BANGKOK (NNT) - The Prime Minister has expressed his elation that Thailand’s Songkran Festival is now included on a tentative list for UNESCO’s consideration as an intangible cultural heritage.
Government Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri disclosed that Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha was pleased with the inclusion of the Thai New Year festival on the tentative list for consideration as the nation’s 4th intangible cultural heritage.
The spokesperson added that the premier was proud of UNESCO’s decision, which he said demonstrated global recognition of Thailand’s cultural identities and values.
An intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is a practice, representation, expression, knowledge or skill, as well as artifacts or cultural property, considered by UNESCO to be part of a place’s cultural heritage.
Other aspects of Thailand are also waiting to be included on the tentative list for intangible cultural heritages.
Thailand’s intangible cultural heritages currently include Khon, a dance drama genre, traditional Thai massage, or Nuad Thai, and Nora, which is an acrobatic form of dance theater and improvisational singing from southern Thailand.
UNESCO’s consideration for the Songkran Festival is expected to take place at the body’s meeting toward the end of this year.
