Thailand’s Culture Ministry is calling on all Thais to join a unique Songkran celebration on Dec 7 in expectation of Unesco’s declaration of the festival as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). Ms Penpisut Jintasophon, the ministry’s spokesperson, said Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit is rolling out the red carpets for people to take part in celebrations at the Lan Khon Muang grounds opposite Bangkok’s City Hall. The Culture Ministry proposed “Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year” to Unesco for ICH recognition.
The agency is anticipated to announce its decision in Kasane, Botswana, at 5pm local time on Dec 6. The declaration will be broadcast on Unesco’s live-webcast. Ms Penpisut said the ministry had got an informal notification indicating the Unesco declaration. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will preside over the event, which will feature a procession of the Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha image for the water-pouring ceremony. The water-pouring ceremony is traditionally observed on Songkran Day, which falls on April 13. Miss Universe first runner-up Anntonia Porsild will also be present at the celebration.
The festivities will involve a concert by Thailand’s oldest band, Suntaraporn Band, at 7pm. Pheu Thai Party goverened Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who chairs the national soft power committee, had declared ideas to expand Songkran celebrations throughout April 2024. The goal is to elevate the event as the nation’s soft power. If officially announced, Songkran will become the fourth Thai tradition to get Unesco’s recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The other three are Khon performance art, Thai massage and Nora dancing.