BANGKOK — Thailand has hosted its first forum under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), bringing together representatives from 13 creative cities in Thailand and overseas to promote sustainable urban development through culture, creativity and tourism.

The Thailand Creative Cities Network (TCCN) Forum 2026 was launched at Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), together with five partner organisations.

Held under the theme "Creative Cities Connect: Connecting People • Culture • Creativity • Sustainability," the forum aims to strengthen cooperation among creative cities, showcase best practices and encourage knowledge-sharing on sustainable urban development.

Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Director-General of DASTA, said the event brought together creative city representatives from Thailand and abroad to exchange ideas on how cultural assets and creativity can strengthen local economies, improve quality of life and support sustainable tourism.

The forum welcomed representatives from 13 UNESCO Creative Cities, including nine cities from Thailand:

City of Gastronomy: Phuket, Phetchaburi and Songkhla City of Crafts and Folk Art: Chiang Mai, Sukhothai and Nan City of Design: Bangkok and Chiang Rai City of Music: Suphan Buri

Among them, DASTA has supported the development of six UNESCO Creative Cities: Sukhothai, Nan, Songkhla, Chiang Rai, Suphan Buri and Phetchaburi.

International participants included:

Berlin, Germany (City of Design) Cebu, Philippines (City of Design) Jakarta, Indonesia (City of Literature) Echizen, Japan (City of Crafts and Folk Art)

The event also featured exhibitions highlighting each city's cultural identity, performances and creative economy activities, as well as networking sessions aimed at expanding regional and international cooperation.

DASTAS also organised two technical tours for delegates. The Bangkok tour included visits to Talat Noi Museum, River City Bangkok and the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC), while the Pattaya tour showcased the city's preparations to seek UNESCO recognition as a City of Film.

Established in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network promotes cities that place creativity and culture at the heart of sustainable urban development. The network currently includes more than 408 cities worldwide.

Thailand currently has nine UNESCO Creative Cities, with Nan and Songkhla becoming the newest members in 2025.

Looking ahead, DASTA said it will continue working with local authorities and partners to expand Thailand's creative city network, with Pattaya targeting UNESCO's City of Film designation in 2027.

On August 7, Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan and police spokesman disclosed details of a shooting at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi Province in which a student opened fire on teachers and classmates. The initial death toll stands at six—three teachers and three students—with 15 wounded, including 13 with minor injuries and two critically injured. The shooter remains under medical care. Police say the gun belonged to a family member, likely the suspect's grandfather, and are investigating how the student obtained and removed the weapon from home. Authorities have contacted the shooter's parents and learned the child lives with an elderly relative. Investigators are examining the weapon's storage conditions, ammunition origin, and access routes as key focus areas. Police have not yet determined a motive and are conducting detailed inquiries into the suspect's behavior, environment, and personal background. The National Police Commander has ordered a deputy commander to oversee scene management, evidence collection, and detailed crime mapping. Psychological support teams have also been deployed to assist affected teachers, students, and families with trauma and mental health needs. Officers will examine witnesses, CCTV footage, and the weapon's possession chain to establish a full timeline and cause of the incident.

After several months apart with her daughter Pipim attending a short course in Boston, actress Tay Chutima Theepanattakul recently made a rare public appearance with her at an event celebrating 47 years of Praew magazine at Siam Paragon. She opened up about the emotions of her daughter's time abroad and revealed details about an unexpected change to her airport pickup plan.

When asked how she felt about her daughter's recent return, Tay expressed happiness at being able to hold her again after relying on video calls. Pipim confirmed she enjoyed the experience in Boston, with Tay noting that she thought about her daughter every day but counted down the days, knowing her return date. Tay also revealed she flew to Boston in April to spend time with Pipim.

Asked if she had secretly cried missing her daughter, Tay admitted there were moments when she needed encouragement. During video calls, Pipim would comfort her mother by saying "I love you, I miss you," which Tay said always lifted her spirits.

Regarding how Pipim came to attend the course, Tay explained it wasn't entirely the child's idea at first—it was suggested to her, and Pipim agreed to try it. Tay fully supported the experience, wanting her daughter to learn and discover her interests.

When asked about Pipim's interests, Tay said her daughter enjoys crafts, drawing, and recently became very fond of Harry Potter after her mother recommended it. Pipim has watched all seven films quickly. Rather than pursuing entertainment, Pipim's interests lean toward creative projects like illustration and academic subjects.

When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, the 10-year-old Pipim said she might become a writer or illustrator, wanting to write books and draw at the same time. She is already thinking about it. Tay shared that Pipim has been sending stories she's written, including fairy tales and novels. Her school had been studying mythology like Medusa, and Pipim was asked to create her own story based on that lesson, which she rewrote as Greek mythology-inspired fiction.

Pipim enjoys fantasy stories like Harry Potter. When asked if she wants to become a professional writer when she grows up, Pipim said yes. Regarding the airport surprise, Tay initially planned to surprise Pipim at the airport, but the plan changed when Pipim expressed that she wanted to surprise her mother instead.

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At 11:10 a.m. on August 7, 2026, Prime Minister Anuthane Chanyaveerakul and the Interior Minister addressed a shooting at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi, where multiple people were injured and killed. The Prime Minister stated he had received reports of the shooting at the Nonthaburi school and ordered urgent medical care for the injured while deploying relevant officials to the scene. He expressed his dismay, saying "This is terrible," and conveyed deep sympathy for the victims, questioning how such an event could happen in Thailand. He reiterated that this tragedy exemplifies why the government maintains strict firearm licensing and registration policies. When asked how the perpetrator's parents would be held accountable regarding the weapon, the PM made no verbal response but nodded and immediately left the press conference.