Thailand’s Cabinet approved the nomination of “The Revival of Nang Yai by Nang Yai Communities in Thailand” for inscription on UNESCO’s Register of Good Safeguarding Practices of Intangible Cultural Heritage on March 26, 2026. This marks the country’s first submission in this category.
The Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion has been authorized to sign and submit the dossier before the March 31 deadline.
Nang Yai is a traditional Thai shadow puppetry art form that dates back to the 15th century. It uses large figures carved from tanned cowhide, depicting characters from the Ramakian—Thailand’s adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana.
Performances were traditionally held outdoors at palaces, temples, and villages. Today, the art form survives in only three communities: Wat Khanon in Ratchaburi, Wat Ban Don in Rayong, and Wat Sawang Arom in Sing Buri.
Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised described the nomination as an important step in Thailand’s cultural diplomacy. She emphasized that Nang Yai is more than a performing art—it is a living heritage. It reflects how communities preserve traditions and pass them down across generations. According to her, this model offers valuable lessons that can be adapted by the international community.
The nomination also highlights the preservation efforts of three key communities. The Wat Khanon community in Ratchaburi has already received recognition from the Asia/Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO in June 2007.
The award acknowledged its role in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. This track record strengthens Thailand’s position in the nomination process.
UNESCO’s Register of Good Safeguarding Practices is highly selective. So far, only 40 out of 788 submitted projects have been inscribed. If successful, the nomination would position Thailand as a global leader in community-based cultural sustainability.
It would also elevate Nang Yai to international recognition, alongside six other Thai elements already inscribed by UNESCO: Khon, Nuad Thai, Nora, Songkran, Tom Yum Kung, and the multinational Kebaya.
