Transmission guideline of Thai traditional-craftsmanship in the digital age

Abstract

From the past to the present, traditional craftsmanship has been adapted and developed according to the era through the continuous transfer of wisdom from generation to generation. Such transfer of wisdom includes the body of knowledge about various techniques and the value of exquisite beauty. However, if the development is focusing only on the products of the original craftsmen but not also on the creation of consumer groups and the means to present the traditional craftsmen work to suit the lifestyle of modern time, the craftsmanship will not be accessible and tangible to the people. Therefore, another interesting way to extend local wisdom is to create activities for learning and real practices. This article aims to study the approach for transmission of Thai traditional craftsmanship in the digital age. The study results reveal that the transmission of Thai traditional craftsmanship is divided into 4 methods as follows: (1) model development, (2) materials development, (3) tools development, and (4) production and marketing system development. All four methods must be developed together. Also, the study results of the trend of the general consumer behavior in the digital age revealed the following behaviors: (1) the increasing focus on the importance of the people who came in direct contact or experiences at present resulting in the longing for a deep and meaningful relationship, (2) the concept of self-acceptance which is different and more unique resulting in the more importance given to individual persons, and (3) the increasing realization of personal data security.