Determinants of Child Marriage in Thailand: A Study among the Hmong Communities and Southernmost Provinces
Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
19064675
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85206823092
Journal Title
Journal of Behavioral Science
Volume
19
Issue
3
Start Page
30
End Page
45
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Behavioral Science Vol.19 No.3 (2024) , 30-45
Suggested Citation
Taesilapasathit C. Determinants of Child Marriage in Thailand: A Study among the Hmong Communities and Southernmost Provinces. Journal of Behavioral Science Vol.19 No.3 (2024) , 30-45. 45. Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/101767
Title
Determinants of Child Marriage in Thailand: A Study among the Hmong Communities and Southernmost Provinces
Author(s)
Author's Affiliation
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background/problem: Child marriage in Thailand has never received adequate academic recognition. Without knowledge of the fundamental determinants of child marriage in the country, it is difficult for Thailand to effectively deal with child marriage. Objective/purpose: This study aimed to explore the determinants that facilitate the ongoing practice of child marriage in two areas of Thailand: the Hmong communities in the northern provinces and the Muslim communities in the southernmost provinces. Design and Methodology: A constructivist grounded theory research methodology was applied in this study, with the use of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions as tools for data collection. A total of 113 participants voluntarily took part in this study. Findings: Three similar themes were found in both study areas: patriarchy and culture, a taboo of pre-marital sex and pregnancy outside of wedlock, and intergenerational oppression. The main differences among the Hmong communities and the Muslim communities in the south were the doctrines, which laid the cultural foundation for the two areas. Conclusion and Implications: The findings highlight the significant determinants that influence child marriage in the two study areas of Thailand. Any future programs aiming to eradicate child marriage in the country could apply the results from this study as foundations of their works.