The University of Phayao, in collaboration with the Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMU A), has launched a series of knowledge-sharing activities to support the development of “Learning Cities driven by research”. The initiative is led by Associate Professor Dr. Phanintra Teeranon, Assistant to the President of the University of Phayao, and Assistant Professor Dr. Amares Thepma, Dean of the School of Architecture and Fine Arts. They have received strategic support from Professor Boonyiam Laosaat, Director of Research and Innovation for Livable Cities and Regional Development (Division 3) of PMU A, to host a knowledge sharing event focused on lessons learned from the “Research Driven Learning Cities” program, which is supported by PMU A.
In the fiscal year 2024-2025, PMU A provided support to 27 projects in 21 locations nationwide through the Learning Cities development framework. On April 29, 2025, a gathering was held at The Siamese Hotel in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, with 53 attendees. Professor Boonyiam Laosaat gave the opening remarks, followed by a welcome speech from Dr. Siwat Bunkerd, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Pattaya City Municipality.
The event opened with a keynote lecture by Associate Professor Dr. Phanintra Teeranon, Project Leader for the Learning Cities Initiative in Thailand. Dr. Teeranon shared synthesized knowledge derived from research on Learning Cities, supported by PMU-A, and presented key urban development guidelines. These guidelines included a checklist for becoming a Learning City and guidance on completing the UNESCO Learning City application.
During the experience-sharing session, representatives from four model Learning Cities presented their approaches and practices. These included:
1. Chachoengsao – represented by Assistant Professor Kanchit Maraphot, Rajabhat Rajanagarindra University
2. Khon Kaen – represented by Ms. Rapatsa Phanphunga, Khon Kaen City Development (KKTT) Co., Ltd.
3. Chonburi – represented by Associate Professor Dr. Nuanwan Tuaycharoen, Kasetsart University
4. Mukdahan – represented by Ms. Sasiphongsa Chantarasakha, Mukdahan Network Association
Each representative presented their area’s development journey and participated in a knowledge management (KM) activity to identify key success factors, key person, and encountered challenges. They also tested the UNESCO Learning City application checklist to assess their respective city's readiness.
On May 1, 2025, Thammasat University hosted a hands-on workshop at the Amari Don Mueang Airport Hotel in Bangkok to define a national vision and planning strategy for advancing Learning Cities in Thailand. The session was attended by representatives from 12 funded cities. Associate Professor Dr. Pun Thiangburanathum, Deputy Director of PMU A for Planning and Strategy, and Professor Boonyiam Laosaat delivered talks outlining conceptual frameworks and strategic directions for scaling and sustaining Learning City initiatives.
The workshop included presentations of exemplary case studies (Good Practices) by researchers and partners, such as Associate Professor Dr. Phanintra Teeranon from the University of Phayao and Mr. Kungwan Laovirojjanakul from Khon Kaen City Development (KKTT) Co., Ltd. In the afternoon, participants took part in a collaborative workshop session where they worked together to design strategies for advancing Learning Cities. They used the “Empowerment Evaluation” approach to promote community empowerment and ensure long-term sustainability in Thailand's Learning City development.