Local cuisine serves as a captivating cultural heritage, embodying the essence of each community. A new initiative in Phanom district in the southern province of Surat Thani embodies this spirit by utilising the vacant space in front of the district office to cultivate kitchen gardens, promoting food security.
The District Chief of Phanom, Suchau Tumosik, in collaboration with local leaders and seven community development networks, has embraced this initiative inspired by the royal guidance of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. This project, under the fiscal year 2025, aims to foster positive change with the concept, Change for 5G.
The initiative started with a Leaders Must Act First campaign, featuring demonstrations of healthy dishes. These activities were honoured by the presence of Pichai Maneelap, Director of Community Development Promotion, acting as the Provincial Community Development Officer of Surat Thani.
Participants included Phanom District Chief Suchau, Phanom District Development Officer Praphai Pat Jinjarat, Phanom Public Health Officer Sanphet Ruangarom, Phanom Local Officer Narapong Khombang, and Noppha Sopha, President of the Ton Yuan Subdistrict Administrative Organisation. Together with government officials and community development officers from Surat Thani, they planted a variety of vegetables and herbs native to Phanom district, such as turmeric, plai, and torch ginger flowers.
The event also showcased local cuisine, lauded for its natural flavours and use of local ingredients. Local dishes often reflect traditional knowledge passed down through generations, intertwining with the community’s way of life and cultural practices.
These dishes are often linked to local traditions or festivals, supporting sustainable food security under the Change for 5G concept through five processes: Good & Food Security, Give & Share, Global & Environment, Group & Action Learning Centre, and Generations.
Local cuisine is more than just food, it is a cultural legacy that reflects the unique identity of each region. It encompasses not just distinctive and varied flavours but also the wisdom, way of life, and history of the people in each area.
During the event, six local dishes from the Phanom district were demonstrated by professional groups and networks from the district’s Khlong Nong Na community.
These dishes included Kaeng Kheyr Ra Yod Wai by the Ban Chiao Pong women’s curry paste group, Kaeng Som Samunprai and Kaeng Kua Moo Samunprai by the group selling ready-made food and catering services, salad rolls by Rai Rak Phaendin, torch ginger flower juice by the Ban Thap Khrist flower and ornamental plant group, and turmeric juice by the Thung Ta Non Community Enterprise under the Plant Genetic Conservation Project.
This initiative, Leaders Must Act First, serves as an exemplary model for citizens, demonstrating the practical application of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s royal guidance in cultivating kitchen gardens to enhance food security.
It aims to improve the quality of life of the people, enabling self-reliance and sustainable food security. Under the vision of the Department of Community Development, Strong Foundation Economy, Strong Community, Sustainable with the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, this initiative is set to continue.
The local cuisine of Phanom district not only offers a taste of the region’s unique flavours but also serves as a bridge connecting people to their roots. It provides a profound understanding of the way of life of past generations, adding depth to the cultural tapestry of the community.
The event highlights the importance of preserving local culinary traditions while promoting community well-being and sustainable development, reported KhaoSod.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why might cultivating kitchen gardens in public spaces be crucial for community resilience?
They promote food security, self-reliance, and sustainable practices, fostering community collaboration and resilience against food scarcity challenges.
How does local cuisine act as a bridge between generations and cultural preservation?
It conveys ancestral wisdom and traditions through recipes, maintaining cultural identity and heritage while educating younger generations.
What if more communities adopted the Leaders Must Act First approach for sustainable initiatives?
It could inspire widespread civic engagement, accelerating sustainable development and fostering local empowerment and environmental stewardship.
How can local food traditions contribute to global environmental goals?
They support biodiversity, reduce carbon footprints through local sourcing, and encourage sustainable agricultural practices aligning with global environmental objectives.
What role does the Change for 5G concept play in enhancing community development?
It integrates food security, sharing, environmental consciousness, learning, and generational continuity to drive holistic and sustainable community progress.
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