Govt pushes for ‘Chud Thai’ UNESCO status, new World Heritage listing
Thailand is pushing hard to have ‘Chud Thai’, the knowledge, craftsmanship and practices of Thai national costume, recognised as a global cultural treasure while eyeing a new World Heritage listing for a historic temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
The initiative was a key highlight of discussions between Prime Minister, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and UNESCO Director General Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on Saturday.
The meeting, held at 3pm local time, was aimed at deepening ties between Thailand and the UN cultural agency across education, heritage conservation and sustainable tourism.
Anutin highlighted Thailand’s dedication to balancing development with the preservation of its cultural and natural assets, noting that the kingdom currently boasts eight World Heritage sites.
The premier expressed optimism that the Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan Temple in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat would be officially inscribed as Thailand’s newest World Heritage site.
The nomination is set for consideration during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in South Korea in July.
In addition to tangible heritage, the government is aggressively promoting Thailand’s intangible cultural identity on the global stage.
Thailand has formally nominated ‘Chud Thai’ for inclusion on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
According to government spokesman Rachada Dhnadirek, the bid for ‘Chud Thai’ serves a dual purpose, including cultural identity, which showcases the craftsmanship, traditional knowledge, and shared cultural identity woven into the garments, and royal tribute, which honours Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother for her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Thai textiles internationally.
El-Enany welcomed the Thai delegation and commended Bangkok's multi-dimensional cooperation with the agency. He also noted the active interest of the Thai private sector in partnering with UNESCO, particularly in promoting sustainable tourism.
Rachada added that the Paris meeting followed the UNESCO chief's official visit to Bangkok on May 15, underscoring a rapidly strengthening partnership.
In addition, both sides discussed the possibility of hosting the 2027 Global Education Meeting, while reaffirming their commitment to working closely together to promote cooperation in education, science, culture and sustainable development.