Nan on the way to becoming a UNESCO creative city: culture and crafts in focus!

Nan on the way to becoming a UNESCO creative city: culture and crafts in focus!

On October 24, 2025, a significant event: “Creative Crafts and Folk Art” was inaugurated at the Convention Hall of Hotel The Impress in Nan. This opening ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Governor of Nan, Mrs. Wilaiwan Budasa. The event aims to promote Nan as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of crafts and folk arts. Also present was Mr. Surakij Limsitthikul, Deputy Director of the Sustainable Tourism Development Organization (APTA), who highlighted Nan's regional strengths and potential to be recognized by UNESCO as a creative city, as Chiang Mai News reported.

This event, held from October 7 to 24, 2025, featured a series of workshops and lectures by experts, including professors from King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, on topics such as product design, branding and creative business development. An exhibition of the participants' work was also organized. Discussions focused on the development of creative crafts in Nan and their commercial use to inspire youth and preserve local wisdom.

Culture and economy in Nan

Nan has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, known not only for its rich culture but also for its sustainable tourism initiatives. In 2025, the city was nominated for membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the Crafts and Folk Arts category. If Nan receives this title, it would be the eighth UNESCO Creative City in Thailand, as Salika notes.

The city has received numerous awards for its sustainable approach, promoted through collaboration between communities, government and the private sector. Over 70% of the products produced in the province come from traditional crafts, especially the unique “Nan fabrics”. The main craft groups in Nan include pottery, traditional fabrics and wood carving, among others.

A look into the future

The developments in Nan are promising and give hope for a positive economic, cultural and tourism future. Colonel Nawin Prechapannichakul, acting manager of APTA Nan, emphasizes the importance of combining culture and the creative economy. The Creative Crafts and Folk Arts event is part of a broader plan to develop a creative crafts and folk arts curriculum in FY2025 to further establish Nan as a “World Creativity City”.

Efforts towards sustainable tourism and creative development aim to open up new perspectives for youth and actively promote local culture. If the nomination is successful, it could not only bring an economic boost to Nan, but also strengthen the region's cultural identity and creative traditions, making the city an even more attractive destination for tourists.

Overall, with creative initiatives, a strong focus on traditions and sustainable development, Nan is well on its way to becoming an example of successful urban development in Thailand. The natural beauty and rich culture, coupled with targeted tourism, could soon bring Nan into the public consciousness.

For more information about Nan's creative potential and the importance of such events, please refer to the coverage at Chiang Mai News, Salika and the [Creative City] page were accessed become.