3. Knowledge and Local Wisdom
Community knowledge is transmitted through tradition (Settaboonsang, 2006). Community knowledge is
obtained from both within and outside the community. It is used in ways that benefit the community and in ways
which it can be passed on. The Thailand Research Fund categorizes community knowledge into three classes. (1)
Knowledge to maintain the community is its history, important stories, main values, culture, traditions,
regulations, and the important teachings of the community. This knowledge is an indicator of the community’s
strength in the face of the flow of changing values. (2) Knowledge for a living is the knowledge of occupations,
religion, and training for development of the potential quality and health of the members. (3) Knowledge of
establishing harmony is the knowledge which comes from people’s enjoyment of life or the general knowledge
found in coffee shops, retail shops, or meeting places such as temple halls and school sport fields. This knowledge
includes storytelling, lullabies, harvest songs, everyday stories and general news. It establishes harmony through
close relationships, enjoyment and strength among the members. They value elders who have knowledge that
comes from life experiences (Thailand Research Fund, 2009, February 15).
3.1 Local wisdom is basic knowledge gained from living in balance with nature. It is related to culture in the
community which is accumulated and passed on. This wisdom can be both abstract and concrete, but the
important characteristics are that it comes from experiences or truth gained from life. The wisdom from real
experiences integrates the body, the spirit and the environment. It emphasizes respect for elders and their life
experiences. Moreover, it values morals more than material things (Nakorntap et. al., 1996).
3.2 Identity of Isaan (Northeastern) Local Wisdom. Each region has its own identity and local wisdom as well
as universal wisdom held in common. Isaan local wisdom or the wisdom of the people of northeastern Thailand
constitutes a simple way of living and benefits people in every status. The prominent characteristic is a strong
connection among extended family members. They put great value on the interaction between family and
community. People feel secure and happy. Importance is placed on the attainment of inner satisfaction. The
people gather together to perform work which cannot be accomplished by an individual acting alone. Work such
as building a house, a temple, a road, or dredging canals is done in a group which represents the essence of
helpfulness and harmony (Isaan Gate, 2012, April 17).
Na Thalang (2001), is an adjunct professor and the chairman of the Wisdom Foundation. He gives examples of
the use of local wisdom adapted to the new society and economy now being created and developed by the people
of this part of the country.
(1) Isaan people traditionally maintain close contact with relatives. This helps counterbalance money issues.
People traditionally share what they have with neighbors, resulting in less need of banks and other sources of
money. Morality and generosity are fundamental characteristics that maintain the stability of the people.
(2) From the painful lessons of industrial agriculture, many have come to embrace subsistence farming. This
includes growing rice, fruits, vegetables, and raising animals for their own consumption, and to share with others
in the community. Planting a variety of crops together is sometimes called Integrated Farming and is a
manifestation of their traditional wisdom.
(3) Many Isaan leaders have enough influence within their communities to help others resist outside forces. They
encourage the ideal of “Hedkin, Hedyoo” (living simply, and being self reliant) through the use of traditional
ways of Integrated Farming and thereby increase the number of self-sufficient farmers. Moreover, this has given
birth to an agricultural network based on local traditions. The network is evolving to conform to new situations
and contexts. Many leaders have the wisdom, knowledge and ability to influence methods of production and
consumption in accord with traditions.
In summary, Isaan people use their wisdom and accumulate knowledge as is reflected in numerous local proverbs
that put value on working smartly and wisely. One important value is to have knowledge and to use it wisely. For
example, when there is a job too big or too difficult for one person, the people will get together and find a
solution. Presently, people who have become self-sufficient have done so by using traditional local wisdom.
Communities which are considered strong get their strength from members who have learned their lessons and
have come to see the value of applying local knowledge and wisdom. These are important tools to help
individuals and communities survive and thrive in this age of complex problems.
3.3 Local Wisdom and Recent Situations in Globalization. Maybe the biggest problem humans face these days
is the inability to live harmoniously together. This ability can come from using local wisdom. People living in
modern cities should learn the old local wisdom and adapt it to their circumstances (Na Thalang, 2001).
The problems posed by globalization provoke many people to search for ways to better manage their lives. These
ways differ depending on the choices that individuals make. Wise and knowledgeable elders were indispensible
for this research, making it possible to choose an appropriate framework for communities to learn to live
responsibly and sensibly.
3.4 Obstacles to Transmission of Local Wisdom Local wisdom and knowledge in communities will of course
never vanish completely. Some things are however ignored, while some things are neglected, and it is these may
soon be forgotten. The following are examples.
Durian Plantation. The wisdom of durian culture at a plantation in Nonthaburi Province has been passed on from
elders to only a few descendants. Yet the majority of this has recorded in research papers. Researchers visit the
elders to conduct interviews regarding issues that interested researchers. The elders have worked with local
officials to set up a center for the preservation of local wisdom of durian farming. But no educational materials
have ever been written for systematic self-learning. The knowledge and wisdom that the elders have accumulated
remains mostly with them, and will vanish along with them (Uporanai, 2006).
Pottery. When capitalism appeared in this village in Uttaradit Province people started to refuse the traditional
wisdom. Although the elders have tried to pass their wisdom on to descendants, most of the young generation
have not been receptive. They say it is dirty work and that potters have a hard time making a living. The wisdom
of pottery making which has been passed on for centuries may come to the end with the passing of the seniors’
generation (Kettet, 2007).
Salt Boiling. Many communities in Isaan once produced salt using the knowledge of their ancestors. The locals
produced salt with a small investment and the people doing the work were mainly family members. Younger
people say the work is too hard for so little money. So, at present it seems that only one village in Isann still
produces salt in the traditional way (Kettet, 2007).
Natural Dyes. Natural dyes for dyeing cloth is found in forests. Bark, leaves, heartwood, fruit and fruit rinds can
all be used for dyeing. However, because of complicated procedures, lack of natural materials and easy
availability of chemicals, we notice a sharp reduction in the use of natural colors even though they have a high
quality. The natural resources required to make the dyes have been depleted due to the destruction of nature.
Science and technology have dramatically changed the more nature-based ways of living. The disappearance of
natural dyeing traditions in the country is a real possibility (Kettet, 2007).
We now face the problem of how to pass traditional wisdom on to the next generation. Loss of wisdom can
happen because of the causes mentioned above e.g., there is no written record, young people do not appreciate it,
the materials are lacking, the procedures are complicated, or industrial products take over. The question is, how to
maintain and revive rapidly disappearing local wisdom, especially the wisdom of Isaan, which is the treasure of
its people.
Besides the knowledge and local wisdom which should be preserved, there also exists misunderstandings and
misguided beliefs. People believe in these things so it is likely that they will become more widespread in the
future. The beliefs in ghosts, mysticism and fortunetelling are wide spread among people of every age, even
among the leaders of the country, and are propagated through media such as television, the Internet, radio, and
books, magazines and newspapers. These beliefs are barriers to seeing the real causes of people’s problems. These
beliefs are damaging to individuals, families, communities, societies, and even the country.
3. Knowledge and Local Wisdom
Community knowledge is transmitted through tradition (Settaboonsang, 2006). Community knowledge is
obtained from both within and outside the community. It is used in ways that benefit the community and in ways
which it can be passed on. The Thailand Research Fund categorizes community knowledge into three classes. (1)
Knowledge to maintain the community is its history, important stories, main values, culture, traditions,
regulations, and the important teachings of the community. This knowledge is an indicator of the community’s
strength in the face of the flow of changing values. (2) Knowledge for a living is the knowledge of occupations,
religion, and training for development of the potential quality and health of the members. (3) Knowledge of
establishing harmony is the knowledge which comes from people’s enjoyment of life or the general knowledge
found in coffee shops, retail shops, or meeting places such as temple halls and school sport fields. This knowledge
includes storytelling, lullabies, harvest songs, everyday stories and general news. It establishes harmony through
close relationships, enjoyment and strength among the members. They value elders who have knowledge that
comes from life experiences (Thailand Research Fund, 2009, February 15).
3.1 Local wisdom is basic knowledge gained from living in balance with nature. It is related to culture in the
community which is accumulated and passed on. This wisdom can be both abstract and concrete, but the
important characteristics are that it comes from experiences or truth gained from life. The wisdom from real
experiences integrates the body, the spirit and the environment. It emphasizes respect for elders and their life
experiences. Moreover, it values morals more than material things (Nakorntap et. al., 1996).
3.2 Identity of Isaan (Northeastern) Local Wisdom. Each region has its own identity and local wisdom as well
as universal wisdom held in common. Isaan local wisdom or the wisdom of the people of northeastern Thailand
constitutes a simple way of living and benefits people in every status. The prominent characteristic is a strong
connection among extended family members. They put great value on the interaction between family and
community. People feel secure and happy. Importance is placed on the attainment of inner satisfaction. The
people gather together to perform work which cannot be accomplished by an individual acting alone. Work such
as building a house, a temple, a road, or dredging canals is done in a group which represents the essence of
helpfulness and harmony (Isaan Gate, 2012, April 17).
Na Thalang (2001), is an adjunct professor and the chairman of the Wisdom Foundation. He gives examples of
the use of local wisdom adapted to the new society and economy now being created and developed by the people
of this part of the country.
(1) Isaan people traditionally maintain close contact with relatives. This helps counterbalance money issues.
People traditionally share what they have with neighbors, resulting in less need of banks and other sources of
money. Morality and generosity are fundamental characteristics that maintain the stability of the people.
(2) From the painful lessons of industrial agriculture, many have come to embrace subsistence farming. This
includes growing rice, fruits, vegetables, and raising animals for their own consumption, and to share with others
in the community. Planting a variety of crops together is sometimes called Integrated Farming and is a
manifestation of their traditional wisdom.
(3) Many Isaan leaders have enough influence within their communities to help others resist outside forces. They
encourage the ideal of “Hedkin, Hedyoo” (living simply, and being self reliant) through the use of traditional
ways of Integrated Farming and thereby increase the number of self-sufficient farmers. Moreover, this has given
birth to an agricultural network based on local traditions. The network is evolving to conform to new situations
and contexts. Many leaders have the wisdom, knowledge and ability to influence methods of production and
consumption in accord with traditions.
In summary, Isaan people use their wisdom and accumulate knowledge as is reflected in numerous local proverbs
that put value on working smartly and wisely. One important value is to have knowledge and to use it wisely. For
example, when there is a job too big or too difficult for one person, the people will get together and find a
solution. Presently, people who have become self-sufficient have done so by using traditional local wisdom.
Communities which are considered strong get their strength from members who have learned their lessons and
have come to see the value of applying local knowledge and wisdom. These are important tools to help
individuals and communities survive and thrive in this age of complex problems.
3.3 Local Wisdom and Recent Situations in Globalization. Maybe the biggest problem humans face these days
is the inability to live harmoniously together. This ability can come from using local wisdom. People living in
modern cities should learn the old local wisdom and adapt it to their circumstances (Na Thalang, 2001).
The problems posed by globalization provoke many people to search for ways to better manage their lives. These
ways differ depending on the choices that individuals make. Wise and knowledgeable elders were indispensible
for this research, making it possible to choose an appropriate framework for communities to learn to live
responsibly and sensibly.
3.4 Obstacles to Transmission of Local Wisdom Local wisdom and knowledge in communities will of course
never vanish completely. Some things are however ignored, while some things are neglected, and it is these may
soon be forgotten. The following are examples.
Durian Plantation. The wisdom of durian culture at a plantation in Nonthaburi Province has been passed on from
elders to only a few descendants. Yet the majority of this has recorded in research papers. Researchers visit the
elders to conduct interviews regarding issues that interested researchers. The elders have worked with local
officials to set up a center for the preservation of local wisdom of durian farming. But no educational materials
have ever been written for systematic self-learning. The knowledge and wisdom that the elders have accumulated
remains mostly with them, and will vanish along with them (Uporanai, 2006).
Pottery. When capitalism appeared in this village in Uttaradit Province people started to refuse the traditional
wisdom. Although the elders have tried to pass their wisdom on to descendants, most of the young generation
have not been receptive. They say it is dirty work and that potters have a hard time making a living. The wisdom
of pottery making which has been passed on for centuries may come to the end with the passing of the seniors’
generation (Kettet, 2007).
Salt Boiling. Many communities in Isaan once produced salt using the knowledge of their ancestors. The locals
produced salt with a small investment and the people doing the work were mainly family members. Younger
people say the work is too hard for so little money. So, at present it seems that only one village in Isann still
produces salt in the traditional way (Kettet, 2007).
Natural Dyes. Natural dyes for dyeing cloth is found in forests. Bark, leaves, heartwood, fruit and fruit rinds can
all be used for dyeing. However, because of complicated procedures, lack of natural materials and easy
availability of chemicals, we notice a sharp reduction in the use of natural colors even though they have a high
quality. The natural resources required to make the dyes have been depleted due to the destruction of nature.
Science and technology have dramatically changed the more nature-based ways of living. The disappearance of
natural dyeing traditions in the country is a real possibility (Kettet, 2007).
We now face the problem of how to pass traditional wisdom on to the next generation. Loss of wisdom can
happen because of the causes mentioned above e.g., there is no written record, young people do not appreciate it,
the materials are lacking, the procedures are complicated, or industrial products take over. The question is, how to
maintain and revive rapidly disappearing local wisdom, especially the wisdom of Isaan, which is the treasure of
its people.
Besides the knowledge and local wisdom which should be preserved, there also exists misunderstandings and
misguided beliefs. People believe in these things so it is likely that they will become more widespread in the
future. The beliefs in ghosts, mysticism and fortunetelling are wide spread among people of every age, even
among the leaders of the country, and are propagated through media such as television, the Internet, radio, and
books, magazines and newspapers. These beliefs are barriers to seeing the real causes of people’s problems. These
beliefs are damaging to individuals, families, communities, societies, and even the country.
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