THE DEVELOPMENT OF ELDERS PARTICIPATION IN CONTINUING LOCAL WISDOMS THROUGH NARRATIVES: THE CASE OF BAAN NHOON SUB-DISTRICT, SONG DISTRICT, PHRAE PROVINCE

Abstract

              The study of Baan Nhoon local wisdoms was conducted by narrative approach with qualitative research which aims at finding local wisdoms through life experiences of elderly philosophers, identifying main obstacles in which hinder local wisdom revitalization, and co-creating feasible pathways for continuing local wisdoms towards sustainability. 7 elderly philosophers were cordially invited to in-depth interview and focus group discussion with purposive and snowball approach from the area-based researcher. The inquiry found that local wisdoms in Baan Nhoon District can be categorized into 6 types including recreation, community forest conservation, Lanna language, local rituals, herbal production and handcrafts. However, there are several obstacles for Baan Nhoon to revitalize local wisdoms i.e. modernization influence, consumerism and materialism, generation gap between elderly and youth, and cost-benefit dilemma for investing local wisdoms. Thus, Baan Nhoon community should rethink and improve some mechanisms for continuing its local wisdoms. For instance ; establishing the local museum, installing group/club/internal network that create consecutively local wisdom activities, developing community-based tourism integrated by eco-cultural perspective, integrating local wisdoms into school in term of “local curriculum”. Also, these suggestions will alternatively revitalize and continue Baan Nhoon’s local wisdoms towards sustainability based on social support and local participation.