The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) inscribes “Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (RL) under the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage will help promote tourism industry in Thailand.
Khaosan Road Business Association president Sanga Ruangwattanakul who represents the business operators sees that after the UNESCO lists “Songkran in Thailand” as cultural heritage, Thailand will be seen from the rest of the world as the cultural heritage country.
They will have more attention on Thailand’s famous water festival, he said.
It will also stress the country’s image as the originator of Songkran festival. The move will draw the attention from the people who are not familiar with Thailand and bring more visitors to the country.
He says the thing is how to help the visitors to know the real meaning of Songkran festival rather than only the splashing activity for fun.
He would like to recommend the government sector to focus more on culture related issues before Songkran day.
Mr Sanga raises the example for the idea, saying that he earlier recommended Bangkok Metropolitan Administration or BMA to consider measures to encourage all people to wear Thai traditional costume three days before Songkran day.
Mr Sanga says that the new trend for travelling at the moment, the travelers want new experiences from their travel more than fun and entertainment aspect. Moreover, the government has to be more serious to respond the trend rather than only outline the policies.
The government has to provide budget to support the business operators. He adds that the business operators are ready to support the projects that benefit the country. (TNA)
