http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/4567025

The role and function of physical education and sport in the nation building of Thailand

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 relationships. 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 organizations 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, equipment 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 organizational 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 utilization of physical education and sports in the nation building of Thailand.

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