UNESCO Recognizes Thai Songkran Festival as Cultural Heritage

UNESCO has formally acknowledged the Thai Songkran Festival as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity during the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kasane, Botswana.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin conveyed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of Thailand for this prestigious recognition, emphasizing the festival’s embodiment of gratitude, benevolence, and unity among the Thai populace.

The vibrant water-splashing festivities of Songkran symbolize Thailand’s rich cultural diversity and communal spirit. This accolade marks “Songkran in Thailand” as the fourth Thai element in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage inventory, joining the esteemed company of “Khon” masked dance performance (2018), “Thai Massage” (2019), and the “Nora” dance performance from Southern Thailand (2021).

To commemorate this honor, the Ministry of Culture is orchestrating the “Songkran in Thailand, Traditional Thai New Year Festival” at Lan Khon Muang and Wat Suthat Thepwararam in Bangkok. The event, open to the public, is slated to kick off tomorrow at 6 PM.

The recognition of Thai intangible cultural heritage, encompassing practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills, underscores its pivotal role in preserving the nation’s cultural identity. Moreover, it serves as a substantial contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, fortifying Thailand’s cultural heritage on the global stage.