Kukrit and Eua recognised by Unesco

Eua

The 13th prime minister of Thialand, Kukrit was nominated a few months ago and Unesco approved his nomination in the Anniversaries of Great Personalities and Historic Events, for the centenary of his birth in 2011.

Kukrit (1911-1995) was both a politician and a scholar. He was Speaker of the House of Representatives from 19731974 and served as prime minister from 19751976.

He was also known for several of his books and his interest in Thai traditional Khon the¬atre, apart from his outspokenness. He also appeared on screen with Marlon Brando in a Hollywood movie, "The Ugly American", in 1963.

According to the Culture Ministry, which nominated Kukrit and Eua for Unesco approval, 90 names were submitted for consideration, and 51 of them had been approved after the initial process.

Eua (1910-1981) was a composer and a concert master, who pioneered the introduction of Western music into Thai popular culture.

He founded the Suntaraporn Band, Thailand's bestknown big band in the 40s through to the 70s.

The ministry will organise a series of events throughout next year, which marks the the centenary of Eua's birth, to celebrate his Unesco recognition, including grand performances by the Suntaraporn Band in Thailand, the US, China and Laos and the issuance of a new postage collection with his images on them.

A road in Samut Songkhram's Amphawa district, which is Eua's birthplace, will be named after him.