Authors : Buapun Promphakping, Nopparat Rattanaprathum, Pornpen Somaboot, Ninlawadee Promphakping and Pattaraporn Weeranakin
Abstract: Thailand has undergone a rapid change over the last four decades. These changes do not only apply to the structure of socio-economic determinant factors of quality of life but also to the views or perceptions of the people towards their own wellbeing. This study analyzes the changes that occurred in the ways rural people of the Northeast of Thailand prioritize their wellbeing. The data for this analysis is derived from two survey panels on values and goals, administered across the same households, the first in 2005 and the latter in 2016. The study found that of 10 items that were ranked as very important to household wellbeing, when compared between 2005 and 2016, almost all remained the same. However, changes in the priority of these items were evident. Good health retained the highest rank while having a room or a house to live in and all family members being together during special festivals ranked, unchanged at 5 and 10th, respectively. The study concluded that the priority of items concerned with subjective aspects (good family relationships, having children obtain higher education and having well-behaved children) were in decline whereas items concerned with objective wellbeing (access to food, water, healthcare services) were ranked higher.
Buapun Promphakping, Nopparat Rattanaprathum, Pornpen Somaboot, Ninlawadee Promphakping and Pattaraporn Weeranakin, 2017. Prioritizing Wellbeing of Rural Households of the Northeast of Thailand: A Comparison of Changes over a Decade (2005-2016). The Social Sciences, 12: 1854-1859.