Chiang Rai and Suphan Buri join UNESCO Creative Cities’ list

Bangkok, 6 November 2023 – Chiang Rai and Suphan Buri have been added to the list of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), a distinction for cities with a strong commitment to harnessing culture and creativity as key strategies of urban development, along with 53 other newly designated cities globally.

The Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) submitted Chiang Rai as a Creative City of Design and Suphan Buri as a Creative City of Music.

DASTA has been working with stakeholders to draft five-year roadmaps for Chiang Rai and Suphan Buri to develop sustainability and promote participation among the local people.

The roadmaps reflect the objectives of the UCCN to promote cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development.

Chiang Rai is home to national artists and many local artists who have specialised in Lanna architecture and design. The roadmap for Chiang Rai Creative City of Design will promote the province’s outstanding Lanna architecture, history, and culture as well as local artists and artisans.

For Suphan Buri Creative City of Music, the roadmap will promote traditional music and local musicians to the international level. Known for its musical cultural aspect intertwined with traditional music and unique local dialect, the province is home to many national artists and musical maestros.

With the addition of Chiang Rai and Suphan Buri, the UCCN now counts 350 cities including five existing UNESCO Creative Cities in Thailand.

Phuket was named a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015.

Chiang Mai was named a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2017.

Bangkok and Sukhothai were named as a Creative City of Design and a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, respectively, in 2019.

Phetchaburi was designated a Creative City of Gastronomy in 2021.