The Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Office (SRIPO) is collaborating with the Southern Market community to accelerate the research project titled "Creating a City-Level Creative Economy through the Development of the Southern Market Cultural District in Phitsanulok". This initiative aims to stimulate the creative economy in the city center following the COVID-19 crisis.

Mr. Thanawat Kwanboon, the project leader, revealed that efforts are underway to integrate ideas for revitalizing the "Southern Market" trading area, a cultural hub and economic center in the city, with research funding from SRIPO under the TRF Flagship Research Program: TRP for the year 2019. As of June, the project has resumed with public consultations in the Southern Market community.

This phase will involve gathering additional data about the area and community, including secondary data such as documents, research, and historical photographs, as well as interviews with local residents, particularly the elderly who still live in the area, along with other community members and entrepreneurs. The research project will also produce videos showcasing various aspects of the Southern Market, such as food, housing, and exercise facilities. Furthermore, plans are in place for enhanced physical space management, determining which areas are most suitable for initial development, and presenting these to the community for consideration of the area's distinct identity to maximize public participation, including entrepreneurs, local residents, government agencies, and various foundations.

Once the area is clearly defined, activities will be created to establish a distinct brand alongside community engagement. The collaboration between the public and the Phitsanulok municipality includes the launch of the "Evening Southern Market" project to enhance community economic activity, with some data already collected, such as restaurants and shops in the Southern Market that need to be involved, along with plans to attract renowned artists from various art forms to participate in evening events.

Historically, the Southern Market operated from early morning until late evening, but currently, it only opens in the morning. Therefore, activities need to be developed to ensure the Southern Market remains vibrant both day and night, allowing the community to continuously engage in its development. The Southern Market is considered a key component in driving the economy of Phitsanulok. However, with the changing landscape of modern commerce, it is essential to revamp the area to facilitate development that aligns with the needs of tourists throughout the day, while also connecting 3-4 points, such as shops, restaurants, and shrines, leading to the night bazaar to attract more visitors to this central market area.

Despite setbacks during the COVID-19 crisis, data collection has continued. The original plan was to open the market on April 29, but due to the pandemic, it was postponed. The project also aims to designate suitable areas for street art and organize exhibitions related to art using the space in front of the Ruby Shrine. Additionally, the road near the shrine will showcase research media currently being developed by the group. Coordination is also in progress with a project I am advising, which has received an award from Siam Commercial Bank, to link information through QR codes for promoting the Southern Market area, making it easier and faster for tourists to access information. The project is set to be delivered to the Southern Market community on June 5, 2020.

Mr. Thanawat further stated that there is now a group of young enthusiasts for the Southern Market who are ready to collaborate on the project. Although it is a small group comprising citizens, businesses, and government sectors, it possesses technological capabilities and networks. The initial plan is to open the evening market 1-2 days a week, ensuring it does not overlap with the Saturday walking street market.

Moreover, there is a desire to engage all generations who cherish Phitsanulok to join forces in developing the city further. Various events will be organized to enliven the city, allowing younger generations to build upon the ideas of their predecessors and adapt them for contemporary urban development. It is encouraging to see multiple groups willing to collaborate in driving the city's development forward.

“Another interesting aspect is that the Southern Market community is home to Chinese residents, including the Hainanese Association and various ethnic groups that have lived there for generations. Each area has its own distinct identity. Therefore, I believe that the approach to driving the development of Phitsanulok is correct and clear to some extent. It aims to strengthen the community, create a community economy, and establish clear landmarks for area development to foster collaboration among all parties. This will promote domestic tourism in line with government policies to create a sustainable community economy in the Southern Market. The model of creative tourism is well-suited for this area,” he concluded.