The Ministry of Culture has reaffirmed Thailand’s active role in safeguarding its cultural heritage and promoting regional cooperation, clarifying that Cambodia has not registered 22 Thai literary works with UNESCO, contrary to recent online claims. A social media post claimed that Cambodia had included Thai-authored texts in its submissions and that Thai authorities had not provided a response. After reviewing the facts, the Ministry confirmed that the claims are inaccurate and that Cambodia’s recognized submission relates only to the Royal Ballet of Cambodia, inscribed in 2003.

The literary works mentioned in the post appear in Cambodia’s national inventory of intangible cultural heritage, published in 2005. This inventory serves as a domestic record of cultural elements, similar to Thailand’s listings, and is not connected to any new UNESCO submission. The titles listed are part of the traditional performance repertoire associated with the Royal Ballet, which includes dramas that were historically performed at the Cambodian royal court.

According to the 2003 UNESCO Convention, intangible cultural heritage must fall into one of five recognized categories: oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, knowledge of nature and the universe, and traditional craftsmanship. Literary works in written form are not eligible for registration. Many of the stories referenced, such as the Ramayana, Mahavessantara Jataka, and Kaithong, are common throughout Southeast Asia and exist in multiple versions across countries, including Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia. Others, such as Chanthakhorop, were composed by Thai royals and poets during the Rattanakosin period.

The Ministry also clarified that UNESCO’s process does not grant ownership or exclusivity over cultural elements. Member states may submit heritage practices within their territories without restricting others from doing the same. This structure supports the preservation of shared traditions and encourages cooperation among countries with interconnected cultural histories.

Thailand currently has six intangible cultural heritage elements inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List, with four additional nominations under review. Cambodia has seven elements listed and one pending nomination. The Ministry of Culture, through the Department of Cultural Promotion, continues to support international recognition of Thai heritage while encouraging cultural dialogue and cooperation with neighboring countries, including Cambodia.