Thailand Advances UNESCO Nomination for Nang Yai Shadow Pupetry

Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised visited Wat Khanon in Ratchaburi Province on August 24, 2026, to support the nomination of its shadow puppetry performance, or "Nang Yai," for the UNESCO Register of Good Safeguarding Practices.

​The minister was welcomed by Ratchaburi Governor Thitilak Khampha and local officials during her visit to the Wat Khanon Nang Yai Theater in Photharam District. She described the community as a model for preserving the traditional shadow-puppet performance and passing its knowledge to younger generations.

​Nang Yai shadow puppetry originated in the Sukhothai period and flourished during the Ayutthaya era, integrating traditional painting, leather carving, classical dance, and piphat music. The Wat Khanon troupe, along with those in Sing Buri and Rayong, is among the few active groups in Thailand. In 2007, Wat Khanon’s preservation efforts were recognized by the Asia Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO as one of six outstanding communities worldwide for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

​To further support these efforts, the Ministry of Culture allocated 1.5 million baht in fiscal year 2025 for the local Nang Yai festival and another 1.5 million baht in 2026 to facilitate the UNESCO nomination. The ministry is also producing a documentary to highlight the art form's historical value and the artisans' way of life.

​The Cabinet approved the proposal to register the community-led revitalization of Nang Yai as Thailand’s first entry in the UNESCO Good Safeguarding Practices category on March 26, 2026, and the application is currently under UNESCO review.

​The minister concluded her visit by urging all sectors to collaborate in transforming Nang Yai into a living heritage, emphasizing the importance of passing knowledge to younger generations to ensure its long-term sustainability.

Source: NBT World