A special panel on “Crafting Connections: How Can Lao PDR and Thailand Build Creative Neighbouring Cities?” explores ways for Laos and Thailand to cooperate in developing creative cities.

Laos, Thailand to deepen creative city cooperation through cultural heritage and handicrafts

Laos and Thailand are exploring closer cooperation to develop creative cities and strengthen the creative economy, with cultural heritage, handicrafts and tourism identified as key areas for generating greater economic and social value.
The two neighbouring countries discussed the initiative during a special panel at the SACIT Symposium 2026, held in Ayutthaya Province, Thailand, during August 6-7.

The panel, titled “Crafting Connections: How Can Lao PDR and Thailand Build Creative Neighbouring Cities?”, brought together Lao and Thai representatives to exchange views on creative city development, cultural cooperation, tourism and creative media.
Representing Laos were the Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and the Deputy Secretary-General of the Lao National Committee for UNESCO, Mr Sisamouth Senbouttalath, and the Director of the Office of the XYZ Art and Culture Centre Laos, Mrs Manithip Vongphachanh.

Thailand was represented by the Director-General of Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), Mr Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, and Mr Krit Akkharat of the Thai PBS television station.
Participants highlighted the potential of cultural capital to create economic and social value, and stressed the importance of strengthening networks among creative cities in Laos and Thailand.
For Laos, this cooperation is particularly relevant to efforts to develop a stronger creative economy ecosystem and explore opportunities for Lao cities to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
UNESCO Bangkok previously conducted a feasibility study on Lao cities’ potential to apply for membership of the network. As Thailand already has several cities in the UCCN, exchanging experience with its neighbour can provide Laos with practical lessons as it considers the next steps towards a possible application.
The discussions can help relevant Lao stakeholders strengthen the structures, evidence and readiness needed for a future UCCN membership bid.
The (Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand) SACIT Symposium 2026 was organised under the theme of “From Earth to Eternity: Crafting Sustainability and Continuity in Ceramic Craft”.
The event brought together academics, master craftsmen, designers, entrepreneurs and handicraft networks from several countries to exchange knowledge and experience in ceramics and handicrafts.
Beyond its focus on ceramic crafts, the symposium provided a platform for Laos and Thailand to expand cooperation in culture, the creative economy and sustainable urban development.
The initiative is expected to pave the way for more concrete cooperation between the two countries in these areas.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update August 13, 2026)