TAT Revitalizes Sukhothai's Historical Tourism as a World-Class Creative City

Khaosod•Economy•228d ago

Reader Briefing

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is launching a creative tourism event in Sukhothai from January 30 to February 1, 2026, to promote its UNESCO Creative City status.

•The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is organizing 'UNESCO Creative Cities Thailand @SUKHOTHAI' in Sukhothai Province from January 30 to February 1, 2026.
•The event aims to highlight Sukhothai's status as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Art, promoting historical tourism.
•Activities include a craft market, local food tasting, workshops, cultural performances, and Thai costume rentals, focusing on 'Creative Tourism' where visitors actively participate.

Overview

•On Jan 30, the event 'UNESCO Creative Cities Thailand @SUKHOTHAI' will commence at Wat Mahathat area, Sukhothai Historical Park, in order to boost historical tourism.
•The event 'UNESCO Creative Cities Thailand @SUKHOTHAI' will conclude on Feb 1, 2026, aiming to foster sustainable community development.
•Apichai Chatchalermkit stated that the event's focus is 'Creative Tourism' where visitors will 'co-create' rather than simply 'watch'.
•The Tourism Authority of Thailand is collaborating with Sukhothai Province to organize the 'UNESCO Creative Cities Thailand @SUKHOTHAI' event.
•Sukhothai has been recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art since 2019, making it a strategic destination for TAT.
•The event is expected to stimulate tourism in Sukhothai and surrounding areas, creating popularity for creative tourism and long-term community sustainability.
•The TAT is prioritizing the 'The New Thailand' tourism image in 2027, focusing on high-spending quality tourists and income distribution through traditional arts and crafts.
•Thailand has 9 designated UNESCO Creative Cities across 4 categories (Food, Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Music) with another awaiting confirmation.

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Key Quotes

Apichai Chatchalermkit

"This event is not just for tourists to see ancient sites, but we focus on the concept of Creative Tourism where tourists don't just 'watch' but can 'co-create' through activities blending ancient wisdom with contemporary life."

การจัดงานในครั้งนี้ ไม่ใช่เพียงการพานักท่องเที่ยวมาชมโบราณสถาน แต่เรามุ่งเน้นแนวคิด Creative Tourism ที่นักท่องเที่ยวไม่ได้แค่ ‘ชม’ แต่จะได้ ‘ร่วมสร้าง’ ผ่านกิจกรรมที่ผสมผสานภูมิปัญญาโบราณเข้ากับวิถีชีวิตร่วมสมัย

Nopharit Sirikosol

"Sukhothai has invaluable cultural heritage, including woven fabrics, gold and silver jewelry, and earthenware, all crucial drivers of the local economy."

สุโขทัยมีมรดกทางวัฒนธรรม ที่ล้ำค่า ทั้งผ้าทอ เครื่องประดับทอง – เงิน และเครื่องสังคโลก ซึ่งล้วนเป็นฟันเฟืองสำคัญในการขับเคลื่อนเศรษฐกิจท้องถิ่น

Key Entities

Organization

Tourism Authority of Thailand(ททท.)ℹ️

The organization responsible for promoting tourism in Thailand, organizing the 'UNESCO Creative Cities Thailand @SUKHOTHAI' event.

UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)ℹ️

The network of cities worldwide recognized by UNESCO for their creativity, to which Sukhothai belongs.

UNESCO(องค์การยูเนสโก)ℹ️

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which designates Creative Cities.

Place

Sukhothai(สุโขทัย)ℹ️

The province designated as a UNESCO Creative City for Crafts and Folk Art, hosting the 'UNESCO Creative Cities Thailand @SUKHOTHAI' event.

Sukhothai Historical Park(อุทยานประวัติศาสตร์สุโขทัย)ℹ️

The historical site where the 'UNESCO Creative Cities Thailand @SUKHOTHAI' event is taking place.

Wat Mahathat(วัดมหาธาตุ)

The specific temple area within Sukhothai Historical Park designated as the venue for the 'UNESCO Creative Cities Thailand @SUKHOTHAI' event.

Person

Mr. Apichai Chatchalermkit(นายอภิชัย ฉัตรเฉลิมกิจ)

Deputy Governor for Domestic Market of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, who spoke about the event's concept.

Mr. Nopharit Sirikosol(นายนพฤทธิ์ ศิริโกศล)

Governor of Sukhothai Province, who highlighted the province's cultural heritage and the event's importance for the local economy.

Policy

Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art

The specific designation awarded to Sukhothai by UNESCO, recognizing its excellence in traditional crafts and folk artistry.