Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has stressed Thailand’s readiness to work closely with UNESCO, advancing its role on the global stage and creating new opportunities for the people in terms of economy, culture, and technology.

The Prime Minister on 15 May 2026 held talks with Director-General of UNESCO Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz, who paid a courtesy call on him on the occasion of his assumption of duty and visit to Thailand. 

Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said that both sides discussed the following issues:

1. Thailand has nominated “Chud Thai: The Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the Thai National Costume” to be inscribed on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

It is also holding the exhibition “Royal Thai Dress: From Tradition to Modernity” at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, with more than 200 exhibited pieces, particularly royal attire belonging to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, alongside exquisite accessories, textiles, and artisanal objects. The exhibition also highlights the development of the eight styles of Chud Thai, which remain the foundation of formal women’s attire in Thailand today.

2. Prime Minister Anutin reaffirmed that the Thai government attached great importance to preserving Thailand’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites on a sustainable basis for the coming generations.

3. Thailand is preparing to establish an AI Governance Center (AIGC), operated under the Electronic Transactions Development Agency in cooperation with UNESCO. AIGC serves as a regional center to foster ethical AI development and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and internationally. It will also enhance the potential of Thai people by transforming them from AI users into skilled professionals and creators in the AI era.  

UNESCO proposed that Thailand host a global education meeting in the first quarter of 2027, following its success of organizing the Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence with UNESCO in 2025. In this regard, Thailand is ready to fully cooperate with UNESCO.

4. Thailand is also preparing to organize activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great (Rama IX) and the centennial commemoration of Queen Rambhai Barni’s legacy. UNESCO has honored King Rama IX and Queen Rambhai Barni, the Queen of King Prajadhipok (Rama VII), by including their anniversaries in the organization's “Anniversaries Celebration” program for 2026–2027.