The Prime Minister is pushing "Thai traditional dress" onto the world stage, collaborating with UNESCO to further develop the culture, AI, and world heritage.

The Prime Minister is pushing forward with efforts to promote "Thai traditional dress" to the world stage, collaborating with UNESCO to further develop the culture, AI, and world heritage, thereby elevating Thailand's role on the international level.

On May 15, 2026, at 3:30 PM, in the Purple Room of the Thai Khu Fah Building, Government House, His Excellency Mr. Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz, Director-General of UNESCO, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, to discuss cooperation between Thailand and UNESCO in various fields, including culture, technology, education, and sustainable development.

Following the meeting, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Prime Minister welcomed and congratulated the Director-General of UNESCO on his appointment. This visit to Thailand reflects the strong partnership and developing cooperation between Thailand and UNESCO.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized the country's readiness to work closely with UNESCO to promote Thailand's role on the world stage and create new opportunities for its people in the economic, cultural, and technological sectors.

Key issues discussed included:

1. Promoting "Thai traditional dress" as a world heritage item.

The government is pushing for the registration of "Thai traditional dress" as an intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO, in order to raise awareness and further develop the value of Thailand's creative economy in areas such as fashion, handicrafts, tourism, and Thai soft power at the international level.

Simultaneously, Thailand is preparing to host the exhibition “Royal Thai Dress: From Tradition to Modernity” at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, France, on May 25th. The exhibition will showcase the royal garments of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, along with eight styles of traditional Thai dresses favored by the royal family, aiming to promote the beauty and unique characteristics of Thai attire to the world.

2. Moving forward with the sustainable preservation of Thailand's World Heritage sites.

The Prime Minister affirmed that the government continuously prioritizes the conservation of Thailand's cultural and natural World Heritage sites, in order to preserve the country's vital resources and pass them on to future generations.

3. Promote Thailand as an international hub for AI governance.

The government is preparing to establish an "AI Governance Center" under ETDA, in collaboration with UNESCO, to make Thailand a regional and global hub for exchanging knowledge, research, and standards in AI. This project will enhance the capabilities of Thai personnel, build confidence in the technology, and allow Thailand to play a significant role in shaping ethical and safe AI usage guidelines.

UNESCO proposed that Thailand host the Global Education Conference in the first quarter of 2570, building on the success of the previous Global Education and AI Conference (GFEAI 2025), which Thailand co-hosted with UNESCO. Thailand expressed its full readiness to support the initiative and aims to position itself as a central hub for important international cooperation.

4. Prepare to organize activities to honor important Thai figures in collaboration with UNESCO.

Thailand is currently preparing activities to commemorate His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Rambhai Barni, to publicize their royal achievements and significant contributions to the global community. UNESCO has been invited to partner in these activities.

The Director-General of UNESCO expressed his support for all of Thailand's initiatives and pledged to fully support Thailand's policies on education, science, and human resources.

The Prime Minister also stated that this collaboration with UNESCO will enhance Thailand's role on the world stage, create economic and cultural opportunities, and propel Thailand towards becoming a regional hub for cultural and technological cooperation in the future.

Reference: thaigov.go.th

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