Songkhla kicks off “Songkhla Gastronomy City,” showcasing its potential as a Creative City of Gastronomy on the global stage
A Prince of Songkla University delegation, led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Supatra Davison, Assistant President for ASEAN Affairs and Creative Economy and Lead Coordinator of Songkhla Creative City of Gastronomy, joined Mr. Ratthasat Chitchu, Governor of Songkhla Province, who presided over the opening ceremony of the Songkhla Gastronomy City Kick Off event.
The event was held under the project to develop the potential of cities and communities in support of membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. It was attended by Mrs. Sasiphen Lamaiyaphan, Songkhla Provincial Cultural Officer, heads of government agencies, district chiefs, representatives from the public and private sectors, entrepreneurs, and representatives of UNESCO Creative Cities from Thailand and abroad. The event took place on June 6, 2026, at AREA 36 on Raman Road in Songkhla Old Town, Mueang Songkhla District, Songkhla Province.
Mrs. Sasiphen Lamaiyaphan, Songkhla Provincial Cultural Officer, said the event aimed to showcase Songkhla’s potential and readiness after the province was certified as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, or UCCN, in the field of Gastronomy on October 31, 2025. The launch was organized in conjunction with Songkhla Gastronomy Week 2026, featuring a wide range of activities, including food stalls, cooking demonstrations, exhibitions, presentations by renowned chefs, and cultural performances. These activities aim to promote Songkhla’s creative economy and strengthen the province’s food tourism sector.
Mr. Ratthasat Chitchu, Governor of Songkhla Province, said Songkhla is moving forward in presenting its potential at the international level after being recognized as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Gastronomy. Songkhla is the third city in Thailand to receive recognition in this category. Under the concept “Songkhla Gastronomy for Health and Wellbeing,” the province highlights its identity as the “City of Two Seas and Three Waters,” while integrating its Thai, Chinese, and Muslim multicultural heritage, local food wisdom, educational strengths, innovation, food festivals, and community markets across all 16 districts. These strengths will help position culture and creativity as key drivers of urban development.
The atmosphere at the event was lively and colorful, reflecting the spirit of Songkhla Gastronomy Week 2026. Visitors enjoyed local and creative food booths, special menu demonstrations by renowned chefs, gastronomy exhibitions, cultural performances, and knowledge-sharing activities among members of the Creative Cities network. The event reflected Songkhla’s distinctive identity as the “City of Two Seas and Three Waters” and demonstrated the pride of the people of Songkhla as the province continues its journey as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.