Thailand aims to secure Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN) recognition for two new destinations every two years as part of a national strategy to have at least 35 Thai cities designated by 2037, according to the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta).

The agency said receiving recognition is expected to increase tourism revenue in those areas by 10-30%.

Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, director of Dasta, said Thailand is on track to drive community-based and cultural tourism to receive international standards, as targeted by the government.

The strategy calls for Thailand to achieve international standards such as the UCCN or Top 100 Sustainable Destinations by Green Destinations for 35 cities or communities by 2037.

Thailand has nine Unesco creative cities currently and roughly 15 communities and attractions recognised as top 100 sustainable destinations.

Mr Siripakorn said Phuket was named Thailand's first UCCN in 2015 as a "City of Gastronomy".

Of the nine cities, Dasta helped six of them to achieve recognition since 2019: Sukhothai, Nan, Songkhla, Chiang Rai, Suphan Buri and Phetchaburi.

The agency's framework includes collaborating with local organisations to consult on development standards.

Under Unesco's criteria, each country can receive only two creative city titles every two years. There are 408 cities globally acknowledged under the UCCN.

Dasta, related ministries and provincial organisations plan to submit two more cities for Unesco recognition in 2027. Potential candidates are Pattaya for film, Chanthaburi for gastronomy and Si Sa Ket for crafts and folk art.

"This investment should be valuable for future tourism returns," said Mr Siripakorn.

The recognition is expected to draw more high-spending tourists keen for new experiences, he said.

These cities should be able to earn 10-30% more revenue, an additional 3,000-5,000 baht in average spending per trip, said Mr Siripakorn.

Dasta and partner organisations held the Thailand Creative Cities Network Forum 2026 yesterday, inviting representatives of new creative city candidates to exchange ideas with delegates from creative city recipients Berlin, Jakarta, Cebu and Echizen.

Regarding the development of the Phu Kradueng cable car, he said the project still needs an environmental impact assessment and design refinements.

The final study and development plan must be submitted to the cabinet for approval by mid-2027, said Mr Siripakorn, and the construction should take 1-2 years.

In terms of community-based tourism, 45 local communities within Dasta's designated areas generated 137 million baht in 2025, up by 22.3% year-on-year, tallying 426,431 visitors.

The agency targets a 10-20% increase in revenue annually, driven by new marketing, activities and experiences, he said.

Next year Dasta plans to return the administration of one designated area to the local community as it is ready to manage it without Dasta's guidance, said Mr Siripakorn.

The agency manages nine designated areas across Thailand and is studying the feasibility for a new area development, such as Laem Tua Ngork in Kanchanaburi, Phayao or Hua Hin and Cha-am.