Thailand Hosts First UNESCO Creative Cities Forum to Boost Sustainable Development

Thailand recently hosted its inaugural forum under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), bringing together representatives from 13 creative cities in Thailand and overseas to foster sustainable urban development through culture, creativity, and tourism. The Thailand Creative Cities Network (TCCN) Forum 2026 was launched at Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), in collaboration with five partner organizations. The event was held under the theme “Creative Cities Connect: Connecting People • Culture • Creativity • Sustainability,” aiming to strengthen cooperation among creative cities, showcase best practices, and encourage knowledge-sharing on sustainable urban development. Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Director-General of DASTA, highlighted that the forum facilitated an exchange of ideas between representatives from Thai and international creative cities on how cultural assets and creativity can bolster local economies, enhance quality of life, and support sustainable tourism. The forum welcomed representatives from 13 UNESCO Creative Cities. Nine of these were from Thailand, including Phuket, Phetchaburi, and Songkhla (Cities of Gastronomy); Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, and Nan (Cities of Crafts and Folk Art); Bangkok and Chiang Rai (Cities of Design); and Suphan Buri (City of Music). DASTA has been instrumental in supporting the development of six of these Thai cities: Sukhothai, Nan, Songkhla, Chiang Rai, Suphan Buri, and Phetchaburi. International participants included Berlin, Germany (City of Design); Cebu, Philippines (City of Design); Jakarta, Indonesia (City of Literature); and Echizen, Japan (City of Crafts and Folk Art). The event featured exhibitions showcasing each city’s cultural identity, along with performances and creative economy activities. Networking sessions were also organized to foster regional and international cooperation. DASTA organized two technical tours for delegates. The Bangkok tour included visits to Talat Noi Museum, River City Bangkok, and the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC). A tour in Pattaya highlighted the city’s preparations to seek UNESCO recognition as a City of Film. Established in 2004, the UCCN promotes cities that prioritize creativity and culture in their sustainable urban development strategies. The network currently comprises over 408 cities worldwide. Thailand has nine UNESCO Creative Cities, with Nan and Songkhla being the most recent additions in 2025. DASTA plans to continue working with local authorities and partners to expand Thailand’s creative city network, with Pattaya aiming for UNESCO City of Film designation in 2027.