Thailand is preparing to propose the Loy Krathong Festival, along with Muay Thai, to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and request that they be included in the list of intangible heritage in 2024.
According to the Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion, Kowit Phakamas, the preparation of documents gathering knowledge of these cultural elements has been 70% completed. The proposals are expected to receive cabinet approval by 31 March 2024 before they are submitted to UNESCO. However, UNESCO’s consideration process for such proposals typically spans 3-5 years.
Currently, Thailand has three elements inscribed in the list of UNESCO intangible cultural heritage: (1) Nora, dance drama in Southern Thailand (2021), (2) Nuad Thai, traditional Thai massage (2019), and (3) Khon, masked dance drama (2021). (PRD)
