Born in 1911, Kukrit has made great contributions to the country as a politician, a former prime minister, a national artist, a writer, a journalist and a thinker.

He passed away in 1995.

"The nomination will celebrate his centenary in 2011," Culture Minister Khunying Khaisri Sri-aroon said yesterday.

"He was never afraid of speaking up and what he said had influence over top figures in the country," she added.

She also pointed out that Kukrit's "Four Reigns" literature had great historical value. "It's well known among Thai and foreign readers," she said.

On arts and culture, Khaisri said Kukrit had nurtured Khon, the Thai-classical mask dance, and gave birth to Thammasat University's Khon troupe.

The Culture Minister said she would seriously discuss with relevant officials about the plan to nominate Kukrit to the Unesco list.

A handful of Thais have been honoured on the world's great personalities list by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

Among them are the late revered monk Buddhadasa Bhikku; HRH the Princess Sri Nagarindra, the Princess Mother; former premier Pridi Banomyong; ML Pin Malakul, and writer Kularb Saipradit.

Culture Ministry permanent-secretary Vira Rojpojchanarat said a committee would be established

to compile Kukrit's history before the information is forwarded to a Unesco committee in Thailand.

ML Rongrit Pramoj said he was glad the Culture Ministry had appreciated his father's works and would be nominating him for the Unesco list.

Rongrit plans to give Kukrit's traditional Thai house to the state, and put it under the care of the Fine Arts Department.