IN-PERSON Barcelona. Section A

Abstract

Urban cultural policy trends have spread globally, predominantly from the western to the eastern regions, significantly influencing how cities perceive their own identities, particularly in smaller cities within developing areas. Nan, a small province situated in the northern region of Thailand, has been an active participant in this transformative phenomenon through the adoption of diverse urban cultural policies, such as the creative district and creative city, while also undertaking efforts to revitalise the old town area. Extant scholarly research within the Southeast Asian region has primarily concentrated on larger urban centres like Bandung (Fahmi et al., 2015; De Beukelaer, 2021), Chiang Mai (Chuangchai, 2019, 2020), George Town (Suet Leng and Badarulzaman, 2014; Khoo, 2020) and so on, leaving relatively limited scholarly attention on more rural places like Nan. Nan, frequently perceived as a city with a slower pace of life, possesses a significant historical heritage dating back to around 1282. Its population is mainly composed of children and elderly individuals due to the lack of a university. However, the post-Covid-19 era has seen an increase in young adults returning to the city, signifying a shift in its developmental trajectory. Consequently, the city now faces the momentous task of reconciling its past with its future trajectory. This research aims to comprehensively investigate urban development in Nan, with a focus on exploring the impact and effectiveness of urban cultural policies. Interviews with key stakeholders, including governmental agencies and civil society organisations, will provide valuable insights into multifaceted urban transformation. The study seeks to illuminate the dynamics of urban development in Nan and its interface with the adoption and implementation of urban cultural policies, contributing to a broader understanding of how cities like Nan navigate their historical legacies while advancing future growth.