BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Culture and UNESCO are developing Thailand’s cultural data system under the UNESCO Culture|2030 Indicators framework, with plans for a national cultural satellite account, a national cultural data center, and cultural mapping to support policymaking and long-term development.
Permanent Secretary for Culture Prasop Riangngoen detailed the work today (Aug 13), launching a workshop in Bangkok to develop statistical data using cultural indicators for the Sustainable Development Agenda. The framework uses 22 indicators across four areas—environment and resilience, prosperity and livelihoods, knowledge and skills, and inclusion and participation—to assess culture’s contribution to economic and social development.
UNESCO Bangkok Culture Unit Chief Dr. Feng Jing joined the workshop, along with UNESCO statistics expert Dr. Simon Ellis and representatives from the National Statistical Office, the National Economic and Social Development Council, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Creative Economy Agency, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and Thammasat University. Thailand is applying the framework at the national, provincial, and municipal levels, with Chiang Mai serving as the pilot province.
The Ministry of Culture plans to establish a more consistent information system linking national and local authorities. The proposed cultural satellite account would measure the economic contribution of cultural activities, while the National Cultural Data Center and Cultural Mapping would document cultural assets and resources nationwide, providing evidence for policy development, cultural-economy planning, and assessment of long-term trends. (NNT)
