Chiang Mai Launches Major Event “Creative Culture: Colours of Lanna Ethnic Tourism,”

Driving Soft Power Toward the Creative Economy

Chiang Mai — On January 20, 2026, Mr. Siva Thammikanon, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai Province, representing the Governor of Chiang Mai; Ms. Korravan Sumpmart, Chiang Mai Provincial Cultural Officer; Pol. Sub-Lt. Wittaya Leelassat, Deputy Chief Executive of the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), representing the PAO President; together with relevant agencies, jointly held a press conference announcing preparations for the event “Creative Culture: Colours of Lanna Ethnic Tourism.”

The event is organized under the concept of elevating and advancing the creative economy and will take place from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at the 82nd Anniversary Commemorative Park, Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization.

Mr. Siva Thammikanon stated that Chiang Mai Province places strong emphasis on transforming cultural capital into a creative economy, using ethnic communities as the core of development. The initiative aims to generate added economic value, promote self-reliance, create income, and foster pride in community identity, while also providing ongoing opportunities for the transmission of local knowledge and wisdom to younger generations.

Ms. Korravan Sumpmart added that the Chiang Mai Provincial Office of Culture is actively driving the Ministry of Culture’s policy under the vision “Preserve, Create, and Lead Thai Culture Toward a Sustainable Future.” The office seeks to strengthen “cultural power” and translate it into tangible economic value by promoting Thailand’s Soft Power through the creative use of Chiang Mai’s cultural assets, traditions, and local wisdom. These are being developed into high-quality cultural tourism products and creative services that generate employment, create careers, and sustainably stimulate the grassroots economy.

The event will feature a wide range of activities, including a Creative Culture Zone, exhibitions showcasing Lanna ethnic lifestyles, the activity “One Idea, a Million Loves,” live demonstrations of traditional ways of life and local wisdom, Lanna ethnic cultural performances, and other cultural activities reflecting the rich diversity of Chiang Mai’s intangible cultural heritage.

Pol. Sub-Lt. Wittaya Leelassat noted that the Chiang Mai PAO places great importance on participation and support for this event, including venue provision, logistical facilitation, budget integration, and coordination with relevant agencies, to ensure the event is conducted efficiently and delivers maximum benefits to the public and local communities.

The event is expected to enhance the value of Lanna cultural capital, promote cultural tourism, and strengthen Chiang Mai’s creative economy in a balanced manner, while ensuring the sustainable preservation of Lanna ethnic identity.