OKMD launches "Modern Thai Wisdom" connecting Thai wisdom to the new creative economy while developing a new generation for the global creative market
The Office of Knowledge Management and Development (Public Organization), or OKMD, launched the Modern Thai Wisdom: From Knowledge to Market project. Under the concept of advancing Thai knowledge and wisdom into the new creative economy, it aims to develop the potential of the new generation, entrepreneurs, designers, and creative communities to connect Thai cultural capital with works and economic opportunities that can truly compete globally today. The press conference was held at SCBX Next Stage, Siam Paragon Shopping Center.
The event was honored by Dr. Porametee Vimolsiri, Chairman of OKMD's Executive Board, who presided over the opening. Also present were Dr. Thawat Sutabut, Director of OKMD, executives from partner agencies, fashion experts, creative industry professionals, and representatives from the digital business sector.
Dr. Porametee Vimolsiri stated that the world is shifting competition from cost-based to creativity, identity, and the ability to create new value. Thailand may not have the largest industrial base, but it has strong cultural capital—wisdom, craftsmanship, art, lifestyle, and people's creativity—which can be developed into immense economic value if systematically nurtured. Therefore, Thailand's key challenge today is not just to preserve Thai wisdom in the past but to transform it into the economic power of the future.
Dr. Thawat Sutabut, Director of OKMD, said Modern Thai Wisdom is designed to be more than a training course; it is an ecosystem of learning and creative economic advancement that connects Thai knowledge with design, technology, marketing, and business opportunities. This helps participants develop their work, test markets, and progress toward the new creative economy. When knowledge links with the market, it becomes a new opportunity for Thailand's creative economy.
The project will run throughout fiscal year 2026, offering over 30 practical workshops nationwide in three main fields: clothing and apparel, accessories, and handicrafts. The learning is structured in three levels: Design & Inspiration, Marketing & Branding, and Business & Commercial, enabling participants to develop from creative ideas through to commercial expansion comprehensively.
Additionally, an online (E-Learning) curriculum is being developed to provide free access nationwide to knowledge on fashion and the creative industry. The content covers Thai cultural capital, sustainable design, intellectual property, brand building, and creative marketing. The project aims to develop at least 4,500 fashion industry personnel and over 5,000 online learners.
A key highlight is creating public communication and inspiration through the Creative Thais Story and #WhyICreate campaigns, sharing stories of young Thai creative workers. Events like Fashion Shows, Creative Showcases, and Lookbooks provide platforms for participants' works to connect with businesses, buyers, investors, and real markets.
The event also featured panel discussions with experts from the fashion and craft industries, such as Pijitra Boonyaratpant, designer and owner of Atelier Pichita; Dr. Korakot Aromdee, founder of Korakot International Limited Partnership; and Intira Thapwong, founder of the INTIRA brand. They shared perspectives on advancing Thai craft heritage to global markets. Content creator Tachapan Pititharanon of Here's Jae channel also discussed creating content inspired by creators' identity and storytelling through digital media to help contemporary Thai works gain recognition, reach audiences, and open new opportunities in the creative industry.
Also featured was a Mini Fashion Showcase under the Modern Thai Wisdom concept, blending wisdom, identity, and craftsmanship from various Thai regions through a contemporary fashion lens. This reflects the potential of Thai cultural capital to develop products and creative experiences that appeal to modern consumers and compete internationally.
Dr. Thawat concluded that OKMD believes developing people is the foundation of a sustainable creative economy. Creating opportunities for Thais to access knowledge, networks, and markets will not only preserve Thai cultural capital but also generate income, create jobs, and foster new value creation for Thailand's economy sustainably. The goal is not just to create creators but to build a new generation of creative entrepreneurs who can leverage Thai cultural capital to generate new value, new opportunities, and a new future for Thailand's economy.