Sabida, Minister of Culture, highlighted the unseen Thai community by opening Ban Lam Pam in Phatthalung as one of the top 10 “Community Tourism Experience” model communities for 2025, showcasing its historical sites, community way of life, and natural environment.
Ms. Sabida Thaiset, Minister of Culture, presided over the opening ceremony of the top model communities for the “Community Tourism Experience” program for fiscal year 2025 at the multipurpose hall of Ban Thanam Hua Non community, Lam Pam subdistrict, Mueang Phatthalung district, Phatthalung province.
Ms. Sabida stated that the Ministry of Culture is driving government policies to strengthen the grassroots economy of communities by developing and enhancing the cultural capital within them. This creates added economic value through creative cultural tourism under the “Thai Thai” policy, guided by the concept “Continuing, Creating, Bringing Thai Culture to a Sustainable Future.” The goal is to promote “cultural power” as a tangible economic force. Since fiscal year 2021, the ministry has conducted a project to select 10 top model communities annually nationwide that demonstrate full readiness and potential in tourism across all dimensions, totaling 50 communities to date. It is highly gratifying that in fiscal year 2025, Ban Lam Pam community, Lam Pam subdistrict, Mueang Phatthalung district, Phatthalung province, has been selected as one of the 10 top model communities for “Community Tourism Experience” by the Ministry of Culture. Each year, selected communities receive broad publicity to become well-known new tourism destinations where both Thai and foreign tourists can experience tourism combined with learning about local identity, creating jobs and income for community members.
Ms. Sabida added that Ban Lam Pam community possesses valuable cultural capital, with strong leadership and networks driving cultural activities. The community members are happy, united, and committed to preserving, continuing, and developing their cultural heritage. They are well-prepared to welcome tourists from around the world. Additionally, government agencies, private sectors, local cultural networks, and all residents of Ban Lam Pam value and actively promote the “Community Tourism Experience” program, resulting in successful and recognized achievements. She encouraged everyone to unite in developing the community for sustainable strength, recognition, and to become a landmark for creative cultural tourism in Thailand.
Ban Lam Pam is an important historical and cultural tourism site in Phatthalung province. It features notable ancient sites such as the Phatthalung Governor’s Palace, including both the old and new palaces, reflecting architecture combining central and southern Thai styles and registered as historic monuments by the Fine Arts Department. Also present is Wat Wang, the city’s main temple from early Rattanakosin era, with an ancient ordination hall featuring beautiful mural paintings, and the monument of Phraya Khun Khang Lek. Additionally, there is the 300-year-old ordination hall at Wat Yang Ngam, a valuable historic site distinguished by intricate carvings and rare Buddhist art. Nature attractions include Saen Suk Lam Pam Beach, a viewpoint overlooking Songkhla Lake with shady pine trees, Ko Loi island, and the beloved Lam Pam pavilion, a popular landmark. The Lam Pam canal market is a community market reflecting traditional lifestyle, offering local food and products, especially three-water shrimp and Lam Pam fish, along with a unique waterborne alms-giving ceremony. These features make Ban Lam Pam a destination for tourists interested in history, community lifestyle, and nature all in one place.
The Ministry of Culture plans to visit all 10 top model communities for the “Community Tourism Experience” program of fiscal year 2025 to boost morale and provide wider promotion. The 10 top model communities include:
. State Policy .