UN Postal Administration to issue Chud Thai stamps as UNESCO decision approaches

Thailand’s traditional national costume, known as Chud Thai, has been selected by the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) to feature on its postage stamps, which will officially go on sale on 20 November 2026.

The announcement comes as Thailand awaits a decision by UNESCO on whether Chud Thai will be inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity later this year.

Thailand’s Department of Cultural Promotion, under the Ministry of Culture, announced the developments on Monday (9 November), describing them as significant milestones in promoting Thai cultural heritage internationally.

The country’s UNESCO nomination, officially titled “Chud Thai: The Knowledge, Craftsmanship and Practices of the Thai National Costume”, will be considered during the 21st session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, scheduled for 30 November to 5 December 2026 in Xiamen, China.

According to the department, evaluators have recognised the nomination’s comprehensive coverage of traditional knowledge, weaving and embroidery craftsmanship, and distinctive cultural identity.

The nomination also highlights the central role of local communities in preserving and passing down these traditions, supported by families, artisans, designers and educational institutions.

The department said the nomination aligns with UNESCO’s 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which emphasises protecting living cultural traditions and respecting the communities that sustain them.

It also encouraged Thais to celebrate Chud Thai’s selection for the UNPA postage stamps, describing the recognition as another opportunity to showcase Thailand’s cultural heritage on the international stage.

The department urged the public to support the UNESCO nomination through factual, respectful and constructive communication as the country awaits the committee’s decision.