Chanthaburi Province has begun preparations to join the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, a significant step toward international recognition. Recent meetings have been held to plan and drive this project forward, led by Mr. Visut Prakobkumdee, Deputy Governor of Chanthaburi, and Ms. Manasri Tanlai, Cultural Officer of Chanthaburi, along with relevant agencies from both the public and private sectors. This initiative aims not only to enhance the province’s culinary capabilities but also to preserve its cultural heritage and promote sustainable economic development.

Chanthaburi’s Ultimate Goal

Chanthaburi’s ultimate goal is to gain international recognition as a city with unique culinary and cultural identities. UNESCO recognition will not only validate Chanthaburi’s potential but also attract both domestic and international tourists to experience its diverse and unique culinary offerings. This project requires the cooperation of all sectors to truly establish Chanthaburi as a creative city of gastronomy.

Why Does Chanthaburi Have the Potential to Become a Creative City of Gastronomy?

1. Premium Ingredients: Chanthaburi is rich in natural resources, including a variety of fruits, fresh seafood, local vegetables, and other high-quality ingredients used to create delicious dishes. Examples include durian, mangosteen, longan, and fresh seafood available year-round. These ingredients not only meet domestic consumption needs but also have the potential to be developed into world-class export products.
2. Diverse Culinary Culture: As a port city, Chanthaburi boasts a diverse culinary culture, blending traditional Thai cuisine with international flavors such as authentic Thai dishes, Chinese cuisine, and European influences from the colonial era. This diversity contributes to the distinct and unique flavors of Chanthaburi’s cuisine.
3. Product Development Potential: Chanthaburi has the capability to develop unique processed and ready-to-eat food products, such as fruit-based products, fruit juices, and traditional snacks that meet international standards, catering to both domestic and international markets.

Benefits Chanthaburi Will Gain from Becoming a Creative City of Gastronomy

1. Local Economic Promotion:
   • Support for local producers and farmers, stimulating sales of agricultural products such as durian, mangosteen, and processed products like chili paste and dried fruits.
   • Increased value of food products by creating innovative menus or processed food products from local ingredients.
   • Increased tourism revenue as domestic and international tourists visit to experience the unique culinary offerings.
2. Promotion of Local Identity and Culture:
   • Promotion of Chanthaburi’s local dishes, such as “Gaeng Moo Chamoung,” “Khao Kriap On,” or “Khanom Kuay Ling,” on the global stage.
   • Preservation of local culinary heritage, promoting the transmission of traditional recipes in households and communities.
3. Development of Culinary Skills and Innovation:
   • Creation of food innovations by developing local products into modern food products that meet global market demands, such as durian ice cream or fusion fruit drinks.
   • Development of food entrepreneurs by enhancing culinary and processing skills in the community through local chef training or workshops.
4. Building Global Image and Reputation:
   • Enhancing international prominence by establishing Chanthaburi as a city of culinary arts.
   • Fostering local pride as UNESCO recognition instills pride in Chanthaburi’s culinary culture among its residents.
5. Support for Sustainability and the Environment:
   • Sustainable agriculture by developing environmentally friendly fruit cultivation practices, such as reducing chemical use.
   • Reduction of food waste by promoting the processing of surplus produce to create value.

Driving Chanthaburi Towards Its Goals

This meeting is just the beginning of a long journey. Chanthaburi must collaborate with all sectors to plan and implement the established roadmap, with the primary goal of strengthening the province’s food industry.

1. Branding and Marketing: Building Chanthaburi’s brand as a creative city of gastronomy is essential, including marketing campaigns through online media, promotion at trade shows, and collaboration with food industry operators.
2. Skills and Knowledge Development: Training and developing the skills of local operators, such as learning food processing technologies, improving production standards, and adding value to products, is crucial for enhancing competitiveness.
3. Infrastructure Development: Developing tourist facilities, such as hotels, restaurants, and tourist information centers, and improving infrastructure like roads and transportation systems is necessary to facilitate travel.
4. Government and Private Sector Support: Providing budgetary support, policies, and establishing organizations to drive the project, as well as fostering collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and local communities, is essential.

Conclusion

Developing Chanthaburi into a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy not only enhances the province’s international reputation but also positively impacts the community’s economy, culture, and society in the long term. This achievement requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders to position Chanthaburi as a leading culinary destination worldwide.

Facebook Page : มหัศจันท์ แห่งรสชาติ – Chanthaburi Gastronomy

Home Page : มหัศจันท์ แห่งรสชาติ – Chanthaburi Gastronomy