BANGKOK, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Thailand kicked off a celebration in the capital Bangkok on Friday to mark the listing of Tomyum Kung, a traditional hot and sour prawn soup, as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage also inscribed Kebaya, a traditional Southeast Asian women's garment, as Thailand's first joint intangible cultural nomination alongside Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

The three-day festivities, which included an exhibition, a Kebaya fashion show, a Tomyum Kung cooking demonstration and cultural performances, underscored Thailand's efforts to raise awareness of the importance of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) and its willingness to collaborate with other countries in safeguarding ICH for inclusive and sustainable development.

In a congratulatory video message, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said Tomyum Kung, a healthy dish originating from the riverside communities, reflects the deep understanding of living in harmony with nature and the art of Thai cooking, which combines a good balance of flavors and nutrition.

"This world-renowned dish has become a fine example and a testimony to our cultural heritage, forming part of the Thai soft power," Paetongtarn added.

The recognition joins four previously listed Thai intangible cultural heritages, namely Khon, a masked dance drama, traditional Thai massage, Nora, a dance drama, and Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year festival. Enditem

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