On 12 Mar 2024 GMT+7 at the Ministry of Culture (MOC), a civil society group led by Mom Luang Kantapong Worawut, along with over 50 social activists dressed in traditional Thai attire, gathered to express their stance and demand that the MOC take proactive action to protect against Cambodia's claim on Thai traditional dress, which UNESCO will consider for registration later this year. Deputy Permanent Secretary Ms. Chotika Akkaritkosopakul and Ms. Yutthika Isarangkul Na Ayudhya, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion, listened to their suggestions.
Mom Luang Kantapong said the protest arose because Cambodia persistently imitates Thai culture. He understands that government frameworks may limit swift action, so civil society must unite to protect their heritage from being stolen both materially and spiritually. He praised the MOC's efforts in promotion, noting roadshow events and dissemination of traditional Thai dress domestically and abroad. However, he felt these efforts were insufficient, given neighbors' tendencies to claim Thai culture. Therefore, proactive defense and work are necessary. Currently, Cambodia aggressively promotes roadshows on social media, even editing images to present Thai culture as their own, and has removed cultural heritage data of Thailand. Notably, Cambodian government officials, including the prime minister and his wife, wear Thai dress at official events.
Dr. Thamthanlap Lapruay, a representative of civil society, stated that the public sector does not seek to infringe on government affairs but wants to voice objections against the dissemination of false news by Cambodia. He urged the MOC to inform citizens across all platforms so they can counter Cambodia with accurate information from the government, rather than searching for information independently.
Ms. Chotika expressed gratitude to civil society and affirmed that the MOC is attentive and consistently prioritizes cultural protection. She said the feedback received would be used to improve efforts, especially in disseminating information about traditional Thai dress and Thai culture in both Thai and English. She welcomed civil society participation in MOC’s working committees for organizing activities.