Thailand Aims to Reinvent Chatuchak Market as Soft Power Hub

[snoop1130]

 

Thailand is embarking on a transformative mission to turn Bangkok's renowned Chatuchak Weekend Market into a vibrant centre for cultural soft power. Spearheaded by the National Committee on Soft Power Development, this two-year initiative aims to amplify Thailand's global cultural influence by capitalising on the market's massive popularity and its array of unique offerings.

 

Chair of the committee, Surapong Suebwonglee, who also serves as deputy chair of the Policy Advisory Board to the Prime Minister, shared notable plans to significantly increase funding for soft power projects. The programme's budget is set to soar from 635 million baht in 2024 to 2.3 billion baht by 2025, reflecting the country's strong commitment to cultural expansion. The decision was made following detailed discussions on tapping into the market’s vast tourism potential.

 

During weekends, Chatuchak Market attracts an impressive 80,000 visitors daily, with numbers skyrocketing to 300,000 at peak times. To maximise this influx, the market will feature thematic spaces dedicated to books, films, fashion, and more. This focus aligns with many existing stalls already contributing to Bangkok's cultural fabric.

 

A pivotal part of the plan, a newly-formed subcommittee led by Surapong and a Bangkok deputy governor, will explore strategies for elevating the market's global appeal. Industry experts, including representatives from the State Railway of Thailand and the Office of Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion, will contribute their insights.

 

Deputy Bangkok Governor Sanon Wangsrangboon highlighted the market's expansive scale, covering 68 rai and hosting around 15,000 stalls. He pointed out its robust potential as an international soft power showcase. Initial development will build on existing strengths in fashion, art, and music, setting the stage for a cultural renaissance.

 

This ambitious project promises to redefine Chatuchak Market as a must-visit location, bridging Thai tradition with global cultural dialogue through a strategic enhancement of its existing allure. As the plan unfolds, Chatuchak stands to become a symbol of Thailand’s creative and cultural prowess on the world stage.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-11-04

 

 

[hotchilli]

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand is embarking on a transformative mission to turn Bangkok's renowned Chatuchak Weekend Market into a vibrant centre for cultural soft power.

Flexible toys?

[rwill]

They seem to be fascinated with 'soft power' and 'hubs'

[john donson]

so no more wet market wuhan style ?

[watthong]

Anytime you want a testimony as to how to (mis)handle national economy vis a vis covid, take a walk through Bangkok largest ghost village aka Chatuchak Market, any day of the week, including weekend. 

 

If shops in malls are still closing one after another, two years after covid crisis, there is no soft or hard power tools capable of bringing the dead back to life. That explains why lottery is all the rage these days, I mean years.

[Ombra]

So the same damaging policy - more and more tourists.