The public perception toward stem cell technology in Thailand.

Abstract

The stem cell technology is considered as an emerging technology with many unknown, public cannot totally depend on knowledge to justify the acceptance and perception toward it. This study aims to identify any factors that influence the perception of public toward stem cell technology in Thailand by conducted a survey through internet channel on Thai population. In conclusion, demographics that actual influence the stem cell technology perception are gender, education level, and income level but not religious belief as previously reported in other countries. Thai society relies on knowledge than familiarity to set a perception which contrasts with other societies. The public perception on stem cell technology requires media attention level of public and reliability of media sources and the trustworthy key persons such as scientists (support by university not private) and medical doctors as the key persons to communicate the technical information. With right information and communication, the public will perceive benefits of this technology and use it to build the right perception on stem cell technology. These factors can be adapted by government and private sectors for preparation of public and building the right perception toward stem cell technology.