Thailand's khon masked dance has won a spot on Unesco's list of intangible cultural heritage items, according to the Culture Ministry.
The listing was approved at the 13th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius. A Thai delegation led by Chai Nakornchai, director-general of the Culture Promotion Department, attended the meeting.
Culture Minister Vira Rojpojchanarat yesterday welcomed the United Nation's culture and scientific body's decision, saying it was good news for Thais.
The ministry also plans to organise a series of khon performances starting next month.
Anucha Thirakanont, director of the Thai Khadi Research Institute of Thammasat University, said Thailand had applied for Unesco listing of khon as "intangible cultural heritage" in a different category from Cambodia, which was also given a listing.