FACTORS RELATED TO PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE REGARDING SECTION 137 OF THE THAI CIVIL AND COMMERCIAL CODE: A CASE STUDY OF NONG BUA TAI SUBDISTRICT MUNICIPALITY, TAK PROVINCE

Abstract

          This research article aimed to examine the level of public knowledge regarding Section 137 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code and to investigate the factors related to such knowledge among residents of Nong Bua Tai Subdistrict Municipality, Tak Province. Section 137 is an important legal provision defining the concept of “property,” which affects legal rights and duties and is closely connected to people’s daily lives, particularly in contemporary social and digital contexts.

          This study employed a quantitative research design. The population consisted of residents living in Nong Bua Tai Subdistrict Municipality, Tak Province, aged 18 years and above. The sample size was 355 respondents, determined using Yamane’s formula. The samples were selected through stratified random sampling based on gender, age, and educational level.The research instrument was a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher. It was divided into sections including general demographic information, knowledge of Section 137, legal experience, and awareness of the importance of the law. The questionnaire was examined for content validity using the Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) by experts and demonstrated acceptable reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics to examine the relationships among variables. The level of statistical significance was set at 0.05.

          The findings revealed that the respondents had a moderate level of knowledge regarding Section 137 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code. Although most participants demonstrated a high level of awareness concerning the importance of the law and had some degree of legal experience, their legal knowledge remained at a moderate level. Furthermore, educational level, legal experience, and awareness of the importance of the law were found to be significantly related to the level of public knowledge. The study also indicated that most respondents acquired legal knowledge primarily through everyday life experiences rather than through formal legal education.

          Based on these findings, the study suggests that relevant agencies should promote continuous and accessible legal education programs that are connected to practical situations in daily life. In addition, legal knowledge dissemination should be adapted to contemporary social and digital contexts in order to enhance public understanding and encourage the appropriate exercise of legal rights and duties.