UNESCO endorses the Phra That Phanom Chronicle Palm-Leaf Manuscripts as a World Memory Heritage

     At the 216th meeting of the UNESCO Executive Board, the "Phra That Phanom Chronicle -- National Collection of Palm-Leaf Manuscripts" was officially recognized as a World Memory Heritage. The Phra That Phanom Chronicle, also known as the palm-leaf manuscripts, is written in the Dharma script of Isan, Thai, and Pali. It constitutes a local Buddhist literary work of the Isan region, distinguished by its unique regional idioms. It is composed in an archaic local language, exuding charm, interwoven with moral values, beliefs, traditions, and customs. The work uses idiomatic expressions that provide vivid imagery and comparative devices. The opening is introduced by legends of various cities located along the Mekong River. The last page indicates that this manuscript was commissioned by Lord Phra Uparaja, along with his son and wife, on November 6, in the year 2405 B.E. (1862 A.D.). The manuscript is generally in good condition, with the script still clearly visible.

The listing as a World Memory Heritage will aid in the conservation and dissemination of experiences reflecting various initiatives for future generations to study. Currently, there are five entries from Thailand registered as World Memory Heritages, namely:

1. Inscription of King Ramkhamhaeng, the Great, Inscription No. 1 in 2003.
2. Documentary Heritage of King Chulalongkorn’s 1868-1910 Administration Reformation in 2009.
3. Wat Pho inscriptions in 2011.
4. Records of the Meetings of the Siam Society Under Royal Patronage during the first 100 years in 2013.
5. Glass Plate Negatives Collection of the National Library of Thailand in 2016.

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