News Forum - UNESCO recognises Songkran festival as Intangible Cultural Heritage

[Thaiger]

Thursday witnessed a series of events commemorating the Songkran Festival’s recent recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The official declaration was made yesterday during UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee meeting for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Botswana. The Culture Ministry’s application for the inclusion of the … …

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[Ramanathan.P]

Well...eventhough it is a good news for Thais, the khmer also celebrate Songkran as it is also Khamer new year 14th April which is also Tamil New year. Of course the Tamils will not splash water to celebrate as it is hot summer season and water scarcity is there in the region. Since UNESCO has declared Songkran as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, it can also be claimed by Cambodia to attract more tourists there. Hope the Thais and Khmer wont engage in an heated argument as to whom it really belongs to from its origin? 

[Fanta]

4 hours ago, Thaiger said:

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Does that mean no one else wants it so you’re stuck with it? 

[QECE]

4 hours ago, Ramanathan.P said:

Well...eventhough it is a good news for Thais, the khmer also celebrate Songkran as it is also Khamer new year 14th April which is also Tamil New year. Of course the Tamils will not splash water to celebrate as it is hot summer season and water scarcity is there in the region. Since UNESCO has declared Songkran as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, it can also be claimed by Cambodia to attract more tourists there. Hope the Thais and Khmer wont engage in an heated argument as to whom it really belongs to from its origin? 

Don't forget to add the Lao and Burman "Songkran" to that Thai/Khmer hybrid celebratory occasion. All of which have convenient South Asian roots.