Speaking at the celebration of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s birthday and Thailand’s National Day, H E Warunee Pan Krajang, Thailand’s ambassador to Oman, highlighted the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Oman and Thailand.

In her speech, H E Warunee noted the robust ties between the two nations and the contributions of their Royal families. “The Royal families of Thailand and Oman have played pivotal roles in advancing bilateral relations and promoting growth in both nations,” she said.

H E Warunee also underscored the growing tourism and business links, noting that 86,000 Omanis visited Thailand last year for leisure and business purposes. The event celebrated the enduring partnership and shared values between the two countries, with hopes for continued collaboration and mutual prosperity.

Thailand’s Iconic Dish ‘Tomyum Kung’ recognised by Unesco

In a separate development, Thailand’s iconic dish, Tomyum Kung, has been added to Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement was made on December 3 during the 19th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICS-ICH) in Asunción, Paraguay.

The inclusion of Tomyum Kung under the 2003 Unesco Convention underscores its importance as more than just a culinary masterpiece. It represents the culinary wisdom of Thailand’s Central Plains riverside communities, a region renowned for its fertile lands and deep-rooted traditions. The dish embodies a food culture intrinsically connected to nature, promoting a self-sufficient and harmonious lifestyle while offering health benefits.

Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra congratulated the nation on this recognition, affirming Thailand’s commitment to preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage. She expressed the country’s willingness to collaborate with others in safeguarding these invaluable traditions.

The addition of Tomyum Kung enhances Thailand’s growing list of Unesco-recognised cultural elements, which include the Khon Masked Dance Drama, Nuad Thai traditional massage, Nora dance drama, and Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year festival. These entries reflect the richness of Thailand’s heritage and its dedication to sharing its culture with the world.