Bangkok: Sabida opened the Bun Bang Fai festival in Uthai Thani province, emphasizing that Cambodia's membership on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Protection Committee will not affect the registration of Thai traditional costumes and Muay Thai. She also invited Thais to wear traditional Thai costumes favored by the royal family.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sabida Thaiseth, Minister of Culture, stated after presiding over the opening ceremony of the Bun Bang Fai festival in Uthai Thani Province, held at the Thap Sala Reservoir in Lan Sak District on June 20-21, that Cambodia's selection as a member of the Intergovernmental Panel for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage does not affect Thailand's right to nominate its cultural heritage for registration with UNESCO, particularly Thai traditional clothing and Muay Thai. The Ministry of Culture, through the Department of Cultural Promotion, has submitted complete historical and academic information at every stage. UNESCO's consideration process follows international standards and has a clear framework, which Thailand has fully submitted, so there is nothing to worry about. Any decision made by the committee, regardless of which country makes it, cannot be overturned or cancelled; it must be a joint resolution of all 24 member countries.
"UNESCO's criteria for consideration focus on community participation, academic rationale, generational transmission, and wearability. Therefore, I would like to invite Thai people to wear the royal-style Thai costumes - there are eight styles for women and three for men - and to wear them beautifully," said Ms. Sabida.
The Minister of Culture also stated that the Ministry of Culture has been continuously promoting cultural heritage both domestically and internationally. The promotional event in The Hague, Netherlands, garnered attention from many countries, including UNESCO. The Minister added that discussions had been held with the Director-General of UNESCO, who assured Thailand that there was no need to worry because, as long as there is sufficient academic evidence, there is nothing to be concerned about. Importantly, the decision to register cultural heritage is a matter concerning each nation's cultural heritage and is not related to politics or any conflicts. UNESCO focuses more on promoting peace.