[International] Cambodia Selected for UNESCO Committee; Thailand Emphasizes Thai Clothing and Muay Thai Heritage Applications Unaffected
bella@@ 央廣 新聞2d ago
Tai-Thai Times reported today (19th) that regarding Cambodia's recent selection as a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which has raised concerns about whether it will affect Thailand's efforts to apply for the inscription of traditional Thai clothing and Muay Thai on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Thai Minister of Culture, Sabida Thaised, stated today that UNESCO adopts a multilateral decision-making mechanism and international review process, and no single country has the right to influence the review results, therefore it will not affect Thailand's application rights.
Sabida pointed out that Cambodia's election as a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention, with a term from 2026 to 2030, does not grant the committee member the power to lead or veto other countries' applications. All inscription procedures for cultural heritage at UNESCO are conducted based on international standards and professional review mechanisms, with decisions made jointly by multiple member states.
She further stated that Thailand itself is currently a member of the UNESCO Executive Board, serving from 2025 to 2029. This board is responsible for setting UNESCO's overall policy direction and overseeing the implementation of various tasks, operating at a higher level than most specialized committees. Among the Executive Board member states in the Asia-Pacific region are China, India, South Korea, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Malaysia.
Regarding Thailand's ongoing efforts to apply for the inscription of "Thai Royal Traditional Costumes" and "Muay Thai" on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, Sabida expressed full confidence in the data submitted by the Ministry of Culture. The relevant documents have comprehensively collected evidence such as historical literature, design inheritance, cultural development context, academic research findings, and video records, which fully demonstrate their cultural value and historical continuity.
She explained that all applications must undergo professional review by an independent Evaluation Body, which assesses multiple indicators including cultural significance, social practices, safeguarding measures, and community participation. Therefore, the final results depend primarily on academic and professional evaluation, not on the political stance of individual countries.
The Ministry of Culture stated that it will continue to cooperate with relevant government agencies, academic institutions, and cultural experts to supplement and update relevant information, while closely monitoring the international review process and actively promoting wider international recognition for Thailand's important cultural heritage.
Sabida emphasized that UNESCO operates on the principles of multilateral cooperation and professional review, and no single member state can unilaterally block other countries' cultural heritage applications. The public need not worry excessively about Cambodia's election to the committee. (Editor: Chen Wen-wei)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=215487
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