PUBLISHED: 4:27 on December 7, 2023.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization ( Unesco ) will hold events on Thursday to commemorate the Songkran festival, which has been designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage item.
The formal announcement was made on Wednesday at the Intergovernmental Committee meet of Unesco for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage in Botswana.
Under the Prayut Chan-o-cha leadership, the government granted the Culture Ministry’s request for the list in March 2020.
To commemorate the list at Bangkok City Hall’s political ground today, the government has invited Thais to take part in a number of activities.
The service to pour water on Phra Buddha Sihing’s picture and a parade featuring the Seven Women of Songkran will both be presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. Anntonia Porsild, the second runner-up in Miss Universe 2023, will take part in both activities.
Mr. Srettha thanked those involved in having Songkran listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage material, according to government official Chai Wacharonke.
According to Mr. Chai, the prime minister said that Songkran is a time-honored traditions passed down from generation to generation that reflects the value of appreciation that Thai people have for their ancestors and embodies the spirit of cohesion.
The annual global events of Songkran, the standard Thai New Year, take place from April 13 to 15. Its activities include giving alms to priests, dousing revered mothers in water, performing cultural shows that tell the story of Songkran’s beginning, and water-sprinkling.
According to Mr. Chai, the prime minister stated that the government is willing to collaborate with other nations to disseminate Songkran awareness and customs in order to foster greater understanding among nations and bring about peace and security.
Mr. Srettha was quoted as saying,” The government is ready to welcome guests from all over the world to take part in the event and enjoy the experience of Songkran with smiles and a warm welcome from Thai people.”