“Thai Songkran” World Heritage Site “The Prime Minister” is pleased to organize a celebration today at Lan Khon Mueang and Wat Suthat.

Prime Minister welcomes UNESCO registration “Thai Songkran” is a program representing the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Ready to welcome visitors from all over the world to experience the Songkran tradition in Thailand. Organize a grand celebration on December 7th at the city square. Bangkok – Wat Suthat Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion reveals the story behind its success. Answered all questions regarding the information presented very well. until receiving praise from the UNESCO committee

Thai people all over the country were extremely delighted when “UNESCO” registered and announced “Songkran”, the 4th Thai cultural heritage, as a world cultural heritage for the year 2023 on December 6th. The Educational, Scientific and culture of the United Nations or UNESCO The 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee on the Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage was held in Kasane. Republic of Botswana There is an agenda to consider the Songkran tradition of Thailand for registration as cultural heritage. The representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity and the government has been assigned to Mr. Kowit Phakamat, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion. He was the head of the Thai delegation attending the meeting.

The meeting had 49 items on the agenda, divided into items representing the cultural heritage of humanity. There are 45 items that have been filtered, including the agenda for consideration of Songkran in Thailand. The other part is 4 items that need to be urgently preserved. Thailand enters the consideration of the 3rd item. The atmosphere of the meeting was lively. Amidst the excitement of the Thai delegation The committee carefully considered Thailand’s presentations and announced official approval for the “Songkran Thailand” tradition to be registered as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. There were representatives from various countries applauding and expressing their congratulations. Mr. Kowit thanked UNESCO. along with showing a video in which Mr. Settha expresses his gratitude

Mr. Kowit said It’s a pleasure. It is a success that the Songkran tradition in Thailand has been registered. The Ministry of Culture, through the Department of Cultural Promotion, goes through the domestic procedures and submits documents requesting registration to UNESCO since 2020. It is a proposal for registration by a single country. Before entering the meeting, Thai answered all questions regarding the presentation of information very well. Received praise from the committee and Thailand presented information and knowledge about the Songkran tradition to the meeting that “Songkran” means the movement of the sun from one zodiac sign to another. It is an old Thai tradition that has been passed down since ancient times. There are activities that are followed and practiced that have been passed down for many generations. Different according to the beliefs and practices of Thai people in each region. There are important activities such as cleaning houses, temples, and public property. Going to the temple to make merit and dedicate merit to deceased relatives. Showing respect or asking for forgiveness from an elder. or a benefactor Including expressing good wishes to each other. With blessings and pouring water on the head Organizing fun and joyful activities The water splashing will begin from April 13-14, in some places it may continue for another 2-3 days. April 15th is for making merit at temples.

“Songkran is considered a beautiful and valuable tradition. Reflects Thainess It is an opportunity to express gratitude and good wishes to benefactors. Showing generosity to family Relatives and communities, while emphasizing the importance of using water in a valuable way Do not use dirty water to splash on each other. There are also important days related to Songkran, namely Thai New Year’s Day. Elderly Day and Family Day The Department has prepared a plan to celebrate the registration throughout 2024 and will be the leader in driving and disseminating the values, identity, and importance of the Songkran tradition and importing it into the government’s THACCA,” Mr. Kowit said.

Reporters report that on December 7, there will be a celebration to congratulate UNESCO on the Thai Songkran registration at the Kon Mueang Plaza, Bangkok City Hall and Wat Suthat Thepwararam, with Mr. Sre. Sattha Thavisin, Prime Minister, presided over the Buddha image and monks poured water to ask for blessings from the elderly. There was a performance by the Suntaraporn band. Thailand has been declared a heritage site. Cultural wisdom has included 4 items representing the intangible cultural heritage of humanity: Khon, Thai massage, Nora, and the latest is Songkran.

While Mr. Settha Thavisin, Prime Minister, said that all traditional Songkran activities are considered sacred. It consists of various elements of cultural heritage. Well-known Songkran traditions include giving alms to monks and bathing Buddha images. Pouring water over the heads of respected elders as well as performing folk dramas Performances are related to the Songkran legend. Therefore, Songkran in Thailand represents an intangible cultural heritage. Reflecting cultural diversity human creativity and is necessary to achieve sustainable development goals. The government is pleased to promote knowledge and practices regarding Songkran together with the international community. It is hoped that discussions and mutual understanding will lead to achieving peace and stability for all parties. The government welcomes visitors from all over the world to join the festival. Experience the Songkran tradition in Thailand With a smile and a warm welcome.