Chiang Rai, Suphanburi get UNESCO recognition as ‘creative cities’

Minister of Culture Sermsak Pongpanit said that Chiang Rai province had been recognised by the UN body as a "City of Design”, and Suphanburi province as a "City of Music”, on October 31.

A total of 55 cities worldwide were certified as part of the Creative Cities Network.

All 55 creative cities have been recognised for their role in increasing cultural access, fostering creativity, and leveraging culture and creativity for sustainable urban development. They also embrace innovative practices in planning and manage the cities with a focus on the well-being of their citizens.

The heads of the newly chosen 55 cities will be invited to participate in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network annual meeting in 2024, taking place from July 1-5, in Braga, Portugal, under the theme "Bringing Youth to the Table for the next decade”.

The Ministry of Culture, as a government agency, said it was focused on harnessing culture to drive economic growth. It is committed to promoting income generation through cultural tourism and making culture a mechanism for connecting and building diplomatic relationships with various countries. This approach aims to widen the diversity of identities, beliefs, and ideas within Thailand, positioning the country as a destination for people who excel in various fields and as a catalyst for future national development, Sermsak said.

"With the recent certification of Chiang Rai and Suphanburi as creative cities, these cities are expected to become significant cultural tourism destinations that will stimulate economic growth and undoubtedly increase the value of cultural tourism," Sermsak said.

The five cities in Thailand that have been certified as members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network are:

▪︎ Phuket - City of Gastronomy (certified in 2015)

▪︎ Chiang Mai - City of Crafts and Folk Art (2017)

▪︎ Bangkok - City of Design (2019)

▪︎ Sukhothai - City of Crafts and Folk Art (2019)

▪︎ Phetchaburi - City of Gastronomy (2021)

These cities have gained recognition and prominence on a global scale, fostering cultural exchanges and learning opportunities. As a result, there has been an increase in tourism and cultural exploration in these cities, Sermsak said.

Additionally, Chiang Mai will have the opportunity to host the annual conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, the 17th annual conference, in 2025.

On this occasion, Thailand will also advocate for Chiang Mai to be registered as a creative city from Thailand in the “Crafts and Folk Art” category.