LOCAL WISDOM OF MON SAO-KRADONG COMMUNITY IN BANG PA-IN DISTRICT, PHRA NAKHON SI AYUTTHAYA PROVINCE IN MATARD PROCESSING

Abstract

This research aims to analyze local wisdom and the challenges in community resource management of Dillenia indica L. (Elephant Apple), and to propose integrative guidelines for the distinctive community resource and wisdom management for sustainability. This study was conducted by using a qualitative research methodology, designating Ban Sao Kradong Village, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province as the target area. Field data were col-lected through participatory observation coupled with in-depth interviews with 13 key inform-ants, who were selected via purposive sampling based on their roles in community resource management. These informants comprised local leaders and village committee members, local wisdom experts, and local villagers from the Mon Ban Sao Kradong Community, Khanon Luang Sub-district, Bang Pa-in District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The data were systematical-ly processed using content analysis and presented through an analytical description.

The research findings revealed that: 1. the processing methods of Elephant Apple juice rep-resent a local wisdom that reflects the unique cultural identity of the Mon people in Ban Sao Kradong Village, initiating from the selection of locally sourced Elephant Apples followed by various traditional processing stages before being packaged; and 2. from a contemporary eco-nomic perspective, Elephant Apple juice has not yet successfully generated sustainable sales or revenue for the community due to key limitations and barriers, which include seasonal raw ma-terial constraints as well as its distinctive flavor and texture profiles that limit its popularity among current market consumers. This research indicates that in order to successfully elevate the product for viable income generation in the modern era, the community alongside relevant public and private sectors must modernize the product to align with rapidly shifting consumer behaviors and contempo-rary economic trends. Consequently, the researcher offers policy and practical recommenda-tions for all stakeholders to collaboratively drive systematic community product development initiatives. This should be executed under a vision that preserves traditional cultural values while integrating modern food innovations and commercial development, thereby driving the local economy and establishing long-term stability and sustainability for the Mon Ban Sao Kra-dong Community in the future.