On 3 June 2026, Ms. Eksiri Pintaruchi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Pimwadee Sovaratanapong, Deputy Director-General of the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), attended the opening ceremony of Crafts Bangkok 2026, one of Thailand’s largest exhibitions of arts, Crafts, and contemporary handicrafts, organized by the Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) (SACIT). This event aims to promote and elevate Thai handicrafts, create economic opportunities for Craft producers by connecting them with domestic and international buyers, and expand market access for entrepreneurs. The event also features the Global Crafts Zone, a platform that connects Thai handicrafts with international crafts networks.

Recognizing the potential for knowledge exchange among artisans, designers, and crafts promotion institutions from Thailand and Colombia, as well as opportunities to foster business networks between the two countries, TICA and SACIT jointly organized the “Crafts Beyond Borders: Workshop and Study Visit at Crafts Bangkok 2026” programme from 2–8 June 2026 in Bangkok. Experts and artisans from Artesanías de Colombia (AdC) were invited to participate in a study visit to Thailand.

As part of the programme, the Colombian delegation showcased Colombian arts and handcrafts at Crafts Bangkok 2026 and conducted workshops for participants interested in Colombian craftsmanship and cultural heritage. They also took part in a co-design activity with Thai artisans to create collaborative works reflecting the unique identities, traditions, and wisdom of both countries. These creations will subsequently be displayed by TICA at the 11th TICA Connect, scheduled to take place in July 2026 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This activity forms part of the “Bilateral Cooperation for Innovation, Sustainability and Global Expansion of HandiCraftss between Thailand and Colombia” project under the 2025 – 2027 Thailand–Colombia Development Cooperation Programme. It demonstrates how arts and crafts can serve as a bridge for mutual understanding and international cooperation, while supporting Thailand’s policy priorities on soft power promotion and sustainable creative economy development.