The Prime Minister discussed with the UNESCO Director-General the promotion of the "Thai Costume" as intangible cultural heritage of humanity, advancing cooperation in world heritage, education, and sustainable tourism.
On 22 May 2026 at 3:00 p.m. local time (5 hours behind Thailand) at UNESCO headquarters in the French Republic, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul met with H.E. Mr. Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
After the meeting, Ms. Rachada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that the Prime Minister expressed his pleasure in meeting the UNESCO Director-General again following their previous discussion at Government House on 15 May 2026 during the Director-General’s first official visit to Thailand after assuming office. The Prime Minister thanked him for the invitation to visit UNESCO headquarters and agreed that the mutual visits reflect the strong relationship and close partnership between Thailand and UNESCO.
The UNESCO Director-General praised Thailand’s role and cooperation across various dimensions and commended the Thai government’s commitment to expanding collaboration with UNESCO in a comprehensive and deeper manner. He also acknowledged the Thai private sector’s intention to engage with UNESCO, especially in sustainable tourism.
The spokesperson stated that both parties agreed to promote cooperation in several key areas, including:
1. Sustainable tourism, a priority for UNESCO, with Thailand ready to build on cooperation to balance economic growth with the sustainable conservation of cultural heritage and natural resources.
The Prime Minister noted that Thailand currently has eight World Heritage sites and prioritizes conserving cultural and natural heritage alongside balanced national development. He expressed hope that Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province will be considered for World Heritage status at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in the Republic of Korea in July this year.
2. Promoting the "Thai Costume" as intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The Prime Minister mentioned Thailand’s proposal to inscribe the Thai Costume on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This reflects the shared knowledge, wisdom, craftsmanship, and cultural identity of the Thai people. It also honors Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who dedicated herself to preserving and promoting Thai textiles internationally. This initiative is a significant opportunity to raise global awareness of the value of Thailand’s intangible cultural heritage.
At the conclusion, both sides discussed the possibility of hosting the 2027 Global Education Meeting, confirming close cooperation to promote collaboration in education, science, culture, and sustainable development.