Wisdom about Folk Crafts in Way of Life of the Khmer People in Thailand, Surin Province

Abstract

          The objectives of this qualitative research were: 1) to study the history, practical steps, and components in way of life of  the  Khmer people  in  Thailand,  Surin  province; 2) to study the wisdom of folk craftsmanship that appears in way of life of  the  Khmer people  in  Thailand,  Surin  province; and 3) to propose guidelines for knowledge management of the wisdom of folk craftsmanship in way of life of  the  Khmer people  in  Thailand,  Surin  province accompanied by the Social Studies, Religion and Culture Department. Data were collected through field study, observation, interview, and authentic practicum. There were 25 participants participated in this study.

          The study found that;

          Way of life of  the  Khmer people  in  Thailand,  Surin  province have the history, practical steps, and components that appear in the 4 life stages including:        1) brith;  2) aging;  3) illnes; and 4) death that represent the uniqueness of each life stage.

          Wisdom about folk Crafts in way of life of the  Khmer people  in  Thailand,  Surin  province can be found in 4 traditions including: 1) the worship of Juam Khru Kamnoet; 2) Topknot-Cutting ceremony;   3) ordination ceremony; and 4) funeral ceremony. Further, the wisdom of folk craftsmanship the life traditions of Thai-Khmer Surin people can be also found in 3 rituals including: 1) renewal merit ritual; 2) ritual to change one's bad fortune; and 3) Mamuad ritual.  

          According to knowledge management, Wisdom about Folk Crafts in way of life of the  Khmer people  in  Thailand,  Surin  province is produced to use in the Social Studies, Religion and Culture Department.