Bangkok: Songkhla province is organizing an event to stimulate the economy and tourism from May 13-17, 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, Songkhla launched the grand event "The Marvels of the River Basin: World Heritage of Songkhla Lake," highlighting soft power to connect three provinces and stimulate the economy and tourism. The event, featuring food, shopping, and entertainment, runs from May 13-17, 2026, at Central Hat Yai.
Today, at the promotion area on the 1st floor of Central Hat Yai Shopping Mall, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, Mr. Ratsasart Chidchu, Governor of Songkhla Province, presided over the opening ceremony of the 'Wonders of the River Basin: Songkhla Lake World Heritage Site' event. This event is under the project to promote community tourism in the World Heritage area of the Songkhla Lake River Basin, covering Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla provinces. Also present were Mr. Tharawut Chuaykird, Deputy Governor of Phatthalung Province, representatives from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Provincial Governor's office, heads of government departments, business operators, private sector representatives, local residents, and tourists, who participated enthusiastically in the event.
This event represents a collaborative effort among the three provinces in the Songkhla Lake Basin to drive development in four key dimensions: human resource development, site development, product development, and market access. This is coupled with efforts to elevate tourism service standards and promote the participation of both local residents and tourists through collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and local communities.
The Governor of Songkhla Province stated that the Songkhla Lake Basin, encompassing Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Songkhla provinces, is unique in both its natural resources and cultural heritage, which have received global recognition. Examples include "water buffalo," Thailand's first World Agricultural Heritage site, and "Manora," a cultural heritage of humanity. These represent significant soft power in generating economic value and income for communities. Furthermore, there are community products reflecting local identity, such as products made from sedge, palm trees, and traditional fishery products. These have been developed from traditional wisdom into high-quality goods that meet market demands, while simultaneously conserving natural resources and community lifestyles. This promotes cultural tourism and generates sustainable income for the area.
The event featured over 50 booths selling products from OTOP and community entrepreneurs from three provinces, including products made from sedge, palm trees, fishery products, and woven handicrafts. The aim was to create market opportunities, expand sales channels, and promote tourism and the unique identity of the Songkhla Lake Basin area to a wider audience, ultimately leading to income distribution in communities and stimulating the local economy.
The event, "The Wonders of the River Basin: Songkhla Lake World Heritage Site," is being held from May 13-17, 2026, at the promotion area on the 1st floor of Central Hatyai Shopping Mall, Songkhla Province.