Thailand Plans to Register Songkran as Intellectual Property to Prevent Other Countries from Claiming It

Thailand is reportedly considering registering ‘Songkran’ as an intellectual property so that its unique identity and cultural significance are protected globally.

This plan was announced by Chadatip Chutrakul, the CEO of Siam Piwat Group and a committee member of Thailand’s National Soft Power Strategy Committee, during the Daily News Talk 2024 forum titled “Soft Power: Thailand’s Opportunity” in Bangkok yesterday (23 October).

Thailand is planning to register Songkran as an intellectual property

For illustration purposes

In case you’re not familiar, Songkran, or the Thai New Year, is Thailand’s biggest and most important annual festival, which has become well known globally and is even celebrated in other countries where there is a Thai population.

Over the years, Songkran has become synonymous with water fights, which is an escalation of the tradition of spring cleaning and a water pouring ceremony during the celebration which symbolises the ‘washing away’ of the previous year to welcome the New Year.

Given Songkran’s significance as a ‘soft power’ and its intangible cultural heritage to Thailand, the National Soft Power Strategy Committee moots registering the celebration as an intellectual property to safeguard its use in other countries. 

Thailand is systemising its intangible cultural heritage

Chadatip chutrakul

Thai-based portal The Nation quoted Chadatip as saying that the move is part of a broader effort to systemise Thailand’s intangible cultural heritage and to promote its soft power globally.

Chadatip asserted,

“By registering Songrkan as intellectual property, we can ensure that its unique identity and cultural significance are protected.

“This will also allow Thailand to benefit financially from the festival’s popularity,”

The Siam Piwat Group CEO further emphasised the importance of promoting Thai traditions and positioning the country as a leading global festival destination.

So, what do you guys think of Thailand’s plan to register Songkran as an intellectual property? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Also read: M’sians Driving to Thailand are Exempted from Arrival & Departure Card Requirement Until 30 April 2025