinizing the projects for the development of a “Chinese Theory of International Relations”, as well as the contributions and implications that such a theory may have in the field of IR. Based on an essentially qualitative methodology and rooted in the historiographical method, this article explores the ontological and epistemological discussions surrounding these theoretical frameworks, subsequently analyzing four recent theoretical proposals – Moral Realism, Relational Theory, Tianxia, and the “Gongsheng School.” Our conclusion summarizes our findings, highlighting the contributions of Chinese theoretical development, while also leaving open its possible implications for the reinvention of the discipline and for the redefinition of the International Order.

The Influence of Service Innovation on Logistics Capability and Cost Advantage of Logistics Service Providers

Sawat Wanarat — 2025-05-23

Logistics service providers in Thailand have an essential role in boosting the country's economy, serving as a supportive industry for a range of domestic and foreign businesses. Hence, the financial expenses associated with logistics service providers play a crucial role in business operations. Elevated operating expenses incurred by logistics companies might result in escalated costs for their clients, ultimately leading to increased expenses for end consumers. The aim of this study is to develop a causal model that links service innovation, logistics capability, and cost advantage. The purpose is to find the specific aspects that can assist logistics service providers in attaining more efficient cost advantages. The study employed questionnaires to collect data from a sample of 200 transportation and warehousing logistics service providers. Purposive sampling was applied for this research, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

The findings suggest that service innovation has a direct impact on both logistics capability and cost advantage, as well as an indirect impact on cost advantage through logistics capability. Hence, it is essential for service providers to cultivate their own unique service innovations and enhance their efficient logistics capabilities, as both elements can help to attain a cost advantage, ultimately resulting in enhanced business performance.

Understanding AI Chatbot Utilization in Vietnam: An Extended Elaboration Likelihood Model Perspective

Xuan Cu Le — 2025-05-23

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have become an innovative interaction channel between firms and customers in e-commerce. This article aims to explore the essential factors that trigger the intention to use AI chatbots among Vietnamese customers. A research model was demarcated based on the incorporation of user perceptions (i.e., trust and information usefulness) and salient AI chatbot characteristics (i.e., perceived intelligence) into the widely acknowledged elaboration likelihood model (ELM). Data was accumulated from 307 respondents who had experienced online purchases and were inclined to use AI chatbots to search for product-related information in online purchases. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to test proposed hypotheses and validate the research model. Our investigations demonstrated that the central route (i.e., information accuracy and information relevance), peripheral route (i.e., information credibility), and perceived intelligence are the primary motivators of customers’ trust and information usefulness toward AI chatbots. Moreover, trust, information usefulness, and perceived intelligence significantly drove usage intention toward AI chatbots. This work developed an insightful research model of usage behavior toward AI chatbots, whereas the interpretation of information-related factors and innate AI chatbot intelligence influencing customer usage in an emerging market had been inadequate. Lastly, the theoretical and practical implications of the model are suggested, which may tempt customers’ adoption behavior toward AI chatbots in Vietnam.

A Democratic ASEAN: Intergovernmentalism and Thin Democracy

William J Jones — 2025-06-09

The ASEAN Charter of 2007 upgraded the status of ASEAN from an informal organization of Cold War origins to a legally recognized regional organization that would in theory produce binding and credible agreements. The ASEAN Charter created the ASEAN Communities architecture in the image, but not the substance of the European Union. In this context, ASEAN affirmed in its legally binding treaty to uphold new normative understandings of human rights, rule of law, and democracy. This paper will conceptualize, problematize, and analyze the rhetoric to reality of an ASEAN as a democratic regional organization. The article demonstrates that current frameworks of a democratic ASEAN are misunderstood due to an analytical misalignment of units/levels of analysis. Lastly, the article argues that ASEAN is a democratic regional organization from a ‘thin’ definition and understanding of democracy.

Comparative Analysis of Population Aging and Socio-economic Implications in Thailand and Japan

Nattadech Choomplang — 2025-06-09

Thailand and Japan are notable examples of rapidly aging societies in Asia, each experiencing its demographic shift under different population structures and socio-economic scenarios. The aging process in these two countries highlights various socio-economic strengths and challenges. This paper examines the extent of the aging process and its socio-economic implications in Thailand and Japan from a comparative perspective, considering their distinct demographic and socio-economic conditions. The data for this analysis are sourced from secondary sources in both countries. Various indices of aging and descriptive statistics are employed for data analysis. The growth of the aging population in both countries is rapid, although the pace and timing of this growth differ due to the dynamic and variable nature of the transition. In both Thailand and Japan, the elderly face several challenges in managing their economic resources and often rely on familial, social, or state support. Socio-economic policies are crucial for addressing these challenges. Policy considerations must focus on improving the quality of life for the elderly, aiming to make them a more productive and healthier group. This requires the assistance and cooperation of private entities, non-governmental organizations, and society at large.

Integrating Social and Therapeutic Models in Public Space Design: A Narrative Review Approach to Meeting the Needs of All Types of Disabilities

Pattamon Selanon — 2025-06-09

This research examines the integration of the social and therapeutic models of disability within public space and landscape design, aiming to address the gaps in current practices. While the social model focuses on removing societal and environmental barriers to promote accessibility, the therapeutic model emphasizes enhancing individual well-being through natural environments. Both models have been extensively studied in isolation, but their combination remains underexplored. This paper provides a comprehensive narrative review, demonstrating the potential for synthesizing these paradigms to create spaces that are both inclusive and therapeutic. Using interdisciplinary insights from urban planning, architecture, and health sciences, this study presents a framework for designing public spaces that foster accessibility, social inclusion, and holistic well-being. Through the analysis of case studies, the research highlights innovative design strategies that support the mental, physical, and emotional needs of diverse users, advocating for a more holistic approach in public space design. The findings underscore the importance of integrating accessibility and therapeutic principles to enhance the overall quality of life for all users.

Green Restaurant Practices and Customer Loyalty: The Role of Ecological Image

Jintanee Ru-Zhue — 2025-06-09

Environmental issues have become increasingly important to restaurants. Thus, this study explores the relationship among green practices, green consumerism, perceived value, ecological image and customer loyalty towards green restaurants. The analysis of data from 358 restaurant customers through structural equation modelling revealed a robust link among green practices, green consumerism, and green perceived value. Green consumerism and green perceived value predict customer loyalty towards green restaurants. Specifically, green perceived value has a stronger influence than green consumerism. Moreover, this study identifies green consumerism and green perceived value as mediators between green practices and customer loyalty with green consumerism showing the strongest effect. Additionally, ecological image perception influences the relationship between green perceived value and customer loyalty. The findings highlight the importance of establishing comprehensive green policies and effectively conveying their benefits to consumers. Hence, this study provides insights for restaurant managers and marketers who are seeking to promote green practices and foster customer loyalty in an environmentally conscious industry. Moreover, it offers practical recommendations for increasing sustainability in gastronomic tourism through a collaborative multistakeholder approach, thus enhancing our understanding of green practices in the restaurant industry.

Adaptation-Resilience-Innovation Framework for Competitive Advantage during Severe Supply Chain Disruptions

Pattama Lenuwat — 2025-06-09

This study aims to investigate the roles of firm adaptation, supply chain resilience, and business model innovation in sustaining competitive advantages following a severe supply chain disruption. The study is based on case studies using executive interviews from four Thai retail firms that experienced severe supply chain disruptions and made deliberate responses to such disruptions. The case findings indicate that a firm's adaptation is crucial for building supply chain resilience, which in turn supports the firm's survival when viewed from a reactive approach. Conversely, supply chain resilience forms the basis for business model innovation when considered from a proactive approach, significantly contributing to the maintenance of competitive advantage. The study showcases how retail firms adapt and evolve in the face of significant disruption until they achieve a new level of performance. This insight can be valuable for firms when they encounter major challenges and need to navigate through them effectively. These findings address a gap in the literature by expanding on the dynamic capabilities view through the interactions among firms’ adaptation, supply chain resilience, and business model innovation, as firms navigate severe disruptions and strive to sustain competitive advantage.

Understanding Behavioral Intention to Use Drone Technology for Sustainable Development: The Facilitating Role of Behavioral Learning Engagement with Instructional Videos

Jung Hwan Kim — 2025-06-09

Although drone technology can be regarded as one of the most viable technologies for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), individuals are still unaware of its benefits and challenges. During the pandemic, drone technology benefited businesses and communities as a mechanism of sustainable crisis management by minimizing human contact in different environments despite its safety concerns. However, few studies have shown what salient factors influence individuals’ intention to use drone technology in the context of sustainable development. Therefore, drawing on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), we investigate individuals’ behavioral intention to use drone technology for combatting pandemics while achieving SDGs. We also examine how individuals’ learning engagement with instructional videos facilitates their intention. Our findings suggest that only perceived usefulness positively influences individuals’ attitudes, which leads to their behavioral intention to use drone technology for SDG-related activity. In contrast, their perceived safety concerns and pandemic helpfulness do not significantly impact the formation of their positive attitudes toward drone technology use. Furthermore, we found that an individual’s sustainable development concerns and behavioral learning engagement are likely to play a significant role in facilitating their intention to use drone technology by their attitudes toward them. Based on our findings, this study contributes to the theoretical literature on technology adoption and learning engagement with instructional videos. This study also provides practical insights into how organizations and policymakers promote drone technology for sustainable development through informative and educational campaigns with instructional videos.

Developing a Pluralistic Model for Marketing-led Crisis Recovery of Tourist Destinations: A Case Study of Phuket, Thailand

Chidchanok Anantamongkolkul — 2025-06-09

The overall aim of this study is to examine the adequacy of tourism crisis recovery strategies evident in a major international tourism destination vulnerable to tourist downturns. In particular, we explore whether the traditional lagged approach to destination marketing can lead to inefficiencies and how to develop a more effective model for crisis recovery. This study compares tourists’ social-psychological needs with destination capabilities in real time during the recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, in using a novel methodological approach. The simultaneous collection of supply-side and demand-side data allows for a meaningful comparison of the effectiveness of recovery strategies, that is absent from most of the literature. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data. Interviews with tourist leaders found a reduced capacity within the destination to offer quality tourism services and a high priority placed on tourist safety. In contrast, a survey of 401 domestic Thai travellers demonstrated that safety concerns were accorded a low priority. Instead, potential domestic travellers were motivated by the quality of services and facilities available. The development of a pluralistic model extends crisis recovery theory by incorporating the early monitoring of the socio-psychological needs of potential travellers into recovery campaigns.

Locating The Case of Mary Jane Veloso in The Context of the Securitization of Illegal Drugs in Indonesia

Aaron Abel T. Mallari — 2025-06-19

This paper revisits the case of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina arrested in Indonesia on charges of transporting illegal drugs to the country. Convicted and sentenced with the death penalty, Veloso was in prison in Indonesia from 2010 to 2024, before being sent back to the Philippines where she is to be incarcerated awaiting further developments as to whether the case would be commuted leading to her release. The case of Veloso intersects issues of human rights, transnational crime, human trafficking, and illegal drugs and has witnessed numerous campaigns that advocate for her release. The paper focuses on the dimension of illegal drugs and locates the case within a broader discussion of the international drug control regime and Indonesia’s punitive policy on illegal drugs. In particular, Joko Widodo’s presidency and war on drugs is presented as an important context that demonstrates the securitization of illegal drugs in Indonesia. Within this frame, the paper makes a case to further understand the complexity of Veloso’s arrest, conviction, and detention as it has become an international issue as well as a domestic concern in Indonesia.

Political Dynasties in Democratic Contexts: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis Using Scopus Data

Muhammad Taufiq — 2025-06-26

This article examines the phenomenon of political dynasties in the context of democracy through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis using data from Scopus. By reviewing 143 documents published between December 2009 and June 2024, the authors identify trends, key topics, and remarkable contributions to the study of political dynasties. The data includes 116 journal articles, five books, six book chapters, one conference paper, one note, and fourteen reviews. Annual scientific output mapping reveals the influence of prior studies over time, and the geographical research distribution tracking confirms diverse focuses across countries. Popular topics and thematic developments in political dynasty studies are outlined thoroughly, reflecting key issues and changes in political, social, and economic contexts. The analysis offers a complete overview of the political dynasty research landscape, facilitating the identification of trends, key contributions, and areas that require further research. The results are significant for understanding the dynamics of political dynasties in the context of democracy and their implications for the democratization process, political stability, and economic development.