Ramkhamhaeng International Journal of Science and Technology

Exploring the Fascinating World of Fractals

Tippaporn Eungrasamee — 2024-12-31

Fractals are complex geometric structures defined by self-similarity, infinite detail, and non-integer dimensions. This article introduces the basic properties and formal definition of fractals. The methods for generating fractals through recursive algorithms and iterative functions are discussed with examples such as the Mandelbrot set, Sierpinski triangle, and Koch snowflake.

Applying Ocean Account in Thailand: Lessons learned and challenges from the Phang Nga Bay Pilot Project

Orapa Suwattano — 2024-12-31

Oceans are composed of various marine and coastal ecosystems, contributing to global biodiversity and providing essential services to humanity. However, anthropogenic pressures such as overexploitation, pollution, and climate change threaten the health of marine ecosystems, degrading the quality of ecosystem services and thus affecting socio-economic development and livelihoods. The concept of an ocean account emerges as a tool to quantify and value the services provided by the ocean, facilitating informed decision-making for sustainable management. In this paper, we introduce the core concept of ocean account and its application through the case illustration of the Phang Nga Bay Ocean Account Project. Relevant secondary data and primary data were compiled and systematically analyzed under the ocean account framework. Remote sensing technology and current models were employed to determine spatially analytical units: drainage basins and marine regions. For each analytical unit, ecosystem assets and conditions, as well as governance accounts were established for key ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, rare marine animals, etc.; human activities were also spatially analyzed. An example analysis of solid waste flow revealed the land-sea interaction in terms of pollution. From an economic perspective, the value added from the ocean in 2017 was 417,339 million baht consisting of directed marine economic activities (214,415 million baht) and activities related to marine tourism (202,923 million baht), employed 178,911 people. The main challenge is the data availability of the ecosystem and economy, making the interaction between ecosystem-economic sectors more difficult. This highlights that the ocean account framework is valuable as basic scientific information that supports other management tools, particularly marine spatial planning. Lessons learned and challenges from the Phang Nga Bay Pilot Project serve as an initial step and model for using this concept in other areas in Thailand, contributing to the effective management of marine and coastal ecosystems in Thailand.

Coral diseases outbreaks for massive coral (Porites lutea) at reef communities of Samui Island, and the adjacent area, Surat Thani province

Sirusa Kritsanapuntu — 2024-12-31

Coral disease surveys were conducted using belt transect method in two shallow reefs of Samui Island group, Surat Thani province: Ban Thongkrut Bay, Samui Island and Auk Bay, Tan Island. Six diseases and syndrome were found; White Plague (WP), Pink Line Syndrome (PLS), Porites White Patch Syndrome (PWPS), Pacific Yellow Band Disease (YBD), White Syndrome (WS), and Growth Abnormalies (GA). Porites lutea is a major species on our surveyed reefs and showed the highest infected (5 diseases). Mean disease prevalence of P. lutea in Tan Island (19.64 ± 2.25%) was higher than Thongkrut Bay (16.57 ± 2.21%). PWPS was the highest occurrence in both areas, followed by WP and PLS. The results of this study provided baseline knowledge of coral diseases outbreaks for massive coral (Porites lutea) at shallow water reef communities of Samui Island, to be used for further monitoring programs of coral disease outbreaks in Thai waters

Perceived Brand Equity and the Intention to Purchase Financial Products to Support the Voluntary Retirement of the Thai Working-Age Population in the Digital Economy Era

Sirintra Saipavun — 2024-12-31

This study investigates how perceived brand equity influences the intention to purchase financial products tailored to support voluntary retirement among Thailand's working-age population in the digital economy era. Amidst rapid technological advancements and demographic changes, the findings aim to provide actionable insights for financial institutions and policymakers. The study focuses on financial products supporting voluntary retirement under the third pillar of the Five Pillar Framework proposed by the World Bank. In Thailand, this framework encompasses four financial products designed for personal wealth planning for retirement, offered by three relevant entities: 1) Asset Management Companies, providing Retirement Mutual Funds (RMF) and Provident Funds (PVD) 2) Life Insurance Companies, offering pension-based life insurance products and 3) The National Savings Fund (NSF), which provides retirement savings services specifically for self-employed individuals who lack retirement security from the government. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires completed by 600 working-age individuals nationwide, from August 2022 to September 2024. Quantitative data analysis included calculating frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and hypothesis testing using Pearson correlation coefficients. This study emphasizes the critical role of perceived brand equity in influencing the intention to purchase financial products for voluntary retirement planning. By leveraging insights from this research, financial institutions and policymakers can develop strategies to support the financial well-being of Thailand's working-age population in the digital economy era.