BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Culture is joining hands with various organizations to upgrade Loy Krathong, one of the most fascinating water-based cultural events in Thailand, as a world event to attract more international tourist arrivals.
The issue was discussed recently at a meeting on the organizing of the Loy Krathong Festival in 2024, chaired by Minister of Culture Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol and joined by both relevant government agencies and private organizations.
The meeting was briefed on the Government’s policy to organize various festivals as a way to promote Thailand’s tourism and “soft power” through the use of cultural capital and the concept of creative economy.
The Minister of Culture said that the Loy Krathong Festival in November is part of the project “Thailand Winter Festivals,” aimed at upgrading the country’s major festivals to the global level. Moreover, Thailand is preparing to propose the inscription of the Loy Krathong Festival on the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
This year, many provinces will arrange activities to celebrate Loy Krathong on a grand scale. They include Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Tak, Samut Songkhram, Roi Et, Lampang, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, and Surin.
The meeting also discussed campaigns for stepping up security and safety measures during the festival this year, as well as emphasizing no alcohol and promoting environmental conservation at the venues where the festival is organized. (TAT)
