Authors : Somchai Wanlu , Songkhoon Chantachon and Boonlert Rachote
Abstract: All urban and rural communities in Thailand have strong beliefs in religion. The belief in religion can be considered as cultural philosophy with practices and trust in spirits, rituals and exorcise. The use of local cultural philosophies must also be used with local indigenous knowledge of the community. Traditions and customs of Isan communities is a blend of Thai Lao cultures. The livelihood of local Isan communities still adhere to Heet 12 and Khong 14 traditions which are celebrated and practiced throughout the year. These traditions are intertwined with the communities in regards to social, economic and cultural disputes. In the past and present, desisting disputes between individuals within the community have been tried by first using traditional and local cultural means of mending and reconciliation. Tradition, Culture, village rules, beliefs, vows, superstitious rituals and the teachings of Buddha were first applied to social and economic arguments. Desisting social disputes by means of mercy, compassion and responsibility, sacred rituals, vows and sincerity is a practical method that can be applied to modern cases. The main obstacle in adapting Heet12 and Klong 14 traditions to modern problems but still needs legal backing and sufficient human resource training in rural communities.
Somchai Wanlu , Songkhoon Chantachon and Boonlert Rachote , 2009. An Application of Isan Local Indigenous Knowledge in Suppression of Social Disputes. The Social Sciences, 4: 180-185.