Predicting Cultural Acceptance Among Students in Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces: Key Influencing Factors

Punya Tepsing, Kasetchai Laeheem () and Buskorn Komontree
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Punya Tepsing: Faculty of Liberal Arts, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
Kasetchai Laeheem: Faculty of Liberal Arts, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand
Buskorn Komontree: Faculty of Liberal Arts, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai 90110, Songkhla, Thailand

Societies, 2025, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-19

Abstract: (1) Background: Thailand’s three southern border provinces face challenges in fostering cultural acceptance due to historical conflicts and religious influences. Promoting understanding through schools and families is crucial for reducing tensions and building harmony. This research aimed to examine the relationships among key factors influencing students’ behavior in accepting cultural differences within the multicultural social context of Thailand’s three southern border provinces. (2) Methods: Data were collected through a survey of 601 student samples and analyzed using computer software to calculate Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression coefficients. (3) Results: The research results found six predictors that significantly predicted students’ behavior in accepting cultural differences in the multicultural social context of Thailand’s three southern border provinces at a 0.001 significance level. These predictors were as follows: religious guidance (X 1 ), attitudes toward cultural differences (X 4 ), student–peer relationships (X 6 ), understanding of cultural differences (X 5 ), student–teacher relationships (X 7 ), and encouragement to perform religious practices (X 3 ). (4) Conclusions: Six predictors, including religious guidance, attitudes, and relationships, explained 45.7% of behavior fostering cultural diversity. The findings highlight the vital roles of religion and interpersonal connections in promoting acceptance.

Keywords: cultural acceptance behavior; cultural differences; students; multicultural social context; three southern border provinces (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A13 A14 P P0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Z1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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