Community-based Learning Tools for Strengthening Democracy Through the Transmission of Cultural Identity: The Case of Ethnics Pga K'nyau Food Culture in Special Socio-Cultural Zones of Chiang Mai, Thailand

An ethnic cultural tourism network is an essential tool for democratic education in fostering social sustainability and justice through the Village Temple School (Baworn Network). It supports community enterprises in developing entrepreneurial skills to adapt to technology and digital innovation in competitive markets, thereby strengthening community economies as well as enhancing local products. Leveraging the collaborative power of a civil society innovation network, this initiative fosters a cooperative, community-based economy, empowering beneficiaries to engage with online markets and develop value-added products that celebrate cultural identity. One outcome is the instant “Kaeng Khao Boe” (herbal rice porridge), a product designed to sustain a balance between preserving and utilizing the traditional wisdom of the Pga K’nyau people. Learning Democracy and strengthening community culture through local food is an effective and accessible way to attract new consumers. Beyond fostering creative innovation, this network creates accessible community learning resources that enhance human resources across all ages within a specific educational framework. This approach empowers the Pga K’nyau people to engage with digital media, helping them acquire contemporary knowledge while preserving their cultural heritage, traditional wisdom, and way of life. This process embodies sufficiency, morality, preservation, and sustainability, nurturing lifelong learning through various media, such as films, documentaries, and podcasts, including alternative formats for the visually impaired. Additionally, for non-Thai speakers, these media can be translated into English and Karen languages, allowing a greater understanding of Pga K’nyau’s ethnic and cultural identity. This initiative serves as a tool to cultivate democratic engagement among Pga K’nyau villagers, promoting ethnic cultural tourism and products in more sustainable ways.