"Phayao: A Compact City with a Global Vision for Lifelong Learning The communities surrounding Kwan Phayao Lake, encompassing more than six subdistricts, form a vibrant and interconnected area, with the Phayao Municipality at the center as the city’s administrative and developmental hub. With its unique geographical, environmental, and cultural setting, this lakeside region presents significant potential for development in terms of the environment, local economy, and urban transformation aligned with the UNESCO Learning City framework. On September 2, 2022, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially recognized Phayao Municipality as a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), alongside the cities of Sukhothai and Hat Yai. This milestone was made possible through a collaborative nomination effort between the University of Phayao and the Phayao Provincial Administrative Organization in late 2021. With these three newly designated cities, Thailand now has a total of seven Learning Cities in the UNESCO network: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Chachoengsao, Sukhothai, Hat Yai, and Phayao. Among these, Phayao stands out as the smallest member, with an area of just 9 square kilometers and a population of under 20,000. Despite its modest size, Phayao has demonstrated remarkable dedication to lifelong learning, earning international recognition as a model Learning City. Its achievement underscores the principle that impactful learning ecosystems can thrive in communities of any size, through vision, collaboration, and local engagement."
"Project Implementation Area Phayao Province, including the following key localities: Phayao Municipality Ban Sang Subdistrict Municipality Mae Chai District Dok Khamtai District Phu Kam Yao District Chun District Pong District Chiang Kham District Chiang Muan District Phu Sang District"
"The primary challenge in advancing Phayao as a Learning City lies in establishing effective mechanisms for city-wide collaboration to drive the vision of a Creative City—one that promotes a creative economy and sustainable society. This transformation depends on multi-stakeholder cooperation, involving key partners such as: University of Phayao Phayao Municipality Phayao Provincial Administrative Organization Office of Non-Formal and Informal Education (Phayao Province) Private sector and International network partners"
"1. Develop inclusive learning spaces to support community access to lifelong learning. 2. Prepare local infrastructure and communities for integration into the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities. 3. Design localized, community-based curricula (Local Study) to promote place-based education. 4. Promote innovative products within projects that contribute to carbon credit reduction. 5. Establish digital and physical learning platforms to facilitate continuous education. 6. Implement tools to map local routes and urban resources throughout Phayao. 7. Activate learning sites and activity hubs across all 9 districts, with designated learning routes. 8. Develop products aligned with the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) Economy Model to support sustainable development. 9. Create practical guidelines and frameworks for applying the BCG model, with a focus on emission reduction."
"Featured Learning Program: Lifelong Learning and Informal Labor Empowerment through the BCG Model The project “Mechanism for Managing and Developing Learning Routes in Phayao Municipality to Improve the Quality of Life for Informal Workers through the BCG Model” is spearheaded by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Panintra Teeranon from the Faculty of Liberal Arts, University of Phayao. This initiative integrates: The ecological potential of Kwan Phayao, The knowledge and skills of local residents, and Collaborative efforts from key provincial stakeholders, including: Phayao Provincial Administrative Organization Phayao Municipality and Subdistrict Municipalities Phayao Chamber of Commerce Program Management Unit on Area-Based Development (PMU-A) Urban communities of Phayao The project's aim is to advance Phayao as a Learning City by developing local capacity and providing career-building opportunities for informal labor groups and the wider population through value-based education and place-based learning. Key Objective: 1. To enable at least 10,000 informal workers aged 15 and above to participate in a set of three structured training programs titled “UP to Upskill / Reskill / Newskill,” all aligned with the core principles of the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) Economy Model and developed in partnership with the University of Phayao. At least 50% of participants are expected to return for follow-up learning sessions, indicating sustained engagement and impact. Additional Key Objectives of the Project To analyze the relationship between mindset and 21st-century skills, particularly social responsibility, and their connection to income levels within the Learning City context. To examine shifts in mindset that influence the behaviors and choices of informal laborers living around Kwan Phayao. To design a model for income generation through learning activities in the “UP to Upskill / Reskill / Newskill” courses, aligned with the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model. This model is grounded in: Local studies and contextual analysis In-depth stakeholder analysis Emotionally resonant and participatory strategy design The project successfully engaged two key groups: Community members and local learning centers Local administrative organizations, notably the Phayao Provincial Administrative Organization and Phayao Municipality 12 Notable Achievements of the Learning City Initiative Phayao was ranked first in Thailand among candidates for the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2022. A Phayao Learning City Steering Committee was officially established. The creation of Phayao Learning City knowledge hubs and a Learning Route around Kwan Phayao, tailored to the region’s strengths and the interests of diverse learner groups. Development of the “UP to Reskill / Upskill” curriculum, consisting of 2 main programs and 3 specialized tracks aligned with the BCG model: Local Products to Social Innovation Creative Activities for the Green World Launch of social enterprise partnerships, such as one between the Ban Rak Khanom community group and Siam Harbala Holding Co., Ltd. Development of BCG-based products that reduced carbon emissions by 4.2147 kgCO₂e per item, equivalent to 9.68% of total emissions per product. Establishment of 15 learning spaces and one revenue-generating learning route (Phayao Learning Route), generating approximately 448,419 THB per year for local communities along the eastern side of Kwan Phayao. Creation of three integrated learning platforms: Onsite learning centers Online learning via Facebook Page On-demand curriculum and activities Development and branding of eight community-based products, including: Golden Drop Honey Nonda Soap Suksan Decoupage Basket Suntreeya Handbag Ban Rak Khanom (local dessert brand) Phor Tong Rice Thap Pi Nham Fermented Pork Chiang Da Herbal Tea Formation of two community enterprises: San Jai Hug Elderly Enterprise (led by Ms. Pimwilai Wongruang, under Phayao Municipality Elderly Welfare Center) Ban Rak Khanom Community Enterprise (led by Ms. Panisa Duangthip) Establishment of a new Office of Education under the Phayao Provincial Administrative Organization, with Mr. Asdagorn Chattanon appointed as its secretary. A total of 51,401 learners participated in Phayao Learning City programs, with a repeat engagement rate of 31.60%. Continuing Commitment Although Phayao has already been officially recognized by UNESCO as a member of the Global Network of Learning Cities, the efforts of the research team and local stakeholders continue. With ongoing research, policy advocacy, and practical learning interventions, the goal remains to further elevate skills, improve livelihoods, and enhance quality of life for the people of Phayao—while working toward reaffirmation and deeper recognition as a UNESCO Learning City in the near future. "
"Key Mechanisms for Advancing Phayao as a Learning City Phayao focuses on developing a Learning City through the following core mechanisms: 1) Multi-Sectoral Collaboration - Fostering partnerships between the University of Phayao, local government authorities, and civil society organizations. - Linking community-level and provincial-level networks to strengthen collective impact. 2) Creation of Learning Spaces and Opportunities - Developing community-based learning spaces tailored to local contexts. - Organizing learning activities that are relevant to Phayao’s cultural, social, and economic background. 3) Utilization of Urban Data and Local Knowledge - Collecting and analyzing city-specific data and development trends. - Applying insights to design context-sensitive curricula and urban development strategies that reflect the needs and opportunities of the local population."
" 1. Urban Environment and Development Potential Phayao is a medium-sized city characterized by its remarkable natural environment, particularly the iconic Kwan Phayao Lake. The city possesses strong potential in the areas of agriculture, tourism, and cultural heritage, making it a unique setting for community-centered learning and sustainable development. 2. Challenges Related to Becoming a Learning City Phayao faces several key challenges in its journey toward becoming a full-fledged Learning City: Limited availability of learning spaces and infrastructure that support lifelong learning. Unequal access to education and emerging skillsets across different segments of the population. Environmental concerns, such as water management issues in Kwan Phayao, which require innovative, inclusive solutions. 3. Learning City Development Projects and Strategic Directions To address these challenges, Phayao is implementing a variety of initiatives, including: Smart agriculture projects to support innovation in farming practices. Development of a lifelong learning system that caters to all age groups. Promotion of digital technology adoption in both the business and education sectors to enhance learning access and local economic resilience."
