Phuket Unveils One District, One Creative Space Initiative to Promote Cultural Growth and Tourism

Published on December 21, 2025

One of Thailand’s most popular and exciting tourist spots, Phuket, is set to embark on a new cultural project meant to enhance the cultural identity of Phuket and provide community spaces for both locals and tourists to share and enjoy. Known as ‘One District, One Creative Space,’ this new development will enhance Thai arts, culture, and creativity while taking part in contributing to the creative economy of Thailand as a whole. Some key activities are set to take place from January to March 2026.

A Cultural Development Project for Phuket

The ‘One District, One Creative Space’ initiative was announced following a working group meeting led by Phuket Deputy Governor Suwit Phansengiam at the Phuket Provincial Hall. The project, part of a larger cultural development effort, aims to establish new community spaces where creative activities can thrive. These spaces will also offer a platform for local artists and craftsmen to showcase their work, supporting economic growth through cultural tourism.

Three districts have been selected as pilot sites for this initiative, with each location chosen for its rich cultural heritage and tourism potential. The initiative will unfold over four key dimensions, designed to both preserve and innovate within the framework of Thai culture.

The Four Pillars of the ‘One District, One Creative Space’ Initiative

The project will operate across four main pillars:

1. Traditional Thai: This dimension focuses on preserving and passing down local wisdom, arts, traditions, handicrafts, and cuisine. It offers a space for the younger generation to connect with their roots and learn from older generations.
2. Contemporary Thai: This pillar provides venues for artists and younger creatives to express modern ideas and artistic forms while remaining rooted in Thai cultural identity. This includes contemporary art exhibitions, performances, and installations.
3. Experiential Thai: Aimed at both residents and tourists, this aspect will offer hands-on cultural learning experiences. Workshops, culinary classes, and art exhibitions will allow visitors to actively engage with Thai culture.
4. Connecting Thai: This part of the initiative will focus on building cultural networks that link different districts, provinces, and regions. It aims to foster collaboration and exchange between artists, artisans, and cultural organizations across Thailand.

These four dimensions work together to create an immersive and dynamic cultural ecosystem, where both local communities and international visitors can engage with Thai culture in meaningful ways.

Boosting Phuket’s Tourism Through Cultural Engagement

Phuket is already a well-established global tourist destination, renowned for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. However, this new cultural initiative aims to diversify the island’s tourism offerings, providing visitors with a deeper, more authentic experience of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.

By promoting local traditions and contemporary Thai art, the ‘One District, One Creative Space’ initiative will allow tourists to experience Phuket beyond its traditional appeal. Tourists will not only enjoy the stunning landscapes but will also be able to immerse themselves in local cultural activities. This new approach encourages a more engaged form of tourism, where travelers can learn about Thai arts, crafts, and cuisine through direct interaction with local communities.

For example, visitors can participate in workshops where they can try their hand at traditional Thai crafts like pottery, weaving, or batik. They can also explore the island’s rich culinary traditions through food tours and cooking classes, all while interacting with local artisans and chefs who are eager to share their knowledge.

The project is expected to attract a broader demographic of travelers who are seeking cultural experiences alongside the typical beach holidays. By aligning with Thailand’s national “Thai Thai” policy, which focuses on harnessing cultural power to create economic value, the initiative will contribute to both cultural preservation and the local economy.

Economic and Social Benefits for Phuket’s Communities

Beyond the tourism benefits, the ‘One District, One Creative Space’ initiative is also designed to create long-term social and economic benefits for Phuket’s local communities. By developing new cultural spaces, the project aims to create income-generating opportunities for local artists, craftspeople, and businesses. This will empower local communities by providing them with a platform to showcase their work to both domestic and international audiences.

The project will also enhance the overall quality of life for Phuket’s residents. By fostering a deeper connection to their local culture, people in Phuket will have more opportunities to engage in creative activities that improve their well-being. Additionally, the collaborative nature of the project is expected to strengthen the sense of community and pride in the island’s rich cultural heritage.

What to Expect in the First Quarter of 2026

From January to March 2026, each of the selected districts will host two major events, offering both locals and tourists a chance to experience the new creative spaces. These events will include cultural exhibitions, art performances, interactive workshops, and food festivals, giving participants a taste of Phuket’s diverse cultural landscape.

The Phuket Provincial Culture Officer, Puangphaka Chaowai, mentioned that the initiative has already received positive feedback from the public, with anticipation building for the upcoming events. Organizers promise a dynamic lineup of activities that will bring together artists, performers, and visitors in celebration of Phuket’s cultural diversity.

The project is expected to continue to grow, with future expansions into other districts and more creative spaces being developed in the coming years. Phuket aims to become a hub for cultural exchange, drawing tourists not just for its natural beauty but for its vibrant and thriving arts scene.

A Bright Future for Cultural Tourism in Phuket

“One District, One Creative Space” in Phuket represents an important milestone in the cultural development of the island. Through the incorporation of both heritage and modern aspects of Thai culture, this initiative aims to revolutionize the tourism sector in Phuket. This means that tourists will be able to enjoy a far more engaging trip, and the local community will see the positive impacts of increased cultural participation and economic development. As a leader in such initiatives, focusing on the revival and development of Thai culture, Phuket will emerge as a cultural haven in Southeast Asia.