thai town designation

Thai Town Designation

The designation of Thai Town was an economic strategy to revitalize an otherwise depressed and neglected section of East Hollywood through cultural-based tourism.

In 1999, the World's First and Only Thai Town was Officially Designated by the Los Angeles City Council

After an 8 year protracted campaign facilitated by Thai CDC, the Thai community won the City of Los Angeles designation

of Thai Town in East Hollywood in October 1999. Located in Hollywood, the area that is now known as Thai Town has

served as the historic port of entry for newly arrived Thai immigrants, and has seen the proliferation of Thai-owned

businesses over the last forty years.

On October 27, 2009, Thai Town just had its 10th year birthday celebrate with elected officials and community members.

Click here to see some of the commemoration pictures

In 2008, the White House Designates Thai Town a Preserve America Community

This recent designation marks a historic and momentous occasion for the Thai community as it further increases

the visibility of Thai Town and recognizes its contributions to the social and economic vitality of the City of Los Angeles.

The designation seems so appropriate as Thai CDC’s efforts in Thai Town have always been in line with the goals of

Preserve America, which are to ensure that our community protects and celebrates its heritage, uses its historic assets

for economic development and community revitalization, and encourages people to experience and appreciate local

historic resources through education and heritage tourism programs. click here for Preserve America official website

“Preserve America Communities demonstrate that they are committed to preserving America’s heritage while ensuring a future filled with opportunities for learning and enjoyment,” Mrs. Bush said. “This community designation program, combined with the Preserve America Grant Program, Preserve America Presidential Awards, and other federal support, provides strong incentives for continued preservation of our cultural and natural heritage resources. I commend you for your commitment to preserving an important part of our nation’s historic past for visitors, neighbors, and, most importantly, for children.
Acknowledgement from the White House

NEWS

LA Times: First Lady puts Thai Town on the map, August 3, 2008

SURVEY

New Preserve America Thai Town Cultural Tourism survey 2009 is lunched!

Thai Town has an incredible opportunity to enhance its cultural tourism efforts. We encourage EVERYBODY, residents

and visitors, to fill out our survey. It only takes a moment to complete.

Thai Community Development Center