Songkhla, the City of GastronomyByAsst. Prof. Dr. Supatra DavisonPrince of Songkla Universitypresented at the Songkhla Business Night,for diplomatic representatives from 21 countriesat the Buri Sriphu Hotel, Hat Yai30 September 2025………………………………………… Songkhla, “the City of Gastronomy for Health and Well-Being” promotes multicultural and delicious food that sustainably improves the physical and mental well-being of our citizens and visitors. Our cuisine encompasses Thai, Chinese, and Halal, and is available to everyone, everywhere, from vibrant Hat Yai to historic Songkhla Old Town.  Songkhla, "The City of Two Seas," so named due to its location between Songkhla lake lagoon and the Gulf of Thailand, possesses abundant natural resources, including agricultural, fisheries, and aquaculture produce. They have become the essential ingredients of both domestic and international consumption, contributing to Songkhla's role as a global food producer. The recent 13 billion baht investment in our food industry, mainly aimed at frozen and processed seafood, is the second most valuable provincial investment, and will likely generate over 23,000 jobs. That number does not include the valuable contribution to our economy of our numerous small-scale, community-based, and private food businesses. In addition, Songkhla welcomes approximately 7 million tourists annually, with more than 3 million being international visitors, generating over 70 billion baht in revenue. This has placed our province 8th in the country's visitor ranking table. It is no coincidence that Hat Yai and Songkhla have been recognized internationally multiple times. For example, as part of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning cities, in the Green Destinations Top 100 Stories of 2024, and in the tentative list of world heritage sites. Just a few weeks ago, Songkhla was awarded the title of World Festival and Event City of 2025 by the International Festival and Event Association (IFEA). Songkhla faces the same global challenges as other international cities, including climate change that threatens to damage agricultural, fisheries, and aquaculture crops, impacting livelihoods and food security, thereby hindering Songkhla's development to its full potential. To combat this issue, Songkhla is focusing on promoting sustainable food production and management, leveraging research and innovation by our five local universities. Curriculum development, and the promotion of lifelong learning, will create opportunities and choices for the new generations to study, providing employment and investment opportunities. In 2025, Songkhla bid for membership of the UNESCO Creative City Network of Gastronomy, an international grouping of cities dedicated to the promotion and advancement of culinary excellence, a network embodying our gastronomic creativity and culture.  Songkhla will:                1.      Promote cooperation with cities that prioritize creativity and culture as strategic factors for sustainable development.2.      Maintain the biodiversity and sustainability of the Songkhla Lake Basin, ensuring the security of its agricultural and aquaculture products, while preserving the environment.3.      Nurture creative food entrepreneurs, promote food innovation, and foster new businesses which benefit the entire food system, particularly its professionals and practitioners. And4.      Establish a Center for the Development of Creativity and Cultural Innovation that will expand the opportunities for creators and experts. Distinguished guests, Ladies and GentlemenOur dinner tonight will give us all a chance to savor and enjoy Songkhla’s rich gastronomic heritage and excellent ingredients. Among the dishes being served is Songkhla Lake Seabass, perfectly accompanied by a Spirit of Songkhla cocktail.