Research On Emergency Language Services In Thailand Under The COVID-19 Epidemic

In early 2020,the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pneumonia prompted the need for emergency language services.The COVID-19 epidemic has had a significant impact on various aspects of Southeast Asia,including the medical,political,and economic domains.Thailand initiated its epidemic emergency management efforts on March 26,2020,and concluded them on September 30,2022.While Thailand has not yet established a theoretical framework specifically focused on emergency language services,practical activities related to this field have been undertaken during the epidemic.By studying the implementation of emergency language services in Thailand within the theoretical framework of China,valuable insights can be gained as a case reference for examining emergency language services in other countries.This study utilizes literature analysis and case analysis methods,employing the theory of emergency language services proposed by Wang Lifei et al.as an analytical framework.The research focuses on the period from March 26,2020,to September30,2022,examining the practice of emergency language services in Thailand during the COVID-19 epidemic.Chapter 1 justifies the choice of topic and emphasizes the research’s significance.It provides a summary of the research status in the fields of language services and emergency language services,defines core concepts such as emergency,vulnerable groups,and emergency language services,and outlines the research methods and approach.Chapter 2 provides an overview of Thailand’s emergency management system during the COVID-19 epidemic.It traces the development history of the Emergency Management Act,highlights the severity of the COVID-19 epidemic for Thailand,and analyzes the legal framework and operational mechanisms of emergency management.Chapter 3 examines the various entities involved in implementing emergency language services,including government departments,educational and academic institutions,media,non-governmental organizations,intergovernmental organizations,and civil organizations.It investigates the practice of emergency language services in Thailand during the COVID-19 epidemic.Chapter 4 summarizes and analyzes the characteristics of emergency language services in Thailand during the COVID-19 epidemic.These include:(1)the progress in rule of law construction,which provides guidance for epidemic prevention work;(2)the effectiveness of collaborative operation mechanisms in enhancing the quality and efficiency of emergency language services;(3)the diverse display forms of services,facilitated by the application of information technology and information graphics;(4)the provision of language services addressing the language challenges faced by ethnic minority groups and multinational labor in Thailand,reflecting changes in Thai society’s attitude towards multilingual culture;and(5)the active involvement of non-governmental organizations and intergovernmental organizations in sharing the Thai government’s burden in epidemic prevention.The underlying reasons for these observations are analyzed,including the long-term impact of the "single language policy" on Thailand’s multilingual and cultural reality,the increased language needs arising from the ASEAN integration process,and the introduction of a language policy centered around "diversity and tolerance".Chapter 5 concludes by summarizing three paths of emergency language services in Thailand during the COVID-19 epidemic: independent action,joint cooperation,and a combination of joint and independent approaches.It also presents prospects for language services in the post-epidemic era.