Songkhla: The Prime Minister chaired a mobile cabinet meeting in Songkhla, where he donned a traditional Thai garment known as "Rajawat," a move aimed at reflecting local identity and promoting soft power in Southern Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting was held at the International Convention Center at Prince of Songkla University, marking the first official Cabinet meeting outside of Bangkok for the year 2026. Spokesperson Ms. Rachada Thanadirek disclosed that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as the Minister of Interior, led the session dressed in the culturally significant Rajawat fabric. This choice of attire was mirrored by the cabinet ministers, who wore Rajawat patterned fabric uniforms to embody the cultural essence and local wisdom of Songkhla province. The initiative aims to leverage cultural capital as a form of soft power for the region.
The Prime Minister's visit included an exploration of various exhibitions highlighting Songkhla's potential and initiatives. Among these was the 'Hat Yai Flood Resilient City: Hat Yai Model Plus,' a project by Prince of Songkla University that outlines a plan for transforming Hat Yai into a disaster-resilient city through the use of AI and real-time data. Additionally, the 'Songkhla MICE City' initiative aims to collaborate with Sydney, Australia, to establish Songkhla as a premier destination for festivals and events, ultimately boosting the local economy.
Efforts to achieve UNESCO World Heritage status were also showcased through the 'Songkhla Towards World Heritage Status' exhibition, which emphasizes the province's historical and cultural significance. Other exhibitions focused on industrial potential, welfare services, and financial advice for farmers, underscoring Songkhla's diverse development strategies.
The Prime Minister concluded his visit with a group photo alongside Cabinet ministers and governors from neighboring southern provinces. As a token of appreciation, the province presented document bags made from banana fibers, crafted by the local Kortani OTOP group, to the cabinet ministers. This gesture highlighted the province's commitment to preserving local wisdom and fostering sustainable local economies through community products.