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34
M
essage from
the Minister
of Culture
Thailand has a fascinating and multifaceted culture in
accordance with its lifestyles and different diverse geographic and
environmental orientations. The Thais are therefore fortunate to
have customs and traditions celebrated and transmitted from
generation to generation every month. In the month of April, Songkran
tradition, known as the Thai Traditional New Year, is celebrated.
In the Buddhist Era 2560, the Ministry of Culture has
recently developed and implemented a wide range of policies to
promote and preserve traditional festivals including Songkran to
the public in cooperation with other government agencies and
the private sector in accordance with the government policy of
the Prime Minister, General Prayut Chan-o-cha. This sophisticated
cultural tradition reflects the valuable Thai identity in keeping with
faith, belief, custom, religious rite and fine art. It can create unity,
cultural ties, happiness, kindness, generosity and safety. Songkran
has become the world famous festival and promoted tourism and
cultural industries which generate considerable revenue i.e. folk
performance, Thai traditional fashion, monk’s requisites, rites and
rituals for pouring water on the Buddha images and on the hands
of the respected elders, games and sports, water splashing on each
other and other entertainments.
This booklet entitled “Songkran Tradition” can serve as a
means to understand the true meaning of Songkran and to encourage
everyone to continually act as the important conserver and
promoter of Songkran tradition.
(Mr. Vira Rojpojchanarat)
Minister of Culture