UNESCO
- Thailand News
Kebaya recognised as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage
Kebaya, a traditional garment worn by women across Southeast Asia, has officially been recognised as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. This acknowledgement came after a joint proposal from five countries, including Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The announcement took place during a meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay,…
- Thailand News
UNESCO honours Thailand’s Tom Yum Kung as intangible cultural heritage
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) today, December 4, approved the renowned Thai dish Tom Yum Kung (hot and sour shrimp soup) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Thailand proposed the country’s iconic dish, Tom Yum Kung, for UNESCO’s consideration, and the proposal was officially approved today. The announcement was made during the 19th Session of…
- Thailand News
UNESCO experts to assess Ayutthaya rail project impact
UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee will send experts to review the high-speed rail track construction project in Ayutthaya next month. The visit aims to discuss the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and provide technical recommendations for preserving the integrity of the world heritage site. These experts, while offering guidance, do not have the power to…
- Business News
Land of smart: Thailand’s AI ambitions set to smile on the future
Hold the front page! Thailand is making some serious waves in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). The Land of Smiles is rolling up its sleeves to become a key regional centre for AI training, partnering with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). This clever move is all about leading the charge in helping developing countries tackle…
- Thailand News
Ancient artefacts to return to Thailand for cultural preservation
Artefacts from the ancient Ban Chiang World Heritage Site, which dates back 3,000 years, are set to return to Thailand next week to commemorate the International Day against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property. The return of these artefacts signifies a significant step toward preserving Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. The US Embassy in Bangkok, in collaboration with the regional office of…
- Thailand News
UNESCO Thai heritage site threatened by reservoir projects: Probe
Environmentalists are urging a House committee to investigate two reservoir construction projects that they fear may threaten the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex in Nakhon Ratchasima, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Klong Madue reservoir project in Nakhon Nayok and another near the forest complex have raised concerns among conservationists. Suthee Rattanamongkol, leading the Khao Yai Forest Conservation Network,…
- Thailand News
Udon Thani park receives UNESCO World Heritage status
Phu Phra Bat Historical Park in Udon Thani is poised to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the cultural category today, as announced by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Phatcharavat Wongsuwan. Phatcharavat, who leads the national committee for world heritage protection, stated that the Thai delegation attending the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee in India…
- Thailand News
Thailand seeks UNESCO recognition for Tom Yum Kung & Kebaya dress
The Government of Thailand is pushing to have Tom Yum Kung soup and the Kebaya dress registered as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. The Ministry of Culture is accelerating plans to promote Thailand’s soft power on the international stage. The Ministry of Culture is promoting two of Thailand’s cultural heritages this year: Tom Yum Kung soup and the Kebaya dress.…
- Thailand News
Taste triumph: Macao’s gastronomic diplomacy takes Phuket by storm
Macao’s delectable journey towards gastronomic greatness hit new heights as the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) graced the inaugural UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy Annual Conference in Phuket. From May 10 to 12, the conference acted as a culinary cauldron, bringing together gastronomic geniuses from across the globe under one roof. Hosted by Phuket, the conference served up a three-day…
- Thailand News
Phra Nakhon Khiri eyes UNESCO Heritage status
The bid to elevate Phra Nakhon Khiri National Historical Park, also known as Khao Wang, to the esteemed status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is underway, as confirmed by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. In a recent Cabinet meeting held on location in Phetchaburi, she disclosed that the Fine Arts Department is tasked with assessing the 165-year-old historical site’s eligibility for…
- Thailand News
Thai Cabinet approves UNESCO Heritage Status for Songkhla
Thailand has set its sights on securing UNESCO World Heritage status for four ancient towns nestled within the southern province of Songkhla. The Cabinet’s resounding approval on April 9, marks a pivotal step towards immortalising the rich cultural tapestry of this southern gem. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been tasked with crafting a proposal that was scheduled…
- Thailand News
UNESCO-recognised Songkran festival goes global
Thailand’s Songkran Thai New Year celebrations have gathered international attention, with 35 foreign embassies collaborating with the Thai government to promote the festival worldwide. This initiative comes after UNESCO recognised the festival as an intangible cultural heritage in December of last year. Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanich revealed that the embassies have produced a series of short videos wishing Thais a…
- Thailand News
Thailand proposes four Songkhla town clusters for UNESCO list
A proposal for the inclusion of four historic town clusters located in the southern province of Songkhla in UNESCO’s tentative list of potential new world heritage sites has been forwarded by Thailand’s national committee on the World Heritage Convention. The recommendation was made yesterday, with the old town clusters representing communities and sites linked to Songkhla Lake. The committee meeting,…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s newest UNESCO learning cities revealed, Bangkok on the list
Bangkok, Khon Kaen, and Yala have clinched spots in UNESCO’s 2024 Global Network for Learning Cities (GNLC), heralding a new era of lifelong learning across Thailand. Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob unveiled the exciting news, showcasing Thailand’s commitment to fostering continuous education and development. Joining the ranks of previously listed cities such as Chiang Rai (2019), Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chachoengsao…
- Thailand News
World Songkran Festival to last from April 1 to 21
In an exciting announcement, government spokesman Chai Wacharonke yesterday revealed that plans were underway to organise World Songkran Festival activities nationwide. This decision comes hot on the heels of UNESCO’s recent recognition of the Songkran festival as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. “The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has formally acknowledged the significance of the Songkran…
- Thailand News
UNESCO recognises Songkran festival as Intangible Cultural Heritage
Thursday witnessed a series of events commemorating the Songkran Festival’s recent recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The official declaration was made yesterday during UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee meeting for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Botswana. The Culture Ministry’s application for the inclusion of the Songkran Festival was approved by…
- Guides
Thailands UNESCO world heritage sites
Thailand is recognised worldwide for its many cultural and landscape features, including its unique landscapes, immaculate beaches, energetic street life, and exquisite Buddhist temples with a long history. But Thailand has a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each with its own distinct story of time. It’s not simply the glittering skyline of Bangkok or the sunsets over the Andaman Sea…
- China News
Unveiling 2023’s happiest cities in China: Chenzhou and Hangzhou take the lead
The annual 2023 China’s Happiest Cities conference was held in Chenzhou, the capital of Hunan province, revealing China‘s happiest cities of the year yesterday (November 24). The top 10 happiest cities, including Chenzhou, a UNESCO creative city for gastronomy, and Hangzhou, once praised as a paradise city by Italian traveller Marco Polo, were disclosed. In addition to Chenzhou and Hangzhou,…
- Tourism News
Climbing restrictions loom for tourists at sacred Khao Klang Nok
Phetchabun’s Si Thep Historical Park may soon restrict tourists from climbing Khao Klang Nok, a ruin considered sacred by locals. The move comes in response to the increasing number of visitors following the park’s declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19. Locals expressed concerns about the influx of tourists, many of whom have been climbing Khao…
- Thailand News
UNESCO’s recognition triggers visitor surge at Si Thep Historical Park in northern Thailand
Si Thep Historical Park in Phetchabun experienced an unexpected surge in visitor numbers over the weekend, following its announcement as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on September 19. The ensuing tourism influx prompted local agencies to call on the government for increased accommodation and facilities for the increasing number of tourists. Sittichai Poodee, the director of Si Thep Historical…
- Things To Do
10 amazing things to do in Ayutthaya 2024
Have you ever heard of the ancient city of Ayutthaya? Endorsed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom was once considered the largest and most cosmopolitan urban area in the world. The colonial-era European chronicles even mentioned it as the Venice of the East! Time travel and bask in the rich cultural…
- Thailand News
Thailand celebrates five cities designated as UNESCO Creative Cities
Thailand earns global recognition with five cities designated as UNESCO Creative Cities. Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri celebrated the achievement, emphasizing the cities’ diverse creative talents and cultural heritage in areas like gastronomy, crafts, folk arts, and design. Phuket was the first Thai city to be honoured with the UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status back in 2015. The island’s local…
- Lifestyle
UNESCO recognises performance style from South Thailand
UNESCO has recognised a unique performance style from South Thailand. The organisation’s Facebook page posted a cover photo of a Nora performer, with the caption, “We are #LivingHeritage.” Nora has deep cultural and social significance for southern Thais. It is known for its unique style of singing and dancing. Nora performers are known for their signature long, curled metal fingernail…
- Expats
‘Water Festival 2023’ promotes traditional Thai culture
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced plans to promote traditional Thai culture with a series of events for Songkran under the “Water Festival 2023” banner in four regions between April 13 and 16. The event is a collaborative effort between TAT, Thai Beverage Public Co Ltd (ThaiBev), and several other partners, including the Culture Ministry, the Royal Thai Navy,…
- Technology News
Failed 14 million baht temple lighting system may quash UNESCO nomination
A failed 14 million baht lighting system isn’t helping southern Thailand’s temple of Phra Mahathat Woramahavihan’s bid to become a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The lighting system was installed around the main stupa of Phra Borommathat Chedi in 2014, but those responsible for the project have largely left it in disarray. The lighting is now in need of repairs due…
- Thailand video news
CNN to be Prosecuted for Invasive Massacre Coverage in Thailand | GMT
CNN to be Prosecuted for Invasive Massacre Coverage in Thailand [UPDATE: Thai news outlet CatDumb has said on Facebook that police have now detained two journalists and a photographer from CNN immigration and are arranging to have their visas cancelled. According to some reports, they may not have had the proper documents or may have been using a tourist visa…
- Tourism News
Andaman Sea coast set for UNESCO recognition
Three conservation areas on the Andaman Sea are to be nominated for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognition by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa. As the islands prepare to welcome tourists on October 15, Varawut was inspecting a maintenance and waste collection project on Koh Miang of the Similan Islands in Phangnga province. Reports in…
- Pattaya News
Pattaya, the land of sex, drugs, and film production?
Pattaya is known for a lot of things- drug busts, violent fights, and other various scandals. But one Thai government agency is hoping to make Pattaya a “City of Film” in the next 5 years, between 2022 and 2027. Can Thailand’s Sin City become a movie-making destination? Thailand’s Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration is promoting the tourist hotspot as…
- Thailand News
Thailand’s nora folk dance recognised by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage”
Southern Thailand’s traditional, and ultra-elaborate, folk dance “nora” was recognised by UNESCO as a piece of Thailand’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” The Nora performance, which can last up to three days and three nights, will join the elite ranks of Thailand’s other two recognised on the heritage list, the Thai massage and masked Khon dance The announcement was made during the…
- Transport News
Ayutthaya UNESCO status a headache for high-speed rail
Progress for Thailand’s high-speed rail link from Bangkok to the northern province of Nong Khai has hit a snag over construction in UNESCO World Heritage site Ayutthaya. The cultural status of Thailand’s former capital has complicated the process of building a new train station to accommodate the rail line. The Transport Ministry is working to resolve the issue, calling a…
