The Model of Knowledge Management for Preservation of Local Wisdom of Thai Traditional Massage

Abstract

Since the knowledge management of Thai massage has not been in line with academic standard. While over the past 15 years, only few research studies have been done to on Thai massage. Thus, knowledge management in this field will help preserve this traditional wisdom for future use. The objectives of this research were to study problems and obstacles of knowledge management on Thai massage at the Thai Traditional Medicine Development Center and to develop digital media of knowledge management to preserve the local wisdom of Thai traditional massage at the Thai Traditional Medicine Development Center. The research areas were divided into four regions of Thailand: the central region, the northern region, the northeastern region, and the southern region. This study used the mixed method design by incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The qualitative method aims to study the status of knowledge management on Thai massage at the Thai Traditional Medicine Development Center. Content analysis based on documents, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions was conducted. The research instruments for qualitative data included interview questions and focus group discussions. The executives of the Thai Traditional Medical Center, the massage therapists, academics specializing in Thai massage, and Thai massage customers were the key informants. The quantitative method used a survey design to analyze the suitability of digital media through knowledge management. Descriptive statistics was employed in data analysis. A questionnaire to assess the suitability of digital media through knowledge management was used as the research instrument. The population included executives of the Thai Traditional Medical Center, the massage therapists, and Thai massage customers. The sample size was 593 persons selected by purposive sampling. It was found that the Union of Thai Traditional Medicine Society of Thailand might not have a clear understanding of the seven-step knowledge management process, particularly at the knowledge identification stage. A database of digital media related to Thai massage from all four regions was created for the preservation of the local wisdom of Thai Traditional Massage and published on social media. Specifically, the general Thai massage or Cha-Loi-Sak massage represents the local wisdom of the central region; the Tapping Line or Hammer massage represents the local wisdom of the northern region; the Langkasuka massage represents the local wisdom of the southern region; and the Khit-Sen massage represents the local wisdom of the northeastern region. Overall, the four types of Thai Traditional Massage focus on Sen Prathan Sib or the ten primary energy lines (paths) of Thai Traditional Massage.