Tourism Thailand Nominates Chud Thai for UNESCO Heritage Status

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Pictures courtesy of KlookTravel

 

Thailand has officially nominated its traditional attire, Chud Thai, for UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list. The proposal, aimed at preserving and promoting this iconic cultural symbol, will be reviewed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in 2026.

 

The Ministry of Culture has dismissed social media rumours suggesting that Cambodia's nomination for its traditional weddings includes elements of Thai dress, calling these claims "baseless."

 

On July 8, Culture Ministry Permanent Secretary Prasop Riangngern confirmed that UNESCO had received the nomination for "Chud Chai: The Knowledge, Craftsmanship, and Practices of the Thai National Costume." This move is part of Thailand’s broader cultural strategy since 2009, which aims to boost its cultural soft power and preserve its intangible heritage. Currently, Thailand boasts 396 items on its national heritage register.

 

In 2023, the Royal Thai Costume, officially known as Chud Thai Phra Ratchaniyom, gained national recognition. The Thai Cabinet decided on March 26, 2024, to nominate it for UNESCO consideration.

 

Prasop described Chud Chai as a symbol of Thai identity and the exceptional craftsmanship of artisans across the country. Each piece tells a story through intricate patterns, tailoring, and traditional fabrics, particularly under the revival efforts of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.

 

The Royal Thai Costume emerged as a significant cultural icon following Queen Sirikit’s research and preservation efforts in preparation for King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s official visits to the US and Europe in 1960. Today, it embodies Thai pride and is worn at royal events, formal occasions, and weddings.

 

Prasop firmly refuted any notions that Cambodia's submission for its Traditional Khmer Wedding includes Chud Thai elements. The Department of Cultural Promotion verified that Cambodia's nomination focuses exclusively on its wedding customs.

 

The UNESCO heritage process promotes cultural continuity among communities and is grounded in transparency and mutual respect. It highlights cooperation rather than competition. Prasop pointed to the collective nomination of Kebaya attire by several Southeast Asian countries and the separate nominations of Thai Khon and Cambodian Lakhon Khol in 2018 as examples of collaboration.

 

"Culture is a bridge, not a wall," Prasop stated. "Thailand’s nomination of the Thai costume shows our pride in our heritage and our desire to share it with the world as part of humanity's common treasure."

 

The Ministry of Culture has encouraged public support for the nominations of Chud Thai and Muay Thai, set for UNESCO review in 2026 and 2028, respectively.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-09