Local People and Their Stories
Janpha Thadphoothon
Stories have been passed down from generation to generation, traveling from one location to the next. The art of storytelling has been significantly enhanced by digital technology and language, including translation.
In the distant past, stories told by less powerful people—local communities—might not have traveled far. However, today, these stories can reach much broader audiences due to increased education and technological advancements.
In this short article, I emphasize the importance of empowering local people to tell their own stories, including their folktales, histories, and creative narratives. By doing so, they can preserve their cultural identity and engage with outsiders, further developing their communities.
In the book "Creative Folklore in Thailand Today" by Siraporn Nathalang (CU Press, 2018), Thai stories are shown to be adaptable and enriched with creative elements. The author suggests that stories from local people are fused with traditional beliefs and creative elements. She wrote that:
"Creative traditions, after all, are not entirely newly invented; rather, they are re-constructed with reference to certain old beliefs and traditions." (p. 130).
Thai people, particularly those in rural areas, have a rich heritage rooted in oral tradition. For generations, they have honed the art of storytelling, infusing their narratives with creativity and imagination. This oral tradition allows stories to evolve, with different versions emerging over time. A single tale might be told in various ways, each version reflecting the unique perspective of the storyteller. This diversity in storytelling not only enriches the narrative itself but also adds layers of meaning, making the stories vibrant and deeply connected to the community's life and culture. The multiplicity of these versions is what makes local stories so captivating, reflecting the beauty and complexity of life itself.
In the same book, the author suggests that Thailand can harness the richness of its local communities and cultures by using folklore to add value to local products and enhance their identity. By incorporating traditional stories and cultural elements into these products, communities can express their unique identities, including their ethnic heritage, in a way that resonates both locally and globally. This approach not only strengthens their cultural identity but also serves as a powerful tool for sustainable development. By promoting and preserving these cultural narratives, communities can foster economic growth while maintaining a deep connection to their traditions, ensuring that their cultural legacy continues to thrive for future generations.
One of Thailand's significant challenges is the persistent inequality in development. As frequently highlighted by senior citizen and respected thinker Professor Dr. Prawase Wasi, the local people, particularly those in rural areas, have often been left behind, leading to the weakening of their communities. To address this issue, it is crucial that Thailand's development efforts prioritize the inclusion and well-being of these communities. The country must ensure that economic progress does not come at the expense of the cultural heritage and way of life of its rural populations. By focusing on inclusive development, Thailand can strengthen these communities, preserving their unique cultural identity while fostering sustainable growth that benefits all citizens.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established by the United Nations, emphasize the importance of empowering local communities as a key strategy for achieving sustainable development. Several SDGs directly address the development and empowerment of local people:
1. Goal 1: No Poverty - This goal underscores the need to end poverty in all its forms, with a focus on the most vulnerable, including those in rural areas. Empowering local communities with resources, education, and economic opportunities is essential to lifting people out of poverty and ensuring equitable development.
2. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - This goal promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, with full and productive employment for all. It emphasizes the need for inclusive economic growth that benefits all segments of society, particularly marginalized groups in rural areas. Empowering local people through job creation and support for local enterprises is a key aspect of this goal.
3. Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities - This goal calls for reducing inequality within and among countries. Empowering local communities is critical to addressing disparities in development, ensuring that rural and marginalized populations are not left behind. This includes promoting equal access to resources, opportunities, and services.
4. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - This goal focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It recognizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage and supporting local communities in their development, ensuring that urbanization and development efforts do not marginalize rural areas or erode local cultures.
5. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions - This goal promotes inclusive societies with access to justice for all and effective, accountable institutions. Empowerment of local people through participation in decision-making processes is essential for building strong institutions and fostering social cohesion.
6. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals - This goal highlights the importance of global partnerships in achieving the SDGs, including empowering local communities through collaboration with governments, civil society, and the private sector. Strengthening local capacities and fostering local leadership are key components of effective partnerships.
As we can see, the SDGs advocate for the empowerment of local people as a vital strategy for achieving sustainable development, reducing inequalities, and ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from development efforts.
I propose pushing the boundaries further by encouraging local stories to be told in a global language like English. Thailand, for instance, is enhancing its tourism industry as a key income strategy and a driver of national development. With its rich local cuisine, vibrant cultural practices, and stunning natural beauty, Thailand has much to offer. By telling these stories in English—a language understood by a significant portion of the global population—Thailand can become more accessible to international audiences, fostering greater cultural exchanges.
Additionally, sharing these narratives in English not only broadens the reach of Thailand's unique heritage but also plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting its cultural traditions on a global stage. This approach can help ensure that Thailand's rich cultural legacy continues to thrive, even as it engages with the world.
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