The Ministry of Culture is striving to have Thailand’s Songkran Celebration designated as an intangible cultural asset in order to make Songkran a world-class festival.
The Ministry of Culture’s Department of Cultural Promotion (DCP) has stated that it is attempting to get Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) recognition for Thailand’s Songkran event from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
According to DCP Director General Kowit Pakamart, the proposal to examine such a nomination was previously accepted at an ordinary session of the General Assembly in 2022, with the final decision to be taken this year by a selection committee of 12 member states.
If granted, the ICH status will need to be ratified by 24 nations in an ordinary session of the General Assembly in late 2024, following a thorough evaluation by the committee.
The DCP head stated that Thailand is sure that its Songkran Event would be granted ICH designation since it is an old festival that has not been too commercialized, has a low environmental effect, promotes the country’s distinctive cultural character, and reinforces the importance of family.
