Bangkok: Thai Songkran has been officially designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, preceding the Cambodian Songkran, in a development that Thailand's Ministry of Culture believes will not impact its registration of the Cambodian celebration as a World Heritage site. Culture Minister Sabida Thaiseth emphasized that the Thai Songkran festival achieved UNESCO registration in 2023, ensuring its status remains unaffected despite Cambodia's plans to register in 2027.
According to Thai News Agency, Culture Minister Sabida clarified the reports regarding Cambodia's submission of "Mohasangkran chnam thmey, the traditional Khmer New Year in Cambodia" to UNESCO. She confirmed that the media reports were accurate but reassured that this would not impact the recognition already granted to Songkran in Thailand. The Thai festival was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023, and its registration is complete and independent of nominations by other countries. UNESCO does not attribute ownership of cultural heritage to a single nation, acknowledging that similar traditions may exist in multiple countries.
Minister Sabida highlighted that Thailand is preparing additional cultural elements for submission to UNESCO, including Thai traditional dress, Muay Thai, the traditional Thai sarong, and Loy Krathong. The nomination for "Thai traditional dress" is set for UNESCO's consideration by the end of 2026. She assured the public that the Ministry of Culture is actively working to safeguard Thailand's cultural heritage, ensuring it remains recognized as uniquely Thai.
The Department of Cultural Promotion has been entrusted with disseminating accurate information and closely observing Cambodia's actions concerning their cultural submissions to UNESCO.