In November 2024, Chanthaburi Province held the Provincial Government Meeting No. 11/2024, chaired by the Deputy Governor of Chanthaburi Province, to monitor the progress of various operations within the province, especially the significant project that is being continuously driven: the promotion of Chanthaburi as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
The Importance of the Creative City of Gastronomy Project
The UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy project is an international initiative that promotes urban development using cultural and food resources as the main foundation. Chanthaburi Province has outstanding potential in food and culinary culture, which combines ethnic diversity and abundant local ingredients such as durian, mangosteen, shrimp, and fresh seafood, including the unique cooking of the community. This is a crucial foundation that makes this project particularly interesting.
Goals and Action Plans
Chanthaburi Province has set goals to develop the province into a Creative City of Gastronomy, with clear guidelines such as:
- Food Product Research and Development
- Supporting the creation of new menus that reflect local identity
- Developing modern and environmentally friendly packaging
- Promoting Food Tourism
- Organizing food festivals and local product fairs
- Developing tourist routes that connect food production sources and community culture
- Building a Cooperation Network
- Collaborating with international organizations and various sectors in food and tourism development
- Supporting local communities and entrepreneurs to access the global market.
Latest Progress
This Provincial Government Meeting was an important platform to report on the project’s progress. It was stated that the province has carried out several important activities, such as organizing workshops on product and service development, creating new food menus, and organizing tourism promotion events to attract tourists both domestically and internationally.
In addition, the meeting also launched a new book titled “Mong Chan Phan Chan” which compiles stories about the food and culinary culture of Chanthaburi Province. This book presents in-depth information about the origins of ingredients, cooking methods, and the relationship between food and the history of the province. It is another important tool in publicizing the charm of Chanthaburi’s food.
Chanthaburi Food: Unique Diversity
Chanthaburi’s food is characterized by a blend of flavors and cultures from various ethnicities, such as Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and the local Chong people. Well-known menus include “Moo Chamoung,” a dish that uses Chamoung leaves found only in the area, as well as fresh seafood such as shrimp, shellfish, crab, and fish, cooked in traditional and modern ways. These foods not only attract tourists but also reflect the identity and history of the community.
Promoting Grassroots Economy and Sustainable Development
The promotion of Chanthaburi as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy does not only focus on elevating the province’s reputation at the international level but also on promoting the grassroots economy of local communities. Food product development creates jobs and increases income for farmers and entrepreneurs in the area.
It is also an opportunity to preserve the traditional culinary culture that is fading away by recording and disseminating knowledge about food through various media and activities, making the younger generation understand and cherish these values.
Expectations for the Future
If Chanthaburi is recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, in addition to increasing the number of tourists and generating income for the province, it will also improve the quality of life of people in the area in many dimensions, such as the development of public utilities, food education, and raising awareness about sustainable food consumption.
Summary
This meeting demonstrated the commitment of Chanthaburi Province to develop the province to grow sustainably, with the main goal of making Chanthaburi a city with outstanding food and culture. The promotion of the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy project is another important step that will help elevate the province’s image on the world stage and create added value for the economy and quality of life of people in the community.
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