The Ministry of Culture has clarified that UNESCO's process for considering nominations for intangible cultural heritage is governed by established procedures and collective decision-making, and that no single country can independently determine, block, or alter the outcome of another country's nomination.

Deputy Permanent Secretary for Culture Chotika Akkarakitsophakul said recent social media discussions surrounding the election of members to UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage for the 2026-2030 term have raised concerns about possible implications for Thailand's cultural heritage activities.

Chotika said the election is a routine procedure under UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The 24-member committee jointly oversees implementation of the convention, and membership does not grant any country special authority over nominations submitted by other states.

The deputy permanent secretary said all nominations undergo comprehensive reviews and evaluations based on the convention's criteria, including the cultural value of each element, community participation, safeguarding measures, and plans for transmitting the heritage to future generations. She added that the inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity recognizes the value of cultural practices and does not confer exclusive ownership on any one country.

The agency said it remains in close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Thai National Commission for UNESCO, the Permanent Delegation of Thailand to UNESCO, and other relevant agencies to advance Thailand's role in international cultural affairs. Chotika added that Thailand, which serves on UNESCO's Executive Board for the 2025-2029 term, remains fully prepared with academic evidence, expert resources, and international cooperation networks to advance its cultural heritage work in accordance with UNESCO standards.