The Government gives the green light to push "Nang Yai" for UNESCO Heritage List

The government plans to nominate “Nang Yai (หนังใหญ่),” a traditional shadow puppet performance, for inclusion on UNESCO’s list of Best Practices in Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)", a category that Thailand has never submitted before, following Cabinet approval. This marks an important milestone for Thailand in using cultural diplomacy to convey the value and wisdom of 
Thai communities to the international stage, especially through the presentation of the "community-based approach".

The established community models were drawn from Ratchaburi (ราชบุรี), Rayong (ระยอง), and Sing Buri (สิงห์บุรี), where local groups have sustained Nang Yai through continued practice and intergenerational transfer of knowledge. The Wat Khanon (วัดขนอน) community in Ratchaburi (ราชบุรี) has also received international recognition for its role in preserving the tradition.

Ms. Sabeeda Thaised (ซาบีดา ไทยเศรษฐ์), Minister of Culture, stated that the nomination will demonstrates how community-driven practices can sustain traditional arts. It also elevates Thailand's role in utilizing culture as a creative force to foster understanding and connect people around the globe.