UNESCO

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s nora folk dance recognised by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage”

    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 NewsAyutthaya UNESCO status a headache for high-speed rail

    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…

  • Thailand NewsTom yum goong to be nominated for UNESCO cultural heritage list

    Tom yum goong to be nominated for UNESCO cultural heritage list

    Thailand’s famous hot and spicy shrimp soup, or tom yum goong, as it’s better known locally, is being nominated for inclusion on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list. Thai PBS World reports that the government has approved a proposal from the Culture Ministry that the renowned dish be put forward for inclusion. UNESCO established its Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage with…

  • Central Thailand NewsWorld Heritage committee to consider delaying Kaeng Krachan national park application

    World Heritage committee to consider delaying Kaeng Krachan national park application

    The UNESCO World Heritage Centre says it recognises the plight being faced by indigenous Karen people in Kaeng Krachan national park, in central Thailand. PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says the Karen villagers are not permitted to live in the park, after complaints from environmental rights groups concerned about the effect on the surrounding forest land. The Karen people have submitted a…

  • Thailand NewsKoh Phangan hotel probed after complaints of cultural appropriation for Angkor Wat design

    Koh Phangan hotel probed after complaints of cultural appropriation for Angkor Wat design

    A Koh Phangan hotel is saying sorry for using Cambodia’s culture and famous landmarks, including the popular Angkor Wat, in what looks to be a case of cultural appropriation, misusing or misrepresenting a culture and profiting off it. An investigation into the claims of cultural appropriation has been launched by Surat Thani Culture Office. Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts is also…

  • Thailand NewsPhuket, Chiang Mai, Chachoengsao join UNESCO’s learning cities

    Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chachoengsao join UNESCO’s learning cities

    3 cities in Thailand recently joined UNESCO’s membership of so called “learning cities” which are said to promote “lifelong learning” and sustainable development. Chachoengsao, Chiang Mai and Phuket joined the UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities. Altogether, 55 cities from 27 countries, adding up to 230 cities in 64 countries around the world, according to UNESCO. “These cities are outstanding examples…

  • EntertainmentMinister promises a year of ‘Khon’

    Minister promises a year of ‘Khon’

    “The ministry will next year nominate nuad thai (Thai massage) and the southern traditional dance nora for inclusion on the UNESCO list.” The Culture Ministry is planning a year of activities to further promote ‘khon’, the classical masked-dance theatre that has now been added to UNESCO’s list of ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’. Members of the UN Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation…

  • Thailand NewsThai Khon now listed with UNESCO as ‘intangible heritage of humanity’

    Thai Khon now listed with UNESCO as ‘intangible heritage of humanity’

    Thai khon drama, or the ‘masked dance’ drama, is now listed as an ‘intangible heritage of humanity’ by UNESSCO. On the ceremony yesterday, UNESCO also listed Cambodia’s khon drama as an intangible heritage of humanity. Reacting to UNESCO’s decision, Thai PM Prayut Chan-o-cha posted in his Facebook page that he was pleased with the decision and he credited this achievement…