BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand has been ranked the most culturally rich country in Asia and eighth in the world by the U.S. News & World Report 2024 survey of 89 nations. The evaluation measured cultural accessibility, historical heritage, cuisine, cultural attractions, and geographical appeal.
Known as one of the world’s top travel destinations, Thailand offers a distinctive mix of modern urban life and deep-rooted traditions. Visitors are drawn to its pristine beaches, historic landmarks, ornate temples, traditional Thai massage, and world-renowned cuisine. While tourism contributes around 7% of the nation’s GDP, cultural diversity remains a driving force behind its global allure.
The government has introduced a three-stage strategy to strengthen cultural influence. The upstream stage develops Thai people’s skills through the “One Family, One Soft Power” policy, using heritage and local wisdom to create economic value. The midstream stage modernizes laws and regulations to enhance the creative cultural industry. The downstream stage promotes cultural assets internationally through “creative cultural diplomacy” to attract tourism, investment, and interest in learning more about Thailand.
The rankings were released by the Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA). For details, visit https://thacca.go.th/ or reach the agency through its official communication channels. (NNT)
