AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Sakchye Tapsuwan for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Education presented on April 25, 1984. Title: The Role and Function of Physical Education and Sport in the Nation Building of Thailand Abstract approved: Redacted for Privacy 1,ndr;otte L. Lampert, rn.u. The purpose of this study was to investigate physical education and sport in Thailand and, based upon expert opinion, to develop a blueprint of physical education and sport for the nation building of Thailand. The investigation concentrated on the history, role and function, purpose of governmental involvement, and future prospects of physical education and sport in Thailand. Data were collected from library sources and by interviews and opinionnaires from leaders of physical education, sports organizations, and other concerned groups. The study presents historical aspects which have affected the development of physical education. Although the Thai people value their traditional games, international sports have been recognized as a means of establishing international relationships. Schools now offer physical education programs, and professional preparation institutions and national sports organizations have been established to assist in the development of the nation and its people. The role and function of physical education and sport, and the purpose of governmental involvement, relate closely to national ideologies in promoting ethnology and culture, national prestige, fitness, internal relations, recreation, economics and commerce, physical therapy, the military, politics, and international relation- ships. The future prospects of physical education involve six factors: human values, administrative needs, additional program needs, financial needs, facilities, and governmental involvement. Respondents in the study believed that the schools and sports organi- zations should provide well-planned physical education and sport programs for the public; that sports administration should be spread throughout the kingdom; that facilities and sport training centers need to be established; and that the government should give more support, especially financially, to physical education and sport development. A blueprint for development was based on the analysis of results of this investigation. The main factors were: dissemination, equip- ment and facilities, physical education and sport in educational institutions, professional preparation, administrative systems, resource materials, promotion, participants, and international cooperation. These involve changes in national policy and organi- zational structures. Causes and effects were presented and policies recommended for the development throughout the kingdom of physical education and sports, which presently exist mostly in the City of Bangkok. Implementation procedures were suggested for the utiliza- tion of physical education and sports in the nation building of Thailand. The Role and Function of Physical Education and Sport in the Nation Building of Thailand by Sakchye Tapsuwan A THESIS submitted to Oregon State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Completed April 25, 1984 Commencement June 1984 APPROVED: Redacted for Privacy Professor of Physical Education in charge of major Redacted for Privacy Chairme, Department of Physical Education Redacted for Privacy Redacted for Privacy riiDean of -Graduate ool d Date thesis is presented April 25, 1984 Typed by Express Typing Service for Sakchye Tapsuwan This dissertation is dedicated to the benefit and development of physical education and sports in Thailand. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This opportunity to express my sincere appreciation toeveryone who contributed to my doctoral thesis is a treasured moment forme. I wish to thank Dr. Charlotte L. Lambert, my major professor, for her unfailing guidance, encouragement, trust, support, and time. I consider myself fortunate and a richer person for having had heras major professor. Words cannot express my deepest appreciation of her as a fine human being. Also, I am deeply indebted to Dr. Carvel W. Wood, Dr. Robert J. Houston, Dr. A. Marie Boarman, Dr. Les D. Streit, and Dr. Charles H. Dailey for serving as committee members throughout my graduate program. Their cheerful assistance and learned suggestions are appreciated. For their friendship, encouragement, interest, and help throughout my doctoral study,I am most grateful to Dr. Charles H. Dailey and his charming wife, Laura. These two persons will be impressed upon my memory eternally. My parents have always encouraged me to further my education, and their love and guidance formed the foundation of my schooling. I thank them both for their unconditional love and support through the past years. A very special thanks is expressed to my lovely wife, Suda, and to my wonderful daughters, Chalida (Gaye) and Sorada (Prim) for their sacrifices, encouragement, patience, love, and understanding during the many months of my doctoral study. Finally,I would like to thank all of the prominent leaders of physical education and sports organizations and auxiliary organizations of Thailand, particularly those on the Olympic Committee of Thailand and at Srinakharinwirot University, Palasuksa campus, for their kind support in this study. TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1 Statement of the Problem 10 Steps in the Solution of the Problem 11 Need for the Study 13 Definition of Terms 19 Description of Subjects 24 Limitation of the Study 26 2 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR INVESTIGATION OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS IN THAILAND 27 3 GENERAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF THAILAND 44 Geographical Features 45 An Outline of Thai History 50 Political, Socioeconomic, and Cultural Aspects of Thailand 58 Education 65 4 PHYSICAL EDUCATION, SPORT, TRADITIONAL SPORTS AND GAMES IN THAILAND 78 Historical Overview 78 Physical Education in the National Education Schemes 84 Traditional Sports and Games 86 Physical Education and Sports in the Educational Institutions 103 Interscholastic Sports Competition 112 Intercollegiate Sports Competition 113 Sports in Society 114 Government's Involvement in Physical Education and Sports 131 Professional Preparation 139 The Impact of Religion and Culture on Physical Education and Sports in Thailand 155 Senior Citizens and Sports in Thailand 160 Sport Programs in 1983 163 5 PRESENTATION OF THE OPINION POLL AND DISCUSSION 166 Introduction 166 Developing the Instrument 167 Composition of Study Population 168 Findings of Opinion Poll 172 Discussion 210 6 FUTURE PROSPECTS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS IN THAILAND 227 Blueprint of Physical Education and Sports 228 7 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 268 Conclusions 274 BIBLIOGRAPHY 276 APPENDICES Appendix A: Set One Opinionnaire 287 Appendix B: Set Two Opinionnaire 290 LIST OF FIGURES Figure Page 3.1 Map and topographical features of Thailand. 47 3.2 Provinces of Thailand. 49 3.3 Origin and range of the Thai peoples in SoutheastAsia, 13th century. 52 3.4 The government system of Thailand, 1984. 61 3.5 The organizational structure for the administration of education in Thailand. 71 3.6 The departments under the direction of the Ministry of Education. 72 3.7 The organizational structure of the Office of the Permanent Secretary. 73 3.8 Chart showing the educational system in Thailand. 76 3.9 Chart showing details of present educational system in Thailand. 77 4.1 Thai boxing competition held at Rachdamnern Boxing Stadium. 88 4.2 Sword and pole fighting. 91 4.3 Hoop takraw being played. 93 4.4 Net takraw (sepak takraw) being played. 94 4.5 Circle takraw being played. 95 4.6 Kite fighting at Pramane Ground. 98 4.7 Boat racing. 100 4.8 An exhibition of saba held at Phra Pradaeng,a district in Samut Prakarn province. 102 4.9 Map of Thailand showing 12 regional education centers. 105 6.1 The present organizational structure of physical education in the schools under the direction ofthe Ministry of Education and the Office of the University Affairs in Thailand. 263 6.2 The present governmental organization structure of sports for the society in Thailand. 264 6.3 The present nongovernmental organization structure of sports for the society. 265 6.4 Proposed organizational structure of sports in the educational institutions in Thailand. 266 6.5 Proposed organizational structure of sports in the society of Thailand. 267 LIST OF TABLES Table Page 2.1 Framework for the Study of Physical Education and Sports in Thailand 40 4.1 Sport Agency Budgets Derived from the National Government 138 4.2 Teachers' Colleges Offering Physical Education Professional Courses 146 4.3 Budgets Derived from the National Government for Professional Preparation Institutions for Physical Education 150 4.4 Sports Fields in Bangkok 153 4.5 Sports Fields in Bangkok and Their Quality 154 4.6 Sports Events in 1983 164 5.1 Responses to Statements on Role and Function of Physical Education and Sports in Thailand 174 5.2 Responses to Statements on the Purpose of the Government's Involvement in Physical Education and Sports in Thailand 176 5.3 Responses to Statements on Future Prospects of Physical Education and Sports in Thailand 177 5.4 Comparison of Responses Among the Five Groups of Respondents to Statements on the Role and Function of Physical Eduction and Sports in Thailand 180 5.5 Comparison of Responses Among the Five Groups of Respondents to Statements on Government's Involvement in Physical Education and Sports in Thailand 182 5.6 Comparison of Responses Among the Five Groups of Respondents to Statements on