The Existence of Sugar Palms Wisdom in Sathing Phra Peinsula in The Midst of Social Dynamics

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the existence of the wisdom of sugar palms in Sathing Phra Peninsula amidst social dynamic by data were collected from four occupational groups: a group of sugar palm fruit in syrup producers, a group of palm sugar powder producers, a group of sugar palm leaf lampshades producers, and a group of sugar palm soap producers. The data of this qualitative research were collected using in-depth interview, focus group discussion, participant observation and non-participant observation. The study found that in all the four occupational groups, the existence of the wisdom of sugar palms amidst social dynamics included a collection of databases about occupational groups related to wisdom of sugar palms showing locations, names, number of members and total incomes of the occupational groups. Moreover, the databases comprised conservation of wisdom of sugar palms from traditional wisdom to development of products; development of the wisdom of sugar palms up to date with the modern age by improving the production process and producing new products; transfer of the wisdom of sugar palms to society from transferring wisdom in family, in groups of housewives to transferring to people interested in sugar palms; promotion of learning activities related to wisdom of sugar palms by participating in activities organized by the government and the education sectors; participation in activities of the Annual Sugar Palm Fruit Fair of Sathing Phra District; establishment of a learning center to disseminate and exchange knowledge about sugar palms with other communities in the country and abroad; and promotion of local scholars as speakers to give talks about sugar palms.