P2A ICE CREAM 2025: ‘Thailand Creative’ Workshop at Suan Dusit University from the Context of Bangkok City of Design

The journey from Alor Setar, Malaysia, continued to Thailand via an 18-hour train ride. On 21 August 2025, delegates from IPC UII and SCIMPA UUM arrived at Suan Dusit University (SDU) in Bangkok. The next agenda of P2A ICE CREAM CHOCO was a workshop entitled “Thailand Creative”.

This workshop focused on understanding how the creative community in Bangkok has developed and contributed socially and economically at the local and national levels. Two expert lecturers from SDU were present, namely Asst. Prof. Dr. Aunkrisa Sangchumnong, fondly known as Dr. Risa, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Worakamon Vongstapanalert. Both collaborated as workshop facilitators and complemented each other in terms of theory and practice in Bangkok’s creative community.

In her presentation, Dr. Risa focused more on the concept of creative communities in the context of urban and economic development. From her presentation, it was clear that creative communities are not just a group of people who create works of art, but a fundamental part of community development.

The existence of creative hubs and spaces that grew from the grassroots level has developed into an industry that has a significant impact on the economy. This is not only for artists and creative practitioners, but also for the country.

Creative Community is a part of the process through grassroots community within the society, such as creative hub and space when it keeps developing into something greater and prospects into industries that give economic advantage for the artist and the sustainability of the community. All these processes are intended to create creative cities that enable opportunity for artists and communities to create and explore,’ said Dr. Risa.

This workshop was not only attended by students from the three countries, but also lecturers and staff. They gained new insights into how creative communities with systematic work can have a positive and sustainable impact. Not only that, but sustainable empowerment is the key to success.

Next, Asst. Prof. Dr. Worakamon Vongstapanalert introduced Thai culture through traditional dance. Together with her students, she introduced the basics of the movements. The dance is commonly performed at cultural events.

This practice provided an exciting experience, with students, lecturers, and staff from different countries learning the values of how to preserve their country’s cultural heritage. Through the management of arts and culture, participants gained a broader understanding of how creative communities not only boost the economy but also symbolise the nation.

The workshop at SDU is tangible evidence of strong collaboration between universities in the P2A ICE CREAM CHOCO 2025 series. It is hoped that participants will return home with useful insights and inspiration to develop creative communities in their respective countries.