Central Pattana x TAT: Showcasing “Authentic Thai Soft Power” with 11 Heart-Made Christmas Trees while Celebrating Culture and Creating Value Nationwide

Central Pattana x TAT: Showcasing “Authentic Thai Soft Power” with 11 Heart-Made Christmas Trees while Celebrating Culture and Creating Value Nationwide

• Highlighting local identity and pride with creations such as “Dan Kwian Clay – Central Korat,” “Mudmee Silk – Central Khon Kaen,” “Chiang Mai Umbrellas – Central Chiang Mai,” “Peranakan – Central Phuket,” “Manorah Headdress – Central Nakhon Si Thammarat,” “Kolae Boat – Central Hat Yai,” and “Chanthaburi Gems – Central Chanthaburi.”

Over the past four years, Central Pattana has closely collaborated with local artists and communities to create unique handcrafted Christmas trees that blend the charm of Western and Eastern cultures. These Local Pride Christmas Trees beautifully showcase the distinctive identities of each region in Thailand and are prominently displayed at Central shopping centers nationwide. Guided by the vision of being a “Place for All” the initiative aims to elevate shopping centers into destinations that connect cities, communities, and local artists. Together, they co-create captivating Thai-inspired artworks that stand out and resonate with audiences both across the country and around the world.

Dr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Chief Marketing Officer for Central Pattana plc, said: “Back in 2021, the Local Pride Christmas Tree “Mok Panwa” debuted at the Seesan Ka Sa Long Festival as a trailblazing pioneer that captured global attention. This masterpiece was the result of close collaboration between Central Chiang Rai, the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage (Doi Tung Development Project), Chiang Rai Province, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). It fostered local engagement, invigorated Chiang Rai’s year-end economy and tourism, and generated income for the community (Local Wealth). The project became a source of pride for the province, showcasing the beauty of local identity through a Christmas tree that seamlessly embodied Eastern and Western cultures. This remarkable masterpiece delivered a one-of-a-kind Cross-Cultural Impact on a global scale.

The success of the Local Pride Christmas Trees has grown beautifully from its humble beginnings, evolving into a groundbreaking phenomenon with 11 trees spread across all five regions of Thailand. Each tree profoundly reflects the unique identity and pride of its locale, including Dan Kwian Clay – Central Korat, Mudmee Silk – Central Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai Umbrellas – Central Chiang Mai, Peranakan – Central Phuket, Manorah Headdress – Central Nakhon Si Thammarat, Kolae Boat – Central Hat Yai, and Chanthaburi Gems – Central Chanthaburi. This initiative not only creates a significant National and Global Ripple Effect but also positions Thailand among the Top World-Class Destinations for every festive season.”

Joining forces with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and leading public and private sector partners, the initiative highlights 11 “Heart-Made & Handcraft” Christmas trees, authentically crafted by local artisans.

1.Central Chiangrai: The “Mok Panwa Christmas Tree” craft, with the concept “Chiang Rai The Sense of Art” stands 15 meters tall. It is inspired by 9 high-value cold-climate flowers, including the Doi Tung Lady’s Slipper Orchid, Princess Sanguan Lady’s Slipper Orchid, Thousand-Year Rose, White Bauhinia, Coffee Flowers, Thai Sakura (Prunus Cerasoides), Orange Jasmine, Vanilla Flowers, and Oil Palm Flowers. The tree is crafted using naturally dyed raw cotton and sewn by hill tribe artisans from Doi Tung. This tree serves as a symbol of the festive season, created through the wisdom and diverse cultural heritage of the Doi Tung hill tribes.

2.Central Chiangmai: “Lanna Art of Happiness Christmas Tree” is the first and only Christmas tree in Chiang Mai, standing 15 meters tall. It is decorated with 500 Chiang Mai Umbrellas, a traditional craft, and adorned with ‘Ta Laew’, woven bamboo art, showcasing the intricate Lanna craftsmanship and identity.

3.Central Chanthaburi: “Happiness Shines in The City of Gems” – Inspired by the multi-colored gemstones of Chanthaburi, the “Charm of Chanthaburi Christmas Tree” features precious gems, which represent the city’s worldwide fame, decorating the star at the top of the tree. The tree also incorporates the beauty of “Chanthaburi Mats”, another local craft that reflects the area’s cultural identity.

4.Central Korat: For the first time in Thailand, “Dan Kwian Christmas Tree” stands 5 meters tall with the concept “Dan Kwian The Pride of Korat”. Created by the highly skilled artisans from Dan Kwian, led by Mitr Nakorndin , this tree beautifully showcases the unique identity and craftsmanship of Dan Kwian pottery, reflecting the pride of the people of Korat.

5.Central Khonkaen: Celebrating the identity of Isan on the global stage, the “Silk Mudmee Christmas Tree” incorporates “Mudmee Silk”, recognized by the World Council of Industries, making Khon Kaen the “World Mudmee City”. The tree reflects deep local wisdom, with intricate patterns in red and gold created from “Lam Mee”, a delicate silk thread process that combines tying and dyeing techniques.

6.Central Phuket: “The Peranakan Christmas Tree” reflects the pride of the people of Phuket, with the concept “The Pride of Phuket Thailand”. Standing 15 meters tall, it draws inspiration from Peranakan fabric patterns, incorporating symbols such as the swan for blessings, peony for prosperity, swallow for a bright life, and butterfly for love and connection. The tree’s top features “Hua Kuan”, a traditional headpiece worn by brides in Peranakan weddings.

7.Central Hatyai: For the first time, “Phetra Chonlalai Christmas Tree,” inspired by the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of the “Kolae”, traditional fishing boats unique to Southern Thailand. This masterpiece beautifully reflects the identity and way of life of the local community, blending multicultural influences and capturing the harmonious bond between people and the sea. The “Phetra Chonlalai” stands as a symbol of beauty gliding gracefully across ocean waves.

8.Central Nakhon Si: Discover the beauty of “The Montra Mahakhon Christmas Tree”, celebrating the identity of “Terid Monora”, a traditional headpiece worn by master performers in Nakhon Si Thammarat. This exquisite artwork combines colorful Monora beads arranged in triangular, square, floral, and Thai patterns, creating an intricate design that reflects the cultural heritage. The tree showcases the mystique, beauty, and lifestyle of the region, embodying the unique identity of the people of Nakhon.

9.Central Samui: “The Tree of Life Christmas Tree” embodies the spirit of sustainability, crafted from natural materials such as coconut shells, husks, and fibers. The tree is adorned with these elements, including carved coconut shells for ornaments. Bamboo forms the sturdy structure, and coconut leaves are woven into various shapes, showcasing the flexibility and strength of natural resources that are abundant and easily accessible on the island.

10.Central Mahachai: “Salt Christmas Tree”, a gem of the Gulf of Thailand, is crafted from sea salt, reflecting the local identity of Samut Sakhon, one of the largest salt-producing regions in Thailand. This tree honors the traditional wisdom and lifestyle passed down through generations, symbolizing the deep connection of the people to the salt farming industry.

11.Central WestGate: “Nonthini Ramit Nontree Christmas Tree” invites you to experience the unique craftsmanship of Nonthaburi. For the first time in the world, crafted from the province’s finest local treasures. This stunning creation showcases intricate woven crafts, oversized ceramic plates, earthenware, handwoven loincloths, linen tie-dye fabrics, and local fruits, celebrating the pride of Nonthaburi and inviting everyone to immerse themselves in its exquisite beauty.

Join the greatest year-end celebrations in ‘The World’s Great Celebration 2025’, from 1 November 2024 to 5 January 2025 at all Central shopping centers nationwide. More information click: https://bit.ly/TheGreatCelebration2025