NEWS
2026.03.11
SSS #17: ASEAN-JAPAN Thailand Research Report
Seijo University’s International Research Center for Sports and Gender Equality (SGE) operates the YouTube channel "Sport for Social Solutions (SSS)". This channel highlights sports as a platform for addressing social issues, featuring a wide range of guests including experts, government officials, and athletes to share information and exchange ideas.
Seijo University’s International Research Center for Sports and Gender Equality YouTube Channel:
The theme for SSS #17 is "ASEAN-JAPAN Thailand Research Report."
Located in the heart of Southeast Asia and bordering four countries, Thailand is a nation where approximately 95% of the population is Buddhist, and a culture of deep respect for elders prevails. During Pride Month in June, the streets are decorated in rainbow colors, celebrating sexual diversity. In such a country, how are the challenges of sports and gender perceived?
As part of a Japan Sports Agency initiative, SGE leads the "ASEAN-JAPAN Actions on Sport: Gender Equality" project, where Japan and the governments of 11 ASEAN countries collaborate to promote gender equality through sports. A key component of this project is a research initiative launched in 2023 to identify challenges and needs related to women’s and girls’ sports participation.
Thailand was the seventh country included in this research. SGE postdoctoral researcher Yu Furuta and Research Assistant Taketoshi, who joined the team this fiscal year, reflected on their fieldwork.
Thailand’s Cultural Values Influence the Sports Environment for Women
Taketoshi highlighted perceptions of "gender roles" as a key point that emerged from the Thailand research. In addition to domestic stereotypes that housework is a woman's responsibility, there were views within organizations that decision-making should be handled by men. In response, Furuta pointed out that similar opinions have been heard in Japan and previously researched countries, suggesting that common norms exist to varying degrees.
These values also influence the sporting field. The first issue raised was the "lack of female coaches." Female interviewees expressed concerns regarding sexual harassment by male coaches. Furthermore, women face greater barriers to sports participation than men; for instance, female students made up only about 10% of the total enrollment at the sports university surveyed. There was an atmosphere where this gender gap was accepted as "inevitable."
Furuta also mentioned the "strong respect for elders" observed during group interviews. She noted that the tendency to respect and agree with the opinions of older individuals is prominent, and this culture can impact sports environments. Interviewees shared that parental wishes strongly influence whether children participate in or continue with sports.
The "Natural" Presence of the LGBTQ+ Community
The research team visited Thailand in June during "Pride Month," a time when activities and parades are held to celebrate sexual diversity and raise awareness of rights. Rainbow flags were displayed everywhere—a sight not often seen in Japan—which the research team enjoyed capturing through photos and videos.
The high level of awareness and understanding of diverse sexual identities was evident even during interviews. Due to the nature of this research focusing on women's sports participation, discussions tend to revolve around the binary of "male" and "female." However, in Thailand, respondents naturally remarked that "volleyball can be enjoyed by men, women, or people of any other gender" and "people who do not fit into the male/female binary also have the right to participate in sports." This was a first among the countries researched so far.
Furuta reflected, "It was a moment of self-reflection for us. I believe it is something we realized precisely because we were in Thailand." She noted that Thailand's deep-rooted attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community is a perspective that can be shared with Japan and other ASEAN nations, allowing countries to learn from one another while respecting each culture. "It is important to have a forum where each country can bring its own unique characteristics to the table," she stated, reaffirming the significance of SGE creating such spaces for Japan and ASEAN countries to progress together as one.
Watch the full video of this episode here.
Reports from previously researched countries:
Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, Brunei, and Malaysia.
