Bangkok | 2nd Cultural Statistics Training Workshop

Thailand moves toward a comprehensive system to analyze its cultural data and is organising the second Technical Training Workshop on Religion, Art and Cultural Statistics of Thailand, 11-13 November 2013 The Technical Training on the Cultural Statistics Development Plan which took place in September 2013 opened the floor for active collaboration between staff of the National Statistical Office (NSO) and the Ministry of Culture (MoC). The workshop informed the governmental staff about the UNESCO Framework for Cultural Statistics which led to the identification of existing data related to culture as well as cultural goods and services. Following this workshop, the second technical training will be held in Bangkok from 11 to 13 November 2013. Organized by NSO and UNESCO, with support from the British Council, it will explore how Thailand can generate cultural data on a regular basis, using data from existing surveys to produce a set of key indicators. It also aims to identify gaps in current data provision in relation to a national framework for cultural and creative statistics. Quality cultural statistics will play an important role in supporting governments’ evidence-based policy formulation, implementation and evaluation for the development of the cultural sector. They can be used to determine socio-economic impacts of cultural activities and to support overall national development. Statistics that are in line with international standards also enable a valid comparison between different countries, which will maximize the benefit of statistics to national policy planning and development. High-level executives from the NSO, the MoC and the National Economic and Social Development Board will join a panel discussion on “Positioning Thailand’s Culture and Creative Industry Indicators within the Regional Context” on the opening day.