The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has approved the inclusion of Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival, to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritages at UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee meeting for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Botswana on Wednesday.
Songkran became Thailand’s fourth UNESCO intangible cultural heritage. UNESCO earlier declared the Khon mask dance, Thai massage and the Nora dance performance to be Intangible Cultural Heritages, in 2018, 2019 and 2021 respectively.
The Cultural Promotion Department said earlier that it will host a week-long celebration event, starting from December 7, at Lan Khon Mueang town square in Bangkok, to be presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.
Kowit Pakamart, director-general of the Department said the celebration will include traditional Songkran activities such as sprinkling water on Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha figure.
Also joining the Songkran parade will be a Thai beauty queen, Anntonia Porsild, the first runner-up in the Miss Universe 2023 pageant, attired in the costume of Songkran goddess Mahothorn Dhevi, who represents Saturday, the day of Songkran Festival 2024 (April 13, 2024).
The parade will also feature traditional dances and music performances from four regions of Thailand, in a bid to promote Thai traditions and invite tourists to take part in the actual celebration in April next year across the kingdom. (TNA)
