P2A ICE CREAM 2025: Exploring the Creative City of Chiang Mai in the Creative and Cultural Industries

After completing their agenda in Bangkok, the P2A ICE CREAM 2025 delegates continued their journey to Chiang Mai, Thailand. On 23 August, they arrived at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University (CMRU) to carry out various activities.

This city was chosen because of its rich culture and rapidly growing creative industry. Not only at CMRU, the IPC UII and SCIMPA UUM delegates were invited to visit creative locations around the city. In addition to visiting creative industries, the delegates were also introduced to the creative community in Chiang Mai, from religious centres to local markets as the backbone of the community’s creative economy.

Some of the destinations visited included Ku Taw, a Buddhist temple that is also a centre for the production of traditional arts and crafts in Thailand. It is not only a place of worship, but also a space for artists to produce works of art that are commonly used in several major ceremonies in Thailand. From this visit, the delegates learned how tradition and the creative industry go hand in hand.

After Ku Taw, the next destinations were Ban Kaan Wat and Wu Lai Night Market. These areas are centres for creative communities marketing local handicraft products. There, the delegates witnessed first-hand the creative process, such as painting, knitting, and various workshops conducted by the community.

The next day, the trip continued to Jing Jai Market. This market is unique in its rich creative and cultural value. Here, the delegates carried out their project to document various aspects through videography, photography, and copywriting. They also gathered information through direct interviews with creative practitioners and local and foreign visitors.

Interestingly, the delegates had the opportunity to meet Jeroen G. Schedler, director of P2A and owner of BED Hotel Changkian, where the delegates stayed. He shared interesting insights on building organisations and businesses based on humanity and leadership. “Within my journey along with great people in creating this P2A organisation and this business (BED Hotel), I believe that the sense of giving goodness is much better compared to simply chasing money, power, and position. But I chose to give compassion, equality, equality, equality. A chance for everyone. That’s why there was never a manager in this hotel, because I trust in shared leadership, and that is how they could have this kind of responsibility to grow together,” he said.

One of the participants, Cleodora Faustina Wibowo, a delegate from IPC UII, shared her impressions of the city and the creative exploration experience. “Chiang Mai, I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited. The scenery is great, full of nature, and interesting places that are just a sight for sore eyes. Most importantly, it’s rich in culture and filled with creativity,” she said.

Cleodora described her deep impressions of the two markets she visited, Baan Kang Wat and Jing Jai Market. She said, “Both markets have their own uniqueness, and it’s hard to pick a favourite for that reason. Baan Kang Wat is a market unique in the crafts they sell and offers visitors the fun of crafting. The place is also cheerful with its decoration made out of pieces of ceramics put together, or shattered mirrors that are just so well put onto the walls, but my favourite is still the cute statues of animals like the cartoonish tiger or the little monkey right out front like it’s greeting you,” she added.

Regarding Jinjai Market, Cleodora added, “I would say Jing Jai would be a better place to discover flavour through the local food palate. They still sell some cute little handmade pieces just like in Baan Kang Wat, but the farmer’s market is what piqued my interest. My favourite would be this stall that sells a bunch of Thai food in small dishes made out of leaves so customers won’t miss out on tasting every single one in a controlled portion,” she said.

The P2A ICE CREAM 2025 event in Chiang Mai showcased the rich collaboration between education, creative communities, and cultural aspects that thrive in a creative city in Southeast Asia. This exploration became a valuable lesson for participants on how creativity and culture play a major role in driving the local economy while strengthening a city’s identity.