BANGKOK, THAILAND – The Thai government officially recognized five indigenous cat breeds as national symbols in the pet sector, strengthening protection of a key element of the country’s cultural heritage.
Five indigenous cat breeds elevated to national emblems
The Thai cabinet followed a proposal from the National Identity Committee (NIC) and confirmed five native cat breeds as national emblems: Suphalak, Korat, Wichien Maat, Kornja and Khao Manee. Officials said the decision was an important step in preserving traditional Thai animal breeds that had been rooted in local culture for centuries.
According to the responsible authorities, the cats now formed their own category of national symbols within the pet sector. The new status was intended to highlight their long-standing role in Thailand’s cultural landscape.
New cat symbols expand system of national icons
By adding the cat breeds, Thailand joined them to an existing set of national symbols defined between 1964 and 2024. These included, among others, the Thai elephant as national animal and the Siamese fighting fish as national aquatic animal.
The list also covered the Naga as national mythical animal emblem and the Wai as national gesture of respect. The newly designated cat symbols complemented this system and were meant to make the cultural diversity of Thailand more visible.
Historical roots and scientific backing
Historical sources and genetic studies attested that Thai cats had clear characteristics in appearance and temperament that distinguished them from other breeds. The animals were described as closely linked to the country’s beliefs, customs and local wisdom.
Authorities pointed out that these cats had appeared in written records and cultural practices for centuries.
“Thai cats are an integral part of society,”
said the Thai authorities, in the official statement.
International demand and protection against foreign registration
According to the government, Thai cat breeds enjoyed worldwide popularity and were regarded internationally as distinctive breeding lines. At the same time, this demand had led foreign actors to try to register purebred Thai cats independently and set their own breeding standards.
With the national recognition, Bangkok aimed to secure ownership rights and prevent unauthorised foreign registrations. The official classification was intended to make clear that Thailand claimed the intellectual and cultural rights to these native breeds.
Conservation, protection and economic potential
The declaration of the five cat breeds as national emblems was meant to serve several key objectives, according to the government. First, it would provide a basis for long-term conservation of the breeds and the development of uniform breeding standards.
Second, it was designed to safeguard Thai ownership rights and prevent unauthorised registrations abroad. Third, the move was expected to support value creation and creative industries built around Thai cats.
Officials stressed that this would help position both cultural heritage and intellectual property more strongly on the international stage. They framed the step as part of a broader effort to protect nationally significant animal breeds.
Signal of cultural identity and international stance
According to the Thai Public Relations Department, which released the decision in a press statement, the recognition of the cat breeds demonstrated the political will to actively preserve national identity and tradition. The agency highlighted the symbolic importance of elevating animals embedded in folklore and daily life.
The official classification of the five cat breeds underscored Thailand’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural heritage and defending its rights worldwide, the statement concluded. Authorities presented the measure as both a domestic cultural initiative and an assertion of Thailand’s position abroad.