Approaches to Inheriting Wisdom of Thatch Roofing (Tab-jak): A Case Study of Ban Khuan Lon, Na Bin La Sub-district, Muang Trang District in Trang Province

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to examine the problems and approaches to transferring wisdom of thatch roofing (Tab-jak) through case study of Ban Khuan Lon, Na Bin La Sub-district, Muang Trang District in Trang Province. Mixed methods - quantitative and qualitative research design were employed and data were collected by using questionnaire, interview protocol, and observation from informations including wisdom owners, their families, community leader, and the locals. The collected data were categorized on basis of issues prior to finding themes and data characteristics. They were systematically analyzed, processed, and grouped. Report was written regarding validity of the data.

The results reveal that the problems of transferring the wisdom involve limited procedure i.e. transferring the wisdom to the family members and intimates by an individual or the elderly educator. Further, the thatching style is outdated and unattractive. Requiring perseverance and particular skills or direct experiences accounts for lack of inheritors. It is also found that the wisdom is ignored and poorly accessed by the entrepreneur since they mainly focus on supporting their offsprings’ education. This results in failure of establishing community enterprise because of missing understanding and knowledge of management and exploitation of nipa palm plantations as well as dissemination of the wisdom by using technological medias.

It is suggested that transferring process such as using anecdotes, describing, demonstrating, and practicing be adapted to the transformation in the era or current situation. Also, thatch roofing (Tab-jak) education should be promoted and spread to the other communities via local gathering.