The President of the Royal Society of Thailand

The Royal Society of Thailand is the national learned institution established by King RAMA VII in 1926. Members of the society are royally appointed as scholars of the King. The Royal Society of Thailand is recognized as a leader in the field of academic excellence consisting of three institutions: the Academy of Science, the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, and the Academy of Arts. The Royal Society is responsible for the academic work of the government and is a Thai language reference center. The society provides intellectual resources for research, reference and educational services. The Royal Society of Thailand routinely publishes academic-specific dictionary textbooks and encyclopedias of all disciplines and issues regular journals both in Thai and English.

The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand (IJRST) is one of the official journals of the Royal Society of Thailand. IJRST is an international forum for the communication and sharing of knowledge from all major disciplines. The theme for this 2018 volume is “Tropical Science and Education”. The Royal Society of Thailand supports academic work related to the Tropics, and outside the region. As a clinician in the field of medicine, I am aware that global warming, population growth and the growth in international travel mean that tropical diseases are increasingly linked to global health. It is gratifying to note that the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, is well recognized as a leader in tropical medicine.
I would like to congratulate the Journal on publishing the 2018 volume and convey my sincere appreciation to all contributing authors from the Royal Society of Thailand and other international organizations, and to the Journal editors for their diligence and expertise. I am confident that the knowledge shared through this publication will lead to further positive developments in health and education in the Tropics and beyond.

Professor Surapol Issaragrisil, FRS(T)
President of the Royal Society of Thailand

This 2018 volume of the International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand is published under the theme of ‘Tropical Science and Education’. The Tropical zone is the center of the equator between Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn span 23° of latitude north and south of the Equator, a belt around the planet characterized by hot and wet climates. This Tropical Zone contains over a third of the world’s surface area and population, and demographic trends suggest that by the middle of this century half of the world’s population will live in the Tropics. Such a vast area is richly diverse in geography, peoples, culture, development, and of course also in health and education. In my own professional field, the term tropical medicine is the study of those diseases particular to, or prevalent in tropical regions but uncommon outside of them. Some now believe the name to be outdated, perhaps because of colonial connotations, however it does describe something coherent, even if it is hard to define this precisely. I have borrowed this flexible use of the word tropical for the current volume on education and science in the tropics. These articles cover a wide range of subjects, but all relate to issues that are prevalent or in some aspect specific to the tropics.

Tropical diseases include both the communicable and non-communicable illness. In the modern world it is becoming harder to classify diseases as tropical or not because of the increasing scale and frequency of people moving between regions. Moreover, it is predicted that the effects of global warming may extend the range of what we still think of as tropical diseases. Within these developments there is great heterogeneity and we face both challenges and opportunities. The emergence into human populations of new communicable diseases appears to be becoming more common; while many endemic tropical diseases are now the targets for elimination programmes. Malaria, the most famous tropical disease and the most important parasitic disease of humans, is targeted for elimination and much progress towards this has already been made in recent decades. In the 21st century, a great threat is that some of the many epidemic viral infections may become pandemics and become global problems. The most important of these are likely to be influenza and coronavirus infections due to their high transmissibility. The changing ecology of global warming and urbanization, as well as other rapidly developing social and environmental factors, has already caused a shift in thinking about tropical and infectious diseases.

This volume is intended to provide a platform for different voices on tropical science and education. All of the nine articles have been submitted by experts working in Thailand and the neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. The authors represent internationally renowned institutions and include members of the Royal Society of Thailand, Mahidol University, Kasetsart University, the Mahidol-Oxford University collaboration, and Maynard Leigh Associates. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for the support given by the board of reviewers, and I give special thanks to Professor Surapol Issaragrisil, the President of the Royal Society of Thailand. I hope that the knowledge and ideas contained in this volume will inspire further research and interest. The continuing development of tropical science and education will support improvements in health and good governance in tropical regions and beyond.

(Professor Emeritus Sasithon Pukrittayakamee)
Editor, Fellow of the Royal Society of Thailand

The International Journal of the Royal Society of Thailand Volume X – 2018

Advisor

Professor Surapol Issaragrisil, FRS(T)

Editor

Professor Sasithon Pukrittayakamee, FRS(T)

Editor Board

Professor Narattaphol Charoenphandhu, AFRS(T)
Professor Pornsan Watanangura, FRS(T)
Professor Pasuk Phongpaichit, FRS(T)
Professor Srisurang Poolthupya, FRS(T)
Professor Sir Nicholas John White, FRS
Professor Nicholas PJ Day, FRCP
Dr. Thomas J Peto, PhD
Mrs. Duangta Tancho, Secretary-General
Ms Saengchant Sansupa, Literateur
Miss Piyaratt Inorn, Literateur
Miss Parichat Kitinun, Literateur
Miss Yolada Yaiprayoon, Literateur
Miss Kanokporn Chuenjaidee, Literateur

Language Editors

Assit Prof. Namthip Anantsupamongkol
Dr. Thomas J Peto

Cover Design

Mrs Siwaporn Panphoowong

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Abstract

King Rama VI of the Chakri dynasty had great interest in the Ramakien and dramas in general. He composed a few episodes of the Ramakien, many modern dramas, essays as well as translated or adapted Western and Indian plays to present to the Thai audience. His Ramakien kept closer to the original story of the Valmiki Ramayana. His promotion of Khon and dramas helped preserve the valuable Thai heritage. After his demise, the promotion was discontinued because of the government’s fi nancial problem. It was later revived. Queen Sirikit, through
the SUPPORT Foundation, has carried on the Khon promotion as can be seen in the ‘Khon Somdet’ at Thailand Cultural Centre.

Keywords: King Rama VI, Khon, drama

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It is hoped that the variety of essays in this issue will catch a wider audience’s
interests and bring readers to join us in honouring and celebrating Her Majesty Queen
Sirikit’s 80th Birthday.

Long Live Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.

(Srisurang Poolthupya)
Editor

Advisor

Professor Dr. Panya Borisutdhi, FRI.
President of the Royal Institute

Editor

Professor Srisurang Poolthupya, FRI.

Deputy Editor

Professor Dr. Somboon Suksamran, FRI.

Language Editors

Khunying Finola Chatamra
Professor Dr. Robert Exell

Editorial Board

Professor Dr. Likhit Dhiravegin, FRI.
Associate Professor Dr. Kris Chatamra, FRI.
Dr. Sobha Chupikulchai Spielmann, FRI.
Professor Dr. Sawasd Tantaratana, FRI.
Professor Dr. Prakong Nimmanahaeminda, FRI.
Professor Dr. Pornsan Watanangura, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Sasithon Pukrittayakamee, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Suthat Yoksan, AFRI.
Associate Professor Malithat Promathatavedi, AFRI.
Miss Kanokwalee Chuchaiya, Secretary-General
Ms. Saengchant Sansupa, Director of Moral and Political
Sciences Division
Dr. Cholthicha Sudmuk, Literary Arts Officer.
Miss Rattikal Sriamphai, Literary Arts Officer.
Miss Itsariya Lauhatiranonda, Literary Arts Officer.

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Abstract

Rabindranath Tagoreûs winning the Nobel Prize in literature in 1913 boosted the morale and spirit of Asian races in the early 20th Century. Tagore’s creative achievements and contributions to the world, and Thailand in particular, will be discussed in the fields of literature, education, religious philosophy, and women’s emancipation. His literary works appeal to the people internationally due to his spirituality, cosmopolitanism and universality. His words remain meaningful through translations into various languages. When requested by the Thai intelligentsia to send an Indian scholar to promote understanding between Thailand and India, he soon sent Swami Satyananda Puri, who promoted the cultural activities between Thais and Indians by setting up an association of Thais and Indians in Thailand, now known as the Thai-Bharat Cultural Lodge.

Key words: Rabindranath Tagore, Gitanjali, cosmopolitanism, Swami Satyananda Puri

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Editor’s Note

The theme of this issue of the Journal is Harmony in Cultural Diversity. It is an accepted fact that each culture has its own characteristics due to many factors such as the religious belief, environment, climate. As one individual is different from another but can live in harmony with other individuals, it is possible that many cultural units can live in harmony in a community, society, nation and the world. It is up to human beings to choose between harmony and conflict. The right choice will bring peace while the wrong choice will cause wars and casualties. If we believe that understanding will bring sympathy and love, that knowledge will widen our horizon and improve the quality of life, essays and articles in this issue of the Journal of the Royal Institute may contribute some degree of benefit to the readers.

As the Institute is composed of three academies : Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, Academy of Science and Academy of Arts, there are works from all the three academies. These works may interest readers from various fields of knowledge, from social sciences, language and literature, to science and medicine. It is hoped that the interdisciplinary feature of the journal will promote understanding and colaborations between experts of various disciplines. In the age of globalization, the need to colaborate and look further than one’s own field is quite urgent. Harmony in cultural diversity is also necessary in any society so that peace and understanding among global beings can be achieved and maintained.

As this issue of the Journal is planned for the celebration of the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King’s 7th Cycle Birthday Anniversary, December 5, 2011, two poems are published to wish Him all the best, on behalf of the Editorial Board and the Thai people.

Srisurang Poolthupya
Editor, Fellow of the Royal Institute

Advisor

Professor Dr. Panya Borisutdhi, FRI.
President of the Royal Institute of Thailand

Editor

Professor Srisurang Poolthupya, FRI.

Deputy Editor

Professor Dr. Somboon Suksamran, FRI.

Language Editors

Khunying Finola Chatamra
Professor Dr. Robert Exell

Editorial Board

Associate Professor Dr. Kris Chatamra, FRI.
Professor Dr. Likhit Dhiravegin, FRI.
Professor Dr. Prakong Nimmanahaeminda, FRI.
Dr. Sobha Chupikulchai Spielmann, FRI.
Associate Professor Malithat Promathatavedi, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Pornsan Watanangura, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Sasithon Pukrittayakamee, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Sawasd Tantaratana, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Suthat Yoksan, AFRI.
Ms Kanokwalee Chuchaiya, Secretary-General
Ms.Saengchant Sansupa, Director of Moral and Political Sciences Division
Dr. Cholthicha Sudmuk, Literary Arts Officer
Ms. Rattikal Sriamphai, Literary Arts Officer
Ms. Itsariya Lauhatirananda, Literary Arts Officer

Cover Design
Mr.Wisit Pincanngern

Long Live His Majesty the King

May the sacred power of the Triple Gem
And the might of every celestial being
Protect His Majesty from all afflictions
So that He may be the longest reigning
Monarch in Thailand and the world.
May He remain the Golden Bodhi tree
Of peace and love for the Thai people
In this fair and fertile Land of the Free.

Professor Emeritus Srisurang Poolthupya

The Light of the Land

King Bhumibol, greatest of Kings!
Thy subjects join in lauding thee
And wishing thee the best of things,
To mark thy Seventh Cycle Jubilee.
‘Strength of the Land’ thy name doth mean,
Thou givest life and hope to all,
Countless benefits can be seen
From thy projects big and small.
Hill tribe people up in the North
New methods of crop growing learn.
Abundant produce they bring forth,
And so more income they do earn.
In arid lands where droughts prevail,
Thou providest the Royal Rain.
So farms and soil that used to fail
Could have their fertility again.
When storms and floods ravage people,
Like a saviour thou risest to their aid.
Kaem Ling, dams, and weirs are ample
Assistance that they are paid.
Grateful for thy benevolence,
The populace pledge to emulate thee.
Earning but enough for subsistence,
Thais will be self-sufficient and free.
Hard it is not to understand
Why people revere thee ever.
Thou who art the light of the land,
May thy glory last forever!

Associate Professor Malithat Promathatavedi

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Abstract

Phra Aphai Mani, a poetic tale by Sunthon Phu, one of the great poets of Thailand, is significantly concerned with peace and non-violence, which makes it stand out from other Thai literature of his time. The very name of the hero, which is also the name of this long poem, means the Jewel of Forgiveness. Phra Aphai Mani chooses to study music instead of undertaking any martial art more fitting for a future king. He believes that music can stop anger and violence. Both Phra Aphai Mani and Utsaren, a Lankan prince, love the same princess of Phaluek who does not care for Utsaren. This leads to wars between Phaluek and Lanka. Phra Aphai Mani tries to avoid bloodshed by the use of music. To end the long war, the holy hermit from the Crystal Isle is invited to preach to the two warring sides and bring about reconciliation. The hermit preaches the end of anger and revenge and recommends the practice of friendship and compassion. When the war is over, Phra Aphai Mani forgives his enemies, sets them free, gives back their possessions and provides them with transports to return to their respective country. Towards the end of the tale, Phra Aphai Mani gives up his throne and worldly wealth. He becomes a hermit who preaches that all humanbeings must die and leave their possessions behind. It is a hint to all to give up greed, anger and attachment to transient things. Non-violence is recommended in order to attain peace.

Key words: Peace and non-violence, Phra Aphai Mani.

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Foreword from the President
of the Royal Institute of Thailand

In this second English issue of the Journal of the Royal Institute, I am particularly pleased that there are several papers promoting peace and harmony, of which our country now has great need, in order to ensure its continued survival and progress. Conflicts within the country and with our neighbour have been threatening peace and unity for some time, and if these conflicts cannot be amicably resolved, our country will be weakened. By uniting in our efforts to solve the serious political and economic problems facing the country and the whole world, we may succeed in bringing benefit to all. Practical strategies: academic, social, ethical and spiritual should be mapped out as a guideline. We need progress in every field of knowledge in order to contribute to the welfare of the people all over the world. The Journal of the Royal Institute aims to contribute towards this objective as much as possible.

(Professor Dr. Panya Borisutdhi)
President of the Royal Institute

Editor’s Note

Peace and Harmony is the theme of the Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand Volume II, 2010. As the present world is facing many conflicts and terrorist activities, we are looking for ways to attain peace and harmony. We cannot leave it to peace activists alone to find the solutions leading to peace and harmony.
All of us must join forces to make the world a better place in which to live. The Journal Volume II is the forum.
All religions stress the importance of peace and harmony, yet religions themselves are often the cause of conflict and violence. However, to turn our back on religion is a worse course of action. To see or hear both sides of the story, to reason, to forgive and to seek the middle path or moderation are recommended for all. If we can get to the root of the conflict which may be racial, political, religious, economic, psychological or moral, we can find the right solution to end the conflict peacefully and avoid violence in any form. Speaking of peace and non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi’s words and deeds come to our mind. Many people have heeded his words and adopted his method of non-violence or Ahimsa very successfully. Nelson Mandela in South Africa, Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States of America, Vaclav Havel in Czechoslovakia (now Czech and Slovakia) can be cited as examples. Yet we must take note that to attain peace, truth and non-violence must join forces. Without truth, that is, if the cause is erroneous, non-violence will be an empty word that will not be achieved, and peace will not be possible. That is why Gandhi calls his method Satyagraha which in Sanskrit means “holding fast to truth” Non-violence or Ahimsa for Gandhi does not simply mean “not using the violent means.” Non-violence, according to Gandhi, also means love, compassion and tolerance. Not using weapons may be easy, but it is very difficult to achieve true non-violence. Gandhi says, “We may never be strong enough to be entirely non-violent,
in thought, word and deed. But we must keep non-violence as our goal and make steady progress towards it … The truth of a few will count. The untruth of millions will vanish even like chaff before a whiff of wind.”
This volume offers readers various views concerning peace and harmony. While Mahatma Gandhi offers the use of Satyagraha, this forum is open wide for all ideas and contributions within and outside the theme.

Professor Emeritus Srisurang Poolthupya
Editor, Fellow of the Royal Institute

Editor

Professor Emeritus Srisurang Poolthupya, FRI.

Deputy Editor

Professor Dr. Somboon Suksamran, FRI.

Language Editors

Khunying Finola Chatamra
Dr. Gordon Hamilton

Editorial Board

Professor Dr. Likhit Dhiravegin, FRI.
Associate Professor Dr. Kris Chatamra, FRI.
Dr. Sobha Chupikulchai Spielmann, FRI.
Professor Dr. Pornsan Watanangura, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Prakong Nimmanahaeminda, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Sasithon Pukrittayakamee, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Sawasd Tantaratana, AFRI.
Professor Dr. Suthat Yoksan, AFRI.
Associate Professor Malithat Promathatavedi, AFRI.
Ms. Saengchant Sansupa, Director of Moral and Political Sciences Division.
Dr. Cholthicha Sudmuk, Literary Arts Officer.
Miss Rattikal Sriamphai, Literary Arts Officer.
Miss Itsariya Lauhatiranonda, Literary Arts Officer.

Cover Design

Associate Professor Asanee Chooarun, FRI.

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Professor Emeritus of History, Director of India Studies Centre (1993-97), Thammasat University;
Fellow of the Royal Institute, Academy of Arts.

Abstract 

The Ramakian, based on the main theme of the Indian Ramayana epic, is a valuable Thai heritage. How it has survived through centuries to the present is not accidental. A literary work of the Ayutthaya period, partly lost during the fall of the kingdom, the Ramakian was recollected and rewritten by several Thai kings to preserve the work for posterity. The main reasons for the survival of the Ramakian are due to King Rama I and his successors’efforts to keep alive the Ramakian as literature, a performing art as well as a fine art. The Ramakian was composed to serve the past and present needs of Thai society: Buddhist, social, and political Thai traditions were woven into the original Indian story that belongs to the Hindu tradition. The Ramakian relates the life of Rama, an ideal king. The story frowns upon treason and other bad practices. The Ramakian is kept alive through literature, performing arts and fine arts. Other countries in Southeast Asia also have their Ramayana stories; having the same tradition serves to encourage friendship and a shared culture between these countries. The present age of globalization may threaten to destroy the Ramakian-Ramayana heritage and we need to find ways to preserve it, perhaps by globalizing it so that its value may be well-accepted by all.

Key words: The Ramakian heritage in Thailand

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the Royal Institute of Thailand 

Vol. I, 5 December, 2009 

The Relevance of Arts and Sciences in the Modern World.

“We shall reign with righteousness for the benefits and happiness of the Siamese people.”

Long Live His Majesty the King

Foreword from the President of the Royal Institute of Thailand

The Royal Institute was established in 1933. The function of the Royal Institute is chiefly to undertake and encourage research in every branch of knowledge which will be beneficial to the nation and to the people of Thailand. The Institute’s activities are to maintain relations and to exchange knowledge and information in all fields with other learned institutes in Thailand and abroad; to compile dictionaries, encyclopaedias and terminologies. In addition, the Institute also oversees the birth of new terminology in the spectrum of the academic world and ensures that the new vocabulary is appropriate to the preservation and promotion of the Thai language, and to coin new words, to establish the criteria of Thai usage. 

There are at present three academies in the Royal Institute: the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, the Academy of Science and the Academy of Arts. Each academy has fellows and honorary fellows who are appointed by the Royal Proclamation on the basis of their academic excellence. Each academy also has associate fellows. 

The Royal Institute has been publishing the Journal of the Royal Institute in the Thai language, four issues per year. To befit the age of globalization, it is decided that there should be also the Journal of the Royal Institute in English, one issue per year. 

On behalf of the Royal Institute of Thailand, I wish the editors and the editorial board every success in their endeavour. I hope that the first English issue of the Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand 2009 will mark the auspicious beginning of a fruitful exchange of knowledge and information through the medium of English, which is widely known across the entire world. 

Professor Dr. Panya Borisutdhi
President of the Royal Institute 

Editor’s Note

This is the inaugural issue of the Journal of the Royal Institute of Thailand in English. It contains academic contributions from the Fellows and Associate Fellows of the Royal Institute. Hopefully, this first issue will launch a forum for international academics to share their knowledge in subsequent issues. Original research papers and commentaries are welcome from everyone who is interested in the advancement and exchange of knowledge in all fields. As the editor and the editorial board are new to these positions, we are ready to consider creative suggestions and comments from all readers to improve the journal. 

In this issue, papers on arts and sciences are based on the theme “The Relevance of Arts and Sciences in the Modern World”. The journal offers a variety of topics of relevance and interest to readers in many fields. Contributors are responsible for the content of their respective paper which they proofread themselves before printing. 

Srisurang Poolthupya
Professor Emeritus and Fellow
of the Royal Institute

Editor

• Professor Srisurang Poolthupya, FRI. 

Deputy Editor

• Professor Dr. Somboon Suksamran, FRI. 

Language Editors

• Khunying Finola Chatamra
• Dr. Gordon Hamilton 

Editorial Board

• Professor Dr. Likhit Dhiravegin, FRI.
• Associate Professor Dr. Kris Chatamra, FRI.
• Dr. Sobha Chupikulchai Spielmann, FRI.
• Professor Dr. Pornsan Watanangura, AFRI.
• Professor Dr. Prakong Nimmanahaeminda, AFRI.
• Professor Dr. Sasithon Pukrittayakamee, AFRI.
• Professor Dr. Sawasd Tantaratana, AFRI.
• Professor Dr. Suthat Yoksan, AFRI.
• Associate Professor Malithat Promathatavedi, AFRI.
• Ms. Saengchant Sansupa, Director of Moral and Political Sciences Division
• Ms. Naiyana Vara-Asvapati, Director of Science Division
• Mr. Visarn Oucharearn, Director of Arts Division
• Dr. Cholthicha Sudmuk, Literary Arts officer
• Miss Rattikal Sriamphai, Literary Arts officer
• Miss Itsariya Lauhateranonda, Literary Arts officer

Cover Design

• Assistant Professor Dr. Manote Kongkanandana, AFRI.

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