Members of the public have been invited to join the celebration for the inclusion of Tomyum Kung and the kebaya as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The nineteenth session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asunción, Paraguay, on 3 December decided to inscribe Tomyum Kung and on 4 Decmber the kebaya on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for 2024.

Tomyum Kung (hot-and-sour shrimp soup) is one of the most famous of all Thai dishes and a favorite around the globe. It is said to reflect the simplicity and the way of life of Thai people in farming communities, living along rivers and canals. The dish is also good for health, as it contains a mixture of herbs, such as lemon grass, galangal root, and kaffir lime leaves.

As for the kebaya, it is a traditional dress for women in southern Thailand. Thailand joined its four ASEAN partners, namely Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, in the nomination of the kebaya to UNESCO, under the title “Kebaya: Knowledge, Skills, Traditions and Practices.” All the five ASEAN countries recognize the kebaya as part of their cultural heritage. The kebaya also connects communities with diverse cultures and plays a significant role in promoting peace and harmony in the region.

In southern Thailand, the kebaya, known as “Thai-peranakan” or “baba-yaya,” can be found in Phuket, Phang-nga, Ranong, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Local women usually wear it on various occasions, such as formal events, festivals, and parties. The kebaya was declared one of Thailand’s national intangible cultural heritage items in 2012.

The Department of Cultural Promotion, under the Ministry of Culture, is scheduled to hold the celebration for the inclusion of Tomyum Kung and the kebaya as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 6-8 December at Quartier Avenue, EmQuartier Shopping Center, in Bangkok.

The opening ceremony will take place on 6 December at 18.00 hr. The three-day event will feature an exhibition, a kebaya fashion show, a Tomyum Kung cooking demonstration by Chef Tukta from Baan Yisarn restaurant, and cultural performances.