Insight The South's Turn
เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 เดือนที่แล้ว
Insight: The South’s Turn – Delving into the Wonders of Southern Thailand through Creative Works
Saying that the South is unique doesn’t do it justice. To truly appreciate its charm, you have to experience its captivating stories firsthand. We guarantee you’ll fall even more in love with the South than ever before. We want to introduce you to the familiar aspects of the South in greater detail than ever, by decoding the stories behind four creative groups that Pakk Taii Design Week 2024 will showcase and expand upon this year. The unique and bold flavors of Southern cuisine, like stir-fried stink beans (sataw), Gaeng Tai Pla (fish kidney curry), and various types of Gaeng Kua (coconut milk curry), are so renowned that Phuket was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015. The future of cultural heritage lies in the creative industries, as exemplified by “Nora,” a traditional dance recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage, which was showcased at the Venice Biennale 2022, the world’s oldest art festival. The South is also a prime location for filmmaking, offering new perspectives to enrich the film industry. Its cultural landscapes, architecture, knowledge, and nature are captured through the lens and presented to the world, generating over 6 billion baht in revenue for the country. Southerners are passionate about their connection to their land, creating new momentum through projects like the revitalization of the Khlong Huai Yang area in Trang province during the “Ma Tae Trang” creative festival. This serves as a starting point to embrace the new generation and foster sustainable growth.
01 A Good City is a City for People
“Mountains, fields, forests, and sea” is a concise yet comprehensive description of the Southern landscape. However, a city is not just about its scenery. The South boasts a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, leaving behind a legacy of cultural heritage evident in numerous historical sites and artifacts. The prosperity of modern cities isn’t solely measured by the grandeur of their buildings, but more importantly by the quality of life they offer. A city is its people, and the well-being of its residents is an undeniable indicator of a livable city. Each place varies according to its context, and the challenges faced by Southern cities are not unlike those in other provinces of Thailand. These challenges include issues like public transportation, the decline of old town districts, and the lack of creative interaction spaces. These challenges have spurred creative initiatives in various cities, such as “Creative Nakhon,” which transformed local cultural heritage into a creative festival that revitalized a neglected district in Nakhon Si Thammarat. In Pattani, “Pattani Decoded” emerged as a festival that instilled hope in the city by reviving old buildings through exhibitions and creative works, driven by the energy of young local creatives. Recently, “Ma Tae Trang” chose the Khlong Huai Yang area as its festival venue, sparking discussions on the development of the canal and transforming it into a safe and creative public space for the community. Furthermore, the efforts of Southerners to improve public transportation are evident in Phuket with the “Phuket City Bus,” a service running from the airport to Rawai Beach, made possible by the collaboration of local private sectors and government support. This year, Pakk Taii Design Week has also taken up the issue of urban development in the old town district of Songkhla as a design challenge, with the hope of fostering collaboration among all stakeholders in the city to create the ideal city they envision.
02 Elevating Local Craftsmanship into Lifestyle Products for the Next Generation of Creators
เWhen discussing the diverse ethnicities and religions of the people, it’s impossible not to mention the arts and crafts that have been passed down through generations. In terms of textiles, our Southern region boasts a variety of fabrics like Pateh, Ko Yo woven cloth, Na Muen Sri woven cloth, and Palaging cloth, each with a history intertwined with diverse communities. However, as times change, presenting these precious gems might require new approaches. Take, for instance, “CLOTHEAR,” a brand from Hat Yai that reimagines Pateh fabric into everyday wear, breaking away from traditional norms. They show that Pateh doesn’t always have to be worn as a sarong. Similarly, “Sri Yala Batik” from Yala province has revived the art of Palaging cloth, which had disappeared for over 80 years. They’ve introduced a modern design while preserving traditional production methods. It’s not just about fabric. Weaving is another traditional Southern occupation passed down through generations. When infused with creativity, playfulness, and functionality, it transforms. “SARNSARD” from Trang province has taken Pandanus leaves and turned them into lifestyle products like wallets and handbags. “Krajud Wanni” from Phatthalung has incorporated Krajud (sedge) into various household items and apparel, from chairs and mats to hats. These crafts not only help preserve the traditional culture of the South through their patterns but also boost the local economy and create opportunities and income for creative individuals in the region.
03 Deliciously Spicy Cuisine with a Blend of Diverse Cultures
When visiting the South, it’s impossible to resist the food! The cuisine here is diverse, covering all tastes and styles. When mentioning Southern food, the first thing that comes to mind for many is “Southern curry.” The reason why Southern curry is renowned for its deliciousness and rich flavors is due to the curry paste, which emphasizes a spicier and bolder taste compared to other regions. It’s not just local Thai dishes that are memorable; Chinese and Muslim cuisine also hold a special place. Due to its peninsular geography, the South has numerous port towns that have seen an exchange of trade and travel since ancient times. Food tells the story of people’s origins and backgrounds. Chinese cuisine in the South is diverse, ranging from Teochew, Hakka, to Hainanese. Popular Chinese dishes include dim sum, Bak Kut Teh, and Hakka noodles. Muslim food in the South is considered top-notch due to the dense Muslim population in the region. Dishes like Khao Mok Gai (chicken biryani), roti, and even Khao Yam Pak Tai (Southern rice salad) with its star ingredient, budu (fermented fish sauce), are all favorites. Making budu is considered a cultural heritage of Malay Muslims, adding a unique flavor to the dish along with various vegetables and herbs. Not only are the individual cuisines distinctive, but the South also boasts fusion dishes. “Tao Kua,” a perfect blend of Muslim and Hakka influences, consists of rice noodles, blanched bean sprouts, blanched morning glory, stewed pork ears, fried shrimp, fried pork skin, and a tangy sauce made from palm sugar. A boiled duck egg can be added for a perfect touch. Another fusion dish is “Khao Stu” (Thai stew), which has a Western recipe but incorporates Chinese herbs and coconut milk in the broth instead of butter. This year’s Pakk Taii Design Week will take you on a culinary journey through Southern cuisine, understanding the origins of the ingredients in each dish and getting to know the communities behind them. Through various activities, you’re sure to be impressed.
04 Opportunities and Platforms for Filmmakers to Shine
Everyone knows that Maya Bay became famous worldwide thanks to the movie “The Beach.” The influence of film can significantly impact tourism. Films have the power to highlight the potential or beauty of culture, stories, architecture, or unique landscapes. The series “I Told Sunset About You” portrays a love story between two boys who develop a relationship in high school on Phuket Island. Their love story unfolds in various locations, especially the architecture that showcases Peranakan art and unique buildings. Importantly, the boys’ dream of studying communication arts becomes the end goal of the story, a goal they strive to achieve. The burgeoning independent film festivals and film communities in the South are opening up spaces for young people and the new generation to learn about filmmaking more easily than Teh and Oh-aew in “I Told Sunset About You.” Programs are available for students and young people in the South to participate in discussions or workshops on finding ideas, acting, and graphics, nurturing a new generation of aspiring filmmakers. They have the opportunity to learn and understand the essential elements of filmmaking alongside experienced professionals and university professors. This provides a platform for students and young people to shine, hoping that one day these seeds will grow and bear fruit in their Southern homeland, creating a ripple effect in the film industry.