TCDC Phuket opens as ‘Tourism Lab’ for creative tourism
The new TCDC Phuket has opened in Phuket’s historic Chartered Bank House, offering design resources, exhibition space and facilities to support tourism-related businesses and creative workers.
The Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) and the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation have officially opened TCDC Phuket, a new creative and design centre intended to support tourism, innovation and creative businesses in the province.
The centre opened on 7 August 2026 in the historic Chartered Bank House. It was developed under the concept of a “Tourism Lab”, using creativity and design to help develop tourism products, services and visitor experiences.
TCDC Phuket includes a design library, prototyping and experimental areas, exhibition space, activity rooms and facilities for networking. The centre is intended to connect entrepreneurs, creative professionals, young people and local communities with knowledge, tools and business networks.
Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom presided over the opening ceremony, which was attended by Dr Atchaka Sibunruang, an adviser to the board of the Creative Economy Agency; Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation president Rewat Areerob; government and agency officials; private-sector representatives; and creative professionals.
The agency and the provincial administration said Phuket receives more than 14 million visitors a year and generates more than B540 billion in tourism revenue. They described TCDC Phuket as an investment in creative infrastructure to support the province’s tourism economy and improve access to knowledge and innovation for local people and businesses.
Kerdsom said Phuket’s development should involve creating new value from its existing natural resources, culture, people and services through knowledge, creativity, innovation and cooperation. He said TCDC Phuket could help develop new products, services and experiences while providing a place for entrepreneurs, communities and younger people to learn and exchange ideas.
The centre uses the Chartered Bank House with permission from the Treasury Department, according to Rewat. He said the project preserved the building’s historic value while giving it a new public role as a space for learning, creativity and skills development.
Opening activities included the “เปิดเริน (Learn) Fest”, held from 7 to 11 August under the theme “Learn – Live – Belong”. The programme featured exhibitions, workshops, discussion sessions, a creative market, neighbourhood development activities, contemporary art and music performances.
Exhibitions included “From Chartered House to TCDC Phuket”, which traces the building’s history and Phuket’s economic development from the mining era towards the creative industries. Other displays included “จับโห่ย”, presenting creative products in the style of an old community grocery shop; “โชว์หรอย”, featuring collaboration between six professional chefs and six local cooks; and a Phuket Artist Showcase featuring six Phuket artists and creative professionals.
