According to The Nation, the announcement was made on December 3 during the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay. In addition to Tom Yum Kung, other cultural heritages of Thailand include Khon mask dance, Thai massage, Nora dance drama in southern Thailand and Songkran festival.
Tom yum kung is not only a popular dish on the Thai dining table but also a symbol of the harmony between cultural knowledge, skillful preparation and rich natural ingredients.
Tom yum kung is not only a popular dish on the Thai dining table but also a symbol of the fusion of cultural knowledge.
According to Thailand's Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, Tom yum kung reflects the Thai way of life in harmony with nature. "It is a dish of people in riverside farming communities. The ingredients of this dish are all locally sourced. People have processed them into a healthy dish," she said.
To make Tom Yum Kung, shrimp are boiled in water mixed with herbs such as galangal, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. The main flavor of the soup is the sourness of the lime, followed by the saltiness of salt or fish sauce, the spiciness of the chili, the sweetness of the shrimp and a slight bitterness of the herbs.
The journey to bring tom yum kung to this international title began in March 2021, when the Thai Government decided to propose this dish to the UNESCO list. Previously, in 2011, tom yum kung was recognized as an important cultural element in the fields of knowledge, nature and nutrition in Thailand.
Recognition from UNESCO is not only a source of pride but also opens up opportunities for economic and cultural development.
The UNESCO recognition is not only a source of pride but also opens up opportunities for economic and cultural development. The Thai Ministry of Culture has planned to use the event as a tool to promote cuisine and tourism, through media programs, international events and campaigns to promote tom yum kung as a symbol of Thai culture.
"Tom Yum is a testament to the cultural heritage that makes up Thailand's soft power," said Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. To celebrate the event, the Ministry of Culture will host a three-day festival at Bangkok's EmQuartier shopping mall from December 6 to 8. The events include: Cooking demonstrations. Kebaya fashion show to celebrate the traditional Southeast Asian costume that is being nominated for UNESCO recognition. Cultural performances, including traditional art performances and exhibitions showcasing the history of tom yum kung and kebaya. Visitors will be able to sample the famous spicy soup for free and explore the cultural depth behind each ingredient and preparation process.
