BANGKOK — The Cabinet has approved a proposal to nominate “The Revival of Nang Yai by Nang Yai Communities in Thailand” for inscription with the UNESCO under the category of “Good Safeguarding Practices of Intangible Cultural Heritage,” marking Thailand’s first submission in this category.
Culture Minister Sabida Thaiset said on 26 March 2026 that the Cabinet also authorised the Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion, in their capacity as secretary to the national cultural heritage committee, to sign and submit the nomination dossier by 31 March 2026, in line with the deadline.
Sabida said the move represents a key step in advancing Thailand’s cultural diplomacy by promoting the value of community-led heritage preservation on the global stage.
“Nang Yai is not merely a performing art, but a living heritage that reflects the strength of communities in preserving, revitalising and passing on traditions from generation to generation,” she said.
The nomination builds on local success and aims to elevate it to policy and international recognition. It highlights the work of three communities: Wat Khanon in Ratchaburi, Wat Ban Don in Rayong, and Wat Sawang Arom in Sing Buri, which have played central roles in reviving Nang Yai both domestically and internationally.
Nang Yai is a traditional Thai shadow play featuring large, intricately carved leather puppets that are performed against a backlit screen. The performances combine storytelling, music and dance, and have been passed down through generations as a vibrant form of community-based cultural heritage.
Sabida noted that the Wat Khanon community previously received an award from the Asia/Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU) in June 2007 for its outstanding efforts in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, demonstrating the strong potential of Thai communities in cultural conservation.
She said the nomination is fully prepared in terms of documentation, content and community participation. Missing the 31 March deadline would delay the submission by one year and could cost Thailand an opportunity to strengthen its cultural presence on the international stage.
“This is a crucial moment for Thailand to affirm its cultural role globally and create pride among the Thai people,” she said.
The minister added that the push to list Nang Yai is not only about preserving cultural heritage, but also about using culture as a creative force to foster mutual understanding and connect people worldwide in a sustainable way.
