Tok Bidan : The existence and adaptation to modern medical knowledge in areas of deep south provinces, Thailand

Abstract

This research article aims to examine the existence of Tok Bidan as well as its adaptation in Thailand deep south provinces: Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. This study found that Tok Bidan in the provinces has considerably decreased due to the limitations of its inheritance, changes in people’s values and expansion of governmental public health in such areas. However, the change did not make it disappear as many people have still used such a service. They have instead adjusted it to suit modern governmental public health. It could be said that the integration of local wisdom into modern knowledge facilitates the existence of Tok Bidan in these areas.