Communities with sustainable natural resource management are led to exploit their land and produce with high
technology machines that damage natural resources. Living a simple, modest life is now viewed by many people
as backwards and living in poverty. Thai communities follow richer countries in their development models.
Natural resources are devastated and traditional wisdom and values are destroyed (Chusakun, 2009, September
15).
Thailand is affected by globalization which causes a lot of problems. It is increasingly necessary for communities
to rely on local knowledge. Traditional communities are holistic learning units where direct learning and teaching
is simply the natural way of life. Passing on knowledge in this way necessarily operates at every level of every
activity – individual, family, community, community networks, and even the whole nation – because problems
arise and spread through every level. Change happens when individuals start with themselves and then gather
people together to learn about communal problems and find solutions (Wijarn, 2006).
Weak communities that become strong begin with self-learning. The members must see the causes of their
problems. It is unlikely that even smart, skilled, caring and conscientious development experts and government
officials can solve communities’ problems. They are outsiders, and