Thailand Seeks UNESCO Status for Loy Krathong Festival
Bangkok, Thailand – Thailand has announced plans to nominate the Loy Krathong festival for inclusion on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Government Push for Cultural Recognition
The decision, made during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, was confirmed by Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol. The move aims to enhance Thailand’s soft power and solidify its reputation as a leading global tourist destination.
The Loy Krathong festival, officially recognized as a national cultural heritage in 2011, joins Thailand’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote its cultural identity. If accepted, it will become the seventh Thai cultural element under UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Existing Thai Cultural Elements on UNESCO’s List
Thailand currently has six cultural elements recognized by UNESCO:
- Khon Masked Dance (2018)
- Traditional Thai Massage (2019)
- Nora Dance (2021)
- Songkran Festival (2023)
- Tom Yum Kung (2024)
- Kebaya (2024) (Joint recognition with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore)
National Cultural Master Plan and Film Industry Reforms
The Cabinet also approved the second phase of the National Cultural Master Plan (2023–2027), focusing on sustainable cultural preservation and economic development. This plan aligns with Thailand’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2030 and outlines five key strategies:
- Strengthening national institutions
- Fostering cultural ethics and values
- Enhancing cultural environments
- Increasing the economic value of cultural assets
- Improving cultural management efficiency
Additionally, a new Film Act draft was endorsed, replacing the Film and Video Act of 2008. The new legislation seeks to boost Thailand’s film industry by simplifying regulations, introducing a self-certification system, and transitioning from a licensing to a notification-based process.
Chiang Mai’s UNESCO World Heritage Bid
In related news, Chiang Mai, the former capital of the Lanna Kingdom, is on the verge of UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Officials from the Culture Ministry, Fine Arts Department, and Chiang Mai Province are finalizing a nomination dossier for submission to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre in Paris.
