Songkhla Province Hosts “Community Storyteller” Workshop Across 16 Districts, Empowering Youth to Communicate Gastronomic Identity via Modern Media
From January 31 to February 1, 2026, at the Prakaikan Hall, 2nd Floor, Crystal Hotel, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province organized the “Community Storyteller Training.” This initiative, part of the “City and Community Potential Development Project to Support the UNESCO Creative Cities Network,” aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of storytelling principles and digital media production techniques to promote local culinary culture.
Learning Process and Expert Mentors
The intensive two-day workshop featured distinguished national experts, including Mr. Shu Boonliang, a renowned thinker, writer, and artist, and Mr. Pakorn Rujirawilai (Eh) from A.E.Y. Space, a prominent designer and Songkhla Old Town developer. The mentors shared their expertise in uncovering community charms and shared powerful storytelling techniques tailored for digital-age audiences.
Event Atmosphere and Support
The workshop was meticulously prepared with full logistical support, equipment, and facilities to ensure a seamless and productive experience. Participants were provided with training materials, refreshments, and lunch throughout the session, alongside travel subsidies. The program emphasized hands-on practice, allowing participants to refine their skills and ensure practical application in their respective communities.
Participant Engagement and Outcomes
The event garnered significant interest from youth, students, and academics, with a total of 63 participants. This included 51 youth representatives from all 16 districts of Songkhla, as well as relevant officials. Throughout the training, participants engaged in practical exercises, mastering techniques for perspective selection and digital media utilization to narrate local food stories and cultural heritage linked to their hometowns.
The successful organization of this workshop marks a significant milestone in building a new generation of communicators dedicated to showcasing Songkhla’s identity through its culinary dimension. This effort not only enhances local awareness and appreciation of cultural values but also serves as a crucial driver in propelling Songkhla toward becoming a sustainable member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in Gastronomy on the international stage.
