Abstract

This investigation addresses the use of traditional knowledge in helping manage and solve problems of domestic violence in Northeastern Thailand. The results show that the causes of domestic violence are specific to the individuals concerned and include intoxication, drunkenness, gambling, adultery, unemployment, poverty, extravagant spending, inheritance, public health, and neurosis. Aside from these causes, differences in political opinion, beliefs and religion, deterioration of morality, and changes in educational background are further reasons for domestic violence. The people of Isan believe strongly in their ancestral origins, particularly in Jaokote, whereby elderly members of the family line and community will educate the young and help justly resolve any problems that occur. Traditionally, the knowledge of elders was used to solve problems of domestic abuse, but social and legal changes have reduced reliance upon and confidence in community elders. However, traditional knowledge, belief in ancestral hierarchy, and the principles of Jaokote are proven to solve the problems of domestic violence in Isan outside the legal apparatus. For this reason, it is necessary to revive the traditional beliefs in ancestral hierarchy to make them stronger and incorporate them into the formal legal framework for dealing with domestic violence. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize causes and solutions of domestic violence in Isan using traditional Isan knowledge and to provide a theoretical base for legal discussion.