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Myanmar eyes Unesco listing for ancient beauty regime

Govt hopes to protect link between its people and paste made from bark of indigenous tree

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Tan Hui Yee   Indochina Bureau Chief in Yangon, Tan Hui Yee

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Business is brisk at Mr Aye Saung's souvenir shop in downtown Yangon's Bogyoke Aung San market, where candy-coloured tubs of thanaka paste - made from the bark of an indigenous tree - compete for the attention of passing tourists.
Asked to name his best-selling brand, he picks out one with a minimalist white packaging bearing the etching of a tree.
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