July 9, 2025
PHNOM PENH – The Ministry of Culture has shared positive progress in its ongoing application to register the traditional Khmer wedding, known as “Khmer Marriage, Khmer Wedding” on UNESCO’s World Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Meanwhile, Thailand has declared that it is preparing to nominate its traditional attire for the same list and has accused Cambodia of using images of Thai wedding attire.
Sum Map, secretary of state and spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, told reporters on July 8 that the “Khmer Marriage, Khmer Wedding” nomination was submitted to the Secretariat of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Committee on April 2, 2024, for inclusion on UNESCO’s World Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
He added that the ministry’s technical team is currently working with the ICH Secretariat to complete the remaining tasks. The process is proceeding according to protocol and is now in the evaluation stage by the ICH’s independent experts.
“The primary goal of the Kingdom of Cambodia in nominating ‘Khmer Marriage, Khmer Wedding’ for UNESCO’s World Intangible Cultural Heritage List is to preserve and protect Khmer traditions that have existed since ancient times. Today, Cambodian citizens continue to safeguard and practice this invaluable heritage correctly,” Map said.
He added that the nomination also aims to showcase Cambodia’s ancient culture and civilisation, particularly its wedding traditions, to the world.
According to Mab, the nomination has received close cooperation from state institutions, the private sector, and especially bearers and practitioners of cultural traditions.
“Khmer Wedding encompasses traditional practices in wedding preparations, music and songs for the ceremony, attire, personal adornment and other elements of the Khmer wedding tradition, which have existed for a long time. Cambodians continue to preserve, practice and protect these traditions, considering them an indispensable part of the lives of Khmer couples,” he explained.
He added that the formal review for registration is expected to take place by the end of 2026.
While Cambodia’s nomination is progressing, Thailand has accused Cambodia of using images of its traditional attire in the application. The claim was made most recently by Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Thailand’s suspended Prime Minister and current Minister of Culture.
However, according to a Tuesday report by Khaosod English, Prasop Riengngoen, Thailand’s permanent secretary for Culture, clarified that Cambodia’s nomination does not include Thai attire.