A study on the community's culture as related to the change in the production process of the Benjarong handicraft that leads to sustainable development in Baan Donkaidee village Donkaidee sub-district, Kratumban district, Samut Sakhon province
Abstract:
This research aims at studying changes in the production process of Benjarong or five-colored
porcelain handicrafts, the potential of the community's power that contributes to the changing production process
and the exportation of the handicrafts to the international market, as well as administration of rural development
through the cultural dimension by using Thai wisdom as a foundation for sustainable development. The research
method was qualitative; the data and information were collected from in-depth interviews with target groups.
It was found that the production process of Benjarong handicrafts has undergone changes through time.
They were initially produced to serve as royal regalia and utensils for kings and high ranking members of the royal
family. They were also made for wealthy citizens and common people. Nowadays, they are created in the form of
articles used in daily routine, souvenirs and for exportation. One major factor for the success of the products is the
strength of the community, which is considered as power that helps develop the community's potential based on
communal participation.
The strength of the Baan Don Kai Dee Village is a driving force in the production of Benjarong; the
result is its reputation and pride, not only of the products but also of the community. Besides the strength derived
from the kinship system, external factors also help enforce the strength. These factors include the participation of
the community's members in planning its business-oriented development, the people's beautiful minds, their
adherence to a virtuous, moral and ethical way of life, their refraining from exploitation of one another, their
eagerness to be involved in continuing education and the implementation of their creativity and its application in
the production of the exquisite Benjarong porcelain. The potential of the community in creating new cultural
inventions is a significant force behind the development. The power-oriented relations in the community result in
the awareness of the value of Benjarong porcelain. The community's traditions still cling firmly to the kinship
system and their respect for each other's individual rights; this reflects the power in their way of thinking and their
communal spirit. The community's members are proud of themselves and their community. They collaborate in
performing activities to maintain their reputations and the honor of their community.
As the management of power-oriented relations is concerned with wisdom and power, their development
is based on education. It has to depend on folk wisdom, which is a way of life and a process which leads to the
understanding of power-oriented relations which require participation from the majority of the community so as to
reach sustainable and fair objectives.
Major problems and obstacles are unqualified management of business-oriented development of the
community, expensive raw materials, the invented designs being infringed upon by outsiders, the lack of
acceptance from the public and the lack of promotion from the government sector in expanding the market for
Benjarong products.
Suggestions are that the government sector should create understanding to instill awareness of the value
of folk wisdom in youngsters in the community. Appreciating their way of life will enable them to create strength
within the community. Occupational promotion should be launched to ensure financial security to the people and
the community. The folk wisdom should be applied to development to yield the utmost benefits. The basic
structural system of the community should be supported. The general public should be encouraged to appreciate
local products. They should be urged to exchange views and opinions in their attempt to create new things. The
production process of Benjarong porcelain should be adjusted to cater to the consumers' taste and the need of the
market; at the same time, it should be able to maintain the unique value of the Benjarong porcelain.