Thailand wants official credit for ‘tom yum goong’ from UNESCO

Thai may not be a language of much relevance outside the kingdom, but there are three words on lips the world over: tom yum goong.

Having won UNESCO recognition for its masked dance and traditional massage, Thailand wants the kingdom’s most iconic dish to be designated as cultural heritage that is intangible; that is, a thing that can’t be put in a glass case or charged admission to visit.

The cabinet yesterday approved a Culture Ministry proposal to nominate the dish; a bowl of cooked shrimp swimming in spicy, sour and aromatic soup; to UNESCO for consideration in a process that takes at least two years.

Backing the idea, government spokesperson Traisulee Traisoranakul said the classic spicy shrimp and lemongrass soup reflects the “simplicity” of the Thai way of life and culinary culture of communities along waterways such as rivers and canals.

An interesting…