The Ministry of Culture is proceeding with its plan to promote distinctive culture in the southern border provinces in an effort to support peace-building there.Permanent Secretary for Culture Apinan Poshyananda said that the Ministry of Culture had allocated a fund of 94 million baht in the 2015 fiscal year to carry out southern development projects through a cultural dimension.

The plan is divided into two phases. In the first phase, local residents will be encouraged to adopt their religious principles to promote cultural identities. The deep South of Thailand makes up a multicultural society, with distinctive cultures, diverse beliefs, and unique identities. The first phase also seeks to develop local cultural attractions.

In the second phase, emphasis will be placed on promoting local identities in terms of language, arts, and culture. For example, the Hajj pilgrimage will be given more support, while cultural events, such as the annual Maulid Festival, a trip to pay homage to three Buddhist temples, and a tour of religious structures of the three faiths, will be promoted.

Among the development projects is the construction of an exhibition hall in Pattani province. The construction requires a budget of 17.35 million baht and it will take one year to complete. The hall features the history, culture and traditions, and the local way of life in Pattani. It will be open to the public, so that visitors will learn more about this province.

Pattani boasts several interesting historical and cultural sites, such as the Yarang Ancient City, the Krue Se (Kersih) Mosque, the Pattani Central Mosque, the Limkoneaw Goddess Shrine and Wat Ratburana, or Wat Chang Hai, the temple where Venerable Luang Pu Tuad, one of Thailand’s most revered monks, used to reside.

Pattani is famous for a major cultural festival, called “Limkoneaw Goddess Celebration.” It is held annually in February after the Chinese New Year celebration. This festival reflects a harmonious mixture of Thai, Chinese, and Muslim cultures. It will also be featured at the Pattani exhibition hall.

Another project is the construction of a museum of Luang Pu Tuad. The Ministry of Culture will also develop and link cultural attractions in the three provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The distinctive multi-cultural society will be used as a strength to promote local tourism.

In addition, various cultural activities, such as culture roads, will be organized in the southern border provinces. Along these roads, there will be sales of community products, film screenings, and other cultural activities.

The cultural dimension is expected to promote better understanding among the people and contribute to peace-building in the deep South.