Cultural practice in food preservation of Ban Thipuye Chalae Sub-district, Thongphaphum District, Kanchanaburi Province

Abstract

      This area study aimed to investigate cultural practice in food preservation of Ban Thiphuye, Chalae Sub-district, Thong Phaphum District, Kanchanaburi Province that affects food security in a cultural dimension based on the diversity of local resources.  The data of this qualitative study was collected through semi-structured interviews and in-depth interviews with subjects selected using purposive sampling.  Participant and non-participant observations were conducted in the study area which was Ban Thiphuye Village, Mu 3, Chalae Sub-district, Thong Phaphum District, Kanchanaburi Province.

      The study found that Ban Thiphuye, which is a community of Po Karen, is still an agricultural society in which people collect vegetables from natural sources for consumption.  They use herbs to treat their illnesses, and live a simple and peaceful life, and they love freedom.  They also depend on local resources and use wisdom passed down to them by their ancestors which shows the identity of this community.  The wisdom provides Karen people in this community with food preservation that makes food available for their consumption all year round. Their food preservation methods include fermentation, pickling, and drying which enable them to live with and manage natural diversity in a sustainable way.