Unique Songkran festivities as Thailand anticipates UNESCO recognition

Penpisut Jintasophon, the ministry’s spokesperson, said Culture Minister Sermsak Pongpanit is inviting people to participate 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 expected to declare its decision in Kasane, Botswana, at 5pm local time on Wednesday and the announcement will be broadcast live on UNESCO's live-webcast web at 2.45 pm Bangkok's time.

She said the ministry had received an informal notification indicating the UNESCO announcement on Wednesday, so it organised the celebration in anticipation. 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 include a concert by Thailand’s oldest band, Suntaraporn Band, at 7pm.

Pheu Thai Party leader Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who chairs the national soft power committee, had announced plans to extend Songkran celebrations throughout April next year, aiming to elevate the event as the country’s soft power.

If officially declared, Songkran will become the fourth Thai tradition to receive UNESCO’s recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The other three are Khon performance art, Thai massage and Nora dancing.