Abstract:
The purposes of this study were to explain the development of the meaning of intelligence in Thai society, to analyze the signs appearing in advertisements and sales promotion activities of two smart drink products, and to examine intelligent cultural consumption through students perception. The study employed a qualitative approach as the main research method, and numerous academic and historical documents were reviewed in order to explain the development of the meaning of intelligence in different Thai social contexts. To understand the construction of meaning in the promotion of these two smart drink products, many advertisements, and various sales promotion activities were analyzed for their semiotic meanings. Moreover, in-depth interviews and observation were also used for data collection from students. The study found that the meaning of intelligence in Thai society from the past through semiotics and cultural practices has related to education even though the meanings are different according to social contexts. Nowadays, particularly in a consumer society, the meaning of intelligence has slightly changed. It has created a myth that people can become clever by consuming supplementary foods and drinks. Thus, these smart drink products make use of this myth to increase their sales volume. Furthermore, the educational pressure from high competition in admission examinations and other educational situations forces students to be winners. This also makes the myth more powerful. Although students understand the myth, they believe that drinking these smart drink products, at least, can help them as mental support to get a higher score, have a better memory, or help them pass a university admission examination for a faculty that they desire. No one can confirm that drinking these smart drink products can really help. The result of the study revealed that these smart drink products serve a new need in Thailands instant consumer society in which people live a fast-paced lifestyles and desire immediate results in their everyday life. This means that Thai people will be enticed to consume many new instant foods and drinks in order to meet their needs and desires.