ไทย
Phuket – On December 14, 2024, the people of Phuket participated in a grand procession to celebrate the recognition of “Tom Yum Kung” and the traditional attire “Kebaya” as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, creating a spectacular and stunning scene.
Leading the procession was Mr. Sophon Suwanrat, Governor of Phuket, accompanied by heads of government agencies, private sector representatives, and Phuket residents. Participants wore Kebaya, traditional Baba-Nyonya attire, and other local costumes, creating a beautiful spectacle. The celebratory procession moved from the 72nd Anniversary Queen Sirikit Park (Dragon Park) to the front of the Blue Elephant Restaurant Phuket, covering a distance of 850 meters. Many tourists showed great interest, capturing memorable moments along the route.
Prior to the official opening ceremony, Mr. Sophon Suwanrat, Governor of Phuket, presided over the event alongside Mr. Prasop Reangngern, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion. Joining them were senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, esteemed members of the Cultural Heritage Promotion and Preservation Committee, the President of the Phuket Red Cross, heads of government agencies, executives of local administrative organizations, honorary consuls, the President of the Peranakan Association of Thailand, and other relevant stakeholders. The event took place at the Blue Elephant Restaurant Phuket.
The Governor of Phuket expressed his congratulations during the celebration, stating that it is a proud moment for Thailand as two of the nation’s cultural heritage elements, “Tom Yum Kung” and the traditional attire “Kebaya”, have been officially recognized and inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This recognition will instill a sense of pride among Thai people, both for those involved in preparing and consuming the dish, and will attract international tourists eager to taste “Tom Yum Kung”. This, in turn, will generate income and economic benefits throughout the value chain—from fishermen to food business operators and workers in related industries.
The traditional attire “Kebaya” is a shared cultural heritage of five countries, representing the enduring connection among communities from Thailand to the Malay Peninsula, spanning over 400 years. “Kebaya” is a timeless outfit that bridges diverse communities, including Thai Buddhists, Muslims, Chinese, Javanese, and Peranakan. Its beauty stems from the collaborative creativity of women in these communities. Moving forward, efforts will be made to encourage government agencies in Phuket to wear “Kebaya” every Thursday as a way to preserve and promote this cultural tradition.
Furthermore, in celebrating the inclusion of “Tom Yum Kubg” and the “Kebaya” on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Thai government and people have declared their commitment to preserving and passing down these cultural heritages. This commitment involves safeguarding, transmitting, and creatively fostering these traditions across generations through appropriate measures. It also emphasizes respecting and recognizing the practices of all communities, raising awareness about the value and significance of these heritages as cultural representatives that reflect the diversity of cultures, human creativity, and sustainable development.
The declaration also promotes inclusivity, encouraging people of all races, genders, languages, and religions to jointly preserve, promote, and transmit these two heritages in every part of Thailand. This initiative aims to ensure that “Tom Yum Kung” and the “Kebaya” attract visitors from around the globe, generating employment and income, stimulating the economy, and enhancing the country’s image. It also focuses on empowering citizens to deliver quality services by developing skills, supporting livelihoods, and boosting the creative economy. Ultimately, this effort seeks to enhance household incomes and promote cultural tourism within local communities.
