“We believe this idea will help reform the way people can participate in the conservation of cultural heritage,” General Jira Komutpong said yesterday in his capacity as spokesman for the Assembly’s committee on the reform of sport, arts, culture, religion, morality and ethics.

He said his committee had |also thought about offering |tax incentives to engage people |in conserving cultural heritage. “For example, we may encourage people to join conservation efforts by offering to waive household taxes.”

Jira said the panel would also propose changes to the Land Expropriation Act to make it possible for the state to take over plots of land where historical sites are located.

“The law about historical sites, historical artefacts, arts and national museums should allow the Fine Arts Department to order land expropriations and determine the compensation amount,” he said.

Jira said his committee would also push for an overhaul of the Culture Ministry to reform how the public perceives conservation of cultural heritage.

“The structure of agencies under the Culture Ministry should be overhauled too,” he said.

However, he emphasised that an overhaul would not lead to new agencies or new positions being created.