Reporters: Dr. Jaray Suwannachart, Asst.Prof.Dr. Tachaya Sangkakool, Asst.Prof.Surawat Moogem, Tussawan Thong-on, Natrada Boonthad and Natpakal Poolperm
Evidence Date: August 17–25, 2024
Related SDGs:
Related Indicators: 11.3.1 11.3.2 11.2.1 11.2.5 11.2.6
Details: Supporting details and pictures
The Culture Smart City: Songkhla Old Town Development Project is a major initiative under the fiscal year 2024 budget (7.22 million THB), aimed at developing Songkhla Old Town as a model city for arts, culture, and sustainable urban living.The project focuses on enhancing the city’s cultural landscape and revitalizing its historic district through creative, educational, and tourism-based activities that integrate local wisdom, cultural heritage, and the BCG (Bio–Circular–Green) Economy Model. Project Director: Asst. Prof. Ngampetch Ampornwattanapong and Organized by Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) in collaboration with local government and community networks.
A key highlight of the project is the organization of the “Songkhla Arts and Cultural Creative Festival”, held from August 17–25, 2025, in the Songkhla Old Town District.
This festival brought together art, design, and cultural innovation to showcase the identity of Songkhla as a city of living heritage – combining local craftsmanship, creative industries, and environmental awareness.
Under the leadership of Asst. Prof. Ngampetch Ampornwattanapong, the project has served as a collaborative platform connecting academic institutions, local authorities, cultural organizations, and the community. It aims to strengthen Songkhla’s capacity as a creative and sustainable cultural destination, promoting both heritage conservation and green economic growth in alignment with the BCG Model.
The project opens public cultural areas in Songkhla Old Town for community participation and learning, creating inclusive spaces for art, education, and tourism activities that encourage social engagement and well-being. By transforming Songkhla Old Town into a hub of cultural and creative expression through exhibitions, performances, and art festivals, the project revitalizes urban heritage zones as living public spaces for creative collaboration.
The project safeguards Songkhla’s tangible and intangible cultural asset, including architecture, traditional crafts, and performing arts, by integrating them into contemporary creative processes and tourism development. It advances regional development through the BCG Model, connecting urban cultural tourism in Songkhla with surrounding rural communities, local products, and creative industries to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
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