Knowledge, Identity, and Cultural Value Integration within Communities

Knowledge, Identity, and Cultural Value
Integration within Communities

Survey and Knowledge Management Program for Value and Database Development

This project identifies local wisdom and local knowledge within the EEC area to develop a comprehensive database and connect this expertise
with the industrial sector, businesses, and investors.

Traditionally, businesses have pursued CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives that focus on basic community support. This project enhances
CSR sustainability by integrating innovation and technologies aligned with business interests, advancing efforts toward CSR+ (Corporate Social Responsibility Plus)
and CSV (Creating Shared Value) – more sustainable models that leverage local wisdom and knowledge to development.
Rather than conventional activities such as scholarships, temple wall painting, or tree planting, businesses are encouraged to address
specific community needs and local wisdom and local knowledge systems through innovation, technology, and strategic business practices.

Consider a rice-farming community. Traditional CSR typically supports organic rice cultivation with modest gains.
In contrast, CSR+ could boost productivity through technology, while a CSV approach adds further value
– upcycling rice straw into smart boards for sale or industrial use, generating shared value for both the community and businesses.

Project Concept: Creating Mutual Value for Investors and Communities

A concept for creating shared value through local wisdom
and cultural heritage between investors and communities

Implementation Approach

under the EECO Vision:.
Investment Solution Towards Sustainable Locals

Investing in local wisdom and cultural heritage to create business opportunities
with positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes

Definition and Categories of Wisdom

Wisdom in Relation to Other Elements

Local wisdom and cultural heritage are interconnected with societal components,
with humans at the center, guiding their creation, transmission, and preservation.

Categories of Wisdom and Cultural Heritage

Agricultural Culture

Cultural landscapes, agricultural and fishery products, and knowledge and practices related to nature.

Customs, Traditions, and Culture

Mindsets, thoughts, rituals, festivals, legends, beliefs, arts and performances, folk literature, traditional healing methods, and local medicine.

Everyday Essentials

Daily products such as food, textiles, handicrafts, and household items.

Architectural Environment

Architecture, buildings, historic communities and towns, ancient sites, and their surroundings.

6 Projects for Prototype Development

Before development

After development

1. Projects for Environmental Conservation through Agricultural Waste Utilization and Technology

1.1 CSR: Organic Farming Initiatives for a Safe Food City

Encourage organic farming by supporting the transfer of agricultural knowledge and innovation, focusing on chemical-free crops and safe food production.

1.2 CSR+: Support for New-Generation Farmers toward Smart Farming

Promote smart farming by helping farmers in applying intelligent technologies to improve product quality and cultivation efficiency through knowledge, funding, and market support.

1.3 CSV: Agricultural Waste Transformation into New Products

Convert agricultural waste into new, value-added products by purchasing surplus produce and waste for processing, promoting a zero-waste approach.

2. Projects to Raise Standards and Image of Products and Services

2.1 CSR: Local Product Standards Enhancement

Support SME operators in accessing standardization services more easily, easing challenges and financial constraints, particularly for testing and FDA registration.

2.2 CSR+: Local Product R&D for Reaching New Consumer Groups

Upgrade local products into alternative foods through design and research in collaboration with chefs and academics, using high-standard factories that support R&D as a foundation for SME and local brand development.

2.3 CSV: Building Global Brands from Local Resources

Develop brands linked to career development, crafts, local products, and educational tourism across the value chain, creating sustainable income for communities.

Before development

After development

Before development

After development

3. Projects for Ecosystem, Local Wisdom, and Cultural Heritage Promotion

3.1 CSR: Development of a Sustainable Agricultural Lifestyle Learning Center

Promote a learning ecosystem through community-based tourism, supporting organic farming practices, and facilitating the transfer of knowledge and innovation.

3.2 CSR+: Strengthening Networks Between Farmers and Entrepreneurs

Support Business-to-Business initiative to build collaborative networks, matching farmers with entrepreneurs to deliver produce directly to consumers or impact-driven partners.

3.3 CSV: Community Forest Development for the Restoration of Local Materials

Co-invest in the establishment of community forests to restore local materials and enhance material management for optimal benefits under the concept of sustainability.

4. Projects for the Conservation, Restoration, and Utilization of Cultural Buildings

4.1 CSR: Budget Support for the Conservation and Utilization of Cultural Buildings

Support the restoration of historic buildings for transformation into museums or creative learning spaces.

4.2 CSR+: Establishment of a Conservation and Restoration Fund for Cultural Buildings

Establish a dedicated fund to support financial resources for the conservation and restoration of buildings. The private sector is encouraged to contribute to the fund to drive the restoration and development of historic structures, buildings, and traditional houses.

4.3 CSV: Conservation and Rehabilitation of Cultural Buildings for Commercial Use

Promote adaptive reuse to enhance value and enhance commercial use, such as the Uthai Heritage Hotel, which was renovated from the former Uthai Witthayalai School.

Before development

After development

Before development

After development

5. Meaningful Tourism Development Projects

5.1 CSR: Support for Tourism Products that Benefit Communities and Local Areas

Provide subsidies for tourism products that deliver benefits to communities and local areas, certified by the EEC as products derived from local wisdom and cultural heritage.

5.2 CSR+: Promotion of Meaningful Tourism Development

Support communities and local areas in developing tourism activities that generate social value, utilizing local wisdom and cultural heritage as key resources to attract visitors and create added value for the community.

5.3 CSV: Investment in Establishing Social Enterprises for Tourism Development and Management

Establish social enterprises to develop and manage tourism based on local wisdom, enabling profits generated from operations to be reinvested in community and local development.

6. Cultural Tourism and Old Town Development Projects

6.1 CSR: Development of Facilities

Improve facilities in cultural tourism sites and old towns to enhance service quality, such as public restrooms, free Wi-Fi services, and other amenities.

6.2 CSR+: Support for International-Standard Festivals

Promote public relations, activities, product and service development, as well as traffic and waste management for festivals that meet international standards.

6.3 CSV: Development of Community- and Environment-Friendly Public Service Businesses

Promote public services that support tourism activities and local services, such as electric vehicle (EV), providing convenient options for tourists to manage their travel.

Before development

After development

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Highlighted Projects

Project to Transform Local Wisdom to Culinary Delights of Chachoengsao

This project uncovers the roots of local knowledge, wisdom, and ingredients from communities across Chachoengsao Province
to transform them into signature culinary creations. By linking each dish to district attractions in every district, the initiative enhances
recognition and builds the province’s reputation. The project generates economic value for restaurants, hotels, and communities,
strengthening the area as a model of cultural capital. Through collaboration with local communities, government, and the private sector,
the initiative drives sustainable economic development, positioning Chachoengsao as a creative city of culinary creation while ensuring
long-term benefits for residents.

Project Objectives

Study local knowledge, culinary wisdom, and community ingredients in Chachoengsao Province, compile a community knowledge database, and use it to create added value for industry, investors, and tourists in the EEC area.
Strengthen the capacity of restaurant operators in Chachoengsao Province to increase income and support sustainable local economic development.
Promote awareness and community engagement across all groups by highlighting the economic and social opportunities arising from development in Chachoengsao Province.

Target Groups

Restaurant operators in Chachoengsao Province
Community wisdom holders
Government agencies and private sector organizations in Chachoengsao Province
General public
Media

Chachoengsao Local Wisdom Culinary Challenge

The Eastern Economic Corridor Office of Thailand (EECO) held the Chachoengsao Culinary Challenge
on 7 July 2025 at Robinson Lifestyle, Chachoengsao. The event featured dishes highlighting
the unique identityof all 11 districts of the province and was organized into two categories.

Traditional Menu
Culinary Challenge for Traditional Menus of Chachoengsao:

1. Kaeng Som Pla I Kong (sour soup with long-whiskered catfish), Bang Pakong District
2. Kaeng Som Lai Bua Pla Salid (sour soup with lotus stems and gourami fish), Bang Nam Priao District

Creative Menu
Culinary Challenge for Creative Menus of Chachoengsao:

1. Tom Yam Kung (prawn spicy soup), Bang Khla District
2. Kaeng Som Lai Bua Pla Salid (sour soup with lotus stems and gourami fish), Bang Nam Priao District
3. Pla Wong Tod (fried dried stingray fish), Tha Takiap District
4. Green mangoes with grilled snakehead fish in sweet fish sauce, Mueang Chachoengsao District
5. Moo Hong (braised pork belly), Plaeng Yao District
6. Kuai Tiao Pak Mor (pork dumplings soup), Phanom Sarakham District
7. Khao Tom Mat (steamed sticky rice with minced pork), Ratchasan District
8. Riceberry ice cream, Sanam Chai Khet District
9. Kaeng Som Pla I Kong (sour soup with long-whiskered catfish), Bang Pakong District
10. Kra Ya Sart (sticky cereal bar made of rice, nuts, sesame-seeds and sugar), Ban Pho District
11. Ba Bin (sticky coconut pancake), Khlong Khuean District