UNESCO registers Wat Pho’s inscriptions as Memory of the World heritage

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BANGKOK, 17 June 2011– Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimolmangkhlaram Rajawaramahaviharn or Wat Pho will celebrate for nine days and nine nights after the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has registered its epigraphic archives as Memory of the World documentary heritage.

Speaking at a press conference, Assistant Abbot Phra Rajavethee announced that the monastery will organise a grand celebration from 19 to 27 November 2011 to celebrate the UNESCO Memory of the World award.

The assistant abbot added that the celebration will be made in an ancient way as described in the inscriptions and similar to the one used to be organised in the reign of King Rama I during the early Rattanakosin era.

The 1,440 stone inscriptions made during 1831-1841 feature a wide range of knowledge such as history, Buddhism, literature, tradition, proverbs and health. The well-known ways of contorted hermits, massage and herbal medicine are also included in the health section.

The listing of the inscriptions as Memory of the World heritage was made at the tenth Meeting of the International Advisory Committee for the Memory of the World Programme held in Manchester, UK, from 22 to 25 May 2011.