When Songkhla Earns a Place on the Global Map
UNESCO’s recognition of Songkhla as a Creative City of Gastronomy marks an important milestone for the province and for Thailand as a whole. This achievement places Songkhla on the global map, not only as a destination known for its food, but also as a city rich in culture, local wisdom, natural resources, and culinary heritage.
For Thai people, this recognition is more than a source of pride. It is also a valuable opportunity to create real impact for local communities, entrepreneurs, farmers, fishermen, restaurants, tourism operators, and the wider creative economy.
Assistant Professor Dr. Supatra Davison shared an important message: Thai people should be proud of this international recognition and make full use of it as a “global passport” that can open new doors for Songkhla and Thailand.
From Local Pride to Economic Opportunity
When a city receives international recognition from UNESCO, it naturally attracts more attention from tourists, investors, researchers, cultural organizations, and people who want to understand the story behind the place.
This gives Songkhla a strong opportunity to use food as a key driver of the creative economy. The province can further develop culinary tourism routes, create meaningful travel experiences, and increase the value of local ingredients that reflect its unique identity.
Songkhla’s food is not only about taste. It carries stories of geography, communities, cultural diversity, local knowledge, and ways of life that have been passed down through generations. These stories can become a powerful selling point that makes Songkhla stand out on the global stage.
Turning Local Ingredients into Community Soft Power
Local ingredients such as three-water seabass and mamuang bao, or small local mangoes, are strong examples of how Songkhla’s food identity can be developed into soft power.
Three-water seabass reflects the uniqueness of Songkhla’s ecosystem, where freshwater, saltwater, and brackish water meet. Mamuang bao, on the other hand, is a local fruit deeply connected to Southern Thai flavors, everyday life, and traditional food culture.
When these ingredients are presented through food, tourism, processed products, local brands, and cultural storytelling, they can become more than just ingredients. They can become symbols of Songkhla’s identity, helping generate income, support local businesses, and inspire younger generations to value the resources of their hometown.
Where Is the Opportunity for Thai People?
Songkhla’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy opens opportunities in many areas.
Food entrepreneurs can elevate local dishes with stronger storytelling and higher standards. Communities can develop products and tourism activities connected to local identity. Educational institutions and local organizations can help build knowledge, research, and networks that support Songkhla’s long-term development as a creative food city.
Tourists also play an important role. Every trip, every meal, and every purchase of local products can directly support local communities and strengthen the grassroots economy.
Songkhla as a Sustainable Food City
The true value of being a Creative City of Gastronomy is not about creating short-term attention. It is about building a sustainable ecosystem where local people can grow together.
From farmers and fishermen at the beginning of the supply chain to food processors, restaurant owners, tourism operators, and consumers, every sector can be connected through Songkhla’s food culture.
If all sectors work together and use this opportunity wisely, Songkhla will be more than a city marked on the world map. It will become a city that uses food to create income, strengthen local pride, promote sustainable tourism, and preserve its unique identity for future generations.
Watch the Full Video
Learn more from Assistant Professor Dr. Supatra Davison’s perspective on Songkhla’s opportunity as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy through the full video here:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/8REZT0f9hXk?si=5-s1FWIijgarMExA
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