songkran safe cambodia8217s

Songkran Safe: Cambodia’s UNESCO Bid for Maha Songkran Poses No Threat to Thailand’s Listing

ByJustpaste.in

BANGKOK – Thailand’s traditional Songkran festival remains secure in its UNESCO recognition despite Cambodia’s recent application to list its own Khmer New Year, “Moha Sangkranta Chnam Thmey,” as an intangible cultural heritage, officials confirmed.

Yuthika Isarangkura na Ayutthaya, Director-General of the Cultural Promotion Department, addressed concerns following Cambodia’s submission, explaining that UNESCO listings do not grant exclusivity to any single nation when similar cultural traditions exist across multiple countries.

She cited the case of Myanmar’s traditional New Year, “Ata Thingyan,” celebrated in April, and other Southeast Asian nations whose New Year festivals have received UNESCO recognition without conflict.

“Cambodia, as a member of the UNESCO Convention, has every right to apply for recognition of its traditional Khmer New Year,“Yuthika stated.” The listing of one country’s culture does not preclude the existence of similar traditions elsewhere.”

Thailand’s own Songkran festival was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023, following a rigorous evaluation process.

Thailand’s UNESCO Heritage Listings

Thailand became a party to the UNESCO Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage on June 10, 2016. To date, the kingdom has secured UNESCO recognition for six cultural elements:

  • Khon masked dance drama (2018)

  • Nuad Thai (Thai traditional massage) (2019)

  • Nora dance drama of southern Thailand (2021)

  • Songkran festival (2023)

  • Tom Yum Kung soup (2024)

  • Kebaya (2024) – jointly proposed with Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Brunei. The kebaya is a traditional form of figure-hugging blouse and skirt worn by women in these Southeast Asian nations.

Officials emphasized that the simultaneous recognition of similar cultural practices across borders reflects UNESCO’s commitment to safeguarding diverse cultural expressions rather than endorsing proprietary claims. The department urged the public not to view Cambodia’s application as a challenge to Thailand’s cultural heritage.

-Thailand News (TN)

Similar Posts

  • |

    Texas Airports review muslim prayer facilities

    ByJustpaste.in

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a review of state grants given to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) over facilities provided for Muslim travelers. The governor has raised concerns about special facilities for Muslims to perform wudu, the Islamic practice of washing before prayer.  He has described the facilities as possible religious discrimination and has also asked the U.S.  Department of Transportation to review the issue. Review of state funding According to a statement from Abbott’s office, Texas will review state grants given to airport authorities.  Officials will consider whether existing funding should be withdrawn or whether the airports should be prevented from receiving future state funds. Abbott argues that government owned facilities should not provide services that appear to favor one religion over others. Facilities at two airports DFW International Airport is planning a dedicated area where Muslim passengers can perform wudu. At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport a similar facility has already been created along with a space where passengers can pray. Abbott has asked U.S.  Transportation secretary sean duffy to have the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) review the existing and planned facilities at both airports. He has also called for possible legal or corrective action if officials find that federal rules have been violated. Governor raises religious Discrimination Concerns Abbott says both airports receive federal funding and therefore must follow federal laws related to discrimination. He argues that providing facilities specifically for Muslim religious practices could give special treatment to one religious group. He says government owned airports should provide equal treatment and should not favor one religion over another. The governor also repeated his position on social media saying taxpayer funded public facilities should not allow what he considers illegal religious discrimination. What happens next? The issue will now be reviewed by federal transportation officials and the FAA.  Their response could determine whether any action is taken against the airports or their funding. The controversy has also opened a wider debate about religious freedom equal access  and how public facilities should serve passengers from different religious backgrounds. The case could become an important legal and political discussion about whether providing religious accommodations in public spaces is discrimination or simply a way to meet the needs of different groups.

  • Thailand to revoke visas of troublemaking tourists amid growing concerns

    ByJustpaste.in

    BANGKOK, Thailand – Tourism authorities have announced that the government will revoke the visas of foreign tourists who cause trouble and disrupt public order, following reports of inappropriate behaviour by some visitor groups, particularly Israeli tourists, in key tourism areas including Phuket and Koh Samui, the Bangkok Post reported. Two Swedish Men Arrested In Bangkok […]

  • | | |

    Army major martyred, five terrorists killed

    ByJustpaste.in

    A Pakistan Army major was martyred while leading an intelligence-based operation (IBO) against terrorists in the Razmak area of North Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday. According to the military’s media wing, security forces launched the operation after receiving intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the area. During the exchange of fire, five terrorists affiliated with Fitna al Khawarij were killed. ISPR identified the martyred officer as Major Hafiz Ihsan Elahi, 34, a resident of Mianwali district. The military said the officer was leading his troops from the front and fought bravely during the operation before embracing martyrdom. The statement said the slain terrorists were actively involved in multiple attacks against security forces, law enforcement personnel and civilians. Security forces also recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment from the militants during the operation. Following the successful raid, sanitisation operations were launched in the surrounding areas to eliminate any remaining terrorists and ensure the area is fully cleared. The military said the operation forms part of Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign under the Azm-i-Istehkam strategy approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. The ISPR reiterated that Pakistan’s security forces remain committed to eliminating all forms of terrorism and will continue intelligence-driven operations against militants across the country. It added that the sacrifices of soldiers strengthen the nation’s resolve to safeguard peace and security. Pakistan has witnessed an increase in terrorist incidents since the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in late 2022. Since then, security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to dismantle militant networks.

  • | |

    Pakistan announces public holiday for Eid Milad-un…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The federal government has announced a public holiday across Pakistan on the occasion of Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the holiday for 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal. The government has also issued an official notification confirming the decision. According to the notification, Wednesday, August 26, 2026, will be observed as a public holiday across the country. Government offices and institutions covered by the notification will remain closed on the day. The holiday will allow people to observe Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ and participate in religious gatherings and other activities. Eid Milad-un-Nabi ﷺ is observed every year on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Special religious programmes, processions and gatherings are held in different parts of Pakistan on the occasion. The announcement of the public holiday comes as preparations for the religious occasion continue across the country. Authorities are also expected to make security and traffic arrangements for major gatherings and processions.

  • | |

    What Keith Urban really thinks of Nicole Kidman’…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman have officially entered a new chapter after ending their nearly two-decade marriage. The former couple finalized their divorce in January 2026, months after their separation became public in September 2025. Now, reports about Kidman’s possible new romance with businessman Michael Reinstein have sparked fresh interest in how Urban feels about his ex-wife moving on. According to recent reports, Urban is not necessarily feeling relieved about Kidman’s new relationship. In fact, one report claimed that the country singer was “absolutely devastated” after seeing his former wife grow closer to Reinstein. The conflicting reports show that Urban’s private feelings remain difficult to confirm. (Page Six⁠) Nicole Kidman’s new romance rumors Kidman first sparked romance speculation with Reinstein after the pair were photographed together during a trip to Portofino, Italy, in July. Reinstein is a private-equity businessman, and photographs showed the two spending time together at a hotel during their Italian getaway. (Page Six⁠) The romance rumors continued after the pair were reportedly seen together in Los Angeles. On July 30, Reinstein was photographed picking Kidman up from the airport, and the two were later seen together in his Ferrari. (¡HOLA!⁠) Neither Kidman nor Reinstein has publicly confirmed that they are officially dating. Where Keith Urban reportedly stands Reports about Urban’s reaction have been inconsistent. Some outlets have claimed that he feels relieved to see Kidman moving forward, while others have cited sources saying that the singer has struggled emotionally with seeing his former wife with someone new. (News.com.au⁠) Because neither Urban nor Kidman has publicly confirmed these private feelings, the reports should be treated as speculation rather than established fact. What is confirmed is that their marriage has officially ended. The couple were married for 19 years and share two daughters. Since their divorce, both stars have continued focusing on their careers and family lives. A new chapter for both stars Kidman has largely remained private about her personal life following the split. After the divorce, she has continued working on major acting projects and spending time with her family. Urban, meanwhile, remains focused on his country music career. Although public interest continues to surround their relationship, the former couple now appear to be navigating separate lives. For now, speculation surrounding Urban’s reaction to Kidman’s rumored romance continues, but the singer himself has not publicly revealed exactly what he thinks about her relationship with Reinstein.

  • | | | |

    US launches heavy strikes on Iran after missile at…

    ByJustpaste.in

    The United States has resumed large-scale military operations against Iran, launching what officials described as a “heavy wave” of precision strikes after a five-night pause, dramatically escalating tensions across the Middle East and raising fresh concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the overnight operation targeted dozens of sites linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including military command centres, missile and drone facilities, coastal defence systems and maritime infrastructure. The strikes came in response to Iranian missile attacks a day earlier on American forces stationed at a US military base in Jordan. US President Donald Trump had warned that Washington would respond “very hard” to any attack on American troops, and the latest operation marked one of the most extensive US offensives since the conflict intensified earlier this year. Iranian state media reported that at least three civilians were killed in the strikes, including a couple and their two-year-old child after a residential building on Qeshm Island was hit. The IRGC also confirmed that three of its personnel were killed during the attacks. Explosions were reported across several southern Iranian cities, including Ahvaz, Abadan, Bushehr, Kazerun and Farashband. Iranian media said power outages affected parts of Ahvaz following strikes in the oil-rich Khuzestan province, while local officials confirmed that multiple locations in Abadan had also been targeted. The confrontation quickly spread beyond Iran. Jordan said its air defence systems intercepted five Iranian missiles launched toward its territory after Tehran targeted a US airbase and command headquarters inside the kingdom. No casualties were reported. Meanwhile, Kuwait confirmed that an Iranian strike hit a building belonging to a Chinese company in the country’s north, killing one worker and causing significant damage. Saudi Arabia condemned Iran’s attacks on Jordan, describing them as a violation of international law and regional stability. Despite the renewed fighting, diplomatic contacts continue behind the scenes. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said negotiations between Tehran and Washington remain active, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to reduce tensions. Iranian officials also confirmed that discussions with Omani mediators regarding the future of the strategic waterway are continuing. The Strait of Hormuz remains at the heart of the crisis. Iran insists the waterway remains closed because of US military actions, while Washington accuses Tehran of threatening global shipping and using maritime pressure to strengthen the IRGC’s influence. Adding economic pressure, the US Treasury imposed fresh sanctions on two Iranian companies accused of supporting an IRGC-backed maritime insurance network. Security analysts say Washington now faces a critical decision: continue targeting Iran’s military infrastructure around Hormuz or expand attacks on key national infrastructure. While the latest strikes signal a tougher military posture, experts believe both sides still have incentives to leave the door open for diplomacy, even as the risk of a wider regional war continues to grow.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *