Bangkok makes the most of Songkran’s intangible cultural heritage status
Songkran’s inclusion as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage has offered an opportunity to promote the traditional Thai New Year as one of the best festivals in the world, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said on Thursday.
She was speaking at the opening ceremony of "Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024" at Sanam Luang in Bangkok, which runs until April 15.
She noted that Songkran had been celebrated through many generations across Thailand, underlining the importance to Thais of cultural practices like ceremonies to make merit or pay respect to ancestors.
"Inclusion in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage proves the importance of Songkran," she said, adding that it allows Thailand to promote the festival globally.
Sudawan noted that the parade of floats with a Songkran theme and activities during the event at Sanam Luang would be publicised worldwide in a bid to draw tourists and feed the economy.
Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool also confirmed that the event aims to celebrate Songkran's inclusion in UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage and promote the festival globally.
She added that Thai soft powers have been applied to the festival in a bid to attract Thai and foreign visitors in terms of creative tourism "This will circulate the income generated and add value to the economy," she said.
The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 highlights a seamless fusion of Thai traditional and modern activities, catering to people of all generations.
A parade of floats from sponsors, provinces and private companies will proceed down Rajadamnern Klang Road to Sanam Luang on April 11-12. Those vehicles will then be showcased at Sanam Luang until April 15.
The highlights are a procession of Phra Buddha Maha Suwanna Patimakorn, a Buddha image from Wat Traimit in Bangkok, and Thai-Danish beauty queen Anntonia Porsild who will represent the Goddess Mahodhara at this year’s Songkran.
An array of traditional performances and activities from five regions across Thailand have been put together for visitors to fully indulge in this important festival. These include a Khon performance and a Muay Thai demonstration, as well as sales of Thai food and local products.
On April 13, there will be an alms offering to 99 monks, as well as an activity to pour water on monks and the elderly for prosperity.
Younger generations are invited to have fun with electronic dance music and concerts from renowned Thai artists, such as Danupha “Milli” Khanatheerakul and 4EVE. A light show by 1,200 drones will light up the skies after sunset.
Facilities, such as large pools, a big fountain, water tunnels and tanks, have been arranged for partygoers who want to enjoy a good splashing.
