Bangkok: The Ministry of Culture has clarified that Cambodia did not include Thai literary works in its registration with UNESCO. The Department of Cultural Promotion corroborates this stance, affirming that Cambodia has not registered 22 Thai literary works with the international body.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Culture issued a statement following claims that Cambodia had registered Thai literature under UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, allegedly due to negligence from the Thai government. The Ministry expressed gratitude for public concern but clarified that the claims are unfounded. The Ministry investigated and found that Cambodia had proposed to register only The Royal Ballet of Cambodia, recognized by UNESCO in 2003, and not any Thai literary works.
The Ministry further explained that the book "Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Cambodia," published in 2005, lists classic Cambodian plays used in The Royal Ballet of Cambodia. These plays were restored for cultural performances and do not include Thai literary works. The book serves as part of a conservation project for The Royal Ballet of Cambodia and is unrelated to the registration of Thai literature.
Moreover, the Ministry highlighted Article 2 of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which defines intangible cultural heritage in five categories, excluding literature. The Ministry emphasized that literature does not meet the criteria for UNESCO inscription and clarified that shared cultural literature across Southeast Asia, including Thai works, are not exclusive to any single nation.
The Ministry also noted that Cambodia has been a member of the UNESCO convention since 2006 and has multiple cultural heritage items registered, none of which include Thai literature. Thailand, a member since 2016, has several intangible cultural heritage items recognized by UNESCO, including Khon and the Songkran festival.
The Ministry assured that it continues to monitor international cultural heritage developments and collaborates with regional countries to ensure the recognition and preservation of Thai cultural heritage. The Ministry expressed appreciation for public interest in safeguarding the nation's cultural assets.