KNOWLEDGE CREATION, KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE AND, THE USE OF KNOWLEDGE OF THAI TRADITIONAL MEDICINE WISDOM, DON KAEO COMMUNITY, MAE RIM DISTRICT, CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Abstract

The objective of this research article was to study knowledge creation, knowledge exchange and the use of knowledge of Thai traditional medicine wisdom in Don Kaeo community, Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai province. This study used a qualitative research process. Purposive sampling method was conducted. The informants were folk scholars with local wisdom, Thai traditional medicine knowledge who were licensed as practitioners of Thai traditional medicines in Don Kaeo Sub-district, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, totaling 10 people. In-depth interviews were used to collect the data. The data were analyzed by using content analysis. The results of the study found that the creation of Thai traditional medicine wisdom was created through practice for treating disease, preventing disease, promotion health and rehabilitation. The knowledge of Thai traditional medicine wisdom consisted of herbal medicine, knowledge of rituals for healing and knowledge of Thai massage. For the exchange of knowledge regarding Thai traditional medicine wisdom, it could be classified as informal exchange of knowledge, such as exchanging knowledge from friends or people who are interested in Thai traditional medicine and formal learning exchanges such as relevant agencies. The utilization of knowledge could be described as utilization for health care of oneself, family and community. From the results of the study, it may be applied for planning and disseminating knowledge of Thai traditional medicine wisdom in Don Kaeo Community, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province to the people or those interested in preventing the loss of knowledge of Thai traditional medicine wisdom, and bring knowledge of Thai traditional medicine wisdom, which is another alternative to the community health system for health promotion, health prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of the people in different contexts.