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.