Chiang mai: Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, visited the Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC) in Chiang Mai to oversee the construction progress of the TCDC centers in the northern provinces. Her visit aimed to ensure the expansion of the creative economic district across the nation.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Jiraporn was welcomed by agency executives at the TCDC Chiang Mai, located in Chang Moi Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province. The centers under construction are part of a broader initiative to establish TCDC facilities in Chiang Rai, Phrae, Uttaradit, and Phitsanulok. These efforts are part of a nationwide strategy to bolster the creative economy.
Ms. Jiraporn highlighted that the concept of establishing TCDC was conceived in 2003 under the Thai Rak Thai Party government. The initiative drew inspiration from similar programs such as TK Park and Museum Siam, leading to the creation of the Office of Knowledge Management and Development (OKMD). OKMD focuses on skill development for the new generation to drive the Thai economy and improve national competitiveness. TCDC operates as one of the units under OKMD.
Recently, TCDC has been elevated to the Creative Economy Agency (CEA) status, expanding its services to include full-fledged branches in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and a new center under construction in Songkhla. Additionally, TCDC operates miniTCDCs within 66 educational institutions. The NEW TCDC project, a collaboration between CEA and local administrative organizations, is currently underway in 10 provinces and is set to open in 2026.
Ms. Jiraporn remarked on the collaborative effort between public, local, and private sectors in establishing the new TCDC centers, emphasizing the role of creativity in nurturing human resources and enhancing national potential. She announced that applications for additional TCDC centers for the fiscal year 2026 will be accepted soon.
TCDC Chiang Mai, which opened in 2013, was the first comprehensive learning center by TCDC to promote creativity among various stakeholders in the region. The center leverages existing capabilities by combining intellectual assets and cultural heritage with modern technology and knowledge, fostering the creation of unique products and services to strengthen business performance and drive the Thai economy forward.