Unesco recognises Lkhon Khol - Khmer Khon

Unesco yesterday added Cambodia’s Lkhon Khol on its list of “intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding” during an annual meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in the island nation of Mauritius. Prime Minister Hun Sen then praised the move on Facebook. “The decision by the committee is a big national pride,” Mr Hun Sen said. “It happened because of efforts by the government, local artists, civil society and encouragement from the public, which brought us successful results.”

The government began lobbying Unesco to register Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet – also known as Lkhon Khol dance – in March last year. Thai Norak Satya, spokesman of the Culture and Fine Arts Ministry, said Cambodians are proud of this heritage.“We are successful and this is the pride of all Cambodians,” Mr Norak Satya said. “After the listing, we can get support from Unesco, including funds to conserve this tradition. It will also help us promote our culture and this dance throughout the world.”

In recent times, squabble over who claims the dance erupted between Thais and Cambodians on the internet after the Thai government announced it would ask Unesco recognise the Khon as its own.

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