Chat Thai Party

Dear Readers,

As I have often come across questions like “What does the Culture Ministry do?”, I would like to explain the ministry’s main objectives. They are to promote Thai cultural heritage and develop unity and solidarity among people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

To promote Thai cultural heritage, we have worked to maintain historical sites, held exhibitions of historical artefacts, held performances of classical Thai dance and more.

The Fine Arts Department is responsible for these activities.

On another front, we work with communities, temples, schools, government agencies, academics and local administrative bodies to create unity and solidarity.

Issues in the latter area often arouse controversy. People jumping queues, husbands keeping minor wives, road rage and teachers hawking insurance policies are frustrating, but not illegal. The Culture Ministry must work to change culture in these areas. Wielding authority alone will not help.

Wrong attitudes contribute to these problems. There are now more people who want to compete rather than share, who want to be famous rather than good, and who value materialism more than self-respect.

To resolve these issues, we need cooperation from all corners of society. Individuals should be prepared to criticise bad behaviour. Public participation can help reach our goals.

Veerasak Khowsurat

Vice minister for Culture and Executive Committee Member of the Chat Thai Party