On 31 March 2026, H.E. Ms. Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, welcomed Mrs. Savitri Suwansathit, Expert Committee Member of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Board, and the delegation from the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture of Thailand, during their courtesy call on the Ambassador at the Royal Thai Embassy. The visit took place in conjunction with their mission to Malaysia from 31 March to 2 April 2026 to engage with Malaysian governmental and non-governmental agencies on cooperation in the field of intangible cultural heritage.

 

Both sides exchanged views on key developments in Malaysia, as well as ongoing collaboration between the Royal Thai Embassy and Malaysian public and private sectors. The discussion also highlighted the Embassy’s initiatives to preserve and promote Thailand’s arts, culture, and intangible cultural heritage, particularly on Thailand’s elements inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. These include Khon and Nora Dance Performances, Nuad Thai (Traditional Thai Massage), Exhibitions on Kebaya and Tom Yum Kung featured at the Embassy’s National Day Receptions; the ALC Fashion Gala: “Threading ASEAN Unity through Kebaya & Sarong”, and the organisation of Songkran Festival Celebrations in Malaysia.

 

Both sides also discussed efforts to enhance awareness of the eight styles of “Chut Thai Phra Ratcha Niyom” (Royal Thai National Costume), in light of Thailand’s nomination of “Chut Thai: The Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the Thai National Costume” for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which is scheduled for UNESCO’s consideration in December 2026. Preparations for a future multinational nomination of “kites” as intangible cultural heritage, in collaboration with Malaysia and other regional partners, were also explored.