Thailand will propose “Pha Khao Ma: Multifunctional cloths in Thai life” to be inscribed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Cabinet on 28 February 2023 approved the document on the proposal to be submitted by the Ministry of Culture to UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Pha khao ma is a multi-purpose cloth in cotton or silk, about 60-80 centimeters wide by 120-180 centimeters long and made with a large check design or in plain indigo. It is available in all regions of Thailand, and its designs and colors vary in accordance with the identity of each locality.

Pha khao ma has a strong connection to Thai life. It has been woven for household use and for exchange between communities, as well as being presented as a gift for elders.

Traditional uses for the loincloth are amazingly varied and include head cloths, belts, sleeping pads, bathing wears, ceremonial shawls, shoulder cloths, towels for drying the body, baby carriers, storage bags, and handkerchiefs.

Pha khao ma has been transmitted from generation to generation and built on local wisdom. It was registered on the list of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013 in the field of traditional craftsmanship.

To date, Thailand has three elements inscribed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, namely Khon Masked Dance Drama (2018), Nuad Thai (2019), and Nora, Dance Drama (2021).