BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai, serving as Acting Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, visited the Sawathi community in Khon Kaen province on June 28 during the Isan Creative Festival 2025. Her visit included a tour of the “Sawathi Home Proud by CEA” project, a pilot site for creative community development initiated by the Creative Economy Agency.
At the heart of the project is Wat Chai Si, a temple that plays a critical role in preserving the community’s cultural identity. The site serves as both a spiritual and cultural anchor, with the surrounding community actively participating in programs that blend traditional heritage with creative expression. Sawathi has gained attention as a local example of how culture and design can be integrated to support long-term development.
The Isan Creative Festival, taking place from June 28 to July 6 under the theme “Isan Soul Proud,” involves several venues across Khon Kaen, including TCDC Khon Kaen, the Colombo Creative Community, Kangsadan Night Market, the Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel, and the Sawathi community. Events include exhibitions, workshops, live performances, creative markets, and business platforms.
The festival showcases Isan’s potential through two key dimensions: transforming cultural assets into creative industries, and promoting the region as a destination for living, travel, and investment.
Minister Jiraporn’s visit contributed to national efforts to strengthen regional growth through culture-based development. Her engagement with community members and festival organizers also helped enhance the growing interest in using creative industries to support local identity, economic opportunity, and cultural continuity. (NNT)
