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2.1) Thai Living Styles<br />

Thail<strong>an</strong>d is agricultural based on society located in Southeast Asia. The<br />

total population exceeds 62.6 million with <strong>an</strong> approximate density of 120 persons per<br />

square kilometre (Fry, 2002). Thai people are Buddhists. The life style of the people<br />

is strongly bound to the social community. Young children are taught to respect<br />

elders in the family <strong>an</strong>d the community. The father is considered as the family leader<br />

working outside while the mother is perceived as a house wife (Srivichit, 2004).<br />

The living style indicates that Thai children pay more attention to what<br />

their family thinks <strong>an</strong>d what their family would like them to do within the community.<br />

Investigating what they are thinking <strong>an</strong>d doing relatively to photosynthesis in the<br />

community e.g. pl<strong>an</strong>ts should be considered to identify student culture about<br />

photosynthesis.<br />

2.2) Thai Views about Pl<strong>an</strong>ts<br />

Pl<strong>an</strong>ts for Thai people are recognized for building <strong>an</strong>d as valuable <strong>an</strong>d<br />

spiritual subst<strong>an</strong>ces. Wood <strong>an</strong>d leaves of pl<strong>an</strong>ts are used to build the traditional<br />

tri<strong>an</strong>gular–roof Thai house (Buffalo villages, 2003). Flowers, <strong>an</strong>other part of pl<strong>an</strong>ts,<br />

are used as a valuable subst<strong>an</strong>ce to support <strong>an</strong>d respect the Buddha image or monks.<br />

In Thai local areas pl<strong>an</strong>ts, particularly huge trees such “Poe”, Ficus religiosa L., are<br />

also recognized as the spirit house or forest (Srivichit, 2004). The fact hat pl<strong>an</strong>ts<br />

physically provides water resources was additionally emphasized to the Thai people<br />

through the speech of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thail<strong>an</strong>d, on 4<br />

December 1993. This speech was given to the audience of well-wishers on the<br />

occasion of the Royal Birthday Anniversary at the Dusidalai Hall, Chitralada Villa,<br />

Dusit Palace.<br />

Thai people may have diverse views about pl<strong>an</strong>ts. Some of them may<br />

think pl<strong>an</strong>ts are producers or value pl<strong>an</strong>ts as a spirit home which they would like to<br />

conserve for the next generation. The students’ views must be investigated <strong>an</strong>d<br />

45

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