Message from the Minister of Culture
Culture is fundamental in determining the notion of Thainess. As the principles of morality
playing a role for overall individual, social and national development, culture remains the foundation
for our unity and security for the sake of human dignity and prestige. The Ministry of Culture is
entrusted with the task of promoting and supporting all dimensions of culture in line with the
government policy.
The elements of the book, “Culture, Ways of Life and Wisdom,” appear as part of the
National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage officially recognized and legally protected by the
Department of Cultural Promotion. The Act of Promotion and Preservation of Intangible Cultural
Heritage B.E.2559 (2016) was established as a normative instrument for the protection of intangible
cultural heritage. Apart from being the pride of the nation, intangible cultural heritage can be
developed according to the concept of economic value added to its contribution to cultural
tourism, cultural goods and services.
On behalf of the Ministry of Culture, I hope that the book will be useful to enhance
knowledge, understanding and awareness of the importance of culture to both the Thais and
friends of Thailand with regard to sustainable development in the context of the future.
(Mr. Vira Rojpojchanarat)
Minister of Culture