Bangkok, Thailand – On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Thai Cabinet approved a document to propose the Loy Krathong festival for inclusion on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The document, titled “Loy Krathong: Traditional Water-Honouring Festival in Thailand,” was greenlit during a Cabinet meeting and will now be submitted to UNESCO by the Department of Cultural Promotion under the Ministry of Culture. Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak announced that the proposal aligns with the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which requires state parties to submit nominations by the annual March deadline. If successful, Loy Krathong would join other Thai cultural treasures such as Songkran, Nuad Thai (traditional Thai massage), Khon (masked dance drama), and Nora (southern dance drama) on UNESCO’s prestigious list.
Loy Krathong, celebrated annually on the full moon night of the 12th lunar month—typically in November—is one of Thailand’s most cherished and visually stunning festivals. The tradition involves crafting small, lotus-shaped floats, or “krathongs,” from banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense sticks, which are then released onto rivers, canals, and lakes across the country. The festival serves as a time to honor Phra Mae Khongkha, the Goddess of Water, express gratitude for the life-sustaining resource, and seek forgiveness for polluting waterways. Accompanied by fireworks, lantern releases (notably in northern Thailand), and vibrant community celebrations, Loy Krathong draws millions of locals and tourists alike each year.
The push for UNESCO recognition has been in the works for several years, with the Culture Ministry intensifying efforts since 2023 to compile data and documentation. Kowit Phakamas, Director-General of the Department of Cultural Promotion, previously noted that preparations for Loy Krathong’s nomination were 70% complete by late 2023, with collaboration from institutions like Chulalongkorn University’s Institute of Thai Studies to survey festival sites nationwide. The Cabinet’s approval this week finalizes Thailand’s submission, though UNESCO’s review process typically spans three to five years, meaning a decision could be expected between 2028 and 2030.
“This is a proud moment for Thailand,” said Anukool. “Loy Krathong is not just a festival; it’s a reflection of our deep connection to nature, our spiritual heritage, and our community spirit. Its global recognition would highlight its cultural significance while encouraging its preservation for future generations.” He added that the festival’s inclusion could boost tourism and local economies, aligning with the government’s soft power policy to elevate Thai culture internationally.
The proposal has garnered widespread support, with private entities like ICONSIAM—a prominent riverside destination in Bangkok—actively championing the cause. In 2023, ICONSIAM hosted a grand Loy Krathong celebration aimed at advancing UNESCO recognition, emphasizing eco-friendly krathongs made from natural materials to promote sustainability.
Thailand’s track record with UNESCO nominations is strong. Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year marked by water-splashing festivities, was inscribed on the intangible heritage list in December 2023 during a meeting in Botswana, joining Khon (2018), Nuad Thai (2019), and Nora (2021).
The next step involves submitting the finalized document to UNESCO’s Secretariat in Paris, where it will undergo evaluation by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
As Thailand awaits UNESCO’s decision, preparations are already underway for this year’s Loy Krathong, set for November 15, 2025. Whether by the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, the historic parks of Sukhothai, or the lantern-lit skies of Chiang Mai, the festival promises to captivate once more—now with the added hope of earning a permanent place in the world’s cultural heritage.
