Reviving Cultural Capital in Lower Northern Thailand to Boost Economic Growth

Nakhon sawan: Sabida is reviving cultural capital in lower northern Thailand, uniting Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kamphaeng Phet, and Phichit to elevate local identities into economic assets. This initiative advances the "Thai Thai" policy, creating value, increasing worth, and distributing income to communities.According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sabida Thaiseth, Minister of Culture, presided over the opening ceremony of the "Retracing the Footsteps of King Chulalongkorn's Royal Visit to Nakhon Sawan Province: A Commemoration of the 120th Anniversary" event for the year 2026. The project aims to promote cultural tourism towards a creative economy, focusing on food and local textiles, and involves the Lower Northern Thailand 2 group of provinces. Attendees included Ms. Chutiphon Sezang, Governor of Nakhon Sawan Province, Ms. Lipikarn Kamlangchai, Inspector General of the Ministry of Culture, Mr. Suraphan Charoensap, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion, Mr. Chanon Thaiseth, Member o f Parliament for Constituency 2, Nakhon Sawan Province, along with representatives from government and private sectors at Wat Phra Prang Lueang, Phayuha Khiri District, Nakhon Sawan Province.Ms. Sabida highlighted the unique historical assets, lifestyles, food, textiles, arts and culture, and local wisdom of the Lower Northern Thailand 2 provincial cluster. She emphasized that these can be further developed into cultural tourism activities and routes, creating added economic value and sustainably distributing income to the local populace.This initiative is integral to the "Thai Thai" policy, leveraging cultural assets to build happiness, create a future, and improve the quality of life for the people. It connects the historically significant stories of King Chulalongkorn's royal journeys with performing arts, community lifestyles, local cuisine, and woven textiles from each region, crafting a unique storytelling tourism experience.Ms. Sabida remarked, "The main goal is to integrate culture into people's lives and create benefits for the community. When local people can leverage their identity and wisdom to develop products, services, and tourism, it generates jobs, income, and pride. It also motivates younger generations to participate in preserving and passing on this cultural heritage."The Minister of Culture further stated that the success of cultural activities depends on the participation of all sectors, including provinces, local administrative organizations, government agencies, the private sector, educational institutions, cultural networks, youth, and the general public. She emphasized that "everyone is the owner of culture" and plays a vital role in preserving, passing on, and developing local wisdom and heritage for economic growth in their communities.