Rak Chart Party asks Unesco for stricter heritage scrutinyStudents view a display of Thai outfits showing royal favour, known as Chud Thai Phra Rajaniyom, at an exhibition held in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother. Party director Chanin Pintong and party spokesman Chaiyaporn Jiravinitnan went to Unesco’s Paris headquarters on Sunday to formally express their appreciation for Unesco's recognition of Thai cultural heritage, especially Chud Thai, traditional Thai costume, while urging careful historical consideration in future listings. Mr Chanin said the purpose of the visit was to acknowledge Unesco’s role in safeguarding cultural heritage while also encouraging the organisation to examine nominations thoroughly to ensure historical accuracy. Their trip follows the Ministry of Culture's formal submission of Chud Thai to Unesco for recognition as an intangible cultural heritage item, with the proposal expected to be reviewed later this year. Officials have emphasised that transparency, mutual respect and cultural diversity underpin the Unesco process, principles they say remain vital as heritage nominations continue to expand across the region.

Source: Bangkok Post April 12, 2026 10:15 UTC