The Thai and Dao communities boast a huge repository of folk knowledge that has been recorded in written form, with a system of valuable ancient books. These books cover a wide range of topics, including creation myths, the stories about the origin of the ethnic groups, agricultural practices, teachings on human conduct, calendars, and songs performed in traditional rituals.

One of the keepers of these books, Ly Van Chin in Suoi Khem hamlet, Phieng Luong commune, Moc Chau district, keeps the Dao ethnic group's ancient books as a valuable asset. He said, "The Dao's ancient books include many volumes featuring the origin of the Dao people, moral teachings, philosophy of life, stories, folk songs, and are a vast source of knowledge. To fully understand the meaning of these books, one must know the Dao Nom script. Therefore, as long as I am in good health, I will continue to teach my children and grandchildren the writing and knowledge of our group."

People's Artisan Lo Van La has devoted more than half of his life to studying, compiling, and preserving the ancient books of the Thai people. He said, "I want to preserve our group’s traditional script and keep our ancient knowledge in written form, so that future generations can learn about it and easily access it."

At present, the ancient books of ethnic minorities are mostly passed down orally by shamans, folk artisans, and elders who are knowledgeable about their culture. Most of these ancient texts are written with Chinese ink on “do” (poonah) paper, which can easily deteriorate if not properly preserved. As a result, the books handed down from generation to generation are often copies that have been rewritten to maintain their continuity.

To preserve these ancient books - the cultural heritage of ethnic minority groups, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has undertaken field surveys and collected ancient texts to support preservation efforts. The provincial Museum and the provincial Library currently house over 1,518 ancient Thai books and 418 Dao books, categorized into genres such as literature, history, belief, and others.

According to Ngo Thi Hai Yen, Director of the provincial Museum, since 2011, using funds from the National Target Programme and the provincial budget, the museum has digitized 910 ancient Thai books and created a digital data bank. It has purchased software for artifact management to store and promote the value of ancient Thai books. “We are also working hard to digitize the remaining books in our collection and preserve them in digital form, making management and retrieval easier," she added.

The provincial Museum has showcased some of these ancient books. To date, over 1,000 books in its collection have been cataloged, with more than 100 books collected and transferred. A total of 1,003 books have been summarized, and 78 others have been translated, significantly improving the management, preservation, and promotion of the ancient books.

With the digitized data from the ancient books, translations, and summaries, readers can easily search for information and explore the content of the books and the cultures of the ethnic groups. The ancient manuscripts displayed in the museum also serve as valuable resources for future generations to learn about the traditional scripts of the ethnic minorities.

The provincial Museum has showcased some of these ancient books. To date, over 1,000 books in its collection have been cataloged, with more than 100 books collected and transferred. A total of 1,003 books have been summarized, and 78 others have been translated, significantly improving the management, preservation, and promotion of the ancient books.

With the digitized data from the ancient books, translations, and summaries, readers can easily search for information and explore the content of the books and the cultures of the ethnic groups. The ancient manuscripts displayed in the museum also serve as valuable resources for future generations to learn about the traditional scripts of the ethnic minorities.