Anutin teams up with UNESCO to promote Thai traditional dress for world heritage status, preparing to showcase royal attire in Paris, and advancing Thailand as a hub for AI governance.
On 15 May 2026, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul welcomed UNESCO Director-General Khalid Ahmad Al Anani Ali Iz at the Purple Room, Thai Khu Fah Building, during his official visit to Thailand to discuss strategic cooperation spanning culture, technology, and sustainable development.
Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed the government's commitment to registering Thai traditional dress as an intangible cultural heritage with UNESCO, aiming to enhance the creative economy and Thai fashion industry. On 25 May, Thailand will hold a major exhibition, "Royal Thai Dress: From Tradition to Modernity," in Paris, showcasing the royal attire of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and the eight styles of royal Thai dress to a global audience.
Another highlight is the government's plan to establish an "AI Governance Center" under the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) in collaboration with UNESCO. This center will serve as a hub for exchanging knowledge and setting international AI ethical standards. UNESCO has also proposed Thailand as the host for the "Global Education Meeting" in the first quarter of 2027, building on the success of recent AI-related conferences.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand's readiness to continue conserving world heritage sites—both cultural and natural—and to organize commemorative events with UNESCO honoring King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Queen Ramphaiphanni, to share their contributions with the global community.
The UNESCO Director-General expressed full support for all Thai policies in education, science, and human resources. The Prime Minister is confident this cooperation will be a key driver in raising Thailand's international profile and creating new opportunities for its people across multiple dimensions.