Abstract
The traditional diet in Northeastern Thailand is widely known for its non-domesticated, gathered food component. In this region, gathered food especially plants, can act as a link among individuals, families and community members. Women's gathering activities create an intensive interaction between members of the community and the plant resources. These interactions are being affected by the recent increase in the marketing of gathered food resources. Changes are occurring in the selection and management of certain plants, in gathering practices, in dietary patterns, and in social relationships involving reciprocity and exchange of gathered food. These findings are discussed in the context of increasing participation in the cash economy and regional environmental changes.