UNESCO has officially welcomed Nan and Songkhla provinces into its prestigious Creative Cities Network for 2025, marking a significant milestone for Thailand's cultural heritage on the international stage.

* Nan: Where Crafts Come to Life

Nan province has been recognized in the Crafts and Folk Art category, celebrating its identity as a "Living Old City" where traditional craftsmanship isn't just preserved in museums—it thrives in everyday life.

The province's recognition highlights:

- Exquisite Tai Lue woven fabrics with stunning flowing water patterns

- Hmong silverwork artistry

- Traditional bamboo weaving

- Historic dragon-headed racing boats

- Ancient Bo Suak kilns

- The world-famous "Whispered Love, World-Renowned" mural paintings

* Songkhla: A Culinary Paradise

Songkhla has earned its place in the Gastronomy category with its unique concept of "City of Two Seas: From Coastal Waters to Rice Fields."

What makes Songkhla special:

- Songkhla Lake's diverse waters (freshwater, brackish, and saltwater) creating unique ingredients

- A melting pot of Thai, Chinese, Malay, and Persian culinary influences

- Rich agricultural heritage as the South's rice bowl

- Distinctive "food of identity" that drives community economics and cultural tourism

With these additions, Thailand now boasts 9 UNESCO Creative Cities:

1. Phuket (Gastronomy)

2. Chiang Mai (Crafts & Folk Art)

3. Bangkok (Design)

4. Sukhothai (Crafts & Folk Art)

5. Phetchaburi (Gastronomy)

6. Chiang Rai (Design)

7. Suphanburi (Music)

8. Nan (Crafts & Folk Art)

9. Songkhla (Gastronomy)

Thailand's Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaised emphasized that this recognition reflects the power and sustainability of Thailand's cultural capital. The achievement aligns perfectly with the Ministry's "Tai Thai" initiative—a strategic initiative to transform cultural heritage and local identity into economic opportunities.

"The success of Nan and Songkhla is not only an honor and pride for these provinces, but also an inspiration for every province to recognize the value of their own cultural capital, which can be developed to generate income sustainably under the Thai Thai concept," Minister Sabeeda stated.