Special Political & Decolonization Committee (General Assembly):

Protection of Cultural Property in Times of Armed Conflict & Colonisation

Delegation of Thailand:

- Allies: US, EU, AUS, ASEAN, CHINA, JAPAN, NAM(120 non aligned countries), G77,
Like-Minded Group,
- The monarchy in Thailand holds a significant symbolic role. The current monarch is King
Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended to the throne in 2016 following the passing of his
father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
- Major political parties include the Pheu Thai Party, the Democrat Party, and the Bhum Jai
Thai Party.
- Thailand is divided into 77 provinces, each headed by a governor appointed by the
central government. Provinces are further divided into districts, sub-districts, and
villages.
- Kingdom of Thailand - Siam - IndoChinese peninsula - 70 million people - 513,120
square kilometres
- Myanmar & Laos (N); Laos & Cambodia (E); Gulf of Thailand & Malaysia (S);
Andaman Sea (W)
- Ayutthaya: 15th century kingdom, destroyed in Burmese-Siamese War. Taksin reunited
and unified territory - established Thonburi Kingdom in Siam
- Chakri Dynasty: 1782 - Present, First king: Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke

HISTORY:

It was in the mid-19th century and beyond that they really showed their aptitude for statecraft.
Kings Mongkut and Chulalongkorn — Rama IV and Rama V — saw to it that Thailand was
modernised in order to resemble a European state such as those that were colonising in the
region.slavery and prostitution were abolished. The aim was to appear similar to a European
nation from the outside with the intention of being viewed as potential equals by those looking to
expand into the territory — it worked.
Treaties were signed with the British that saw trade between the two states increase as well as
discussions about territories. While the Thais may have conceded some territories to the British
in the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909, it saw them gain land too. The British also helped with the
process of modernisation in Thailand, providing railways in the south. While much of
modern-day Laos was lost to the French because of war, Thailand came through the 20th century
in a much better, stronger and more modern position than its neighbours.
While Thailand enjoyed a prosperous trade relationship with Britain, France was still looking to
expand its territories. Not content with gaining land following the Franco-Siamese War of 1893,
France was set on taking over the whole of Thailand. France went on to suggest dividing
Thailand into two, but through diplomacy, a treaty was signed in 1896, which agreed to keep
Thailand independent, acting as a buffer zone between the two powers.

In 1896, France suggested division of Thailand into 2 between France & British, but Thailand
remained independent as buffer zero between the two powers.

Thailand has never been colonised by the Europeans or any other country. Therefore, the country
did not have any beginning or ending to the colonial era. However, the then-named Siam
kingdom received Western influence, which contributed to some changes of the country's
modern identity

Only Thailand survived the European colonial threat in Southeast Asia due to centralising
reforms enacted by King Chulalongkorn and because the French and the British decided it would
be a neutral territory to avoid conflicts between their colonies.

In 1939, the Thai military government under Field Marshal Phibun Songkram changed the
country's name from Siam to Thailand, justifying that it was suitable to call the nation by a name
that represented the country's majority and was popular with the people. Siam had been the name
of the kingdom for almost 800 years.

Through these efforts, Thailand aims to ensure the preservation, appreciation, and transmission
of its cultural heritage to future generations, while also promoting cultural exchange and
understanding with the international community:

Historical Sites and Monuments: Thailand boasts numerous historical sites and monuments that
showcase its rich history and cultural legacy. These include iconic landmarks such as the Grand
Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in Bangkok, Ayutthaya Historical
Park, Sukhothai Historical Park, and the Historic City of Chiang Mai.

Temples and Buddhist Art: Thailand is predominantly a Buddhist country, and its cultural
property is deeply intertwined with Buddhism. The country is adorned with thousands of temples
(known as "wats") that feature stunning architecture, intricate mural paintings, and exquisite
sculptures. Notable examples include Wat Arun, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, and Wat Phra
Mahathat Woramahawihan.

Traditional Arts and Crafts: Thai arts and crafts are celebrated worldwide for their intricacy and
beauty. Traditional art forms include exquisite Thai silk weaving, intricate wood carving, delicate
porcelain and ceramic work, intricate silverware, and stunning mural paintings. These traditional
crafts are often passed down through generations and are treasured as part of Thailand's cultural
heritage.

Traditional Performing Arts: Thailand has a vibrant tradition of performing arts, which includes
classical Thai dance forms like Khon (masked dance-drama), Likay (folk theatre), and traditional
music such as Piphat and Mahori ensembles. These art forms are recognized for their grace,
elegance, and the use of colourful costumes.

Traditional Festivals and Rituals: Thailand's cultural property also encompasses a variety of
traditional festivals and rituals celebrated throughout the country. Festivals like Songkran (Thai
New Year), Loy Krathong (Festival of Lights), and Phi Ta Khon (Ghost Mask Festival) are
known for their unique customs, vibrant processions, and cultural significance.

Traditional Thai Cuisine: Thai cuisine is renowned globally for its harmonious blend of flavours,
aromatic herbs, and spices. It is considered an essential part of Thailand's cultural heritage,
reflecting its history, regional diversity, and agricultural practices. Thai cuisine was inscribed on
UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2017.

Thai culture values serenity and avoids conflict and sudden displays of anger. Visitors should
take care not to create conflict and handle disagreements with a smile, without assigning blame.
The concept of sanuk emphasises that life should be fun, and Thais often display positive
emotions in social interactions.

With around 95% of the country being Theraveda Buddhist, the belief system and values of
Buddhism play a huge role in day-to-day life. Etiquette in Thailand is extremely important.
Throughout the country, the most important values that Thai people hold are respect, self-control,
and a non-confrontational attitude.

Bangkok: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilokphop

40,000+ Thai Temples

Songkran: famous festival - centred around water, April - thai new year - Sprinkling water on
elders as a sign of respect, and splashing water on strangers as a way of wishing them good luck.
Songkran is also a time for family and friends to get together and celebrate.

Loy Krathong - 12th thai month, full moon(nov)

Close links between Thailand and India can be seen in art, literature, and in many of the
country’s customs. The cultures of nearby Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China have also
played an important role in forming the traditions of Thailand, as have indigenous belief systems
such as Animism.

Thailand played a little role in WWI, declaring war on Germany and Austria-Hungary and
sending a force to help with the combat on the Western Front. While initially remaining neutral
in WWII, Thailand was invaded by Japan, which saw it declare war on the Allied powers.
LOOTING EXAMPLES:
1. Lopburi Style Buddha Statue, returned in 1996, after hefty amount paid by Thai govt -
stolen from cave in Thung Saliem, Sukhothai - 1977: found in Sotheby’s institute of art in
London
2. Dvaravati Buddha Statue: Ton Bodhi sri Mahabodhi Temple, Prachin Buri: found in New
York - 2008
3. Another significant theft occurred in 1957 when a group of thieves stole the Phra Sri
Sakyamuni, a large and ancient bronze Buddha statue, from Wat Si Chum in Sukhothai
province. The statue was later recovered, but some parts were damaged during the theft.
4. Emerald Buddha was stolen as well!! - found in Laos
5. One notable incident involves the theft of the Phra Nakhon Khiri Royal Palace's Buddha
image in 1868. The statue was taken by a British naval officer and transported to
England. It was eventually returned to Thailand in 1996 after negotiations between the
Thai and British governments.
6. The highest profile case so far was the long battle to regain the Phra Narai Lintel. The
ancient lintel was believed to have gone missing in the 1960s before it emerged in the Art
Institute of Chicago in the 1970s. After years of battles which provoked a strong sense of
nationalism among Thais, the lintel was returned after mediation in 1988. It was reported
the Thai government agreed to pay compensation to get the priceless lintel back to the
kingdom.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/special-reports/439664/a-history-of-theft-and-recov
ery
UNESCO has approved the inclusion of the Songkran festival in the tentative list of
Intangible Cultural Heritages (ICH) for consideration in December this year, Thailand’s
Culture Minister Itthiphol Khunpluem said.

Fine arts dept: As of September 2015, the Department lists 5,678 ancient monuments, 2,087 of
which have officially been registered (including 10 historical parks). It operates 43 national
museums throughout the country.

UNESCO declared the Khon mask dance, Thai massage and the Nora dance performance to be
Intangible Cultural Heritages, in 2018, 2019 and 2021 respectively.
Sri Mariamman preserved - 144 years till now
Thailand, loss of cultural property
1. Border Conflicts: Thailand shares borders with countries such as Cambodia and
Myanmar (Burma), which have experienced internal conflicts and armed clashes. During
periods of cross-border tensions, there have been instances of damage to cultural sites
located near border areas.

2. Bombings and Insurgency: In certain parts of Thailand, particularly in the southern

3. World War II Bombing Raids: During World War II, Thailand was bombed by Allied
forces targeting Japanese military installations. While the primary targets were military
sites, some bombings also caused collateral damage to nearby cultural sites, including
temples and historical buildings.
4. Preah Vihear Temple: During clashes between Thailand and Cambodia over the disputed
border area near the Preah Vihear Temple, there have been reports of damage to the
temple complex. Artillery fire and shelling have impacted certain structures, including
the temple buildings.
5. Bangkok City Hall Fire: In April 1943, a fire broke out at Bangkok City Hall, resulting in
the destruction of many historical documents and artifacts that were housed there. The
fire is believed to have been accidental, but the exact cause remains unclear.
6. Ayutthaya Historical Park: Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an ancient
capital of Thailand, suffered significant damage during the war. The city was bombed by
Allied forces in 1944, resulting in the destruction of temples, ancient structures, and
valuable artifacts.
7. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): During the war, Wat Arun, one of Bangkok's iconic
temples, was damaged when it was hit by Allied bombing. The central prang (tower)
 suffered a collapse, and restoration work was required to rebuild and restore the structure
after the war.
8. Vimanmek Mansion: Vimanmek Mansion, a magnificent teakwood palace in Bangkok,
was used by the occupying Japanese forces during World War II. The mansion was
reportedly looted and some of its valuable contents were taken.
9. Remnants of SUKHOTHAI
10. Remnants of Ayutthaya destroyed by Burmese
11. Wat Chaiwatthanaram - currently in a very degraded state, result of war against Burma -
same with Sukhothai National Park - Wat Phra Sri Sanphet
12. Kamphaeng Phet - garrison during Burmese wars - deteriorated