BANGKOK, June 26 (TNA) – Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the Pheu Thai Party and Chair of the National Soft Power Development Committee, announced the establishment of new Thailand Creative Design Centers (TCDC) in 10 provinces.
These provinces are Chiang Rai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Pattani, Phitsanulok, Phrae, Phuket, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Uthai Thani, and Ubon Ratchathani. The event was attended by various Pheu Thai Party members.
In her remarks, Ms. Paetongtarn emphasized the importance of cultural capital and creativity as drivers of the country’s Soft Power. She noted that while Thailand has a rich cultural heritage, it lacks the integration and mechanisms to fully leverage it as a national resource. The new TCDC centers aim to fill this gap by providing access to learning and skills development in various cultural domains such as food, music, design, and art.
The government has introduced an “Upskill-Reskill” policy to enhance the skills of the Thai workforce to compete globally. The policy will be implemented through the new TCDC centers, which will offer free access to training and skill development. This aligns with the “1 Family 1 Soft Power” (OFOS) initiative, aiming to benefit every household and develop Thai people as valuable national resources capable of impressing the global market.
The success of this initiative relies on the cooperation of multiple agencies, including the Creative Economy Agency (CEA) and local government bodies. These agencies will support the establishment of TCDC centers by providing infrastructure, training courses, and certification. The initiative also involves creating job opportunities and connecting skilled workers to both national and global markets.
Dr. Surapong Suebwonglee, Deputy Chairman of the National Soft Power Development Committee, highlighted TCDC’s 20 years of experience and extensive networks. The new centers will include creative labs to explore and develop the unique strengths of each province, serving as a base for soft power industries. TCDC will act as a central host, coordinating with the National Soft Power Strategy Committee and establishing provincial subcommittees to ensure the initiative’s success. -819 (TNA)
