CITY OF THE THREE FLAVORS: CULINARY CULTURAL CAPITAL AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS THE UNESCO CREATIVE CITIES NETWORK OF GASTRONOMY IN PHETCHABURI PROVINCE.

Abstract

                 The academic article entitled “The City of Three Flavors: Culinary Cultural Capital and Local Development toward the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in Gastronomy, Phetchaburi Province” aims to investigate the culinary cultural capital of Phetchaburi and examine the processes of local development toward becoming a Creative City of Gastronomy under the framework of UNESCO. This qualitative research employs non-participant observation and documentary research based on theoretical concepts of cultural capital and local development. Documentary analysis related to the Creative Cities Network in Phetchaburi Province is conducted, after which the obtained data are interpreted, categorized, systematized, compared, and synthesized into descriptive analysis.
                The findings reveal that Phetchaburi Province possesses diverse culinary cultural capital rooted in the abundance of local natural resources. This is reflected in the province’s distinctive tri-flavor palette: sourness from Manao Paen (local lime), sweetness from Nam Tan Tanod (palm sugar), and saltiness from sea salt. These ingredients signify not only the richness of the natural environment but also serve as strategic cultural symbols for promoting gastronomy-based identity, marketing communication, and tourism. The collaborative participation among local communities, government sectors, and private organizations plays a crucial role in advancing Phetchaburi Province toward becoming a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. Such development enhances the value of local resources and indigenous knowledge, transforming them into cultural capital that generates economic opportunities and income for the community, while also strengthening cultural tourism potential and promoting the province’s global image on the foundation of sustainability.