Songkran inscribed as Intangible Cultural Heritrage of UNESCO

 

On 6 December 2023, the Eighteenth Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICS-ICH), held in Kasane, Republic of Botswana, decided to inscribe “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 or the 2003 UNESCO Convention.

 

The inscription marks another proud moment for Thailand and will significantly contribute to the international recognition of the values and importance of “Songkran in Thailand, traditional Thai New Year festival” as the intangible cultural heritage on this very important tradition, as well as the manifestation of local wisdom and cultural diversity in various regions of Thailand. The inscription would also encourage a strong role and participation of community in promoting the learning, access, development and safeguarding of such cultural heritage for the next generation.