“UNESCO” registers “Phuket-Chiang Mai-Bangkok-Sukhothai-Phetchaburi” as creative cities.

Mr. Anucha Burapachaisri, Deputy Secretary-General to the Prime Minister for Political Affairs and acting spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, General Prayut Chan-o-cha, expressed his congratulations to the five provinces – Phuket, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Sukhothai, and Phetchaburi – for being registered as Creative Cities in the categories of Gastronomy, Traditional Handicrafts, and Design by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). This reflects the government's work in driving the creative economy for sustainable urban development.

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network ( https://en.unesco.org/creative-cities ), established in 2547, is part of a project that builds upon the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) World Heritage list. It fosters collaboration between governments, the private sector, and academic institutions, connecting over 300 cities worldwide through policies ranging from local to international levels. The network focuses on developing creative industries and promoting sustainable economic and social development.

Member cities must check progress and prepare performance reports according to the project criteria every 4 years, divided into 7 fields: Crafts & Folk Art, Design, Film. , Food (Gastronomy), Literature (Literature), Media Arts (Media Arts) and Music (Music). Currently, UNESCO has registered 5 provinces in Thailand as creative cities in various areas as follows:

• Phuket Registered as a Creative Culinary City in 2558, Phuket has a traditional culinary culture and a cultural exchange that is passed down between generations. Over $3.6 billion in local economic value from food can be generated annually.
• Chiang Mai Province It was registered as a creative city for handicrafts and folk arts in 2560. Over the past several years, Chiang Mai continues to continue and support the craft industry. Which is a culture that has been transmitted for a long time, including pottery, silverware, wood carving, silk embroidery and lacquerware At present, Chiang Mai is the main source of employment for the handicraft industry of 159 entrepreneurs.
• Bangkok It was registered as a Creative Design City in 2562. Bangkok has a diverse population. There is a mix of traditional and new aesthetics. Evolving the design of the city Through craftsmen, entrepreneurs and creative manufacturing communities exist throughout the city.
• Sukhothai Province In 2562, Sukhothai was registered as a creative city for handicrafts and folk arts. Sukhothai has a long heritage of traditional arts and handicrafts. and is a center for the production of artisans with over 1,300 people working in the community such as weaving, gold and silver jewelry, ceramics and chinaware. The craftsmanship reflects ancient wisdom. and upgrading the economy of Sukhothai
• Phetchaburi Province It was registered as a creative food city in 2564 by Phetchaburi with its rich biodiversity and ecosystem, known for its high quality ingredients. There are traditional recipes of the community. and the integration of tradition into modern economic development. Local food has been adapted to be more widespread at the national and global level.

Mr. Anucha said that the Prime Minister is pleased with the results of the registration. which reflects the unique potential of each region in Thailand And it is considered another success from cooperation from the community level. to the government and private sectors that are involved in conserving, continuing, and developing wisdom and local culture It is a good example for other provinces or cities. The government has guidelines for promoting the creative economy. Increase the capacity of communities in the country Ready to support the social sector to be strong Create and develop your work into a business Continue to create economic value for the area.