Surascape: Morphological patterns of the cultural landscape of community liquor production

This study explores the biocultural relationships shaping the distribution of community liquor distilleries in Thailand, with a focus on the cultural landscape referred to as ‘Surascape’. Utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) and rapid surveys, this study contributes to the theoretical understanding of biocultural landscapes and offers practical insights for policies that integrate environmental conservation with cultural heritage preservation. By analysing spatial patterns and land-use correlations, the research reveals a strong connection between liquor production and forest ecosystems, such as ‘Forest Areas’, ‘Intact Forest’ and ‘Fruit Trees’, challenging the traditional assumption that liquor production is closely tied to rice cultivation. However, in the central region, the Surascape is less pronounced, with only a few remaining distilleries adapting to survive through modern distillation techniques, research grants and niche market positioning. The dominance of rice monoculture, industrial-scale liquor production and restrictive regulations on advertising and product diversity have significantly constrained the viability of community distilleries. In contrast, the northern and southern regions exhibit greater biocultural resilience, where traditional practices are sustained through diverse agricultural landscapes, informal production networks and community-driven conservation efforts. These findings highlight the dynamic interplay between cultural heritage, environmental resources and economic adaptation in shaping community liquor landscapes. The study underscores the need for policy interventions that balance regulatory frameworks with cultural and ecological sustainability to ensure the long-term viability of traditional liquor production in Thailand.