BANGKOK, Nov.20 (Xinhua) -- The Thai Ministry of Culture will be proposing to the Cabinet the nomination of the Songkran Festival as an aspect of intangible cultural heritage to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), said Pimravee Watthanavarangkul, director-general of the Department of Cultural Promotion on Wednesday.
"The Department of Cultural Promotion under the Ministry of Culture has so far successfully listed 300 items under six categories as part of its national intangible cultural heritage," said Pimravee. "These items include local folk performances, handicrafts, and expressions of culture such as Songkran Festival."
However, the director-general said that the process still requires further study at local meetings in Thailand's four regions and approval from the cultural heritage conservation committee, and also the Cabinet's approval.
She said Songkran is unique in a way as the annual festivity's main objectives are shared by all Thais from all four regions.
These objectives include converging at local communities to enhance unity, expressing gratitude to senior citizens and throwing water at one another to enhance bonding among peer groups.
The final submission for UNESCO's consideration is expected to take place in March next year, Pimravee said.
