The Power of Cross-Network Learning: Songkhla Province Drives Collaboration for “Songkhla Creative City of Gastronomy” in Bangkok and Phetchaburi
To enhance the potential of its working committees and establish domestic creative city alliances, Songkhla Province organized a series of knowledge-sharing and networking activities from February 5 to 8, 2026, in Bangkok and Phetchaburi. A delegation of 30 working group members and relevant stakeholders participated in this mission to study and exchange expertise across various dimensions essential to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
A Journey of Learning: 4 Days, 8 Strategic Activities Throughout the mission, the delegation engaged in key activities vital to urban development, categorized into four primary dimensions.
- Cultural Strategy Dimension: Attended a meeting on driving creative cities at the Ministry of Culture and met with the Governor of Bangkok at the Bangkok City Hall to discuss strategic directions for cultural-led urban development.
- Education and Creative Innovation Dimension: Visited Dusit Thani College for a knowledge exchange on culinary science and studied world-class festival management with the Bangkok Design Week team at TCDC.
- Business and Food Innovation Dimension: Studied cultural-based restaurant management models at Yoong Kluea Ban Laem and explored food innovation through local delicacies (Khanom Mo Kaeng) at Lung Anek in Phetchaburi Province.
- Research and Community Dimension: Participated in a collaborative meeting with the Phetchaburi Creative City working group and received research briefings on urban development from Silpakorn University. The mission concluded with a study of community-based livelihoods at the Phanit Charoen Old Town district.
Key Takeaways from the Working Group Post-activity surveys revealed significant multifaceted benefits that will serve as a driving force for the Songkhla Creative City of Gastronomy initiative, as follows:
- Clarity of Identity: Gained insights into articulating Songkhla’s unique identity and applying it effectively to resonate with the younger generation.
- Stronger Networking: Fostered cross-disciplinary knowledge sharing between Bangkok and Phetchaburi to adapt best practices within the Songkhla context.
- Inspiration and Innovation: Discovered new operational frameworks, sustainable organizational management, and methods to innovate using existing cultural assets.
- Roadmap to Sustainability: Enhanced understanding of UNESCO’s activity formats and engagement guidelines to refine Songkhla’s future initiatives.
This mission was not merely about fostering friendships between cities but was a comprehensive integration of knowledge, reinforcing the confidence that Songkhla Province is fully prepared to emerge as a world-class Creative City of Gastronomy.
